Shopping by the Sea: A Walking Guide to Langley, WA’s Hidden Gem

In need of a quick weekend escape from Seattle but not wanting to break the bank? Meet Langley, one of our favorite small towns and a true hidden gem in Washington.

A short jaunt from downtown Seattle with Clipper lands you in the heart of this quaint and picturesque town at the tip of 58-mile long Whidbey Island. Tranquil and serene, Langley is the perfect seaside town to slow down for a weekend, while enjoying an abundant supply of quaint shops and restaurants.

To help you get to the heart of this creative island community, we’ve mapped the streets of Langley to provide the lowdown on all of the town’s locally owned shopping and dining hot spots.

1st Street

Ott & Murphy

Duck inside the intimate, dark-paneled Ott & Murphy Tasting Room for handcrafted, artisan wines along with amazing views of Saratoga Passage. There are few other places where you’ll be able to sip a highly-rated, fruity 2013 Grenache or the crisp 2014 Possession, while keeping an eye out for 35-ton gray whales as they tuck in close to shore to feed on shrimp.

Prima Bistro

Let the scent of freshly baked breads and grilled meats lure you across the street to Prima Bistro’s quiet deck overlooking Puget Sound. French-inspired with a Northwest flair, the menu is chock-full of locally-sourced produce that changes seasonally. Dive into delicious Penn Cove mussels or split a lineup of phenomenal small plates, ranging from charcuterie to house cold-smoked salmon gravlax. De-lish.

Edit

Bright and airy, the adorable edit boutique brims with handmade items created by 60 artisans on Whidbey, the U.S. and beyond. With an excellent selection of craft housewares, dishes, knits, candles and totes carefully curated by the shop’s owner, you are sure to find something to suit your fancy.

Star Store Market & Mercantile

Whether you’re in need of the essentials or numerous other unique goods, there’s a good chance that the Star Store Market & Mercantile has it stocked in their extensive collection of wares. Browse an incredible mix of food, clothes, wine, toys, kitchen gadgets, books and bath products while picking up some treats for the journey home. (Inside tip: Coffee connoisseur in need of some new gear? This shop offers an impressive range of pour overs).

Wish by the Sea

Discover a treasure trove of artfully produced goods, such as deliciously smelling candles to backyard décor, at the warm and welcoming Wish gift boutique. Stock up on all the rustic-chic home décor your heart desires and you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a piece of Langley with you.

Feather and Fox

Whimsical, with a hip arty vibe, the Feather and the Fox brims with an amazing collection of locally made art, hand thrown pottery, paper goods, contemporary housewares, interesting books, magazines and journals and no shortage of fun goodies for kiddos and crafters.

Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar

Get a taste of the Salish Sea at Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar, where you can feast on a daily rotating selection of freshly shucked oysters, creamy clam chowder, classic fish and chips and lobster rolls that taste like they were shipped straight from New England. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, inventive small bites, such as house hot-smoked salmon nuggets and Rainier Beer steamed Penn Cove mussels paired with cocktails or sudsy pints from the fully stocked bar surely will!

Foamy Wader

If there’s one boutique that’s a must visit to snag a memento of this seaside town, it’s Foamy Wader. Peruse the shop’s collection of affordable and delicate jewelry, all handcrafted with natural gemstones in a rainbow of colors, artisan wirework and inspired by the sea.

2nd Street

Useless Bay Coffee Co.

Fuel your explorations around town with tasty café fare at the popular Useless Bay Café Coffee Co. With fresh tomatoes, olive tapenade, pesto aioli, fresh baked bread and house-made ingredients (some of which are grown in the café’s gardens), the Mediterranean Chicken sandwich is sure to call your name. Don’t leave without sampling a cup of their freshly roasted, small-batch coffee, which is produced on site. It also happens to be the perfect hand warmer on a brisk spring afternoon.

Braeburn

Centrally located in the heart of town and with a friendly staff, the popular Braeburn restaurant hits the mark for both great location and laid-back vibe. Hands-down one of the best spots for brunch in town, their unique takes on breakfast will keep you coming back for more. Skip scouring the menu and order their stuffed French toast with honey glazed apples. With sweet cinnamon and vanilla notes, it will certainly tantalize your taste buds.

Callahan’s Firehouse

Pay a visit to the town’s former fire station, Callahan’s Firehouse and watch expert glassblowers work their magic as they twist and turn vibrantly colored orbs of molten glass over a glowing, 2,100-degree kiln. Browse the array of tumblers, bowls, pumpkins, wishing stones and more to pick up a souvenir. If you’re feeling inspired and have an extra 30 minutes to spare, you can even blow your own glass art. Trust us, it’s easier than it looks!

South Whidbey Commons

Give your feet a rest or dodge the raindrops for an hour or two and cuddle up with a good read and top-notch coffee at the South Whidbey Commons. A combination mini-library and bookstore, there are plenty books to buy or borrow. It is one of our favorite places to escape the daily grind for a few tranquil hours.

Sweet Mona’s

One of Whidbey Island’s best-kept secrets, Sweet Mona’s is your source for nearly every type of house-made candy imaginable, from melt-in-your-mouth caramels to rich, creamy chocolates. Whatever your sweet tooth is craving, there’s a good chance you will find it here. Peek through the shop’s front window to get a glimpse of the chocolate-making process in action.

Spyhop

Named after one of our gray and orca whales’ signature moves, Spyhop serves up excellent pub fare and an array of delicious drinks featuring fresh juices squeezed on the spot. Be sure to try their mouth-watering hamburgers, which are named after iconic spots around town. Sample the Mutiny Bay Burger topped with caramelized onion, mushroom and melty Swiss cheese goodness or try the Possession Point Burger layered with jalapeno and cream cheese for some extra heat.

Machine SHOP

In need of easy entertainment for the kiddos or the young at heart? Swing by the Machine SHOP, and re-live your childhood thrills in this retro arcade boasting walls lined with more than 60 old-school pinball machines and two Pacman tables with games at just 25 cents a pop! There’s even a three-section virtual reality (VR) room if you’re craving something a little more cutting edge.

Anthes Avenue

Langley Whale Center

Pass under the massive blue whale jaw bone hanging at the entrance of the Langley Whale Center and indulge your curiosity about the amazing animals of the Puget Sound. Get an up-close view of the region’s marine animals with gray whale baleen, a harbor porpoise skeleton, and pelts from harbor seals, sea lions and sea otters. Check out the maps of gray whale migration routes and compare your wildlife sightings with the lists of recent whale locations blanketing the walls.

Double Bluff Brewing

Once you’ve satisfied your thirst for knowledge, pop across the street from the Whale Center to the cozy, Double Bluff Brewing, where owner Daniel Thomis has mastered both the art and science of craft brewing. Find a perch around one of the fire pits on their outdoor patio and sip on a tasting flight of the German-style beers, all of which are brewed onsite with fresh, local hops. (Inside tip: Split two flights between you and a friend to sample all eight brews from the light Kolsch to the rich Scotch Ale). 

With more than a handful of hidden gems within easy walking distance of each other, the adorable seaside town of Langley is the perfect shopping escape. Get lost on Langley’s quaint streets and explore these unique boutiques!

Recommended Stops in Langley:

Photo Credits: 1st photo block: Scott Meis. 2nd photo block: Melissa Sitrin. 3rd photo block: Scott Meis.