Natasha's Guidebook
Sightseeing
At 10 minutes away, Fort Ebey is the closest state park and one of my favorites. Beautiful picnic area, spooky tunnel, sweeping vistas, and hiking trails.
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Fort Ebey State Park
400 Hill Valley DrAt 10 minutes away, Fort Ebey is the closest state park and one of my favorites. Beautiful picnic area, spooky tunnel, sweeping vistas, and hiking trails.
The iconic lighthouse welcomes visitors an average of 180 days a year (every day in the summer). If you’re lucky, you might catch a tour. If not, the gun battery of Camp Casey makes a satisfying consolation prize (really, both are worthy of a walkthrough.
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Admiralty Head Lighthouse
1280 Engle RdThe iconic lighthouse welcomes visitors an average of 180 days a year (every day in the summer). If you’re lucky, you might catch a tour. If not, the gun battery of Camp Casey makes a satisfying consolation prize (really, both are worthy of a walkthrough.
Hiking Trails
Only 5 minutes from the Sunshine Studio, this is one of my favorite places to hike. The Kettles are a network of forest trails, perfect for a rainy or windy day. Be sure to use the QR code in the room to download the map (it’s easy to get lost on these trails)!
Kettles Trail
Kettles TrailOnly 5 minutes from the Sunshine Studio, this is one of my favorite places to hike. The Kettles are a network of forest trails, perfect for a rainy or windy day. Be sure to use the QR code in the room to download the map (it’s easy to get lost on these trails)!
At 12 minutes away, Ebey’s Landing is on my list of top local hikes. A loop, this trail includes everything: open spaces, forest, beach, mountain views. You’ll likely catch sight of the Coupeville ferry and see at least one eagle— soaring at your level.
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Ebeys Landing
At 12 minutes away, Ebey’s Landing is on my list of top local hikes. A loop, this trail includes everything: open spaces, forest, beach, mountain views. You’ll likely catch sight of the Coupeville ferry and see at least one eagle— soaring at your level.
Meerkerk Gardens is a peaceful woodland trail full of the most varied a beautiful rhododendrons (WA state flower) you’ll ever see in one place! The main trail is easily assessable for a short, fragrant walk; those who enjoy longer hikes can explore the forest path. The gardens are open 9am-4pm, with public tours every Saturday at 1pm. The flowers burst into bloom in April and peak season is about mid-May, with plenty of flowers left through (my rough estimate) August. Check their website for special events!
Admission: $5/person
Location: Greenbank, WA
I’ve tried to keep my recommendations for Sunshine Studio guests super-local, but this is worth the distance (or, if you’re traveling from the Clinton ferry, it’s on your way)!
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Meerkerk Gardens
3531 Meerkerk LnMeerkerk Gardens is a peaceful woodland trail full of the most varied a beautiful rhododendrons (WA state flower) you’ll ever see in one place! The main trail is easily assessable for a short, fragrant walk; those who enjoy longer hikes can explore the forest path. The gardens are open 9am-4pm, with public tours every Saturday at 1pm. The flowers burst into bloom in April and peak season is about mid-May, with plenty of flowers left through (my rough estimate) August. Check their website for special events!
Admission: $5/person
Location: Greenbank, WA
I’ve tried to keep my recommendations for Sunshine Studio guests super-local, but this is worth the distance (or, if you’re traveling from the Clinton ferry, it’s on your way)!
This fairly short trail is full of a diversity of sculptures and not to be missed. Newly installed by a local family this delightful forest path is perfect for anyone who loves art, walking and nature. A short drive from Coupeville’s downtown.
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Price Sculpture Forest
678 Parker RdThis fairly short trail is full of a diversity of sculptures and not to be missed. Newly installed by a local family this delightful forest path is perfect for anyone who loves art, walking and nature. A short drive from Coupeville’s downtown.
Beach
At 5 driving minutes away (or a 20 minute bike ride), Monroe Landing’s sandy beach offers an excellent view of Penn Cove and the Olympic Mountains.
Monroe Landing
At 5 driving minutes away (or a 20 minute bike ride), Monroe Landing’s sandy beach offers an excellent view of Penn Cove and the Olympic Mountains.
This is the neighborhood beach, which you are welcome to visit. A short drive or a 1/2-mile walk.
