A Guide to End of Summer Activities on Whidbey & Camano Islands

As the days begin to shorten and become cooler, we can feel the end of summer nearing. Now, more than ever, is the time to soak up our last month or so of sunny weather before we officially say goodbye to summer and welcome fall. Here are some of our end-of-summer picks for Whidbey and Camano Islands.

Visit Deception Pass & Walk Along Deception Pass Bridge

If you’ve never been to Deception Pass State Park, this is your sign to go. Located between Whidbey Island and Fildalgo Island, this 4,134-acre park features 14.6 miles of saltwater shoreline, three lakes, and 35 miles of trails. This park is home to the Deception Pass Bridge that sits about 18 stories above water and attracts many visitors since you can actually walk along the iconic bridge. The park is absolutely beautiful and the bridge allows visitors to capture stunning sunrises and sunsets—it feels otherworldly, almost like something out of a movie. If you go, you’ll need a Discover Pass and try to head over earlier or later in the day to avoid too many crowds.

Drive Along the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way

Whidbey Island in itself is considered a scenic byway, and for good reason! The drive up and down this island is beautiful with lots of sights to see along the way. If you’re thinking of making the drive, turn it into a fun day road trip with family or friends. Start with a relaxing twenty-minute ferry ride to Whidbey Island, then travel up the island making stops at Clinton, Langley, Meerkerk Gardens, Fort Casey State Park, Coupeville, Oak Harbor, and finally end the trip at Deception Pass Bridge & State Park. With so many lovely stops along the way, you’ll experience the best of Whidbey Island and get to catch some pretty views at all times of the day!

Kayak From One of the State Parks

Kayaking is one of the many popular island attractions on Whidbey and Camano Islands. The vast open sea and good weather make for a beautiful and relaxing day on the water. Plus, you’re likely to see wildlife while you’re out, such as herons, eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, orcas, gray whales, and Dungeness crabs! It’s recommended that you kayak with a guide if you’re a newbie and try to stick to the east side of the island—Langley, Coupeville, Oak Harbor, Camano Island State Park, and Cama Beach State Park all make great launching spots! The west side of Whidbey Island is a little rougher due to shifting weather and currents, so only experienced kayakers should venture west.

Dance the Night Away at Labor Day Weekend’s Biggest County Party

This year, Blue Fox Drive-In is hosting an exclusive streaming concert on Thursday, September 2nd. Encore Nights Country Kickoff to Labor Day Weekend will feature Toby Keith and ALABAMA for a country music-filled night of fun. The stream will include full-length, never-before-seen concerts by these two iconic country artists, plus there will be a pre-show performance by Michael Ray and the entire event will be hosted by Blanco Brown. The ticket price covers the price of one carload of six people so you can bring friends and family to rock out with you from the comfort of your car! Tickets can be purchased here.

Eat & Drink Your Way Through One of the Local Farmers Markets

Whidbey and Camano Islands are home to some pretty spectacular farmers markets. They typically run on the weekends between the months of April or May to September or October, so they’re just about to wrap up, which means you need to go before they’re over for the rest of the year! On Whidbey Island, you can visit the Oak Harbor Farmers Market on Thursdays, the Langley Second Street Market on Fridays, the Bayview Farmers Market and Coupeville Farmers Market on Saturdays and the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market on Sundays. On Camano Island, you’ll love the Camano Commons Farmers Market that opens the first Tuesday in June and runs through the last Tuesday in September. All are home to a variety of local vendors carrying fresh and seasonal produce, delicious prepared foods, handmade crafts, and other local goodies. Plus, they’re a great way to connect with the locals!

Attend the Oak Harbor Music Festival

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the end of summer, this is it! The Oak Harbor Music Festival is a free 3-day event over Labor Day Weekend (Friday-Sunday 9/3-5) that brings together over thirty bands on two main stages. Part of Pioneer Way will be closed to cars this weekend, as that street is being taken over by the main stages and a street fair with over twenty arts and crafts booths—what a way to end summer! Plus, Labor Day is the following Monday so you can use your extra day off to rest and relax from all the fun over the weekend! Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Indulge in a Glass of Wine (or Two!) on a Lovely Local Wine Tour

Who doesn’t love spending the day out with loved ones taste testing new, fun, and often decadent wines? Not to mention the typical food platters they serve alongside the wines when you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory. If you’re looking for a day filled with wine tasting, try out the Wine & Spirits Trail put on by Whidbey Island Vintners & Distillers Association—they offer a suggested wine tour throughout the island, laying out which wineries to visit and when, along with several suggestions for food stops along the way. What a great way to explore the island and the local food and wine offerings! Or, if you’re more in the mood for a quick wine pit-stop, you could stop by the Village Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Langley, the Dusty Cellars Winery on Camano Island, or Edward Lynne Cellars that’s also on Camano Island. We promise you’ll fall in love with the family-owned wineries and their delicious offerings! 

If you’re interested in learning more about Whidbey Island or Camano Island, including fun things to do and places to stay, please visit WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com. Or, connect with us—as local residents, we’d be happy to provide suggestions while you’re here!