Let’s say you love the vibe of Puget Sound, but hate the traffic of Seattle.

Try making the escape to Whidbey Island, a pastoral getaway that’s just an hour away from the big city.

The long, skinny island has some of Washington’s nicest parks and two attractive historic towns with excellent restaurants, galleries and shops.

RVers should try staying at Deception Pass State Park at the north end of the island. Scenic trails sprawl across its 4,134 acres, from the island’s highest point at Goose Rock (elevation 484 feet), to fabled Deception Pass, a narrow current-filled channel that flows like a river during tidal changes.

Other state park options for RVers are Fort Casey and Fort Ebey, overlooking the Salish Sea on the island’s west coast, constructed as defense fortresses in the early 1900s. Today, the forts' tunnels and batteries are still there to check out.

Whidbey Island also has a commercial option for RVers: Comfortable North Whidbey RV Park offers full hookups near Deception Pass. 

For your dining needs, Coupeville on Penn Cove is the mussel capital of Washington. You’ll find the tasty shellfish on most restaurant menus; we’ve enjoyed them at Toby’s Tavern, a waterfront institution.

And Langley is the island’s other artsy restaurant capital. We’ve had excellent meals at Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar.

 

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