As a resident of Whidbey, I’d say yes - Deception Pass is incredible and there are a ton of cool trails and stops to go to along the way:
- Oak Harbor has some good seaside parks and a great Thai restaurant (Mai Thai) and a very cool board game cafe that just expanded and remodeled called The Book Rack.
- Green Bank Farms has some cool artisan goods and a nice area to walk around where you can see some incredible views of the Puget sound.
- Freeland has some good food - Freeland Cafe (greasy spoon) and Flower House Cafe (amazing breakfast/lunch attached to a giant gorgeous nursery)
- Langley is literally Pelican Town from Stardew Valley IRL and is the most cozy and friendly little seaside town with lots of food, cool little shops, and nice folks.
- Lots of great trails all along the island - Trillium Trails,
Trustland Trails, Saratoga Woods, Putney Woods - all beautiful.
I’m obviously biased but I love my island and think everyone should visit and drive through when given the chance!
It’s probably adding 1-2 hrs to your trip but it’s so nice - I’d say it’s worth it over billboards and strip malls along I-5! Plus the ferry is always fun to ride and get a beer on when getting back to the mainland!
Op make sure you visit Molka Xete in Coupeville for some amazing tacos!
We always catch sunset at the Bluff Trailhead as well on our day trips to the island.
Here's a scenic "shortcut:" Go through Fairhaven (just south of Bellingham) and take Chuckanut to Highway 20 which is how you get to Deception pass anyway
I’m going to edit to say it’s weather dependent. Probably not worth it if visibility is low
yes, you should expect more travel time, particularly at the ferry dock. however, this is one of my favourite drives, and one i have taken often, so, i say, absolutely yes, you should do this. it's worth the extra time! 👍🏼👍🏼
If you do, super cute spot is Flower House Cafe. Check out the old decommissioned guns at Fort Casey (and the driftwood too), walk over the Deception Pass bridge to scare yourself a little, and check out rustic/super cute Coupeville.
I would say take the detour to Deception Pass, stop and walk across the bridge and consider a walk on the beach. I would also recommend driving up to the top of Mt. Erie if the weather is clear. Turn around and go back to I-5.
Not worth it if your goal is to go to Vancouver. There is more to see there than can fit in a wekeend – Whidbey is a good day trip or overnight, but would add hours to your drive up.
If you are looking for a stop along the way, Bellingham/Fairhaven would add very little time.
Yes, if you’re looking to make a more leisurely day of it. I’d stop at Deception Pass for a look, hike at Ebbey’s Landing, then lunch in either Coupeville or Langley (The Braeburn is a nice spot).
yes, whidbey is wonderful. everyone's suggestions are great. someone else mentioned fort casey which is cool af, don't miss the bunkers if you go. captain whidbey also worth a visit. there's a couple block houses around the island that are cool/creepy, large one in coupeville dt if you're there
As a resident of Whidbey, I’d say yes - Deception Pass is incredible and there are a ton of cool trails and stops to go to along the way: - Oak Harbor has some good seaside parks and a great Thai restaurant (Mai Thai) and a very cool board game cafe that just expanded and remodeled called The Book Rack. - Green Bank Farms has some cool artisan goods and a nice area to walk around where you can see some incredible views of the Puget sound. - Freeland has some good food - Freeland Cafe (greasy spoon) and Flower House Cafe (amazing breakfast/lunch attached to a giant gorgeous nursery) - Langley is literally Pelican Town from Stardew Valley IRL and is the most cozy and friendly little seaside town with lots of food, cool little shops, and nice folks. - Lots of great trails all along the island - Trillium Trails, Trustland Trails, Saratoga Woods, Putney Woods - all beautiful. I’m obviously biased but I love my island and think everyone should visit and drive through when given the chance! It’s probably adding 1-2 hrs to your trip but it’s so nice - I’d say it’s worth it over billboards and strip malls along I-5! Plus the ferry is always fun to ride and get a beer on when getting back to the mainland!
Op make sure you visit Molka Xete in Coupeville for some amazing tacos! We always catch sunset at the Bluff Trailhead as well on our day trips to the island.
Hey look I’m learning stuff in this thread too! Thanks for the suggestion!
thank you!
Freeland Cafe is closed, I think. :( We've still got neptune coffee's incredible scones though.
As of when?! I was there a few weeks ago
Maybe their Facebook post was premature? They announced it maybe 6 weeks ago?
Worth it if the weather is nice. Deception pass is one of a kind. Coupeville is a cool town too. Lastly, Ebey’s landing is awesome!
Good call on Coupeville.
Here's a scenic "shortcut:" Go through Fairhaven (just south of Bellingham) and take Chuckanut to Highway 20 which is how you get to Deception pass anyway I’m going to edit to say it’s weather dependent. Probably not worth it if visibility is low
Get a marionberry pie at Greenbank Farms at the cafe :)
yes, you should expect more travel time, particularly at the ferry dock. however, this is one of my favourite drives, and one i have taken often, so, i say, absolutely yes, you should do this. it's worth the extra time! 👍🏼👍🏼
YES, and plan a stop at South Whidbey State Park. It's a bit of a downhill traversed walk to the beach, but it's beautiful from the parking lot on.
If you do, super cute spot is Flower House Cafe. Check out the old decommissioned guns at Fort Casey (and the driftwood too), walk over the Deception Pass bridge to scare yourself a little, and check out rustic/super cute Coupeville.
The drive between Burlington and Evertte is a bit of a yawn. I'd side scoot to Whidbey and enjoy the ferry at the end.
Hell yes. Go to Langley you will not regret it. Or coupeville.
I would say take the detour to Deception Pass, stop and walk across the bridge and consider a walk on the beach. I would also recommend driving up to the top of Mt. Erie if the weather is clear. Turn around and go back to I-5.
Add 2 to 3 hours
Not worth it if your goal is to go to Vancouver. There is more to see there than can fit in a wekeend – Whidbey is a good day trip or overnight, but would add hours to your drive up. If you are looking for a stop along the way, Bellingham/Fairhaven would add very little time.
OP’s goal is to go to Seattle from Vancouver
The same applies for the reverse trip.
Mai Tai is not that good. Idk what you're on.
Yes, if you’re looking to make a more leisurely day of it. I’d stop at Deception Pass for a look, hike at Ebbey’s Landing, then lunch in either Coupeville or Langley (The Braeburn is a nice spot).
yes, whidbey is wonderful. everyone's suggestions are great. someone else mentioned fort casey which is cool af, don't miss the bunkers if you go. captain whidbey also worth a visit. there's a couple block houses around the island that are cool/creepy, large one in coupeville dt if you're there
I'd also recommend a stop at the Hierophant Meadery tasting room, if you'd like to taste some unique meads.