Avoid boredom this spring and summer! We’ve put together your ultimate community guide to the best spring and summer happenings and businesses you should visit on Whidbey Island
Visit Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor is a jewel of Whidbey Island. Home to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, the community also has great attractions and businesses to enjoy in spring and summer:
Featuring over 3,800 acres of forests, lakes, and several iconic bridges, Deception Pass is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy the park’s excellent beaches, hiking, bird watching, boating and water sports, camping, and more.
Step back in time with your family during a sunny day at Fort Casey Historical State Park. Your children will love checking out the historic 1903 lighthouse, flying their kites on the beach, and catching fish. Be mindful that the park can occasionally get noisy, with the nearby navy jets occasionally flying overhead on training missions.
Other activities to do in town:
- Historic Downtown: Walk down Pioneer Way to shop in all the fantastic small businesses, shops, and cafes.
- Varner Candle Company: Make your own candles by choosing your container and scent. Bring home your candle a few hours later.
- Popsies Candy Store: Get a sugar rush with some sweet treats at Popsies!
- Whidbey Playhouse: Visit this historic theater to watch Cash on Delivery (April 5-28) or Cinderella (June 7-30)
- Blue Fox Drive-in: Enjoy a movie under the West Coast stars at one of the last remaining drive-in theaters.
Great summer eats in Oak Harbor:
- Italian – Rustica
- BBQ – Orlando’s Southern BBQ
- Seafood – Kraken Cove
- Mexican – Jumbo Burrito
Visit Coupeville
Coupeville is located on the idyllic, sheltered shores of Penn Cove and was once home to the Coastal Salish villages of the lower Skagit peoples. Today, it stands as the second oldest town in Washington state. Visitors and locals will enjoy these great locations and events this spring and summer:
Moor your boat in the quiet inner harbor of Penn Cove. You’ll be within walking distance of cafes, gift shops, and picturesque picnic areas.
Bring your appetite to The Penn Cove Musselfest
Mark your calendars for March 4 and 5 for Musselfest in Coupeville. Enjoy great food, boat tours, live music, chowder tasting, and family activities over this can’t-miss weekend.
August 10-11 is the annual arts and crafts festival. It’s a great time to pick out hand- and local-made gifts for friends and family. Visit the craft and food vendors and make a day of it.
Where to drink in the summer:
Enjoy these tasty summer eats:
- Italian – Ciao Coupeville
- American – Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine
- Seafood – The Oystercatcher
- American – Toby’s
- Cafe/Coffee shop – Sunshine Drip
- Thai – Phad Thai Restaurant
Visit Greenbank
The small community of Greenbank is home to Greenbank Farm (once the largest loganberry farm in the world). Today, the farm is popular for weddings, events, and seasonal markets, and the town has several small local shops. The community is also popular for marsh bird watching.
Visit Greenbank arm
Stroll around Greenbank Farm and learn about its proud history. Indulge in a fresh loganberry pie while watching the harriers, eagles, red-tailed hawks, yellowthroats, marsh wrens, and more.
Markets at Greenbank Market
If you’re in town for Mother’s and Father’s Day, stop by the farm for their famous Mother’s Day (May 12) and Father’s Day (June 15) markets. Great events for a mom’s or dad’s day out!
Visit Freeland
The community of Freeland embraces small-town charm with its plethora of home-cooked flavors and antique shops. The focal point of the community is the charming 100-year-old community center, a popular location for summer weekend weddings.
Wine tasting in Freeland
Wine lovers love Freeland, which has many wineries. Check out Blooms Winery and Dancing Fish Vineyards. Ask them about their event spaces and special events.
Visit Langley
On the south end of Whidbey Island, you’ll find the city of Langley, nestled next to the Saratoga Passage. With just over 1000 residents, it’s a quiet town where you can enjoy the longer summer days.
Locals love going to Moonrakers for a great read. Support this independent bookstore and grab some reads to bring to the local beach or park or for cozy reading at home. They can recommend some perfect summer reads for any genre.
Join your neighbors February 24-25, 2024, to help local detective I.B. Fuzz solve a fictional missing person’s case (and any murders which may reveal themselves that weekend).
Gather the whole family to watch the exciting pride parade on July 8. Continue with the festivities and enjoy family-friendly fun like music, food, and more.
It’s the can’t-miss fair of the year! Jul 25-28. The event features a Parade on Saturday, headliner entertainers, and family-friendly farm fun!
To be or not to be…at the Island Shakespeare Festival. Theater lovers will love this annual event at the accessible outdoor stage. Once you watch Shakespeare in an open-air theater like this, you’ll never be the same.
Touted as the biggest little festival on South Whidbey Island, check out this family-friendly event from August 16-18. Listen to great bands, browse local vendors, and enjoy yourself in the summer air.
Drink Through the Town
Thirsty? There are many places to grab a drink in town:
- Whidbey Island Distillery – beverages made from local ingredients.
- Spoiled Dogs Winery – sip local and get your growlers filled here.
- Village Wine Shop & Tasting Room – small batch, handcrafted wines
