Travel Guide: Whidbey Island, Washington

During the pandemic, local-ish roadtrips have become imperative. Even in pre-Covid times (ahhh, remember that? We didn’t know how good we had it…) Whidbey has always been one of my favorite spots in Washington state. I love the ferry ride, I love being on the water, I love wine tasting, I love mussels. Whidbey is lovely year-round but summertime is the absolute best. It’s light until past 9pm so you can maximize your time enjoying the beautiful waterviews.

Over 4th of July weekend 2020, we rented a little Airbnb in Coupeville, my very favorite part of Whidbey. And yes, it’s January 2021 now, it only took me half a year to get this up. What can I say, the pandemic struggle is real sometimes. Anyway, you may remember Coupeville as the setting of Practical Magic and also the home of famous (in the shellfish world at least) Penn Cove mussels. Two marks of excellence in my book. Coupeville is tiny and beautiful and right on the water. You can stroll the whole town in under an hour. Don’t be deceived, though - there’s so much to see, do, and especially eat/drink!

These recommendations are written for normal/non-pandemic times, so please know that availability may change these days as phases and indoor/outdoor seating mandates change, etc. Also duh please wear a mask and don’t crowd into places. I’m no public health official, but come on.

Coupeville

Front Street Grill
Our favorite fare in Coupeville! Their mussels are so fantastic and come in many different (and decadent) preparations. My favorite, and their most famous option, is green coconut curry. You can order any mussels over linguine which I definitely suggest.

Toby’s Tavern
Besides Front Street Grill, Toby’s is our other must every time we’re in Coupeville… and luckily enough, it’s right next door. (You’ll see when you go to Coupeville, basically everything is right next door to each other ;) ) A cozy dive bar with great chowder and mussels. We like a pre-dinner beer and snack here before walking over to Front Street Grill. Also a good place to watch a football game!

Captain Whidbey
Super rustic and hip. The only modern/boutique hotel in Coupeville and as far as I know, the only lodging that isn’t an Airbnb, bed & breakfast, or old timey inn. It’s like camping but you’re also in a hotel/bar. Their big lawn and bar/restaurant are open to the public!

Vail Wine Shop & Tasting
Exactly what the name suggests! You can buy wine, you can taste wine. Beer is available as well. They have a sweet little patio right on the water.

Little Red Hen
Sweet little bakery with delicious coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.

Oystercatcher
A sister to Little Red Hen, this seafood restaurant offers fresh, tasty mussels plus a good selection of cocktails, wine, wonderful bread (thanks to LRH!), sourdough pizzas, and a selection of tempting seafood dishes.

Bayleaf
This little specialty shop has all sorts of tasty options to pair with your wine

Currents Bistro
So this place used to be called Christopher’s but they underwent a rebrand and now it’s Currents. I know it was delicious as Christopher’s - and yet again, fresh mussels and fab seafoods - and I think the menu is pretty much the same so I’d still recommend!

Sunshine Drip
Fuel your day in Coupeville with good coffee and delicious breakfast sandwiches. This place is so cute!

Penn Cove Taproom
Have craft beer lovers in your group? Take them to this friendly taproom/patio for a flight or pint.