Having been born and raised on Whidbey Island, I guess you could say I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to the best local places to visit. As time has changed our island, I have kept my finger to the pulse to make sure I knew the best places to eat, drink, shop, explore, and so much more...
Harbor Sushi | 32955 State Route 20, Oak Harbor
I absolutely LOVE sushi and Harbor Sushi is hands down the best in town. If you don't mind a little spice and crunch, I highly recommend their Red Dragon Roll. Also, don't forget to try their Korean BBQ items. They will make your mouth water!
El Cazador Mexican Grill & Cantina | 32195 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few great local places for Mexican food in Oak Harbor. El Caz; however, has won my heart with its diverse menu which accommodates a wide range of dietary needs and its delivery service which allows me to enjoy great food in the comfort of my own home.
Orlando's Bar + Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Drive Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Not only is Ms. Jackie (owner of Orlando's) simply the nicest woman I have ever met in my life, her cooking makes me want to move south! Having frequented Oak Harbor Farmer's market for years, I've had the great pleasure of seeing this establishment grow from nothing but a tent and some castiron pans to one of the best sit-down restaurants on Whidbey.
Ciao Food and Wine | 701 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
My Papa would be dismayed if I didn't include an Italian restaurant to this list. If Rome calls your heart, you must try Ciao's incredible pizza and pasta dishes. Rumor has it they import water from Italy to make their pizza dough and although I can't speak to the rumor, I can say whatever they are doing is working!
Front Street Grill | 20 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
Front Street Grill is not only a community favorite, it is owned by a personal friend and colleague! They go above and beyond to create masterful food using local ingredients and an incredible environment. Front Street is hands down the most romantic restaurant on Whidbey and my favorite date location.
Callen's Restaurant and Co | 12981 State Rte 20, Coupeville, WA 98239
Callen's is probably my favorite place for island comfort food. Their dishes are decadent, filling, and have the ability to give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside. My personal favorite dishes from Callen's are Lox Bagels for breakfast, Mac & Cheese with Dungeness Crab for lunch, and Fish Tacos for dinner.
Ultra House | 221 Second Street # 9A, Langley, WA 98260
Have you ever had food so incredible that you wish you could keep the taste forever? Ultra House's Ramen will leave you wanting so much more! I've even been told by a friend that it's the best ramen they've had outside of Asia... just saying.
The Braeburn Restaurant | 197 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260
Braeburn is a special treat for anyone who loves locally sourced artisan food. They are hands down my family's favorite location for breakfast with their incredible selection of freshly baked pastries and beautifully crafted comfort dishes. Their breakfast hash is my personal favorite and something I've attempted to recreate at home numerous times.
Sprinklz Ice Cream Parlor | 224 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
I couldn't leave you without something sweet to go to! Sprinklz Ice Cream Parlor is a treat everyone should experience at least once. Not only does the shop carry incredibly diverse ice cream choices that you are not likely to see elsewhere, but their selection of retro candy and toys is sure to leave you feeling like a kid again.
Harbor Sushi | 32955 State Route 20, Oak Harbor
I absolutely LOVE sushi and Harbor Sushi is hands down the best in town. If you don't mind a little spice and crunch, I highly recommend their Red Dragon Roll. Also, don't forget to try their Korean BBQ items. They will make your mouth water!
El Cazador Mexican Grill & Cantina | 32195 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few great local places for Mexican food in Oak Harbor. El Caz; however, has won my heart with its diverse menu which accommodates a wide range of dietary needs and its delivery service which allows me to enjoy great food in the comfort of my own home.
Orlando's Bar + Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Drive Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Not only is Ms. Jackie (owner of Orlando's) simply the nicest woman I have ever met in my life, her cooking makes me want to move south! Having frequented Oak Harbor Farmer's market for years, I've had the great pleasure of seeing this establishment grow from nothing but a tent and some castiron pans to one of the best sit-down restaurants on Whidbey.
Ciao Food and Wine | 701 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
My Papa would be dismayed if I didn't include an Italian restaurant to this list. If Rome calls your heart, you must try Ciao's incredible pizza and pasta dishes. Rumor has it they import water from Italy to make their pizza dough and although I can't speak to the rumor, I can say whatever they are doing is working!
