Langley WA

Whenever I'm looking for the perfect island escape near Seattle, I plan a trip to Langley. It's my favorite town on Whidbey Island, with awe-inspiring views of the Saratoga Passage.

Langley is a picture-perfect town that is crammed full of gift shops, boutiques and galleries along First Street. From the elegant shopfronts, to tasteful in-store displays, everything is so nice.

Langley is also a great base to explore other attractions on Whidbey Island.

Where should I stay?

Langley has a wonderful selection of luxurious lodges with killer views.

I'd highly recommend the Inn at Langley for special occasions. The rooms are directly on the waterfront, so I was able to fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves. There are also luxury spa services, a complimentary breakfast, and a gourmet dinner. Some other luxe options in Langley include the Saratoga Inn and Boatyard Inn.

I'm also impressed by the more affordable Langley Motel that has been nicely renovated and has a retro vibe.  The Country Cottage of Langley has the perfect garden setting and oozes charm.

How do I get there?

Langley is very accessible from Seattle. I just take the 20-minute Mukilteo Ferry, and drive 10 minutes north to Langley. If you're coming from the north end of Whidbey Island, drive across Deception Pass Bridge, then 45-minutes down to Langley.

10 best things to do in Langley

1. Explore charming shops along First Street.

I always take a stroll along First Street when I first arrive in Langley. It has an enviable position on a blufftop, with well preserved early 1900s buildings.

Langley isn't your typical tourist town with tacky t-shirt shops and souvenirs. I love that it has super classy shops full of high quality goods. I especially enjoy these shops during the holiday season when the beautiful shopfronts are decorated. This town goes all out at Chrismas!

One of my favorite shops is the specialty food and home good store, Grayhorse Mercantile. It's a real treat to wander around in here and find things for my kitchen. Artisan Crafted Home is where I'm most likely to shop for small gifts. I then head to to Fair Trade Outfitters for some comfortable clothes.

The Rob Shouten Gallery is housed in an elegant building. The artwork is expensive in here, so probably advisable to not take little kids. A better alternative for the kids is Sweet Mona's Chocolates, with yummy vanilla truffles, peanut butter fudge, and icecream!

Langley's First Street is so walkable!

Set aside a whole afternoon to explore these amazing shops.

I always end a shopping excursion with a glass of wine at Ott & Hunter Wines. Get a seat by the window for awesome water views.

2. Dine at restaurants in Langley.

There's a decent selection of restaurants in Langley. My absolute favorite is the Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar, where I can indulge in locally sourced oysters from places like Willapa Bay, Hood Canal and British Columbia. The selection is always changing, and it's fun to read about their flavor profile before choosing.

If you've got kids, then the obvious choice is the Village Pizzeria. Chow down on a pizza while enjoying wonderful water views. The kids might also like the casual pub atmosphere at the charming Spyhop, or Double Bluff Brewing.

Whenever I'm looking for an upscale experience, I book a table at Savory or the Inn at Langley. Definitely don't take kids to either of these.

Brunch is also a very serious business in Langley. One of the best cooked breakfasts is at Braeburn Restaurant, but be prepared for the line!  It's often easier to head across the street and pick up a breakfast sandwich, soup or baked goods at Langley Kitchen. I then sit outside on the porch. It's heated in winter so I'm nice and cosy!

I love the cute cottage that houses Spyhop Pub.

3. Visit the South Whidbey Harbor marina.

I always like to find secluded picnic spots in towns, away from the summer crowds. One of my best finds is the tiny waterfront park at the marina, known as the Phil Simon Memorial Park. As I'm enjoying a coffee or breakfast sandwich I can look out at views of Saratoga Passage. It's also just a short distance from Langley's downtown.

These are the views from Langley's marina.

For even better views, stroll out along the pier.

The beach at the marina is a popular launch site for kayaks.

4.  Take the stairs down to Seawall Park beach.

At some point you'll be tempted to the leave the shops and restaurants on First Street, and head down to the waterfront. It's very easy to get there. Just walk to Seawall Park along First Street, then take the stairs to the waterfront.

I prefer to visit the waterfront at low tide when I can search for driftwood or clam shells on the sandy beach. During high tide the sandy is completely covered. I wouldn't recommend swimming here, but I have seen hotel guests at the Langley Inn head out into the waters. The water is freezing cold and there are rip tides, so not a good idea.

Ring the orca bell at Seawall park if you happen to catch sight of these magnificent creatures!