Riepma Avenue & West Penn Cove Road
This is the neighborhood beach, which you are welcome to visit. A short drive or a 1/2-mile walk.
Food scene
A favorite with visitors and locals alike, and fairly reasonable. A single is three small scoops, with lots of flavors to choose from. If you are a confident kayaker, it is fun to launch from the neighborhood beach, paddle across Penn Cove, and grab a Kapaw ice cream. Closes mid-October, opens March 1.
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KAPAWS ISKREME
21 Front St NEA favorite with visitors and locals alike, and fairly reasonable. A single is three small scoops, with lots of flavors to choose from. If you are a confident kayaker, it is fun to launch from the neighborhood beach, paddle across Penn Cove, and grab a Kapaw ice cream. Closes mid-October, opens March 1.
Whidbey Coffee is a local favorite. It has a lot of Whidbey-themed mugs and tumblers as well as great drinks. The one on Pioneer in Oak Harbor’s downtown has a beautiful view of the harbor, from both inside and outside seating areas. Yummy chai!
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Whidbey Coffee
980 SE Pioneer WayWhidbey Coffee is a local favorite. It has a lot of Whidbey-themed mugs and tumblers as well as great drinks. The one on Pioneer in Oak Harbor’s downtown has a beautiful view of the harbor, from both inside and outside seating areas. Yummy chai!
First of all, what’s not to love about the name, right? This Coupeville coffee shop is super cute and a great choice for a tasty sandwich, cup o’ joe, and some local-inspired gifts.
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Sunshine Drip Coffee Lounge
306 N Main StFirst of all, what’s not to love about the name, right? This Coupeville coffee shop is super cute and a great choice for a tasty sandwich, cup o’ joe, and some local-inspired gifts.
‘The Cove’ coffee shop has a cozy atmosphere, delicious homemade food, great coffee, local-made gifts, and one of the best views around.
https://www.thecoveonpenncove.com/
Coffee on the Cove
26 Front Street Northeast‘The Cove’ coffee shop has a cozy atmosphere, delicious homemade food, great coffee, local-made gifts, and one of the best views around.
https://www.thecoveonpenncove.com/
My absolute favorite restaurant! The Fresh Rolls are awesome as an appetizer, the Phad Thai is amazing, and I can never decide if I like the Green Curry or the Red Curry best because they’re both magnificently satisfying! They have a star rating for spiciness— you might want to choose one star below what you think you can handle.
https://www.sweetricethaicuisine.com/
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SWEET RICE THAI CUISINE & SPIRIT
885 SE Pioneer WayMy absolute favorite restaurant! The Fresh Rolls are awesome as an appetizer, the Phad Thai is amazing, and I can never decide if I like the Green Curry or the Red Curry best because they’re both magnificently satisfying! They have a star rating for spiciness— you might want to choose one star below what you think you can handle.
https://www.sweetricethaicuisine.com/
This is a fairly new find for me, one that I’m excited to share with you. Chris’ Bakery has incredibly delectable treats! Honestly, I didn’t look past the donut choicesu which are absolute perfection. I’ve only been once so far, but I’m definitely looking for another excuse to celebrate life with another excursion to this tastebud paradise. 🤩
Chris' Bakery
1025 Northeast 7th AvenueThis is a fairly new find for me, one that I’m excited to share with you. Chris’ Bakery has incredibly delectable treats! Honestly, I didn’t look past the donut choicesu which are absolute perfection. I’ve only been once so far, but I’m definitely looking for another excuse to celebrate life with another excursion to this tastebud paradise. 🤩
The BOBA Toons
A trendy place for a wide variety of your favorite bubble tea favorites. 😎
Oak Harbor is home to many great Mexican restaurants. Really, you can’t go wrong, but this one is a definite winner.
Noe Jose Cafe Family Restaurant
Oak Harbor is home to many great Mexican restaurants. Really, you can’t go wrong, but this one is a definite winner.
UNNI's
Deliciously authentic South Indian cuisine! Check the website’s menu for this take-out treat.
