Island living in the heart of the Pacific Northwest
Set along the northeast coast of Whidbey Island, in the sparkling blue waters of Puget Sound, Oak Harbor is a cozy little town with enough natural beauty to last a lifetime. Located just 90 minutes north of Seattle, and just east of the Olympic Peninsula, the picturesque village offers sweeping views of the Pacific Northwest's famed peaks, including the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Your Oak Harbor vacation rental will place you near the town's mixture of pristine parks and unique attractions, offering a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.
Sightseeing in and around Oak Harbor
Are you searching for things to do during your stay? Venture out of your vacation home and check out everything that makes Oak Harbor a fun place to get away. These are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Tulip Town (14.1 mi / 22.7 km)
- Joseph Whidbey State Park (3.1 mi / 5 km)
- Lavender Wind Farm (5.8 mi / 9.3 km)
- Madrona MindBody Institute (11.9 mi / 19.2 km)
- Tulip Valley Winery (15.7 mi / 25.3 km)
- Chimacum Corner Farmstand (19.9 mi / 32.1 km)
Farmers' markets, festivals, and fun on the water
For a truly memorable experience, take a boat ride through Deception Pass, the rocky strait that connects Fidalgo Island with Whidbey Island. Most tours travel under Deception Pass Bridge, the structure that connects the 2 points. If you booked an Oak Harbor vacation rental with outdoorsy types, they might enjoy exploring the waters by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. For those who prefer less strenuous activity, special summer events include a weekly farmers' market, and the Oak Harbor Music Festival, a Labor Day weekend event featuring live performances, beer gardens, and local vendors.
Packed your umbrella and galoshes? Not so fast…
Your Oak Harbor vacation rental is looking mighty cozy in the winter when daytime highs are in the 40s, but lows drop near freezing. Winter is also the rainiest season, but it's not as wet as you might expect for the Pacific Northwest. November and December are the wettest months but only 2.5 to 3 inches of rain accumulate each month. Spring and fall offer very comfortable conditions with highs in the 50s and 60s. Oak Harbor is made for summer days, when the sun shines, little rain falls, and daytime temperatures head toward the 80s.
Get ready to have a whale of a good time!
There's nothing quite like seeing gray whales or orcas up close. Thankfully, many area companies offer whale-watching tours in March and April, when these magnificent marine creatures can be seen in the waters surrounding Whidbey Island. And it's quite the watery landscape, as Puget Sound gives way to bays and coves, while small ponds, lakes, creeks, and wetlands are found throughout the island. Further inland, Whidbey Island also features lush forests made up of Douglas fir, alder, maple, and cedar trees, which are sometimes surrounded by sweeping prairies.
Transportation options to and around Oak Harbor
Fly into Bellingham, WA (BLI-Bellingham Intl.), the closest airport, located 35.5 mi (57.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Everett, WA (PAE-Snohomish County - Paine Field), which is 31.4 mi (50.5 km) away.