—

Whidbey Island offers dogs and their human companions the opportunity for an immersive experience savoring both the local craft culture and the expansive outdoors. Whidbey Island is one of the most accessible and scenic island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Here is how to have a perfect dog friendly day on Whidbey Island!

From Seattle, most folks and their pets should be in line for the Mukilteo ferry landing within the hour. Then it’s a quick 20-minute ferry ride over to South Whidbey. After debarking from the ferry, start the day off in the artist colony of Langley, home to an array of local galleries, shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.

First stop is Useless Bay Coffee (121 Second Street, Langley, WA 98260) for a cup of their signature coffee with the beans roasted on premise. Relax on the dog friendly patio and soak in the whimsical art created by the local artists who helped renovate the cafe as part of their day jobs doing construction gigs. Before leaving, be sure to pick up a bag of their coffee beans. Then take a quick stroll around the town, stopping in whatever stores happen to catch one’s fancy.

After window shopping, head over to Double Bluff Beach. Let the dog run off leash along this four-mile round trip beach walk. Catch the views of Mt. Rainier and Seattle off in the background.

Then head back to Langley for lunch and a pint at Double Bluff Brewing (112 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260). Choose from their popular Indian Red Ale or go for one of their more obscure beers featured in their constantly rotating taps. While they strive to have ten taps available, often their most popular favorites will run out very quickly. Expect to find one gluten-free beer available along with guest ciders. Here pets are welcome on the outside patio and odds are, the pooch will make a friend or two. While they do not serve food, they can make recommendations of places where to order lunch that will complement their beers.

Conclude the afternoon in Langley with a drive over to Blooms Winery (5603 Bayview Rd., Langley, WA 98260). Try a flight of their wines made from grapes harvested at their winery in nearby Freeland. Those desiring a snack can order from their small plates menu. Those who happen to come by on a Friday or Sunday afternoon can enjoy the sounds of a local musician plying their wares. Dogs and welcome to come and chill along with their owners in this relaxing artistic space.

Depart by 3:45pm in order to arrive in Coupeville before Bay Leaf (101 Coupeville, Coupeville WA 98239) closes at 5pm. Here pick up some gourmet fare for a picnic dinner, breakfast, and any snacks. Choose from cheese and wine from around the world, different cuts of meat, fresh breads, Fran’s chocolate, and other gourmet items. Craft ciders, beers and sodas are also available. For this short leg of the trip, the dog must remain in the car.

Now it’s time to check in to the dog friendly Coupeville Inn (905 NW Alexander St #2, Coupeville, WA 98239). This beautifully renovated historic 1937 Firehouse has been converted into a one of a kind vacation rental unit replete with a fully furnished kitchen, dining area, living area, private bath and a barbecue grill on the balcony.

After dropping off any bags and putting breakfast items in the refrigerator, take the picnic items and the dog and head north to Deception Pass (41229 WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277) for a sunset picnic. For the perfect photo op, cross over the bridge and then stop at the first turn off on the right. Sit and enjoy a picnic dinner at this lookout jwhile taking that picture perfect sunset shot of this famous bridge.

In the morning, prepare breakfast and then sit and relax on the balcony sipping coffee and taking in the views Penn Cove, Mount Baker, and Coupeville. This town is Washington’s second oldest town with one of the highest concentration of pioneer-era homes on the West Coast. Be sure to check out of the Firehouse Inn before 11am.

Before departing Coupeville, take a morning stroll along the boardwalk taking in the water views. Then do some window shopping along Front Street. In particular, be sure to stop by Penn Cove Gallery (9 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239), where well behaved pets are more than welcome. This artists collective features an eclectic range of Whidbey Island themed art art for sale from 26 artists. Among the items for display include jewelry, fabric art, sculptures, and paintings.

Then get in the car for the scenic drive back to Clinton and catch the ferry back to Seattle.

Learn More

Those wishing to continue exploring Whidbey Island can check out this GogoBot guide. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter at @GoWhidbeyCamano or Facebook.