Whidbey Scenic Isle Way

A visit to Clinton takes you on an adventure through rural back roads with surprises and beauty around every corner. This dynamic historical community has been around since the early 1800’s and has always been a travel destination.

Perched on a bluff on Whidbey Island, overlooking the waters of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains, Langley’s streets are lined with historic buildings, bookstores, antique shops, clothing boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Walk the streets of Langley, Whidbey Island’s “Village by the Sea,” and you will know what it’s like to escape from ordinary life.

Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, a nonprofit garden open to the public, encompasses 10 acres of display and educational gardens, surrounded by forty-three acres of woodland preserve with 4-plus miles of nature trails.

Fort Casey State Park is a 467-acre marine camping park with a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. The park features 10,810 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound (Admiralty Inlet), and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile-plus stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake.

The state’s second-oldest community, Coupeville, sits on the edge of Penn Cove. The mussels harvested here are world famous! Stroll down the dock to the wharf or boat to the public marina. Downtown shops feature the work of local artists, and the restaurants offer the freshest seafood you can get! Nearby Meerkerk Rhododendron Garden is open all year, but spring and summer you will see the most variety of color. Fort Casey State Park and Admiralty Head Lighthouse are visitor favorites. Take the Langley Loop to nearby Langley By The Sea for more great dining options and view of Camano Island.

Oak Harbor is home to the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island! Exhibits at the Naval Air Museum explore the local role in WWII military action and promote understanding of the history of the PBY aircraft and all other aircraft flown from NAS Whidbey Island. Windjammer Park overlooking the town’s namesake waterway features a Shipwreck Shores Splash Park, a walking trail, playground, picnic areas, open space, beach access, and swimming lagoon. Be aware, jets frequently fly maneuvers around the area, and they can be startlingly loud – and fascinating to watch!

Deception Pass Bridge spans the gap between Whidbey Island and Fildalgo Island. Iconic views attract thousands of visitors each year. Several parking areas allow foot traffic on the bridge, but the sidewalk is very narrow, so plan accordingly. Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island is 4,134 acres, and offers docks for boat moorage, freshwater and saltwater fishing, crabbing, and swimming. Miles of hiking trails offer views of inland lakes and Puget Sound islands. Anacortes Kayak Tours offer sea-kayak trips through Deception Pass and beyond. The Maiden of Deception Pass story pole is located in the Rosario Beach area of the park, on Fidalgo Island.