Last month we took a trip up to Whidbey Island located in the Puget Sound. This island has been on my list of places I’d like to go since we moved to Portland three years ago. For this year’s family vacation we were looking for a low-key and drivable destination that would be easy to entertain our kids. Then when we found what is quite possible the most kid-friendly vacation home to rent, we knew this was the place for us to retreat on a fall getaway. There are so many photos in this post because everything we so beautiful! I couldn’t stop snapping!
Museum Of Flight
We made a pitstop on our way up and stopped by the Museum of Flight in Seattle. This was the last big birthday surprise for our five year old son. If you are even remotely into airplanes you’ll think this is very cool. If you’re in the area I’d recommend checking it out. However I would not make a special trip up just to visit the museum.
Things We Did On Whidbey
We hiked at Deception Pass and afterwards we walked down to the beach under the bridge and watched seals swim around while we ate our lunch. We stopped by the Coupeville Wharf to grab coffee and see the mini whale museum. I shopped at the cutest shop in the Puget Sound (Alma). We walked around the waterfront path in Langley and tried to see some whales (with no such luck – it’s not exactly whale season in October).
A Moment For Captain Whidbey
When I first started looking into visiting the island, I fell in love with the hotel Captain Whidbey. It made zero sense for us to stay there, though, since they only offer 1 bedroom cabins (sounds chaotic with two littles). I made a promise to come back just with C to stay there one day. We did pop over for dinner one night and I was pleasantly surprised how kid-friendly their restaurant is. The hotel is incredibly cozy and it felt like I was eating dinner in a cabin while simultaneously camping. The food and cocktails were A+. It was pouring rain while we ate, and then the sun came out and the most beautiful rainbow showed up. It was magical!
My Tip For Vacationing With Kids
We had the coziest and dreamiest time and felt very relaxed (as you can be when vacationing with a two year old and a five year old). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: when vacationing with kids it’s SO important to book a home that has a view. You end up back at the house so often because of nap times and schedules. I find having a view makes the early wakeup calls, nap times, bath time hoopla, and bedtime routines feel special when there is something pretty to look at.
