Langley is a small waterfront town on Whidbey Island with a population of about 1,090. Founded in 1890 by Joseph Anthes and named after a Seattle judge, the town grew from its logging and farming roots and was once governed by an all-women council in 1919. Its history reflects both resilience against storms and growth fueled by maritime trade and the Alaskan gold rush migration. Today, Langley thrives as a vibrant community known for its arts, festivals, marina, county fairgrounds, and welcoming small-town atmosphere within easy reach of Seattle.
Whidbey
Whidbey Island is a unique blend of natural beauty, rich Indigenous heritage, and a thriving arts community. Its culture emphasizes environmental preservation, with residents deeply committed to protecting forests, beaches, and farmland. The island offers diverse lifestyles: Oak Harbor has a bustling, military-influenced atmosphere, Langley and the South End are eclectic and artsy, while Coupeville and the central region provide quiet, historic charm. Strong community ties, local festivals, and the rhythm of ferry life further define the island’s welcoming and connected vibe.
by Frank Schulenburg: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Greenbank_Farm,_Whidbey_Island_%28side_view%29.jpg
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Clinton
Clinton is a small community on southern Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington, with about 956 residents, though its post office serves around 2,500 people. It is the western terminus of the Mukilteo–Clinton ferry, a key link carrying State Route 525 to the island. The area was originally home to the Snohomish tribe, including the large Digwadsh village, before European settlement brought logging, milling, and disease in the 1800s. First known as Brighton Beach, Clinton grew around its post office, mills, and ferry service, which began in 1911 and later became part of Washington State Ferries, now the largest ferry system in the U.S.
Photo courtesy of Clinton Chamber of Commerce: https://www.discoverclintonwa.com/about-clinton
photo by Jasperdo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mytravelphotos/3518989407
Langley
Freeland
Freeland is an unincorporated community on southern end of the island with a 2020 population of 2,252. The town offers both small-town charm and abundant recreation, including Double Bluff Beach and State Park for shellfish harvesting and waterfront solitude, South Whidbey State Park’s forested trails, Freeland Park’s beach access, playground, and annual fireworks, and the scenic Holmes Harbor Golf Club. It sits between Holmes Harbor and Mutiny Bay, with State Route 525 connecting it to other parts of Whidbey Island.
photo by Corey Seeman: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cseeman/53625398032
photo by kallerna: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oak_Harbor_1.jpg
Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor, the largest city on Whidbey Island with a population of over 23,000, is located on the island’s northern end about two hours north of Seattle, accessible by both ferry and the Deception Pass Bridge. Nestled in the Olympic rain shadow, it receives about half the rainfall of Seattle while offering sweeping views of the San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The city’s history stretches from its original Lushootseed-speaking inhabitants through 19th-century European settlement, incorporation in 1915, and major growth following the completion of Deception Pass Bridge and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Today, Oak Harbor blends rich cultural roots with abundant outdoor recreation, including water sports, hiking, biking, camping, and access to nearby state parks.
Coupeville
Coupeville, located on central Whidbey Island, is known today for its small-town charm, scenic waterfront, and vibrant local culture. The town sits within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, offering visitors and residents access to farmland, state parks, trails, and historic buildings that create a unique blend of natural beauty and heritage. Its downtown features the historic Coupeville Wharf, boutique shops, restaurants, and museums, while community events—such as Practical Magic movie nights, torchlight parades, and pumpkin races—bring people together throughout the year. With a mild Mediterranean-like climate and a welcoming atmosphere, Coupeville is both a beloved place to live and a popular destination for visitors seeking a mix of history, culture, and coastal charm.
photo by Joel Mabel: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coupeville,_WA_-_Front_Street_businesses_03.jpg
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DECEPTION PASS
FORT CASEY
LAGOON POINT
