I don’t know about you, but I enjoy vacations that are relaxing. Whirlwind European vacations full of sightseeing are fun every once in a while, but when I want to unwind, I want peace, quiet, and natural beauty. Whidbey Island provides all of those things. I love falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves on Whidbey Island.
I always look forward to the friendly island hospitality and the opportunities to explore the island at my own pace. There are many options for accommodations on Whidbey Island. Whether looking for a quality hotel, a quaint bed and breakfast, a vacation rental home to spread out in, or the chance to be one with nature in a campground, there is something for everyone.
Hotels/Inns
Harbor Inn – Freeland
The Harbor Inn is not fancy, but it is a good value for a clean room with basic amenities and a great location. The guest rooms have recently been redone with new furnishings and rooms include a coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, WiFi, DirectTV HD, and a quiet heating/AC system. There are restaurants nearby and a supermarket across the street.
Pets can be accommodated here and the Freeland location means that you are less than 15 minutes from Greenbank, Clinton, Bayview, and Langley. Coupeville and Oak Harbor are farther north, but it still does not take too long to get there. This is a great home base for a vacation on South Whidbey Island.
Boatyard Inn – Langley
If you are like me and want to be lulled to sleep by the crashing waves, check out the Boatyard Inn. This establishment only has 13 units and is located right on the water. Sit on the private deck and enjoy the sunrise over the Cascade range. You can even rent kayaks and paddle-boards to get out and enjoy the water.
Walk up the hill just a block to get to restaurants, shops, and galleries in the village of Langley. Note that there is absolutely no smoking and no pets here. There are also only two units that allow children. All other units are not child-friendly.
The Coachman Inn and Suites – Oak Harbor
The Coachman Inn and Suites is another great affordable option. There are about 100 rooms here as well as a conference center. Each room has its own character and some have kitchenettes and Jacuzzi tubs.
There are many options, just tell the friendly staff what you are looking for. Some of the rooms are close to the highway, so if you do like to sleep with a window open, ask to be put in one of the buildings farther back. This hotel offers a free breakfast that even includes things like biscuits and gravy and scrambled eggs. There is also a complimentary shuttle to downtown Oak Harbor.
Captain Whidbey Inn – Coupeville
The property surrounding Captain Whidbey Inn is gorgeous. The inn is situated right next to the water in the old-growth forest. Captain Whidbey Inn offers a variety of room options. Check out the lagoon rooms with a quaint lawn out front, a gazebo, and sandy area right on the lagoon.
The historic lodge offers rustic rooms with shared bathrooms and complimentary sounds of glasses clinking from the tavern below. The cabins are the most private options on the property. They are perched above Penn Cove and guests are likely to see whales from the private porches.
Langley Motel – Langley
Feel like you are staying in the 1950s at Langley Motel. The rooms are super cute and cozy with fully equipped kitchens and private patios. Find separate bed areas and an open floor plan. This place is great for a family or a larger group.
Langley Motel is located within walking distance of the village of Langley, where there are shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is also very clean, quiet, and comfortable with very pleasant owners. Sit on the large lawn out front for gorgeous views of the bay.
Bed and Breakfasts
Blue Goose Inn Bed and Breakfast – Coupeville
Choose a room in one of two restored Victorian houses in the heart of Coupeville. The cozy rooms include everything you may need, including toiletries, a hairdryer, even bathrobes. Each suite includes a private bathroom and its own character. Some have crackling fireplaces, others Jacuzzi tubs, and one even a full kitchen.
Head down to the communal living areas to meet other guests or keep to yourself in your room. Breakfast in the morning is included and consists of a variety of hot items made from scratch, baked goods, tea, juice, and coffee. Smoking, pets, and children are not allowed in the inn.
Anchorage Inn Bed and Breakfast – Coupeville
Enjoy your time on Whidbey Island by relaxing in the Anchorage Inn Bed and Breakfast in historic Coupeville. There are seven rooms in this gorgeous Victorian style home, most of which have nice views of the cove, Mt. Baker, Camano Island, or waterfront buildings.