5. Grab a coffee at The Commons Cafe & Books.

The community hang-out in Langley is definitely The Commons Cafe & Books. It feels like stepping inside someone's house here, and has a super relaxed vibe. There's new and used books, some toys for the kids to play with, and a coffee and pastry area. I order a fresh scone and burrito, and head out to the patio in summer.

6.  Visit the Langley Whale Center Museum.

I always make it a point to check the Orca sightings board at the Langley Whale Center Museum (hours). The waters around Langley have some of the best whale watching watching in the world!  Keep your eyes peeled for the 73 Orcas across three pods, who form a permanent community in the Salish Sea.

Set aside some time to talk to the volunteers at the Langley Museum who are highly knowledgeable about sealife in these waters. There's sea lions, harbor seals, whales and elephant seals. Run your hands over the soft marine pelts, or try and figure out which animal the skeletons and bones belong to.

This place is well suited to kids with games and toys. There's also fun items to pick up at the gift shop.

7. Visit the South Whidbey Historical Museum.

Another one of my favorite activities in Langley, is stopping by the South Whidbey Historical Museum (314 Second Street). There's a lot packed into this tiny museum, housed insided a historic logger bunkhouse. Langley was once a rough and tumble logging and fishing town (check hours).

8.  Stay in a luxe Langley lodge.

Langley is well known for its luxe lodges, and top of the list is the waterfront Inn at Langley. This is the type of lodge that gets written up in travel magazines. Other nice options are the  blufftop Saratoga Inn, and Boatyard Inn near the marina.

The Saratoga Inn is a short walk from First Street. I love the classy, boutique rooms with a fireplace. However the amazing carriage house is the real star of the show! I really enjoyed the communal area inside, and hanging out on the porch and talking to other guests.

Here's the Inn at a Langley.

9. Indulge at the Chocolate Flower Farm. 

It's always fun to drive down a country road in Langley, and stumble across a farm or winery. One of my favorites is the Chocolate Flower Farm. It's just a short drive from Langley and is oh so charming!

Wander through the gardens to the rustic shed, where you can load up on all things chocolate.  There's raspberry and chocolate jam, dark chocolate truffles, and chocolate candles. The highlight is the chocolate garden seed kits, that produce chocolate scented flowers!

Check hours.

10. Explore nearby wineries.

As you'd expect in a boutique township like Langley, there's always a decent selection of wineries. The award winning Comforts of Whidbey Winery should be top of your list, with an architectural tasting room, and great water views.

I also adore the enchanting setting of Spoiled Dog Winery.  I love the country drive through the forest, past the rows of vines and down to its charming tasting room. I noticed there was no seating inside, but there's no better place than the patio on a summer's day. Incredible ambiance, dog friendly, and delicious wine flights!

Another must-do is the incredible Whidbey Island Distillery. This 9-acre property has the highest rated spirits in the world!  My favorite was the loganberry liquor!

I've also pulled together a list of the 8 BEST Whidbey Island Wineries for 15-miles along Highway 525.

Comforts of Whidbey Winery.

11. Enjoy a meal or browse gifts at Bayview Corner.

Bayview Corner is another one of those fantastic Whidbey Island gems, and is a short drive from Langley. The main reason I visit here is the awesome Bayview Nursery. It has the most gorgeous garden setting, and a huge area inside to browse tasteful gifts. The best time to visit is over the holiday season when the gift shop is completely decked out with Christmas gifts and decorations.  After loading up on gifts, I then enjoy lunch at the lovely Flower House Cafe next door.

Bayview Corner is also the historic heart of Whidbey Island. The Bayview Cash Store (1924) is behind the nursery, and where island farmers used to pick up all their supplies and gather for gossip and news. Today this beautiful building has been re-purposed as a taproom, donut shop, and art gallery.

Sit outside at the Flower House Cafe. 

12. Visit a glass gallery in a forest.

This is a bit off the beaten track, but if I'm looking for really unique glasswares, I drive to Cultus Bay Glass in the forest. There used to be an amazing bakery next door, but that has since closed. Check hours.

Attractions near Langley:

• Greenbank Farm (20 minute drive from Langley).
• Meerkerk Gardens (20 minute drive).
• Coupeville (35 minute drive).
• Price Sculpture Forest (35 minute drive):
• Fort Ebey (40 minute drive).
• Fort Casey State Park (40 minute drive).
• Lavender Wind Farm (40 minute drive).
• Deception Pass State Park (60 minute drive).