While it may not be on your radar, that’s part of the appeal of Whidbey Island, which draws mostly Seattleites and other residents from throughout the Puget Sound area. It seems the team at Fodor’s managed to discover its delights, particularly Coupeville. The small coastal town made the publication’s 2026 Go List, destinations that “promise a trip that will remind you “why travel is so magical.”
Living right across from the island for many years, it’s not surprising to this writer that Coupeville managed to earn such a high recommendation. But if you’ve never heard about it, you’ll want to know more. It’s worth making a day trip while visiting Seattle, as well as being a fantastic destination of its own.
The Beaches
There are many beautiful beaches on Whidbey Island, and the beach at Ebey’s Landing in Coupeville is one of its crown jewels. Just minutes from the historic downtown, it stretches for several miles, providing endless views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and some of the most iconic mountains on a clear day, including the Olympics and Mount Rainier. Some of the best vistas are showcased by following the 3.5-mile Bluff Loop Trail, which combines coastal bluffs with the beach.
Whales
In the early 1970s, southern resident orcas were rounded up in Penn Cove, corralled in by boats and dynamite so they could be sold to marine parks. For more than half a century after this tragedy, the animals avoided this area, but in recent years they’ve begun to return. Occasionally, they can be seen right from the Coupeville Wharf, an official Whale Trail site overlooking the cove with interpretive displays for learning more about the history of orca sightings in the area.
In addition to the southern residents, transient orcas may be seen while hunting for the seals that hang out here. In the spring, it’s not uncommon to see the tail of a gray whale break the water’s surface while digging for ghost shrimp in the mudflats.
Historic Charms & Much More
Established in 1852 by Captain Thomas Coupe, Coupeville is the second-oldest town in Washington, with more preserved historic buildings than anywhere else in the state. The entire town is part of the National Register of Historic Places’ Central Whidbey Island Historic District, with notable landmarks like the 1856 Ebey House, a fine example of pioneer architecture. Staying in one of the grand Victorian-style B&Bs, like The Anchorage Inn overlooking Penn Cove, is like stepping back in time.
Art enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the downtown area, with independent shops and galleries where it’s often possible to chat with the local artists themselves. If it looks familiar but you can’t quite place it, it’s probably because it served as the setting for the popular 1998 film, “Practical Magic.”
Coupeville is also known for its many festivals worth planning a visit around, like the annual Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival in August, one of the largest of its kind in the state. Musselfest is a mouthwatering annual weekend celebration in March, celebrating Penn Cove Mussels, while Coupeville’s Native American Heritage is honored in May’s Penn Cove Water Festival with Native American crafts, musical and dance performances, tribal canoe races, and Native American dishes.
