If you ask a sample of military families to list some of their best duty stations, chances are that Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will pop up on their favorite military move lists.
Quality of life factors like outdoor activities and easy access to shopping and entertainment are just two of the reasons many military families choose NAS Whidbey as their favorite PCS destination and often try to extend their time or return to the area.
NAS Whidbey Island is located approximately 80 miles north of Seattle, Washington. The base has two parts: the Seaplane Base on the Eastern Shore of the island and Ault Field on the Western Shore. The city of Oak Harbor surrounds the base. Anacortes, Coupeville, and Fidalgo Island are all nearby and popular with military families.
Joanie, a native Washingtonian and Navy spouse, helps us understand how to familiarize ourselves with Whidbey Island if your family expects a PCS to NAS Whidbey.
NAS Whidbey Island Homes, Cities, and Schools
NAS Whidbey Island On Base Housing
Hunt Military Communities offers on-base housing at the Seaplane Base on Whidbey Island. Many of the newer Whidbey Island homes have breathtaking views of Puget Sound.
Oak Harbor
Only 10 minutes from Whidbey, Oak Harbor is a popular waterfront city for military families, with big box store conveniences readily available. Locals refer to Oak Harbor as small-town living, and the town enjoys a slower pace of life. Families find plenty of outdoor activities to engage in and the opportunity to find homes with larger yards to play in.
Anacortes
The city of Anacortes is about a 30-minute drive north of the installation. It offers a little more of a city-life feel and has easy access to Interstate 5. It has an abundance of shopping and dining/nightlife options. The back gate of Whidbey is often useful for those residing in Anacortes.
In Joanie’s opinion, Anacortes' schools align with what she hopes for her daughter, compared to Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island schools.
If you need help narrowing school choices, How to Find the Best School Solution for Your Military Kids has suggestions.
Important NAS Whidbey Island Facts
The commissary and Navy Exchange are located on Seaplane Base. Unfortunately, the hospital does not offer an emergency room or urgent care but does have labor and delivery services. Most specialty service appointments are seen at other installations or through civilian providers.
Joanie raves about the outdoor activities and travel opportunities while stationed at Whidbey! Beach walking, boating, and camping are all highly recommended because facilities are so well cared for in this region. She also recommends utilizing the MWR and Fleet and Family Readiness resources to take advantage of discounts and travel advice options.
Tourists and their buses are a force to be reckoned with during the warmer months, forcing longer commute times around NAS Whidbey.
Popular Things to Do Near NAS Whidbey Island
First, prepare for the notorious Pacific Northwest dampness. Like many others I have talked to, Joanie stresses the importance of proper wet weather gear. Connecting with the locals is a great way to get the low down on the best brands and essential gear.
On-Base Adventures
Once you’ve shopped for the proper outdoor attire, use the multitude of rentals at the NAS Whidbey Island Moral, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) Programs. Canadian and Alaskan excursion options are always available for family getaways.
You can also check out nearby military bases for their excursion programs.
- The Best U.S. Military Bases for Outdoor Enthusiasts (See point #8- Naval Base Kitsap)
- Explore the Pacific Northwest with Joint Base Lewis-McChord MWR
Off-Base Entertainment
The Whidbey Camino Islands Tourism page has the motto, “The Shortest Distance to Far Away,” which sums up beautifully the ideal combination of local attractions and people who make the area seem worlds away from typical military life.
Artisanal food and drink outposts are just a few miles down the road from Whidbey. There are a multitude of breweries, distilleries, and wineries ready to showcase the products produced from the surrounding landscape. The area is also well known for outstanding seafood, fresh produce, and locally sourced chocolates.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors attend the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April, which is held in nearby La Conner, Washington.
Everyone who has spent time at Whidbey and the surrounding area is quick to mention the abundance of natural wonders. Within the island’s reach, there are eight state parks and numerous local and county parks. This means planned trips and activities must go on regardless of the weather to make the most of your PCS time on the island!
Local favorites include:
- Deception Pass
- Fort Casey State Park
- Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
- Lavender Wind Farm
- Fort Ebey
- Dugualla Bay Farms
Photo by Leo Ang from Getty Images via Canva.com
Must-See Seattle Sites
The entire west coast of Washington is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, but what if you want a break to do some shopping and appreciate the big city lights?
Seattle is about 80 miles north of Whidbey. Easily done in a day or a fun overnight, the hustle and bustle of the caffeine-frenzied city might be just what you need for a change of gorgeous but different scenery.
Of course, tourists and locals flock to the landmark Space Needle and the exciting Pike Place Market, but other fun options are still waiting to be explored. With kids in tow, the Museum of Pop Culture is a unique experience. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen established the museum to house a collection of pop culture references of all media types.
Add these Seattle points of interest to your bucket list:
- The original Starbucks store at Pike Place
- Monorail
- International Fountain Mall, a spray water park
- Downtown, the flagship Nordstrom
Whidbey Island will be one of those military assignments where you’ll need to keep a running list of things to do before moving again, especially if you’re a first-timer in Washington. With so many choices of what to see and experience, it's best to buy your rain gear early and plan your must-see and do list as soon as you arrive for your Pacific Northwest adventure.
