Located in the Puget Sound directly north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is a charming island region that serves as home to a number of amazing communities in Island County, Washington. Home to over 69K residents, Whidbey Island is the fourth-largest island in the contiguous United States and the largest in Washington. With incredible scenery and gorgeous properties at every turn, finding the perfect home in this stunning part of the state is an exciting endeavor.
If you’re looking to relocate to the area, here are three neighborhoods in Whidbey Island you should check out.
1. Admiral’s Cove
Situated on the western shores of Whidbey Island in Coupeville, Admiral’s Cove is a close-knit community based around the Admiral’s Cove Beach Club. Residents are blessed every morning with waking up to picture-perfect views of the snow-covered Olympic Mountains and the gorgeous Admiralty Inlet.
Admiral’s Cove is known for its waterfront real estate that provides direct access to Admiralty Inlet and membership to the Admiral’s Cove Beach Club. However, real estate is scarce, making it a hot commodity among buyers looking for luxury and marvelous scenery.
Adventuring and amenities in Admiral’s Cove
Residents enjoy easy access to Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, a true oasis of beauty where adventure is always in store, thanks to the numerous trailheads offering exquisite vistas of the Olympic Mountains. Fort Ebey State Park is the perfect place to camp, enjoy a picnic, hike, or bike through the winding trails surrounded by Douglas firs. Adventurers can also paraglide or surf along the beach. Fort Casey Historical State Park is another must-see spot, complete with gorgeous shoreline vistas, watercraft launching spots, picnic areas, 1.8 miles of hiking paths, open fields, and connections to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
The Crockett Lake Wetland Preserve is a birding region of grasslands, coastlines, open waters, and marshes housing over 200 species of birds. This beautiful protected wetland area is integral to the ecosystem, serving as a feeding and nesting ground for ducks, shorebirds, raptors, and more. It’s the perfect place for bird-watching with your binoculars and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Given the tight-knit community atmosphere, residents of Admiral’s Cove organize and host several neighborhood events throughout the year, such as barbecues during the summer months, especially around Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Admiral’s Cove Beach Club offers a swimming pool with lessons and open swim sessions. There’s also a rentable picnic and barbecue area with a fire pit and horseshoe pit. The community also enjoys easy access to Admiralty Bay, so residents can head out to the sandy shores whenever their hearts desire.
Where to eat in Admiral’s Cove
There aren’t many restaurants in Admiral’s Cove, so locals typically travel north to Coupeville to dine out. Notable eateries in Coupeville include the Front Street Grill, Tyee Restaurant, and Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine. Callen’s Restaurant and Co. is another popular dining destination near the Admiral’s Cove community.
Admiral’s Cove schools
Families can take comfort in knowing Admiral’s Cove is a short 10-minute drive from the Coupeville Elementary School, Middle School, and High School of the Coupeville School District.
2. Oak Harbor
With a mountainous backdrop, Oak Harbor real estate is truly a paradise of beauty and wonder. Residents of Oak Harbor enjoy an adventurous way of life, frequently boating over to the San Juan Islands. The community serves as a commercial hub, with a vibrant downtown area of exceptional restaurants and shopping areas within city limits.
Oak Harbor is known as a military town since it is home to the Naval bases NAS Whidbey Island and Seaplane Base. Given its ties to the military, many residents work in or around the bases.
Activities galore
If you are up for an expedition, head up to Deception Pass State Park, where you’ll be awe-struck by the impressive scenery of mountainous terrain and shorelines. The amazing 3,800 acres here never disappoint, also featuring Kukutali Preserve on Kiket Island, where you’ll find an expansive forest. Deception Pass is a go-to spot for biking, equestrian riding, and hiking along scenic routes, where you will feel at one with nature. You can even explore part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with vistas of Goose Rock. Plus, Deception Pass is the perfect place for fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking if you’d rather spend time out on the water. Don’t miss the Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail, the Rosario Beach tide pools, and more. You can also take a walk on the high bridge from Canoe Pass to Deception Pass if you don’t have a fear of heights.
Fort Nugent Park, near the Whidbey Golf Club, features baseball, soccer, and football fields, as well as volleyball, basketball, and disk golf courts. There’s also a spacious playground, an art display, and walking trails. Windjammer Park, located on the downtown waterfront, has walking pathways, artwork, a lagoon, and a bird-watching area to explore.
Enjoy a stunning ferry ride over to the San Juan Islands from the nearby Anacortes Ferry Terminal, about 30 minutes north of Oak Harbor. From there, you can explore the four islands for a memorable experience.
Dining in Oak Harbor
Locals of Oak Harbor have a number of options when it comes to dining out. Notable restaurants include Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, which serves up dishes made from fresh Northwest ingredients, and Seabolt’s Smokehouse, which offers delicious seafood and steak.
Oak Harbor schools
Oak Harbor belongs to the Oak Harbor School District. Top-rated schools include Broadview Elementary School, North Whidbey Middle School, and Oak Harbor High School.
3. Lagoon Point
Lagoon Point is a canal community on Whidbey Island where residents can moor their boats in their own backyards. Lagoon Point was originally a salt marsh lagoon that was dredged in the early 1960s by developers to create a system of canals that allowed for private boat storage. This upscale neighborhood caters to a nautical lifestyle that provides easy access to Admiralty Inlet.
The lifestyle
Given Lagoon Point’s nautical focus, residents typically turn to boating adventures to pass the time. The community features two boat ramps and a number of floating docks, jetties, and beaches.
Lagoon Point has no shortage of beauty. The Meerkerk Gardens in nearby Greenbank showcase an incredible array of gorgeous garden rooms and blossoming flowers surrounded by a forested landscape. South Whidbey State Park offers glorious vistas of the Olympic Mountains and great hiking spots among the towering cedar trees. Visitors also enjoy beach access, bird-watching areas, and picnic spaces.
Lagoon Point dining spots
Residents of Lagoon Point typically venture over to nearby Greenbank to dine out. Notable restaurants in this area include the Old Spots Bistro, which dishes up legendary Whidbey Pies and more, and the Greenbank Pantry & Deli, which serves delicious sandwiches.
Lagoon Point schools
Families in Lagoon Point can send their children to excellent nearby schools, including South Whidbey Elementary School, North Whidbey Middle School, or Oak Harbor High School.
Relocating to Whidbey Island?
If you have your heart set on finding the perfect neighborhood in Whidbey Island, you’ll want to team up with a knowledgeable agent. Tim C. Miller is well-versed in what it takes to get results, with expert insight into Whidbey Island real estate. If you’re ready to make your move, contact Tim today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