Front Street Grill | 20 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
Front Street Grill is not only a community favorite, it is owned by a personal friend and colleague! They go above and beyond to create masterful food using local ingredients and an incredible environment. Front Street is hands down the most romantic restaurant on Whidbey and my favorite date location.
Callen's Restaurant and Co | 12981 State Rte 20, Coupeville, WA 98239
Callen's is probably my favorite place for island comfort food. Their dishes are decadent, filling, and have the ability to give you that warm fuzzy feeling inside. My personal favorite dishes from Callen's are Lox Bagels for breakfast, Mac & Cheese with Dungeness Crab for lunch, and Fish Tacos for dinner.
Ultra House | 221 Second Street # 9A, Langley, WA 98260
Have you ever had food so incredible that you wish you could keep the taste forever? Ultra House's Ramen will leave you wanting so much more! I've even been told by a friend that it's the best ramen they've had outside of Asia... just saying.
The Braeburn Restaurant | 197 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260
Braeburn is a special treat for anyone who loves locally sourced artisan food. They are hands down my family's favorite location for breakfast with their incredible selection of freshly baked pastries and beautifully crafted comfort dishes. Their breakfast hash is my personal favorite and something I've attempted to recreate at home numerous times.
Sprinklz Ice Cream Parlor | 224 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
I couldn't leave you without something sweet to go to! Sprinklz Ice Cream Parlor is a treat everyone should experience at least once. Not only does the shop carry incredibly diverse ice cream choices that you are not likely to see elsewhere, but their selection of retro candy and toys is sure to leave you feeling like a kid again.
Whidbey Coffee | 980 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Whidbey Coffee had its start roasting coffee in Freeland and is now a crown jewel for our island. You can find locations all over Puget Sound, but the best are all here at home. My personal favorite location is the one on Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor where you can sip coffee as you watch the sailboats go by.
The Terrace Wine Bar | 791 SE Fidalgo Ave, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Looking for an opportunity to sit down with friends and reconnect over good wine? I can't recommend The Terrace enough! Their wine selection is always changing but ALWAYS amazing. Their staff is knowledgeable and willing to help you choose the best wine for you.
Cafe De Lisio | 957 Ault Field Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Cafe De Lisio might be small, but its traffic speaks for itself. Marissa, the owner, is a talented barista whose caffeinated creations have gained her and the small coffee hut a very loyal following. I personally started frequenting Cafe De Lisio when I discovered they were the only coffee shop in Oak Harbor that served white coffee!
Penn Cove Brewery | 103 S Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
Penn Cove Brewery holds a special place in my heart, as it is where I worked while saving to become an agent! The owners, Marc and Mitch, are community legends whose passion for beer and love for Whidbey has helped them create the most amazing brews on the island. They have taprooms in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Freeland.
Sunshine Drip | 306 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
Sunshine Drip is the coffee shop to go to in Coupeville. Their coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks are just the pick-me-up I need on gloomy days when I don't have a lot of energy. They also have some incredible grab-and-go food available such as wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
Vail's Wine Shop and Tasting Room | 22 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
I fell in love with Vail's after a company social there a few years back. The owners, Larry and Patsy, were so patient with us as they described each wine with incredible knowledge. Once we each had our preferred glass in hand, there was nothing more incredible than sitting on their back deck and watching the beauty of Penn Cove.
Whidbey Island Distillery | 466 Craw Rd, Langley, WA 98260
Not necessarily a place to sit down and drink, but still incredible! This distillery creates incredible whiskey and liqueur using local ingredients. My personal favorite is the Loganberry liqueur, but you can't go wrong purchasing their annual holiday whiskey that is unique every year.
Cafe in the Woods | 5331 S Crawford Rd, Langley, WA 98260
This hidden treasure is one of my favorite places to take friends on day trips. Hidden off the beaten path, this cafe is nothing short of magical. When you walk through the doors you are immediately greeted with the smell of freshly baked pastries and warm roasted coffee. Only topped by the breathtaking architecture and artwork which make this location so unique.
