Clinton (Washington) - community and census-designated place (CDP) located on southern Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington, United States

Clinton is a small town on the southern tip of Whidbey Island.

Understand

Get in

By boat

• Washington State Ferries, 47.9749°, -122.3512°, +1 206-464-6400. A ferry connects Clinton and Mukilteo on the mainland north of Seattle. This run is popular with commuters and should be avoided at peak commuting times if possible. 20 minutes one way; departures every 30 minutes.

By car

Clinton can be approached from the north on Hwy 525.

By bus

• Island Transit, +1 360-678-7771. A free, scheduled bus serves the island, from Mukilteo north with connections to Mt. Vernon on the mainland, with Island Transit. The bus operates daily except Sundays, with reduced trips on Saturdays.

By shuttle

• Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle. Transportation service between communities on Whidbey and Sea-Tac Airport.

Get around

Island Transit runs regular routes that pick up passengers at the ferry dock and transports to the main town area of Clinton or to neighboring towns, Langley, Freeland, Coupeville and Oak Harbor. There is no charge for the transit. Taxis are generally only available if arranged ahead of time.

See

If you are in Clinton you are most likely passing through to go to the more touristy towns of Whidbey Island. However, if you find that your destination is indeed the sleepy town, there are a few things to check out. The Clinton Ferry dock is a fun place to watch the ferries come and go, there is a small park for families to have a picnic by the beach and occasionally wait out the long ferry line.

Do

Go to Maxwelton beach, this is perhaps the best beach in Clinton, with sandy beaches and shallow water for summer swimming. The water will not be tropical but on a hot July day it is warm enough to cool down from the heat. The Maxwelton beach 4th of July parade is another local favorite. Visitors from all over the Puget Sound come to enjoy an old-fashioned family parade complete with domestic animals dressed in their best red, white and blue. There are sack races and pie eating contests and it's all set on the beautiful beach front. If you decide to make the trek to Whidbey for this event, you must arrive early to find a parking spot and to walk in. You are also welcome to participate in the parade, just arrive an hour early!

Buy

Clinton is a mostly residential town so specialty shops are rare but occasionally you will find a consignment shop or artist studio intermixed with the video and grocery stores. If you have a chance, stop by Bailey's corner for a flash back to the good old days and get penny candy and ice cream!

Eat

• Cozy's Roadhouse as you come up the hill from the ferry on the right side, serving American fare.
• Island Nosh, a new restaurant serving noodle dishes from different regions.
• Dairy Queen, the only fast food chain on the south end of Whidbey.
• Hong Kong Gardens, up a steep hill it's an American Chinese restaurant and bar.
• Pickle's Deli, a highly awarded sandwich shop.
• Whidbey Island Bagel Factory (dead link: December 2020), a new venture by John Auburn.
• The Big W Food Truck, works out of the food truck during the late spring to early fall and makes pizza in the Ken's Korner commercial kitchen in the off season.
• CJ & Y Decadent Desserts, a custom bakery specializing in custom cakes, pies, cupcakes and other desserts.
• Patron, mexican restaurant located in Ken's Korner shopping mall.

Drink

• Southern Cross Espresso, coffee stand
• Whidbey Island Coffee, coffee stand
• Cadee Tasting Room (dead link: January 2023), A local distillery with many different types of alcohol.
• The Top at Hong Kong Gardens is the late night bar, they do karaoke on Friday nights.
• Cozy's is the town's local bar, locals go there to socialize and play a round of pool.

Sleep

Bed and breakfasts are the most common form of lodging.

• Whidbey Island Escape, 3756 Periwinkle Rd (by ferry). Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A quiet bluff cabin with a minimalist design. Sleeps 4 people and can host up to 2 dogs (less than 50lbs) on a 1/4-acre lot. Fireplace. 2022-04-06

Connect

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