Head to Mukilteo and check the ferry schedule for Clinton. The ferry takes about 20 minutes and will start at the southernmost tip of the island. Take a half hour or so to shop for picnic supplies in Clinton before hitting the road.
Take SR 525 north to Langley, a small village filled with art galleries and antique shops. Enjoy a stroll downtown, or look for spots from which you can observe the views of Saragtoga Strait, Seattle and Mt. Rainier.
Continue north to South Whidbey State park. Follow the trail through the Douglas firs down to the beach. This is a good spot to unpack your picnic and your binoculars, as gray whales are often spotted surfacing here.
Stop off in Greenbank to visit the Meerkerk Rohdodendron Gardens and Historic Grenbank Farm. The Gardens trail will lead your through fields of tulips and daffodils in the spring.
Visit one of the coastal forts at Fort Casey State Park. From there, drive over to the town of Coupeville to visit Fort Ebey State Park and more antique shops. This is a good stop for a late afternoon snack in one of the town's many restaurants, most with ocean views.
End the day at Deception Pass Sate Park. This park is known for the ocean waterfalls that can best be seen at high and low tide. You'll also find a magnificent suspension bridge that will connect you back to the mainland.