The walls are adorned with Victorian-style wallpaper and the furnishings match the era as well. Each room has a private bathroom and all guests are welcome to enjoy a full sit down breakfast. Watch cable TV or browse the video library with nearly 250 DVDs.
Saratoga Inn – Langley
Enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains or Saratoga Passage from a rocking chair on the wraparound porch of the Saratoga Inn. There are 16 guest rooms in the inn, all tastefully decorated and clean.
There is a vegetarian breakfast buffet each morning available to guests. Parking is included and there is a Tesla charging station for guests. Meet others in the common area and go for a walk through Langley. The entire inn can be rented for a wedding or business retreat and there is a conference room.
Wildwood Farm Bed and Breakfast – Oak Harbor
There are many bed and breakfasts in downtown areas, but Wildwood Farm Bed and Breakfast is out in nature. Find peace and tranquility on this working horse farm. Horse boarding, horse instruction, and summer camps are available here.
Enjoy a room with a private bath and patio with a hot tub, a quaint bunkhouse, or something in-between. The morning breakfast is delicious and the hosts are very personable and inviting.
Whidbey Island Bed and Breakfast – Langley
Another option outside of town is Whidbey Island Bed and Breakfast. This lovely building and property are located outside of Langley. There is an organic garden that provides seasonal produce for breakfast and a trail that leads down to the beach.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony. Consider a room inside the main building or rent the Saratoga Guest Cottage. This cottage has a full-size kitchen, sitting area, gas fireplace, reading nook, and library.
Airbnb, Homeaway, and VRBO
There are many options for renting entire homes, cottages, and rooms through a variety of vacation rental platforms. These are just a few examples of places to look at and the types of properties that are available. Anyone who would like to have a place to themselves or is traveling with a larger group can consider this option.
Airbnb – Creative Colorful Island Cottage in Forest
Source: Airbnb
This guesthouse is located in the woods, providing privacy and the chance to view wildlife. There is another larger house on the property, but it can barely be seen through the trees. The property spans three acres and it is two miles from Freeland. The unique unit has a stand-up sleeping loft with a double size bed.
Children are not allowed due to the wire railing. There is a galley kitchen with basic cookware, dishes, and condiments as well as a private bathroom. Hang up your clothes in the closet, take advantage of WiFi if you would like, stay in to recharge, or get out to explore the island.
Airbnb – Cozy Red Cabin Near Deception Pass
Source: Airbnb
This cabin can sleep up to four guests in two bedrooms with a total of three beds and one and a half baths. There are a cozy fireplace and neat exposed logs and beams. Find everything you may need in a fully stocked kitchen and enjoy having the whole place to yourself.
There is a view of the water and guests are likely to see deer and rabbits traveling through the yard. This property is only five miles away from the navy base and very close to Oak Harbor, Deception Pass, and Anacortes
Homeaway – Whidbey Waterfront near Langley
Source: Homeaway
This house is right on the beach and can sleep up to twelve. It could be a great option if you are traveling with extended family or friends. There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a wood-burning stove, hot tub, and fully equipped kitchen.
The patio is perfect for barbecuing and there are also video games, toys, cable television, and a game room that has a pool table and ping pong. There are a rowboat and two-person kayak available for guest use.
Homeaway – Water Views in Historic Coupeville
Source: Homeaway
This small upper-level apartment can sleep five with one bedroom, a sleeper sofa, and a futon. Enjoy views of the water and the mountains from the dining room, deck, and living room. The kitchen has everything you may need and it is a short walk to get to the quaint shops and restaurants in Coupeville. Note that this property is not wheelchair accessible and does not allow smoking, pets, or parties.
VRBO – Ranvik Beach House near Fort Casey
Source: VRBO
Bring the whole family to this 2000 square foot house that sleeps six in three bedrooms. This house is right on the beach and two of the bedrooms offer ocean views and the chance to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
This home is all on one level and offers a nice patio and fire pit right on the beach. Stay at the house and relax with the television, books, games, and playing on the beach, or go explore nearby Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Park.
