Whidbey Island, off the Washington coast, offers stunning views, small-town vibes, and delicious seafood. Here is our guide to exploring Whidbey Island for dog lovers.
The beautiful, verdant island of Whidbey off the coast of Washington is known for its stunning natural views, charming, small-town vibes, and delicious seafood. Whidbey is the largest island in Puget Sound and is home to an assortment of unique hamlets and villages, each with its own distinct flavor. Though traveling to this area does require planning, don’t be intimidated to travel with your dog—you’ll discover ideal spots on Whidbey Island for dog lovers! There are numerous hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, hiking trails, scenic beaches, and dog-friendly restaurants. It just takes calling ahead to confirm.
If you’re traveling with a dog who has undergone emotional support dog certification, you can get even more mileage out of your trip with your furry friend, as there are some hotels and restaurants that only allow animals with the proper papers. With or without the registration, here is a guide to exploring Whidbey Island for dog lovers.
Whidbey Island is ideal for traveling with your dogs. Photo via iStock by Getty Images
Book Your Ferry Ticket
Whidbey is only 30 miles from Seattle, one of the biggest metropolitan hubs in the Pacific Northwest. But separated by the vast Puget Sound and only accessible by ferry, this vacation destination feels a lifetime away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ferries cross Puget Sound to Whidbey Island. Photo by DJ_38 via iStock by Getty Images
The first step in planning your Whidbey trip is booking your ferry ticket. Two ferries travel to Whidbey Island: the Mukilteo/ Clinton Ferry and the Port Townsend/Coupeville Ferry. The Mukilteo ferry leaves from the town of Mukilteo near Everett off I-5, the coastal town closest to Whidbey’s southern point. The Coupeville/Port Townsend ferry touches down in the middle of Whidbey from the East, setting sail from Port Townsend, located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Yes, animals are allowed on board; no, you don’t need to make any special accommodations for the ferry.
Make Sure Your Pet is Prepared for the Weather
Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Whidbey experiences temperamental weather shifts, so expect rain, snow, and cloud cover from winter to spring. If you have a small, short-haired dog like a Chihuahua or terrier, consider bringing sweaters along if you spend a lot of time outside.
Whidbey Island boasts many outdoor attractions, like ziplines, kayaking, and biking trails. Even for the dog-friendly activities—beach walks, trail hikes, strolling through any of Whidbey’s cozy small towns—you’ll want to keep your dog warm and protected.
Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel or Inn
Whether you want to stay at an affordable commuter motel, name-brand luxury hotel, or unique, locally grown bed and breakfast, you have pet-friendly options on Whidbey. From the cozy Whidbey Cottage on Holmes Harbor to the Candlewood Suites in Oak Harbor, you can stay as close to the shore or as deep into the lush pines as desired.
Ensure the lodging is pet-friendly before booking, and scope out a route to take your dog outside as soon as you arrive. You don’t want to lose track of your pet care routine and have an accident cost you!
Dining Out on Whidbey With Your Dog
There are many gray areas when it comes to bringing dogs to restaurants. Some establishments invite both humans and canines to the table. Perhaps just as many have a strict, no-dogs-allowed policy. Most split the difference and allow dogs on the patio.
Arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on your dog’s size, how busy the restaurant is when you dine, and whether or not your dog is a service dog.
Whidbey is famous for its mussels, so bookmark places like the Saltwater Fish House in Langley (which are very welcoming of pets) ahead of time.
Enjoy small-town charm when you escape to Whidbey Island. Photo by searagen via iStock by Getty Images
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When You Visit Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is one of those gems of the Pacific Northwest. We hope you enjoy the natural surroundings, the beautiful waterfront vistas, the small-town vibes, and the delicious seafood. With our guide to exploring Whidbey Island for dog lovers, you can enjoy this Washington slice-of-life island with your furry friend. Be sure to check out Wander for more great things to do when you visit Washington and other parts of the Pacific Northwest. We also have more articles for pet-friendly travel.
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