Mutiny Bay Distillery | 5490 Cameron Road, Freeland, WA, 98249
This mom-and-pop distillery holds a special place in my heart after visiting their tasting room a few years back. Rod and Kathy are just about the kindest people you could ever meet, and they love teaching people all about their process. Make sure you try their Blueberry Liqueur which is made with berries that are quite literally grown right out their back door!
Wind & Tide Bookshop | 790 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I needed to include my favorite Whidbey Island bookstore. Wind & Tide always has an incredible selection of books to choose from and is perfectly happy to have any other books, not in the store, shipped directly to you.
Purple Moon | 860 SE Pioneer Way #103, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
You never know what you're going to find in this adorable eclectic store. Stocked full of a wide array of items ranging from kitchenware, to local bath products, to natural crystals; Purple Moon has something for everyone. It's easy to lose track of time browsing through this store's impressive collection.
Frida's | 721 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Frida's has been a long-time favorite store for my mother and me. Since I was young I have loved crafting and creating art. Frida's arts & crafts shop has all the supplies any crafter could possibly want and so much more. It has been wonderful to watch this shop grow through the past few years and add so much to its inventory.
Madrona Blossom | 13 Front St, Coupeville, WA 98239
I have an addiction to adorable home decor which is only matched by my obsession with supporting local shops. Needless to say, Madrona Blossom is a location that gets my business a lot. With incredible pieces, often crafted in here in Washington or even on Whidbey, this is hands down one of my favorite stores on Whidbey.
The Crow's Roost | 902b Grace St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
The Crow's Roost is another eclectic store that I just can't seem to stay away from. Their mixture of fun whimsical items along with understated decor and jewelry never ceases to disappoint. If you get the chance to wander in, I suggest taking a look at their jewelry which has always had stunning pieces.
A Touch of Dutch | 11 Front Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
As a girl who happens to have a "touch of Dutch" in her, this store is of particular interest to me. I love seeing the authentic dutch china, much like the pieces my great grandmother had in her home. Not much for Dutch? They have plenty of other European items throughout the store!
Senior Thrift | 5518 Woodard Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
My favorite thrift store on the island! Senior Thrift is a two-story thrift store with more items than you could imagine. My favorite section; however, is the book section. They always seem to have an impressive collection of vintage books and popular reads scattered throughout their shelves. It's worth perusing.
Music for the Eyes | 314 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
Walking into Music for the eyes feels like traveling abroad. The owner's collection of international goods is incredible and breathtaking. If you happen to have the opportunity to chat with either Fred or Sharon, they will share with you incredible stories of their trips across the sea and how these artifacts found their way to our humble island.
The Star Store | 201 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
The star store is one of, if not the oldest mercantile store on Whidbey Island. Originally opened in 1919 by the Primavera family, the star store has been serving Langley for longer than most have been alive. Today the store can keep anyone’s attention for quite some time with how it seamlessly transitions from produce to products and more.
Wind & Tide Bookshop | 790 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I needed to include my favorite Whidbey Island bookstore. Wind & Tide always has an incredible selection of books to choose from and is perfectly happy to have any other books, not in the store, shipped directly to you.
Purple Moon | 860 SE Pioneer Way #103, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
You never know what you're going to find in this adorable eclectic store. Stocked full of a wide array of items ranging from kitchenware, to local bath products, to natural crystals; Purple Moon has something for everyone. It's easy to lose track of time browsing through this store's impressive collection.
Frida's | 721 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Frida's has been a long-time favorite store for my mother and me. Since I was young I have loved crafting and creating art. Frida's arts & crafts shop has all the supplies any crafter could possibly want and so much more. It has been wonderful to watch this shop grow through the past few years and add so much to its inventory.
Madrona Blossom | 13 Front St, Coupeville, WA 98239
I have an addiction to adorable home decor which is only matched by my obsession with supporting local shops. Needless to say, Madrona Blossom is a location that gets my business a lot. With incredible pieces, often crafted in here in Washington or even on Whidbey, this is hands down one of my favorite stores on Whidbey.
