Thursday, April 9, 2009

Exploring Whidbey Island

We are so excited to have our wedding on Whidbey! We hope you enjoy the land and sea... and sun! Here are a few day trips around the island, listed generally from Langley in the south to Deception Pass in the north. If you are planning on staying longer, email us for more highlights.


Beaches & State Parks:










Seawall Park- (In Langley) with Totem poles and great views of Saratoga Passage, is located In Langley at the North end of Anthes Avenue.


Double Bluff Beach Park (~20 minutes from Langely)



Whidbey's best Beach & Park! Miles of broad, sandy beach, tidal pools, and unusual bluff erosion. Also evidence of violent glacial action. One of Whidbey's best bets for glimpsing an elusive gray whale, or the common ecstatic dog.



Maxwelton Beach park (~20 minutes from Langley)
One of South Whidbey Islands best public beaches. Hunt for sea shells, interesting stones, watch for wildlife, swim, sun bathe, picnic or just relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Olympic mountains. There is plenty of romping room here! The kids will have the time of their lives. There's also a nice baseball field available.


South Whidbey State Park (~30 minutes from Langley)

Impressive old-growth forest. Appealing campsites, with picnic areas and barbecue pits. An extensive hiking trail provides a fun educational experience on a forest walk, or take the high bluff trail down through the old-growth forest to a secluded sandy beach.



Fort Casey and Keystone State Parks (~40 minutes from Langley)

Originally the major focus of the "Triangle of Death" designed to prevent a naval invasion, Fort Casey now welcomes visitors to its battlements and the charming Admiralty Head Lighthouse. The fort's 10-inch "disappearing" guns are now aimed across busy shipping lanes filled with freighters, and passenger ships, as well as naval cruisers, aircraft carriers, and submarines. Don't miss beautiful Crockett Lake and Keystone Spit, adjacent to Fort Casey. Both abound with birds and marine life. Unforgettable vistas of water and mountains await. Take the ferry to Port Townsend from here or check out the activities at the Casey Conference Center. Keystone State Park is a favorite of fishermen and scuba divers.

Admiralty Head Light House
A beautifully restored lighthouse at Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island


Fort Ebey State Park (~50 minutes from Langley)

Part of the original "Triangle of Death," Ft. Ebey protected Puget Sound from invasion. It now offers miles of hiking trails and stunning high-bluff views of Port Townsend and the Olympic Peninsula. Hike or bike the Kettles Trail (10) into the town of Coupeville.
Ebey's Landing National Historical ReserveThe nation's first such reserve, and part of the National Park Service. An area mostly privately owned but dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of historic lands and buildings. Beach, bluff, trails and magnificent views of farms, prairie, Admiralty Inlet, the waters of Penn Cove, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and Oak Harbor Airport are within its boundaries.
Kettles Trail ParkIsland County's newest trail connects Coupeville and Ft. Ebey State Park via unusual Ice Age geologic formations known as "kettles." Wonderful for biking, horseback riding, or just a scenic stroll.


Deception Pass State Park (~1 hour from Langley)

Washington's favorite state park. Visitors flock to see the spectacular bridge and Pass. Because of Whidbey Island's temperate climate, many birds and waterfowl winter here, including an abundance of bald eagles. Fishing is popular in Cranberry Lake and in waters surrounding the Island. Charters are available at Cornet Bay's marina. Sightseeing, dinner, and whale-watching cruises are available from many nearby sites. Tent and RV camping are available year round.


Joseph Whidbey State Park (~1 hour from Langley)

Stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands, and Vancouver Island. A place to stroll the beach, enjoy the scenery, and watch winter and spring bird migrations. The park and West Beach Road immediately to the south are great locations for watching winter storms and their aftermath-Puget Sound's only true surf! Cowabunga, dude! Picnic facilities near the beach. Day use only.



Places to Visit/ Tours:


Whidbey Island Winery (~3 minutes from Langley)

5237 S. Langley RoadLangley(360) 221-2040


Whidbey's Greenbank Farm (~25 mins from Langley)

Wine shop w/ tastings, local artists & great food! 765 E. Wonn RoadGreenbank(360) 678-7700
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens (~25 minutes from Langley)53 acres and miles of trails provide color and serenity year round for nature and garden lovers.


Earth Sanctuary (~15 minutes from Langley)

Earth Sanctuary combines exemplary ecology with art and spirit to create a sanctuary for birds and wildlife and a peaceful place for personal renewal and spiritual connection.(425) 637-8777
Island Adventures Private Charter. Orca Whale Watching Tours in the San Juan Islands1-800-465-4604


Private Whale Watching & wildlife tours1-877-968-3633 Toll Free1-425-252-9202 Local


The Whidbey Island Kayaking Company

See the island from the water!(800)-233-4319



Golf on Whidbey:


Island Greens- (~15 minutes from Langley)A funky, cool 9-hole course-- family favorite! 3890 E. French Rd. in Clinton.Call 1-(360)-579-6042


Holmes Harbor Golf (~25 minutes from Langley)An 18 hole golf course is open year round and has a nice restaurant with views of the Harbor 5023 Harbor Hills Drive in Freeland.Call 1-(360)-331-2363


Wine on Whidbey:

3 comments:

  1. wow.... were did you get all of this GREAT information!? :-) love you guys.

    ReplyDelete
  2. THIS JUST IN! Could be a fun activity before the wedding

    Meerkerk Gardens (in Greenbank) presents the third annual...
    Whidbey Island Old Time Bluegrass Pickers Festival
    Sept 12th 10am - 5pm

    Musical Line-up TBA
    Additional info: meerkerk@whidbey.net
    Tickets $10 at the gate

    ReplyDelete
  3. Another potential pre-wedding activity:

    Harvest Party and Music Festival
    http://www.goodcheer.org/musicfest.html

    Benefit for the local food banks. Live music and food from 10 to 4.

    ReplyDelete