Visiting Camano and Whidbey Island Washington in the Spring

The past few years have forced some of us to stay a little closer to home than we normally would. Mild weather and close proximity to the greater Seattle area make exploring Camano and Whidbey Island a great place to visit year-round, but I especially love it in the spring. A short drive from the city can make you feel worlds away from it all. You don't need a lot of time to explore this area, but your heart will keep pulling to return again and again. Here are some reasons why you should visit Camano and Whidbey Island in the spring.

Visiting Camano and Whidbey Island Washington in the Spring

Whidbey and Camano Island, Washington
Whidbey Island is the longest island in the state of Washington followed by Orcas Island. In fact, it's the top four longest in the whole country. Whidbey Island is 30 miles north of Seattle. It's about 55 miles long and at its widest, 12 miles wide.
Whidbey Island is made up of a few different towns, the City of Oak Harbor, the Town of Coupeville, the City of Langley, the Village of Freeland, and the Village of Clinton to name a few.
Camano Island is separated from Whidbey Island by the Saratoga Passage. The island itself is only about 16 miles long. Spring is the perfect time to visit if you want to try to see some migratory whales that move their way through the Saratoga Passage in March and April.
Camano Island has two state parks, both on the west side of the island. Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park have beautiful shoreline areas to explore and lots of hiking trails.
If You Only Have the Day

Visitors to Seattle often wonder what else there is to explore in the area and one of my favorite recommendations for a good day trip is to drive the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way. You'll be able to get a real taste of the area and if you have more time, you can add on longer stops to explore the various parts of Whidbey Island, and don't forget to make time to enjoy Camano Island too!

One of my favorite ways to get around our area is on the Washington State car ferries. The crossing is only 20 minutes, but it's enough time to get out of your car, explore the ferry and take some photos. If you are lucky, you might spot a whale swimming through!
After getting off of the ferry, head into the town of Langly. Find street parking in the sweet downtown area {I usually park around Useless Bay Coffee Co. on Second Street} and plan to spend an hour or two walking up and down the small downtown area.
Keep your ears peeled for the bell that signals that a whale has been spotted in the area. There are many gray whales and orca feeding areas. You'll even find the Langly Whale Center nearby if you want to learn more. 

Find more of my favorite Langly recommendations in this post.
If you have more time:
I'm excited to try the new restaurant Savory in downtown Langley, offering "eclectic comfort food" while overlooking the Saratoga Passage. 
This popular bakery pop-up now has a permanent location. Check out Seabiscuit Bakery and keep an eye out for limited hours. When the items are sold out, the shop closes, so make your way there early!
After a little exploration in downtown Langly, hop back in your car and head north towards Coupeville.
Downtown Coupeville has a sweet little downtown area to explore {don't miss grabbing something at Little Red Hen Bakery!}, but before you park your car, stop in for some fresh air and art at Price Sculpture Forest. 

Here is everything you need to know before you visit Price Sculpture Forest
If you have time, make note of a few of my favorite stops in Coupeville or Oak Harbor before heading towards Deception Pass.
Make time to stop and hike around Deception Pass bridge. This area is such a beautiful place to stop and explore, but it does often get busy. This is why I'm excited about this new guide from Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. 

Plan a Hike on a Trail Less Traveled

This spring, Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism will be launching a new guide encouraging visitors to explore the trails that are often less traveled. The Islands Tourism has identified 25 trails that depict the quintessential island experience, giving you an alternative to sometimes often heavily trodden favorites. 
Keep an eye out for that guide in April of 2022
Hint: you may want to get Possession Point near the Clinton ferry landing and Four Springs Preserve on Camano Island on your radar now before the secret gets out!

Explore Camano Island

Don't miss everything you need to know before you go to Camano Island

Whidbey Island is the largest island composing Island County, Washington, Camano Island is the next largest. If you are driving the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way, you will cross Deception Pass bridge and then you can make your way to Camano Island to explore. There is no ferry to get on and off the island. Who knew...it threw me too!

One of my favorite Camano Island activities is the Great Northwest Glass Quest happening every February. It's worth making a day trip just to participate in the hunt!

Read more about the Great Northwest Glass Quest here

Make a Weekend Out of It!

Extend your visit to these beautiful Pacific Northwest islands and make a weekend out of it.
These are a few of the lodging opportunities you'll find in the area. Check them out!
The Bunkhouse at Arrowhead Ranch has had a recent update. If you want a unique getaway in a cozy one-bedroom loft, you can stay on this working ranch. You'll be close to everything in the north Camano Island area.
The Boathouse is the perfect beachside dog-friendly retreat with 50 feet of waterfront on Port Susan Bay. And it's priced right!
The Captain Whidbey Inn is still one of my favorite spots {I'm still thinking about the dinner we ate there on our stay!} in the area and I can't wait to return now that they have a recently introduced Wellness Room. You can find cozy rooms and sweet little cottages that are perfect for an intimate getaway.
You can ready my review of Captain Whidbey Inn here
Fort Casey Inn located near Coupeville offers historic commissioned officers quarters for a unique stay. Cabins come stocked with kitchen amenities but you can sweeten your stay by adding an oven-ready meal option like a delicious Italian Pasta Bake or fan-favorite cinnamon rolls. 

Don't miss the chance to explore another of my favorite Washington Islands!

Summer in the San Juan Islands

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