10 BEST Things to Do in Coupeville

I usually visit Whidbey Island once a year, and set aside a night or two in the charming seaport town of Coupeville.

Upon arriving in Coupeville, I always find myself drawn to the Coupeville Wharf extending 500-feet into Penn Cove. I walk along the wharf to its iconic red warehouse, and order a coffee while taking in my magical surroundings.

I try to imagine what life used to be like in this seafaring town, when steamships would crowd Penn Cove's waters. These ships transported people, lumber and produce all over the Pacific Northwest.

I then look back at the historic buildings that grace Coupeville's waterfront. Front Street looks almost identical to what it did over 150 years ago! Coupeville was first settled in the 1850s by farmers and sea captains who obtained land claims, and is Washington State's second oldest town.

Is there enough to do in Coupeville?

Coupeville is the kind of place to take it easy on a summer's day. The ice-cream shop is the hottest ticket in town. There's also throngs of visitors browsing the shops along Front Street, or enjoying a leisurely meal.

One of my other favorite activities is visiting the excellent local history museum, or taking a self guided walking tour.

I also appreciate Coupeville's central location and short drive to major attractions on Whidbey Island. The closest attraction is the free Price Sculpture Forest, which has beautiful sculptures along two trail loops.

It's also an easy drive to outstanding attractions like the gorgeous Meerkerk Gardens, breathtaking Fort Casey and Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and the always delightful Greenbank Farms with scrumptious cherry pies.

Directions to Coupeville

I either take the ferry or bridge to get to Whidbey Island. The Mukilteo Ferry is a 20 minute trip to the south end of the island, then a 35 minute drive up to Coupeville. Alternatively I can drive across the Deception Pass Bridge at the north end of the island, then drive 35 minutes down to Coupeville.

Can I stay here?

I'd recommend staying at the Victorian style Anchorage Inn, or The Coupeville Inn. There's also some AirBnbs in Coupeville.

10 best things to do in Coupeville

1. Explore Front Street at Coupeville.

I'm always in search of waterview restaurants. Two of my favorites along Front Street are the flavorful Molka Xete (mexican), and always popular Front Street Grill.

My sweet tooth then leads me to ice-cream at Kapaw's Iskreme, and delicious baked treats and bread at the Little Red Hen Bakery. Make sure you arrive early, because the pastries can sell out!

The Front Street Grill (left) is easily accessible along Front Street.

Check out the menu on the front window of the Front Street Grill.

The Vail Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Coupeville, is a wine shop, bar and tasting room. It's focused on boutique Washington State wineries.

Aqua Gifts has the prettiest interior, and is housed in an original 1890 drug store building. I purchase all kinds of cards and trinkets here.

2. Front Street down to the sandy beach.

Not a lot of visitors know this, but there's a set of stairs that lead directly from Front Street to the beach. I definitely caution against swimming here, because the water is too cold and there are no lifeguards. However, this a nice place to sink your feet in the sand, or observe the baby seals that rest here during breeding.

3. Visit the Kingfisher Bookstore.

Every island town needs a good bookstore, and Coupeville has its very own Kingfisher Bookstore. The two floors of this romantic bookstore ooze charm, with lots of cosy corners for browsing the best reads.

4. Walk along the Coupeville Wharf.

I love taking a brisk walk along the Coupeville Wharf (1905) and enjoying the incredible views. It was once the lifeline for this community, serving as a drop off point for supplies and new arrivals on Whidbey Island. Coupeville is fortunate to have a calm harbor, making it the ideal location for this wharf.

There's lots of rich sea life on Coupeville's shoreline, best seen when the tide is out.

Here's Coupeville's historic waterfront from the wharf.

5. Visit the Coupeville Wharf cafe.

The cafe at the end of the Coupeville Wharf is perfect in all seasons, and has tables inside, or out on the patio. It can be a bit windy out here so always bring a jacket. On a clear day I can make out distant views of snowcapped Mt Baker.

6. See the "Whale Experience" exhibits.

As an added bonus, the Coupeville Wharf has a free exhibition on whales and marine life in its lobby.

7. Rent a kayak at the end of the Coupeville Wharf.

I've never got around to renting a kayak at the wharf. I imagine it would be an incredible experience to paddle the waterway around Penn Cove.

8. Visit the Island County Historical Museum.

As far as museums go, there can be a lot of variation. However the one in Coupeville is top notch. It's located near the Coupeville Wharf (908 NW Alexander Street). Check hours.

It takes about 2 hours to see the exhibits. The early settler history is on the upper floor, and Native Indian exhibits are on the lower floor.

This is a re-creation of the irish L.P. Byrne store that was constructed in 1880, but burned down forty years later. It operated out of Oak Harbor.

This 1902 holsman, horseless carriage was Whidbey's first car!

I was fascinated to learn that Whidbey Island had a strong suffragette movement. In 1919, the small town of Langley on Whidbey Island had an all female council, and women gained the right to vote in 1920.

Check out these Native American cedar dugout canoes.

These Columbian Mammoth tusks and bones date back 10,000 to 30,000 years ago. They were found on Whidbey Island.

These Native America tools are thousands of years old. They include axe heads, arrow shaft straighteners, adze blades, knifes and hooks.

9. Drive to the FREE Price Sculpture Forest.

The FREE Price Sculpture Forest is a short drive from Coupeville, and has two loop trails lined with sculptures.

10. See the Coupeville Visitor Center at 905 NW Alexander Street.

The old Coupeville Firehouse is now home to the visitor center.

11. Visit the Lavender Wind store in Coupeville.

The Lavender Wind Store (15 NW Coveland Street) is in the heart of Coupeville. It's a sensory delight, with lavender scones, icecream and cookies, and aromatic bath salts. You can also visit the Lavender Wind Farm, 5.5 miles northwest of Coupeville.

12. Stay in a Victorian B&B.

The Anchorage Inn (807 North Main Street) was built in 1990, but is a Victorian-themed B&B.

13. See the Coupeville Town Park and playground.

I highly recommend the short path from the Coupeville downtown area to the Coupeville Town Park. Once up there, you'll find swings, a tennis court, picnic tables, and glorious views!