TRIP PLAN DIRECTORY

THINGS TO DO IN COUPEVILLE

ABOUT COUPEVILLE

Things to do in Coupeville, WA (Whidbey Island)

Located at the midpoint of the 40 mile long Whidbey Island, the town of Coupeville is in many ways the center of island life and representative of much of Whidbey's attractions. It is located on Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, ensuring the preservation of the town's past and the natural history of the surrounding landscape. Coupeville shares the reserve with Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks. At Fort Casey visitors find remains of early fortifications, camping, beaches and opportunities for scuba diving. Climb Admiralty Head Lighthouse to take in views of Admiralty Inlet and the Olympic Peninsula. Kettles trail connects Coupeville to Fort Ebey State Park where more trails wind through dense forests and open to views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The trail at Ebey's Landing is a favorite for many city dwellers seeking the sweeping landscape available from its seaside bluffs. If you prefer to stay in town a waterfront path provides a pleasant stroll from Town Park to Captain Thomas Coupe Park and boat launch. Some of these trails are also popular to cyclists, many of whom tour the Washington Scenic Byway passing through Central Whidbey.

Coupeville Wharf is the historic center of the town, once operating as the islands main seaport and still a vital part of the life of the community for its shops and caf'e. Penn Cove is the hub of water recreation as its tranquil waters invite the ocean kayaker. Rentals are available at the Coupeville Wharf and can be launched at Captain Thomas Coupe Park. Other boating options include charters to Deception Pass, whale watching tours, or Historic Coupeville Dinner Cruises out of the Port of Coupeville. Don't miss sampling the local fare of Penn Cove Mussels, farmed and prepared fresh from the cove, a delicacy celebrated each year at the Penn Cove Mussel Festival.

If you visit Coupeville in the summer months you will find its waterfront full of community activity. Whidbey Island Race Week in July brings over a thousand viewers to watch some of the most competitive racing in the Northwest. The best seating to watch the regatta is along the shore or wharf in Coupeville. Boat races of a different kind can be seen in the waters of Penn Cove during the tribal canoe competition of the Penn Cove Water Festival each May. Coupeville's native history is also recognized through Native crafts, performances, food and activities. Each year Coupeville's historic waterfront is celebrated with Wharffest, a two-day festival of vintage boats and sailing vessels. In addition to these annual events, Concerts on the Cove offers outdoor concerts throughout the summer.

Tour Coupeville's Historic Downtown for pleasant shopping along Coveland and Front Street. Among the cafes, antique and gift shops you will find art galleries rich in local and regional art. Many artists are drawn to the resources and workshops of the Coupeville Arts Center. The artistic community of Coupeville is also on display annually at the Arts and Crafts Festival along the waterfront, the oldest arts fair in Washington state.

Coupeville holds over fifty National Historic Places that can be toured with a map from the Island County Historical Society Museum. Visitors can experience of the town's architecture more intimately with a stay in a Victorian home or cozy cabin on a bluff. More island history can be found in its rural areas and viewed on the Whidbey Island Farm Tour.