Nestled on rural Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor is surrounded by beautiful views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. It’s a fun and luxurious western Washington oasis away from the hustle and bustle of other major cities, boasting less rain, more sunshine, and access to miles of beautiful coastline. Residents enjoy taking advantage of the pleasant weather by boating from the harbor along Whidbey or into the San Juan Islands, as well as biking or hiking along the waterfront to Deception Pass State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, or Fort Casey State Park.

Oak Harbor’s rapid growth can be attributed to the Navy bases (NAS Whidbey and the Seaplane Base) built near the city. The town originally served as a supply area for the Navy’s Catalina PBY aircraft—boats that land and take off on the water.

Oak Harbor is also home to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, the premier Naval aviation installation in the Pacific Northwest.

What to Love

• Thriving with outdoor adventure
• Bustling downtown
• Proximity to NAS Whidbey Island
• Full of beautiful state parks

Local Lifestyle

Oak Harbor draws in many Naval families, as the town is a stone’s throw from NAS Whidbey Island. It also attracts young families and discerning urbanites with a taste for adventure. The town boasts a wide array of activities for all ages, including a roller rink, drive-in theater, historic downtown, and lush parks, as well as a mix of upscale and casual restaurants.

This thriving community is the hub of Puget Sound, blending urban vibes with plenty of outdoor fun—from sightseeing, fishing, and scuba diving, to golf, arts and culture, and camping. Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands are just a boat ride away from the harbor, and there are several bike and hike trails along the scenic waterfront to Deception Pass or Fort Casey State Park.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Though known for an abundance of outdoor adventure, Oak Harbor is also home to excellent shopping and dining.

Locals are likely to recommend Frasers Gourmet Hideaway for sumptuous steaks and seafood, while Flyer’s Restaurant and Brewery serves pub grub in a kid- and dog-friendly atmosphere. Other local favorites include Orlando’s Southern BBQ, Seabolt’s Smokehouse, and Whidbey Island Bagel Factory.

Things to Do

This small island oasis is brimming with many great galleries, studios, and art walks, as well as state parks and beaches. It’s perfect for outdoor recreation like kayaking, hiking, boating, or just exploring the local flora and fauna.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or world-class shopping, Oak Harbor has it all. Discover local wildlife at the various state parks, or meander through the community’s historic downtown and waterfront parks.

History buffs can rejoice at Fort Casey State Park. Constructed in the late 1800s, Fort Casey was equipped for defense and used as a training facility up to the mid-1940s. From the vintage Admiralty Head Lighthouse—complete with sweeping views of the water—to the catacomb-like bunkers and batteries, this historic military fort is sure to ignite curiosity.

Deception Pass State Park is Washington's most-visited state park—and for good reason. It boasts coves, rugged cliffs, stunning sunsets, fishing, forest trails, and miles of Puget Sound beachfront, as well as bird, seal, and whale-watching. Towering above the waters of Deception Pass, the impressive Deception Pass Bridge fostered the eventual placement of the NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor and is now a cherished spectacle.

Additional local parks include Windjammer Park and Joseph Whidbey State Park.

Stroll along downtown Oak Harbor for excellent shopping and dining while marveling at the panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

Pacific Northwest (PBY) Naval Air Museum explores the early PBY years, as well as Naval life on the island in general. There’s even a PBY aircraft to explore, along with trainers where you can try your own hand at flying. It’s a mecca for learning the history of the PBY aircraft, other aircraft flown from NAS Whidbey, and the unique Navy-civilian community relationships on Whidbey Island.

If you’re seeking a more relaxing family outing, head to the Blue Fox Drive-In to enjoy a movie under the stars.

This vibrant city is full of community events and fun things to do, including the Holland Happening Parade and Oak Harbor Music Festival. Hydros for Heroes is a charity racing event highlighting local community heroes, such as members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, and health care professionals.