Washington's Cute Island Town Is A Basecamp For Beach Fun

Tucked away between Washington state and British Columbia is one of the world's largest inland seas. Comprising Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and the waters around Vancouver, the Salish Sea is also home to hundreds of lesser-known, picturesque islands. One of these, the idyllic Whidbey Island, is full of parks, beaches, and seafood — and the commercial center on its south end, Freeland, is a perfect base camp for exploring it. 

Located about a 15-minute drive north of the Clinton ferry terminal, the cute island town has a population of just under 2,000. A good place to start an adventure in Freeland is the Greater Freeland Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Center (open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), located on Harbor Avenue in the heart of downtown. 

After picking up a map and chatting with staff about things to do on the island, stroll over to the colorful Freeland Café & Bar, described by one visitor on Google Reviews as a "great little mom pop stop for coffee and breakfast." If you're driving, swing by the nearby Whidbey Coffee, an adorable coffee shop housed in a petite wood-shingled hut, for a latte to go. 

From downtown, it's a 2-minute drive or a 15-minute walk to the waterfront Freeland Park. Located right on Holmes Harbor, it has a sandy beach, a boat ramp, and a playground for kids. It's a lovely spot to relax on a park bench and watch the fishing boats come and go, and you may spot a great blue heron or a bald eagle. Orcas and gray whales make an appearance from time to time, too. "Beautiful water view," said one traveler. "A nice spot to sit and have lunch on the beach."

To see some of South Whidbey's most spectacular beaches, however, you'll want to get out of town. Double Bluff Beach, just a few miles south of Freeland (a 6-minute drive), is considered one of the best in Washington and is known for being especially dog-friendly. In addition to its popular off-leash area, the park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and, on some days, optimal conditions for kiteboarding. Entrance is free.

Even closer to Freeland (less than a 5-minute drive away) is Robinson Beach, a peaceful coastal stretch on the island's western shore that's ideal for a quiet picnic, wading in tide pools, and collecting shells. Formally known as Frank D. Robinson Beach County Park, it's also one of the top spots to catch one of Washington's glorious coastal sunsets, according to those who've been there. "I grew up on this beach," said one reviewer. "No better place in the world for a sunset!" Like at Double Bluff Beach, admission is free. Find out more about America's best beaches that remain well-kept secrets from tourists.

Back at your temporary home base in Freeland, visitors have several dining options. Go for comfort food with a gourmet Pacific Northwestern twist at The Barnyard, a family-run smokehouse and taproom that also hosts a lineup of local food trucks. "Great for a casual bite with local flair," said one reviewer. Alternatively, grab tacos at Rocket Taco or Southeast Asian-inspired plates at the Fare Market, both located on the town's walkable main street. If you're hoping to stay the night in Freeland, there are a handful of Airbnbs available, including an artistically decorated guesthouse facing the bay. According to the owner, you might spot orcas from the garden. 

To get to this quaint getaway, catch a ferry from Mukilteo on Washington's mainland (about a 40-minute drive north of Seattle) to Clinton, a short drive from Freeland on Whidbey Island. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes. Fares vary depending on date, time, and other factors, but prices start at $6.95 per person and $12.05 per vehicle.