The food here is amazing! Sooooo delicious! The service is awesome, the place isn’t loud even when packed, and the price is half of what I expected. If you like crab, I definitely recommend the Spicy Crunch Roll. Mmmmm
Sushi Moto Japanese Restaurant
The food here is amazing! Sooooo delicious! The service is awesome, the place isn’t loud even when packed, and the price is half of what I expected. If you like crab, I definitely recommend the Spicy Crunch Roll. Mmmmm
Entertainment
Relive the fun of roller skating in a historic Oak Harbor barn. Tickets are inexpensive but the memories are priceless. 🛼
Roller Barn
98 NE Barron DrRelive the fun of roller skating in a historic Oak Harbor barn. Tickets are inexpensive but the memories are priceless. 🛼
A unique and fun way to spend an hour, this brand new addition to Oak Harbor’s entertainment scene is “ax-tra” fun.
Tossin' Axes
A unique and fun way to spend an hour, this brand new addition to Oak Harbor’s entertainment scene is “ax-tra” fun.
A one-of-kind blast from the past! In addition to double features, the Blue Fox Drive-in movie theater has go-carts, an arcade, and a meal-worthy snack bar.
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Blue Fox Drive-In Theatre
1403 N Monroe Landing RdA one-of-kind blast from the past! In addition to double features, the Blue Fox Drive-in movie theater has go-carts, an arcade, and a meal-worthy snack bar.
On a summer day, Penn Cove is a great place to kayak! You can rent kayaks right from Coupeville’s historic wharf.
Wharf Dog Paddle and Pantry.
On a summer day, Penn Cove is a great place to kayak! You can rent kayaks right from Coupeville’s historic wharf.
Whether you’re a longtime martial artist or just want to experience taekwondo for the first time, stop in at Woodward’s Taekwondo Academy in Oak Harbor. 35.00 pays for your first class, with a uniform and two weeks of classes thrown in. Natasha loves this place and thinks the people are super awesome and welcoming! ☺️
Woodward's Tae Kwon Do Academy
Whether you’re a longtime martial artist or just want to experience taekwondo for the first time, stop in at Woodward’s Taekwondo Academy in Oak Harbor. 35.00 pays for your first class, with a uniform and two weeks of classes thrown in. Natasha loves this place and thinks the people are super awesome and welcoming! ☺️
Shop
Downtown shops that capture the character of Whidbey.
Back To the Island
9B Front Street NorthwestThis is the “gift” shop where I usually find some delightful treasure for… MYSELF! A thoughtfully arranged shop jam-packed with both local and worldwide items. I especially like the scrumptious-smelling bar soaps.
Aqua Gifts
2 Front St NEThis is the “gift” shop where I usually find some delightful treasure for… MYSELF! A thoughtfully arranged shop jam-packed with both local and worldwide items. I especially like the scrumptious-smelling bar soaps.
A quirky little shop with unexpected finds. Half the place is dedicated to a fascinating collection of rocks and shells, the other to interior decorating treasures, and “snarky” gifts.
Purple Moon
860 SE Pioneer WayA quirky little shop with unexpected finds. Half the place is dedicated to a fascinating collection of rocks and shells, the other to interior decorating treasures, and “snarky” gifts.
The whole downtown area of Coupeville is a delight, from the wharf to the museum to the restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop in at the bookshop and art gallery!
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Coupeville Wharf
24 Front St NWThe whole downtown area of Coupeville is a delight, from the wharf to the museum to the restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop in at the bookshop and art gallery!
Library
So, I’m totally biased because I work here, but I absolutely LOVE the Oak Harbor Library. If you live in Washington, we are happy to set you up with an account, but you don’t need a library card to use the computers, print (for free), select a book from the donation-based book rack, attend one of our great events, browse a local newspaper or use the wifi.
1000 SE Regatta Dr.
Open every day, 10AM-6PM (Sun. 1-5).
Full disclosure: The Oak Harbor Library is in the same system as the other island libraries: Coupeville, Freeland, Langley and Clinton, all great destinations!
Oak Harbor Library - Sno-Isle Libraries
1000 Southeast Regatta DriveSo, I’m totally biased because I work here, but I absolutely LOVE the Oak Harbor Library. If you live in Washington, we are happy to set you up with an account, but you don’t need a library card to use the computers, print (for free), select a book from the donation-based book rack, attend one of our great events, browse a local newspaper or use the wifi.
1000 SE Regatta Dr.
Open every day, 10AM-6PM (Sun. 1-5).
Full disclosure: The Oak Harbor Library is in the same system as the other island libraries: Coupeville, Freeland, Langley and Clinton, all great destinations!