Chasing the Sunset on Whidbey Island

There is something special about a Whidbey Island sunset. On a clear evening, the sky turns shades of gold, pink, orange, and purple as the sun slips toward the water. Add the silhouette of the Olympic Mountains, a quiet beach, and the sound of the waves, and you have a pretty perfect ending to an island day.

Whether you live here or are just visiting, here are three of my favorite places—from north to south—to catch a beautiful Whidbey sunset.

North End: Joseph Whidbey State Park

One of our favorite spots on the north end is Joseph Whidbey State Park. You can park right down by the beach. On a warm summer evening, it’s the perfect place to walk and relax as the day comes to a close and the evening sky bursts into color. From the beach, you have a wide view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Bring a picnic dinner or simply take a walk along the beach as the sun begins to go down. There’s a small pull-out parking area right near the water, where you can stay in your car if it’s chilly and watch the sky change colors. On a clear summer evening, you’ll love the gentle breeze and the smell of salt water as you enjoy the show.

Central Whidbey: Ebey's Landing

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is an iconic Whidbey location that is hard to beat. We love hiking the bluff trail any time because of the amazing views that you get to see from high above the water. The blue of the water, the iconic Washington State Ferries, the islands, and the mountains are all in full view. Not only that, but you are surrounded by the rolling farmland and prairie that make Central Whidbey so distinctive. As the sun gets lower, the entire landscape seems to glow.

If you'd rather skip the hike, park down at the beach and watch the sunset from the shoreline. Bring a blanket or find a piece of driftwood, listen to the waves, and watch the colors change over the water. It's a simple Whidbey experience, but one that never gets old.

South End: Double Bluff Beach

For a laid-back sunset with your toes in the sand, head to Double Bluff County Park near Freeland. Double Bluff has one of Whidbey's longest, sandiest beaches, with expansive views across Useless Bay toward the Olympic Peninsula. On especially clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier.

Come early and take a long beach walk, bring a picnic, or simply settle onto a piece of driftwood and wait for the evening colors. At low tide, the beach seems to stretch forever, making it an especially fun place for families. Double Bluff is also well known for its designated off-leash dog area, so your four-legged family members can enjoy the evening too.

Sometimes the best Whidbey Island evenings are the simplest ones: good company, a beautiful view, and nowhere else you need to be.