Located entirely on a single island and a mere hour from downtown Seattle, this byway is as accessible as it is leisurely; twenty minutes of the journey includes a relaxing Washington State ferry ride. The transformation from mainland to island is not just physical—it is also psychological. The pace of life slows, traffic jams are non-existent, tension vanishes.
Welcome to “island time.” You’ll find art studios and galleries tucked in among small boutiques, coffee shops, wineries, and microbreweries. Take a walk on a sandy beach or watch whales from the shore. The salt air, friendly people and local fare allow you to renew yourself for whatever life tosses your way next.
Key points of interest:
- Fort Casey State Park – a 467-acre marine camping park with a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A coast artillery post features two 10-inch and two 3-inch historic guns on display. The park features 10,810 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound (Admiralty Inlet), and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile-plus stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake.
- Coupeville – The state’s second-oldest community, Coupeville, sits on the edge of Penn Cove, and the mussels harvested here are world famous! Stroll down the dock to the wharf or boat into the public marina. Downtown shops feature the work of local artists, and the restaurants offer the freshest seafood you can get! Nearby Meerkerk Rhododendron Garden is open all year, but spring and summer you will see the most variety of color. Fort Casey State Park and Admiralty Head Lighthouse are visitor favorites. Take the Langley Loop to nearby Langley By The Sea for more great dining options and view of Camano Island.