Tourists undoubtedly have many fun things to do in Oak Harbor, WA.
Oak Harbor is known for its numerous annual festivals, such as the Oak Harbor Music Festival and the Independence Day Fair.
In Oak Harbor, Washington, you will also find a variety of traditional American food and retail establishments and a strong presence of local artisans and the arts.
The city’s downtown is also home to the historic Pioneer District.
If you still want to learn more about the various tourist attractions in Oak Harbor, Washington, continue reading!
Where is Oak Habor?
Oak Harbor is a city in Washington State’s Whidbey Island County. At the 2010 census, the population of the town was 22,075. It was incorporated on May 14, 1915.
The city is named after the Garry Oak trees and is regarded as the largest incorporated community on Whidbey Island.
Its growth occurred during the various events on the island, such as the opening of the Deception Pass Bridge and the naval air station’s construction.
According to the US Census Bureau, the city has an area of about 9.47 square miles.
Of this, about 9.42 square miles are land, while the remaining 0.05 square miles are water. Only one road is accessible to the island from land: Deception Pass.
Fun Things to Do in Oak Harbor, WA
Below are some of the best things to do in Oak Habor, WA:
1. Deception Pass State Park
The 3,854-acre park features campsites, a marine and freshwater lake, and over 77,000 feet of ocean shoreline. It’s spread over two islands, Whidbey and Fidalgo.
The islands are connected by bridges, such as the Canoe Pass and the Deception Pass bridges.
The park features rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, and a variety of campsites. It’s Washington’s most visited state park.
In addition to fishing and swimming in Cranberry Lake, visitors can also explore the park’s miles of beaches and forests.
They can additionally see rare birds and animals such as seals and whales.
Take a walk through the park’s old-growth forests and enjoy the deep shade.
Hiking through the park’s Hoypus Forest is a great way to taste Washington’s beautiful old-growth forests.
Address: This attraction is located at 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
2. Joseph Whidbey State Park
Located in northern Puget Sound, Joseph Whidbey State Park is a day-use facility that features over 200 acres of shoreline.
It offers spectacular views of British Columbia’s Victoria, Lopez Island, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The park’s main attractions are its rolling grass fields, long beaches, and hiking trails.
The park’s views of passing storms are also captivating.
The park’s hiking trails connect various areas, such as the forest and wetlands.
There are also picnic areas and playing fields. The park has four shelters and nine picnic tables.
Address: This attraction is located at Crosby Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
3. John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool
The John Vanderzicht Memorial Swimming Pool in Oak Harbor was opened in 1983. It’s The North Whidbey Recreation District manages it.
The facility’s main pool features a six-lane structure that measures 25 meters wide. The public also uses this part of the community center.
The district’s goal is to provide high-quality programs and facilities for residents.
The facility also features a large wading pool that measures 44 feet by 22 feet.
It features various features, such as a hot tub, a sauna, and locker rooms.
The pool has multiple activities, such as water aerobics and swimming team practice.
Address: The John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool is at 85 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA, 98277, United States.
4. Frasers Gourmet Hideaway
The Frasers Gourmet Hideaway is a fine dining establishment in Oak Harbor, Washington. It’s known for its warm interior and its superb menu.
The restaurant’s owner, Scott Fraser, offers traditional American cuisine.
The restaurant’s dark red walls and leather chairs provide a tranquil setting for meetings and romantic meals.
The facility’s dining room features a white table cloth that provides a warm and elegant experience.
The menu features a variety of seafood and steaks, as well as a variety of small dishes that are easy to prepare.
The kitchen is also open, and guests can watch the magic from the elegant onyx counter.
Address: The Frasers Gourmet Hideaway is located at 1191 SE Dock St #101, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
Are you planning to visit other parts of Washington? Why not look at the fun things to do in Anacortes, things to do in La Conner?
5. Riverside Cafe and Lounge
The Riverside Cafe and Lounge is a family-style restaurant located in Oak Harbor.
It’s known for its extensive menu and its clean and simple interior design.
The restaurant’s bright and spacious dining room is also equipped with a large selection of American food.
The Riverside Cafe and Lounge’s extensive menu is designed to provide a wide variety of American food.
It features a variety of seafood and steaks, as well as a variety of small dishes that are easy to prepare.
Besides its breakfast, the restaurant also serves a variety of other food items such as sandwiches, soup, and salad.
Address: The Riverside Cafe and Lounge are at 705 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
6. Oak Bowl
The Oak Bowl is a modern bowling facility known for its high-quality services and entertainment value.
It’s open from Monday to Sunday and offers a variety of games and activities.
One of its most popular features is its Glow Bowling experience, which features a variety of black and white lights and runway lights.
Its ceilings are also adorned with LED lights and disco lights.
This facility also features Kiddie lanes, which are equipped with bumper rails and allow children to have a fun and busy time.
Other features of this facility include an arcade and a card room.
The lounge area inside the Oak Bowl is also designed to provide adults with a warm and comfortable environment.
Address: The Oak Bow is at 531 Southeast Midway Boulevard, Oak Harbor, Washington 98277, United States.
7. PBY Naval Air Museum
Located in downtown Oak Harbor, Washington State, the PBY-Naval Museum is an interactive museum focusing on the history of the aircraft stationed at NAS Whidbey Island during the Second World War.
It features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a PBY-5A aircraft.
The facility’s nose gun turret and flight simulator are among the most popular attractions for children and adults.
During the Second World War, the area was a busy seaplane base.
One of the planes stationed there during this period was the Catalina, an amphibious patrol aircraft used for search and rescue missions.
