Step Into a World of Whimsy Along This Art Trail on Whidbey Island in Washington

If you asked me to send you a list of my favorite whimsical, playful, unique destinations in the Evergreen State, I’d give you a pretty lengthy document. It would include small towns like Leavenworth and attractions like the Museum of Illusions in Seattle. And it would certainly include the Whidbey Art Trail, a self-guided tour of galleries, studios, and sculpture parks around the beautiful Whidbey Island. This tour is a fabulous way to explore the island and gain a whole new appreciation of the bustling arts scene in this corner of the state.

Just north of Seattle, you will find Whidbey Island on Puget Sound. This island is breathtaking, covered in hills, beaches, farms, forests, and more. It is also home to bucket-list-worthy destinations like Deception Pass State Park, Fort Casey Historical State Park, and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.

Several towns and communities are located on the island including Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley. Each one has vibrant communities, excellent places to stay, delicious, locally-owned restaurants, and a lively arts scene. And to experience the arts community firsthand, you can spend a day (or multiple days!) exploring the Whidbey Art Trail.

The Whidbey Art Trail is a self-guided, year-round tour of up to 20 art studios, galleries, and sculpture parks that dot the island. A trail map is available to help you plan your adventure and to ensure you don’t miss a single stop. You can utilize the map online or acquire a physical copy at businesses around Whidbey Island, along certain Washington State Ferries’ routes, and more.

The Whidbey Art Trail is a non-profit arts organization that strives to promote the arts community, and it makes perfect sense that it is located on the island. Whidbey Island is Puget Sound’s largest artists' colony, and creators and performers of all types call it home.

Remember that the Whidbey Art Trail is not a tour you complete once and mark off your bucket list. Each year, new artists, galleries, or art venues can register to become a stop on the tour, meaning tours will look different from one year to the next. Tackling the Whidbey Arts Trail may become an annual tradition.

It doesn’t matter if you love the arts or you want a new way to explore Whidbey Island, this tour is a terrific option. You can learn more on the Whidbey Art Trail website. And, if you want to stay even longer on the island, we love all the communities and small towns on Whidbey Island, but Coupeville has our heart. This historic small town is a destination we believe every Washingtonian should visit at least once.

Of course, if you have a whimsical destination in the Evergreen State that you love to visit, let us know. Fill out this nomination form and tell us why we should check it out. I’d love to hear from you.