This seahorse-shaped island in Puget Sound forms an idyllic sanctuary 35 miles northwest of Seattle. Nature features prominently here with six state parks, including Washington’s most-visited one, Deception Pass. Explore the pass’s cliffs and coves, as well as its iconic bridge soaring 18 stories above a current-swept saltwater channel prized by divers and kayakers. Hikes and beach walks abound across Whidbey Island, along with wildlife viewing (common critters include bald eagles, river otters, and Steller sea lions).

Cultural attractions are a big pull here, too. For great dining, head to Langley in the south, and Coupeville and Oak Harbor to the north; don’t miss the local mussels and Kumamoto oysters. Meanwhile art buffs can tour murals, galleries, studios, and two sculpture parks. With its mellow, artsy vibe, Whidbey Island makes for a dreamy getaway that’s still close to Washington’s biggest city.

Damp air rolls off the Pacific Ocean, creating lush coastal rainforests in this part of Washington. But clouds then swerve around part of Puget Sound — a phenomenon locals call “the banana belt” for its drier, sunnier conditions. The top half of Whidbey Island benefits from this phenomenon, and the island has a temperate climate overall. Temperatures rarely range outside the high 30s to high 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect largely dry and comfy summers, and cooler, mistier winters.

Top events include April’s Deception Pass Marathon and July’s Whidbey Island Fair. August brings Wag’n’Walk, a celebration of all things canine, plus the Tour de Whidbey, with bike rides ranging from 10 to 162 miles. September’s also busy with a marathon, jazz celebration DjangoFest NW, and the Oak Harbor Music Festival.

Boeing Future of Flight

Immerse yourself in aviation history and innovations at this exhibition space, three miles south of the mainland’s Mukilteo ferry dock. Boeing Future of Flight includes a drone gallery and a mock-up of the lab that helped prepare the United States’ payloads for the International Space Station. The Sky Deck offers views of Paine Field Airport, an aviation factory that’s the world’s largest building by volume, and the snow-capped North Cascade Mountains.

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

Trace the area’s cultural and agricultural traditions in three stunning state parks located within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve: Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, and Ebey’s Landing. Highlights from Fort Casey include the 1903 Admiralty Head Lighthouse, a point in the “Triangle of Fire” harbor defenses to ward off potential attacks during World War II. The 5.6-mile Ebey’s Landing hike is another standout. You’ll cross prairielands and old farming fields before emerging onto the coastal bluffs with their jaw-dropping views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.

Price Sculpture Forest

A more-than-a-century-old forest harbors an art space that opened in fall 2020 near downtown Coupeville. This free attraction encourages visitors to “wander in wonder” — as its signature cherrywood arch declares — discovering installations such as a steel eagle and a T. rex sculpted from bark. Need another meditative moment marrying art and nature? Try Earth Sanctuary, 20 miles to the south.