Coupeville is a small coastal town located on Whidbey Island and is the second oldest town in the state of Washington. Coupeville, Langley and Oak Harbor are all located on Whidbey Island.
About
Coupeville, Washington, is an idyllic small coastal town that will take you back in time. Known as Washington state’s second oldest town, it is home to more preserved historic buildings than anywhere else in the state. The town was established in the 1850s by Captain Thomas Coupe.
The communities of Coupeville, Langley and Oak Harbor, nestled in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington state, offer endless attractions for those looking to explore. Coupeville captures its coastal charm with stunning lighthouses and picturesque views framed by harbor-sheltered hills dotted with farms and orchards. Langley is known for its art galleries, restaurants and whimsical public art around the town. The entire region is a fantastic destination for any outdoor enthusiast, with an expansive network of parks and trails through pristine meadows. Oak Harbor is the largest community on the island and has the most shopping. Additionally, it boasts dramatic bluffs overlooking broad beaches, ideal for beachcombing and kayaking. All three towns provide unforgettable scenery both near the water and further inland. There’s also no shortage of history here: visitors can explore 19th-century sites like Penn Cove where native tribes harvested shellfish, or take a stroll around Ebey’s Prairie Reserve and its bevy of wildflowers. Whether it’s kayaking and hiking at Deception Pass State Park or winery hopping along the South Whidbey Wine Trail, you won’t be disappointed by these small Whidbey Island cities.
Weather and Getting There
The weather in these areas is mild. Summer highs are in the upper 60s to low 70s with plenty of sun. Winter lows can reach 40 degrees with frequent mist and showers. Coupeville is located in the center of Whidbey Island and can be reached easily by car or by ferry. From the Seattle airport it takes between 2 to 2-1/2 hours by car including the short ferry. From all areas south (Seattle) take the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry. From the west (Olympic Peninsula), take the Port Townsend-Coupeville ferry or from the North (Anacortes, Bellingham and Vancouver BC), take WA-20 and the historic Deception Pass Bridge, an iconic structure that draws in visitors from across the globe for its architectural beauty and engineering feats.
Festivals & Events
Coupeville is also a very festive town and is the home to one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the state. Every year in early August, Coupeville streets are taken over by local artists who display and sell their work. The Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival draws as many as 15,000 visitors for a single weekend. In early March, thousands come to Coupeville to celebrate the annual Musselfest where they sample the delicious Penn Cove mussels in a local competition among the restaurants for the coveted title of the Best Mussel Chowder. In May Coupeville hosts the historic Water Festival that celebrates the Native American culture, art and sport of tribal canoe races. Garden tours, kite festivals, parades, sailboat races, wine tours, agritourism and lavender festivals also go through the summer.
Outdoors
Coupeville is located in the heart of Ebey’s National Historic Reserve. Enjoy the beauty and nature of nearby state and national parks including Fort Casey, Fort Ebey and Ebey’s Landing. Reconnect with nature.The area and parks host a multitude of hiking and biking trails and open beaches. Take time to enjoy bird watching and whale watching, or admire the many ways it has been captured by the local artists at nearby galleries.
Things to Do
If you like to eat, Coupeville will surely satisfy your taste buds. The town and Ebey’s prairie enjoy abundant sunshine and about one-half the rainfall of Seattle with milder temperatures making it ideal for growing food. The local farmer’s market will showcase these locally grown fruits and vegetables all summer. The fine local B&Bs and restaurants make ample use of them in their delicious meals. The world famous Penn Cove shellfish are grown here too. You won’t find mussels any fresher than those served right here in Coupeville.
Coupeville is also the center of a growing artist community on Whidbey Island. Whether you want to learn brand new skills or polish your expertise the Pacific Northwest Art School is your ticket to new techniques in painting, photography, fiber or mixed media. If weaving is more your thing, the world famous Weaver’s School holds beginner and expert classes on the fine techniques of weaving with hand looms.
