About Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is a large island located in the Puget Sound and is approximately 55 miles long, making it the 4th longest island in the United States.

This gorgeous island is located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and has a variety of climate areas. The island is wettest towards the South, drier in the center and moister toward the North.
The island was inhabited by several Native American tribes and their name for the island was Tscha-kole-chy. The native’s diet was based off fishing, harvesting berries, nuts, and fruits.

Whidbey Island was fully explored by Captain George Vancouver in the year 1792. After Joseph Whidbey circumnavigated the island in June 1792, Captain Vancouver named the island in his honor.

Whidbey Island is home to a significant Naval Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), located in Oak Harbor. Naturally, the economy in the north part of the island is strongly influenced by the presence of the military facility. South of Oak Harbor, the economy strongly relies on tourism, agriculture and the arts. The presence of locally owned business is predominant all over but the agriculture is something that the locals are very proud of. You will be able to enjoy seasonal farmers markets and farmer stands, where customers may buy fresh cut flowers, eggs, produce and other local products. Coupeville’s Penn Cove Mussel Farm is just one of the wonderful and delicious addition to this already enticing paradise. Their mussels are well known all and can be found in many restaurants.

There are many parks and reserve areas on the island with plenty of hiking trails and campsites to be enjoyed by the numerous people that visit and reside at this beautiful location.
Many celebrations and festivals are hosted throughout the year. From the Penn Cove Mussel festival to the Oak Harbor Music Festival, fun and entertainment is always a guarantee.

Welcome to beautiful Whidbey Island!