VRBO – House on Deer Lake
Source: VRBO
Whidbey Island not only offers waterfront properties on the coast to stay in but also homes situated on lakes on the island. This little gem sits right on Deer Lake. This home sleeps seven in three bedrooms, all of which are on the upper level.
The living room has lovely views of the lake and the kitchen and dining room lead out to a deck that overlooks the lake. Spend time at the house watching movies, playing games, and going out on the lake. Bring your own kayak or ski boat or explore the lake with the rowboat at the house. The lake is also great for swimming and fishing.
Campgrounds
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park offers 172 tent sites and 134 partial hookup sites spread over three campgrounds, Bowman Bay, Quarry Pond, and Cranberry Lake. There are also five hiker/biker sites and six campsites on Hope Island.
The Cranberry Lake area has a group camp that can fit up to 50 people. Restrooms and showers are available at the campgrounds and there is a dump station at the park. Whether pitching a tent or bringing along your RV, Deception Pass State Park is an amazing place to vacation.
There are 38 miles of hiking trails, six miles of horse trails, three miles of bike trails, opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing, and two amphitheaters. There are also many miles of beaches to explore, picnic areas, and water activities. Go sailboarding, swimming, boating, diving, crabbing, and fishing.
Fort Ebey State Park
Find 39 standard campsites and 11 partial hookup sites at Fort Ebey State Park. There is also one water trail campsite available to those who arrive at the park on a human-powered watercraft. Restrooms and showers are available, but there is no dump station here.
The reservation season runs from March 1st through October 15th. There is a group campsite that can accommodate up to 60 people. There is much to do at Fort Ebey State Park. There are picnic tables, barbecue grills, and 25 miles of biking and hiking trails.
There are ample opportunities for bird watching, exploring the beach, and paragliding. There are two large fields available for playing sports, chances to harvest seaweed, and Lake Pondilla offers fishing for smallmouth bass.
North Whidbey RV Park
North Whidbey RV Park is open all year and is for RV’s only. The park is family and pet-friendly and offers 100 full hookup sites. Enjoy heated and tiled clean restrooms with hot showers, outdoor fire pits, internet access, a playground, laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and a gazebo with a barbecue grill.
This park is located right across the street from Deception Pass State Park. It is a great home base to explore the area. Consider staying here during the Oak Harbor Music Festival, when going to view the tulips, going whale watching, or simply exploring all that Whidbey Island has to offer.
Fort Casey State Park
Fort Casey State Park is my absolute favorite place to visit on Whidbey Island. It is a wonderful place to stay. There are 22 standard campsites and 13 partial hookup sites. The campsites are next to the Coupeville Ferry Terminal and it is fun to watch the vessels come and go. There is so much to explore at Fort Casey State Park. Walk around the old military buildings.
Imagine yourself as a soldier stationed at the fort in the early 1900s. Go see the Admiralty Head lighthouse with an interpretive center and gift shop and look out over the cliffs from a gun battery. Fly a kite and play soccer on the large grassy field. There are also 10,810 feet of saltwater shoreline and 1.8 miles of hiking trails.
Cliffside RV Park
If you are an active member of the military, retired, a reservist, an authorized DoD civilian, or a full-time contractor, Cliffside RV Park is a great place to stay. Qualifying military members can bring civilian guests.
This park is open year-round and sits on cliffs that overlook the Olympic Peninsula, Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the San Juan Islands. There are RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, furnished yurts, and RV trailers available. Guests enjoy clean restroom and shower facilities, covered activity pavilions, laundry facilities, easy access to the beach, and walking paths.
The campground is also close to all Naval Air Station Whidbey Island amenities, Deception Pass, and downtown Oak Harbor.
Marie lived in the Seattle area for nearly 10 years and has visited Whidbey Island many times. It is her favorite place for a relaxing vacation in the area. She still has family and friends in Seattle and goes back to visit as often as she can.