Coupeville is a small, serene sanctuary situated along the shores of Penn Cove. Founded two years before Seattle, Coupeville is Washington state's second-oldest community—so it’s no wonder the town exudes historic charm, complete with a quaint downtown dating back to more than a century ago. The town retains its frontier seaport character, and is filled with hundred-year-old buildings that once housed stables and barbershops; today, those same buildings are home to shops, restaurants, and bars.

Coupeville is nestled in the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, the first of its kind in the country, and boasts a scenic landscape at the gateway to Puget Sound. Ebey’s Landing preserves the area’s historical, agricultural, and cultural traditions, as well as boasts spectacular recreation opportunities.

Water routes were the main avenues of transportation in Coupeville until 1900, when their efficiency actually slowed the progress of road development. “Mosquito Fleet” steamers operated out of Coupeville, running to Bellingham in the 1890s. The town prospered from shipbuilding and from shipping fish, produce, lumber, and timber. By 1900, Coupeville’s population hovered around 300, but the opening of Fort Casey in 1901 quickly added a floating population of more than 300 to Central Whidbey.

What to Love

• Rich history
• Quaint downtown
• Family-friendly community events
• Home to Penn Cove mussels

Local Lifestyle

Coupeville is a historic and cultural hub chock-full of community events and festivals. It’s known for its artsy and tranquil vibe, as well as its world-famous Penn Cove mussels.

Residents enjoy low-key living in a friendly community. Though known for its rural and peaceful vibe, residents are mere steps from plenty of unique boutiques and an array of dining options.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Coupeville is replete with quaint shops and restaurants. For shopping, locals tend to stroll along a waterfront main street stretching throughout downtown Front Street, which is home to bookstores, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutiques.

Local restaurants make ample use of the abundance of fresh local produce and seafood in Coupeville—its world-famous Penn Cove mussels are grown and harvested just steps from downtown! Local favorites include Front Street Grill, Tyee Restaurant and Hotel, Callen’s Restaurant, Ciao Food and Wine, and The Oystercatcher. Prefer to cook at home? Bayleaf offers a plethora of wonderful prepared items and dinner kits.

Things to Do

Locals and visitors alike flock to Coupeville to admire and reconnect with its endless amount of natural beauty. Nearby state and national parks include Fort Casey, Fort Ebey, and Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve.

Coupeville plays host to several fun, year-round festivals the whole family can enjoy, including the Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival. This festival is one of the largest of its kind in the state where locals gather to showcase their art and sell their creations. Seafood lovers travel from all over each year to attend MusselFest, a cherished tradition in which visitors can delight in fresh Penn Cove mussels. Event highlights include a chowder tasting tour and boat tours of the Penn Cove Shellfish Farm. Other beloved events include the Penn Cove Water Festival, and a community Fourth of July celebration.

Get a taste of Coupeville’s history while strolling along the wooden pier of the historic Coupeville Wharf. Situated above the sparkling waters of Penn Cove, the wharf is a symbol of the area’s seafaring history dating back to 1905. It was originally used for exporting grain produced on Whidbey Island. Today, it is part of Ebey’s Landing and houses a marine educational center, restaurant, coffee shop, and access to water recreation; it’s also an iconic spot to snap a photo. The Island County Historical Museum is another wonderful destination for learning about the island’s early history while exploring displays and artifacts.