The Crow's Roost | 902b Grace St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
The Crow's Roost is another eclectic store that I just can't seem to stay away from. Their mixture of fun whimsical items along with understated decor and jewelry never ceases to disappoint. If you get the chance to wander in, I suggest taking a look at their jewelry which has always had stunning pieces.
A Touch of Dutch | 11 Front Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
As a girl who happens to have a "touch of Dutch" in her, this store is of particular interest to me. I love seeing the authentic dutch china, much like the pieces my great grandmother had in her home. Not much for Dutch? They have plenty of other European items throughout the store!
Senior Thrift | 5518 Woodard Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
My favorite thrift store on the island! Senior Thrift is a two-story thrift store with more items than you could imagine. My favorite section; however, is the book section. They always seem to have an impressive collection of vintage books and popular reads scattered throughout their shelves. It's worth perusing.
Music for the Eyes | 314 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
Walking into Music for the eyes feels like traveling abroad. The owner's collection of international goods is incredible and breathtaking. If you happen to have the opportunity to chat with either Fred or Sharon, they will share with you incredible stories of their trips across the sea and how these artifacts found their way to our humble island.
The Star Store | 201 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
The star store is one of, if not the oldest mercantile store on Whidbey Island. Originally opened in 1919 by the Primavera family, the star store has been serving Langley for longer than most have been alive. Today the store can keep anyone’s attention for quite some time with how it seamlessly transitions from produce to products and more.
Artists Lounge | 860 SE Pioneer Way #102, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Feeling Artistic? The Artists Lounge, formally known as Paint Your World, is a creative place where you can design your own coasters, mugs, nick-nacks, and more! Growing up we would spend hours painting our own ceramic masterpieces, my mother still has some of these artworks to this day.
State Parks on Whidbey | Deception Pass, Dugualla Bay, Joseph Whidbey, Fort Ebey, Fort Casey, South Whidbey
Whidbey is blessed to have 6 state parks on the island! You can never run out of trails to explore, beaches to comb, or trees to wonder at. Not to mention, Fort Ebey and Fort Casey are home to some of the most incredible historic military batteries.
Blue Fox Drive-In | 1403 N Monroe Landing Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
We are so lucky that the Blue Fox Drive-in continues to welcome cars every weekend. As a child, I could not wait for the summer months when my parents would take us to the Blue-Fox where we would drive go-carts, play arcade games, and the latest watch movies until dawn.
Live Theatre | Oak Harbor Playhouse, Langley Black Box Theater
In the age of electronic everything - live theatre is a real treat. We are beyond blessed on Whidbey to have two theatres that hold live productions regularly. For me personally, I've been to countless productions at the Whidbey Playhouse and especially love going in the holiday season.
Island County Historical Museum | 908 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239
Many may not know this, but Whidbey Island has a rich history stemming back all the way to native tribes who used to inhabit these lands. The Island County Historical Museum does a wonderful job of informing visitors about the depth of history on our island and how our current culture came to be.
Water Sports | Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Canoeing, Sailing
What's the point of living on an island if you don't enjoy the waves every once in a while? I love going kayaking, paddle boarding, and crabbing all around the island. I especially love exploring the waters of Penn Cove where the tide is just a bit gentler for small water crafts.
Langley Whale Center | 105 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260
As an island girl, it's safe to say I was born and raised with the "free willy" heart. The Whale Center is an incredible place where you can learn all about the whales that inhabit Puget Sound and how we can make a difference in preserving their environment.
Dog Parks | Clover Valley, Patmore Pit, Greenbank Farm, Double Bluff, Marguerite
I personally love exploring all the crevices of Whidbey! As a dog owner; however, I believe there is something special about enjoying time off-leash with my fuzzy best friend. Luckily, Whidbey has some INCREDIBLE off-leash dog parks scattered throughout the island.
Callahan’s Firehouse Studio | 179 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260
I have been traveling down to Langley for quite some time, and let me tell you, there are few things as mesmerizing as watching a glassblower at work. Callahan's is incredible because they not only create their art in front of clients, you can also pay to have a lesson on how to blow glass!
