Things To Do
in Oak Harbor

Freshly shucked oysters from nearby tidelands — try them raw on the half shell at seafood restaurants or markets in town.

Must-Try!

Locally sourced grilled or smoked salmon appears on many menus; ask for sustainably caught options where possible.

A creamy, clam-and-potato chowder is a regional favorite, available at cafés and seafood restaurants throughout Oak Harbor.

When in season, Dungeness crab shows up at markets and restaurants — often served simply with drawn butter or in salads/rolls.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is an active military base; observe signage, avoid restricted areas and be mindful of noise and security rules when nearby.

Stay on designated trails, don't remove shells or plants from protected areas, and avoid trespassing on private farmland along Ebey’s Reserve.

Locals value friendliness and directness — a courteous hello, patience in service settings and tipping are appreciated.

Residential neighborhoods are quiet in the evenings; keep noise down, especially around vacation rentals.

In the United States tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants for full-service dining, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for delivery or bell staff, and 10–15% for taxi or ride-share drivers if service is good.

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small vendors, farmers markets or remote stands. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly accepted but not universal in small businesses.

Warmest and driest season with long daylight hours — ideal for hiking, kayaking, beachcombing and festivals. Expect more visitors and higher accommodation demand; bring sunscreen and layers for cool evenings.

Crisp, pleasant days and colorful foliage on the inland prairie and wooded areas; fewer crowds and good wildlife viewing. Rain increases later in the season, so pack a waterproof jacket.

Cool, wet and often windy with shorter daylight; good for storm-watching, birding and quieter travel. Ferry schedules and some seasonal services may be reduced — dress warmly and expect muddy trails.

Wildflowers and blossoming orchards appear with mild temperatures and intermittent rain; good time for bird migration viewing and lower crowds than summer.

Major international airport serving the Puget Sound region — about 1.5–2.5 hours away by car and ferry, depending on connections and traffic; most long-haul flights arrive here.

Regional airport in Everett with some commercial service — typically a 60–90 minute drive plus ferry/bridge connections to Whidbey Island.

Smaller regional airport to the north offering some domestic flights — longer drive but an option for certain routes.

Seasonal or chartered seaplane services and small aircraft options are available to parts of the region for faster access; availability varies and often requires advance booking.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island brings active-duty service members, families and civilian employees, contributing to a transient but tightly knit community segment.

Multi-generational islanders and year-round residents who work locally in services, tourism, agriculture and small businesses.

The island attracts retirees and people with vacation homes seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle and natural amenities.

A small but active creative community supports galleries, artisans and boutique food producers across Whidbey Island.

Given the island setting, recreational boating, sailing and small-boat outings are popular for locals and visitors.

Both recreational and charter fishing (saltwater and freshwater) are common activities for cod, salmon and shellfish.

Local community engagement centers around high school football, soccer, baseball and other community sports.

Sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and related paddle sports take advantage of calmer bays and sheltered waterways.

Vegetarian options are commonly available at cafés and farm-to-table restaurants; specify preferences and many kitchens will adapt dishes or suggest seasonal vegetable plates.

Vegan choices exist but are less ubiquitous—look for plant-based salads, grain bowls and vegan-friendly cafés, and ask servers for modifications.

Gluten-free menus or substitutions are often possible at restaurants; always notify staff of celiac disease to avoid cross-contamination.

Because seafood is prominent, inform servers about allergies—restaurants generally accommodate but be explicit to avoid cross-contact.