Most of our family travels are scheduled and planned, very far in advance.  In fact, we often get teased by family and friends that we already have a full calendar before others even begin to start making plans.  What can we say? We just love having travel and adventure to look forward to!

Everyone once in a while though, we get a wild hair, and will spontaneously plan a trip.  This was the case over the kid’s winter break this past year.  For the first time ever, we weren’t traveling over the holidays, AND we didn’t have family coming to visit.  After the excitement of Christmas subsided, I think we got itchy.  Slaed started researching, and found a very reasonable and adorable cottage rental with beach access.  Just our style for ringing in the new year.

Never needing to be convinced to visit Whidbey Island (it’s one of our family’s favorite getaways, day trip or overnight), we quickly made reservations. Of course with this being a last minute trip, we set rules for ourselves regarding budget.  We pledged to dine in for breakfasts, and make at least one of our dinner meals at the cottage.

With Whidbey being a favorite destination for us, we’ve explored the area quite a bit.  However, we’d never stayed on the southern end.  What a treat to see the island from a new vantage point! We published a full Whidbey Island Family Travel Guide a couple of years ago in partnership with Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism.  However, since we dove a little deeper into the the southern part of the island near Langley, I thought I’d share our itinerary.

We stayed just 2 nights, but packed a lot in!

Whidbey Island with Kids: Langley & Beyond

Day 1: Relaxing & Settling in

• We took the ferry from Mukilteo, Washington. Whenever we get to incorporate ferry travel into our getaways, it’s such a bonus.  Just getting to our destination is an adventure!
• Our lovely hosts at the rental cottage allowed us to check-in early, which we very much appreciated.  Pro tip: It never hurts to ask owners if they are willing to let you check-in early.  We especially find this helpful in sticking to our kid’s nap schedules, and just generally allows us to extend our trip! Of course, it all depends on the accommodation’s cleaning schedule, and whether or not there were guests the night before.
• Bergen and I immediately became consumed by a jigsaw puzzle that we found in the cottage’s game cabinet.  While we worked on it, Slaed, Georgia, and Norman (our dog) explored the nearby beach.

• Lunch at Bailey’s Corner Store.  We noticed this spot as we drove in, and decided to check it out just for picking up beverages and snacks.  We thought we’d continue on to Langley for lunch, but then saw the menu, and decided to stay! You might not consider stopping at what looks like just a gas station convenience store for a meal, but we are so glad we did.  My BLT, was one of the best I’ve had! The kids were very pleased with their grilled cheese sandwiches.  Plus, there was great local beer on tap, football on the television, and games to keep the kids busy! 

• Back to the rental for a Seahawks playoff game.  Unfortunately, the Seahawks lost, ending the season, but what a cozy and relaxed set-up to watch the game.  Both kids also took naps, which worked out well!
• Double Bluff Beach.  We got to venture here during a recent Whidbey Island getaway, and love that the park allows dogs to be off leash!
• Dinner at Spyhop.  This was also a spot we have been to before and loved.  The food wasn’t as tasty as we remember from our last visit, but still a nice, family-friendly atmosphere.  I think it also had to do with where we sat in dining area as it was kind of away from the “action”.  All that to say, we’d still go back!

Day 2: Big Day of Exploring

• 3-mile hike: Dorothy Cleveland Trail: Possession Beach Waterfront Park: We had such a nice time exploring this new-to-us park and trail.  There were some steep climbs that challenged newly 4-year old, Georgia, but with the round-trip distance being just 3 miles, she handled it well.

• Whidbey Island Winery: Another spot we have frequently visited, and always have a good experience. The staff was welcoming (even with our 7 & 4 year old), knowledgeable, and fun to chat with.  The kids even cooperated enough (sticker books, and a little outside time) to let us get through a whole tasting! We ended up purchasing a bottle of wine that we got to enjoy that evening.

• Onto the town of Langley:
  • Lunch at Braeburn: Even though we had to wait a bit, it was worth it! Lovely staff, delicious food, and gorgeous atmosphere.
  • Walked along the waterfront, and spotted a seal!
  • Langley Whale Center: Free.  Offers interactive exhibits and information on whales, and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea.  Don’t miss it!
  • Act II: Puppets & Books: This store cleverly pairs books and puppets.  Georgia and I had so much fun browsing the different selections.  A great spot for picking up gifts!

• Star Store: This unique market was perfect for finding an easy dinner that we could cook back at our rental cottage. We decided that their house-made individual chicken pot pies would be tasty way for us to ring in the new year as a family.
• Double Bluff Brewery: A busy & popular place for sure, but we managed to snag an outside spot with gas fireplace that was quite cozy!

• After a busy morning and afternoon, we headed back to the rental.  We made ourselves comfortable at the community’s private beach with drinks, appetizers, and a fire.  While Slaed and I chatted and enjoyed the view, the kids made it their mission to find crabs under rocks along the shore.
• Before leaving the beach, we lit sparklers, and then enjoyed those chicken pot pies from the Star Store. No staying up until midnight for us!

Day 3: Travel Day

• We packed up fairly early, but still made time for early morning beach exploring (the sunrises were just gorgeous), and even a little Geocaching.
• We were very thankful for the return ferry ride, allowing us to hang onto our Whidbey Island getaway just a little bit longer!

Notes on the Coho Cottage:

• This 2-bedroom rental home is kid/family friendly, and allows dogs upon request.
• We found the kitchen to be well-equipped, which was very much appreciated since we ended up cooking more than we usually do.
• Just a 5-minute walk away is a private beach, which we thoroughly enjoyed morning, noon, and night!
• Another highlight was the back deck! After the kids settled into bed for the evening, Slaed and I would sit and stargaze.  The cold was no problem thanks to the warm and cozy blankets provided!

For more comprehensive information on Whidbey Island, make sure to check out our family travel guide.

Are you more of spontaneous traveler or planner? Traveled to Whidbey Island? Tell us your favorites!

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