Regardless of the season, Washington's beaches on Whidbey Island, Washington, do not disappoint. They offer breathtaking vistas, rocky coastlines, sandy shores, and even dog-friendly stretches from north to south and east to west.
Repeat visitors and locals alike have their favorites, yet each beach has something different to offer. This means plenty of shoreside excursions to plan for while stationed at NAS Whidbey Island.
If you’re new to the island or headed to a military base in the area, remember to connect with NAS Whidbey Island Outdoor Recreation. The office supplies military families with equipment such as kayaks and beach camping accessories. It also plans and executes guided tours throughout the region.
Here’s your guide to the best beaches on Whidbey Island!
1) Ebey’s Landing
The National Park Service operates the Reserve at Ebey’s Landing. The reserve includes an active farming community and provides a historical record of Colonel Isaac Ebey’s earliest settlement. Fort Casey State Park is also on the property and is the perfect place to take in the views and learn about military history.
Fishermen are partial to this area, especially during salmon season, but beachgoers will find miles of shoreline to enjoy. Hikers appreciate the five-mile trail that covers the beach and bluffs, as well as cliffside trekking overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Ebey’s Landing on Southwestern Whidbey Island. Photo from iStock.com/Emma Kalwies
2) Double Bluff Beach
At the southern end of the island near Freeland, Double Bluff Beach is a crowd favorite because of its sandy beach, tide pools, and rock-free swimming. It is also the only off-leash, dog-friendly beach in the area.
Double Bluff state park encompasses the islander’s beloved tidelands. These vast tidelands inspired the name of the adjacent water, Useless Bay. During low tide, the sand stretches beyond a half mile from the shoreline, making boating difficult.
3) Dugualla Bay
If you prefer a little mystery to your beach travels, Dugualla Bay in Oak Harbor provides the challenge. Tourists tend to stay away as public access and parking spaces are sparse. This beach beckons those looking for solitude and connection with marine life. Native birds are abundant, and the prevalence of frogs hopping about indicates the wildlife scenery found in Dugualla Bay.
Wondering what your Navy BAH will be while you're stationed at Whidbey? Learn more about housing, the real estate market, and more with our NAS Whidbey Island information page.
4) Joseph Whidbey State Park Beach
A preferred destination for visitors searching for the perfect sunset, Joseph Whidbey State Park Beach's shoreline includes hiking trails, meadows, and rocky beaches. Those who come to this beach hope to find a driftwood log to settle down on and soak in the scenery without large crowds.
The sun setting over Puget Sound from Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, WA. Photo from iStock.com/Cavan Images
5) Maxwelton Beach/Dave Mackie Park
The warm summer months are perfect for vacationers near Maxwelton Beach and Dave Mackie Park in Clinton. The sandy beach is ideal for lounging and playing in the water. Traditionally, the park has been a cherished secret, but its favorable reputation has spread beyond locals.
The beach is so large that plenty of frontage remains for everyone headed to the south end of Whidbey. On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains pop against the blue skyline.
6) North Beach
Thanks to the world-famous Deception Pass, North Beach near Oak Harbor is popular with everyone during the summer months. Come prepared to hang out with fellow beach lovers. Views from North Beach include the Deception Pass Bridge, where hikers like to roam to and from the beach. Shoreside, fishermen enjoy the salmon hunt.
North Beach is part of Deception State Park. Public parking is available near the bridge, and a short wooded trail leads to the sandy beach. If you arrive at low tide, take advantage of the option to walk the sand until you meet the West Beach Deception Pass.
Deception Pass. Photo from iStock.com/Christian Petrone
7) West Beach Deception Pass
Also in Deception Pass State Park, near Cranberry Lake, West Beach offers multiple trailheads, including the well-known Rosario. A sandy, swim-friendly beach meets campgrounds and public amenities such as picnic sites, bathrooms, and shower facilities.
These are amazing beaches to visit and revisit, but people new to Whidbey Island can find it challenging to find public-access beaches rather than privately owned beachfronts. A local beach map is a helpful resource for avoiding conflicts with landowners, finding public parking, and avoiding paid parking lots.
Has this list of the best beaches inspired your move to NAS Whidbey Island? If you’re headed this way, read more about what to do on the island. And visit our constantly updated list of NAS Whidbey Island homes below.