Address: This attraction is located at 270 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
8. The Whidbey Playhouse
The Whidbey Playhouse is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality theatrical experiences to its residents.
This community theater has been presenting live performances for the last 50 years. It also encourages other cultural arts groups.
Since 1966, the organization has presented various shows, such as dramas, comedies, and musical reviews.
During its regular season, the group produces five shows, including plays and musicals. It also offers an entire summer program for children.
Address: This attraction is located at 730 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
9. Garry Oak Gallery
The Garry Oak Gallery is a cooperative art gallery in Oak Harbor, Washington.
It was established in 2008 to provide local artists with a place to exhibit their work. It quickly became a part of the community’s vibrant art scene.
Address: The Garry Oak Gallery is 830 SE Pioneer Way | Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
10. Seabolt’s Smokehouse
Located in Oak Harbor, Washington, Seabolt’s is a family-owned seafood and smokehouse restaurant that’s only 12 minutes away from the Deception Pass Bridge.
All of their products are made using hand. This business has been in operation since 1978.
Their most popular product is their smoked salmon filets, which are made with the finest quality ingredients and are served with a traditional Pacific Northwest-style smoker.
This establishment is spacious and has a good selection of fish and chips, sandwiches, and other types of food. They also have a good selection of beer and wine.
Address: The Seabolt’s Smokehouse is located at 31640 WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
11. Rustica Café Wine Bar Kitchen
The Rustica restaurant is a farm-to-table establishment that serves local food in Oak Harbor. It’s known for its extensive menu and its colorful dining room.
The restaurant’s interior design features various reclaimed materials from Whidbey Island. Local artists also make their paintings.
The main feature of this establishment is its beautiful bar, which features a slab of live edge timber decorated with copper.
It serves various types of liquors and wines from all around the world.
The menu can change frequently and offers various food and drink options.
The restaurant also has an outdoor space that can be used for summer activities.
Address: This attraction is located at 670 SE Pioneer Way #102, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, United States.
12. Whidbey Golf Club
One of the hidden treasures of Whidbey Island is the Whidbey Golf Club. This private facility was established in 1961 and featured a variety of challenging courses.
It’s also situated in a peaceful area and delivers one of the unique experiences in the state.
As a semi-private club, the members of the Whidbey Golf Club can enjoy playing at the facility.
Address: This attraction is located at 2430 SW Fairway Lane, Oak Harbor, United States.
13. Costen-Turner Recreation Area
The recreation area, named after Tom Costen and Charlie Turner, was established in their honor.
Both men served in the US Army when their plane was shot down during the invasion of Iraq.
It features a variety of facilities such as a picnic area, a softball field, and a children’s play area. Groups can reserve the park for up to 1,000 people.
Address: The Costen-Turner Recreation Area is located at NAS Whidbey Island – Ault Field Intruder and North Saratoga streets Oak Harbor, WA 98278, United States.
14. The Grind Skate Park
The park features a variety of challenging obstacles, such as a half pipe, a quarter pipe, and a pyramid.
Address: The Grind Skate Park is located at NAS Whidbey Island-Intruder and Princeton streets, Oak Harbor, WA 98278.
15. Cliffside RV Park
The Navy Getaways’ Cliffside RV Park is on Whidbey Island’s shoreline.
It overlooks various areas such as Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Olympic Peninsula.
This park offers the best of both world-class accommodations and Washington’s marine environment.
Address: This attraction is located at AS Whidbey Island – Ault Field, Cliffside Park Drive, Oak Harbor, WA 98278, United States.
16. Dugualla State Park
In 1992, Washington State parks acquired Dugualla State Park, which had 586 acres.
It features six trails that are designed to provide a variety of fun activities.
These include a mile of shoreline walking, a path through an alder grove, and an elevation gain.
Address: This attraction is located at 799 E. Sleeper Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98278, United States.
17. Rocky Point Recreation Area
The Rocky Point Recreation Area is located near the Gallery golf course and is just steps away from Rocky Point’s beach.
It features a variety of facilities, such as an indoor shelter building that can be used for events.
It can also accommodate wedding ceremonies and other special events.
Address: This attraction is located at West Beach and Cowpens Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98278, United States.
18. Jim Creek Recreation Center
The Jim Creek Recreation Center is a regional facility that serves as a Navy Radio Station and a recreation center for active duty, reserve, and retired military members.
It offers various outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and biking. It also hosts regular weekend programs and seasonal events.
Address: The Jim Creek Recreation Center is at 21027 Jim Creek Rd, Arlington, WA 98223, United States.
Will you be visiting other parts of Washington? If yes, then you may want to also check out these cool things to do in Bainbridge Island.
19. Disc Golf Course
The Navy Air Station’s 18-hole disc golf course provides a unique and challenging way to explore the facility.
It starts and ends near the recreation center’s parking lot.
The course map will guide you through the various holes and provide guidelines.
Address: This attraction is located in Convergence Zone, 3535 N. Princeton, Bldg. 2510, Oak Harbor, WA 98278.
20. Gallery Golf Course
The Gallery golf course provides a challenging and enjoyable 18-hole course.
It features tree-lined greens and rolling hills near Vancouver Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It also offers clinics and a full-service pro shop.
Address: This attraction is located at 3065 N. Cowpens Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98278, United States.
21. Whidbey Fitness Center
The Whidbey Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a variety of programs and services to help individuals improve their physical health.
Its staff is dedicated to ensuring that its customers are satisfied with the services and facilities it offers.
Address: The Whidbey Fitness Center is located at NAS Whidbey Island, 3755 N. Wasp St. Bldg. 117, Oak Harbor, WA 98278, United States.