

LANGLEY
Nestled on the southern tip of Whidbey Island, Langley is a charming seaside town known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. With sweeping views of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains, Langley blends nature, history, and community in a uniquely welcoming way.
🌿 A Place with Deep Roots
Before European settlement, the Snohomish people used this area seasonally, especially for clam harvesting. Nearby Sandy Point was home to a village with a large potlatch house, serving as a cultural hub. By the late 1800s, the Snohomish had been relocated to the Tulalip Reservation, and the area saw a new wave of settlers. Langley was officially incorporated on February 26, 1913.
🏫 Community and Education
Langley is part of the South Whidbey School District #206, which also includes Clinton and much of Freeland. The district’s headquarters are in Langley, with local schools like South Whidbey High, Middle, and Elementary serving the area. The town is known for its strong community spirit, supported by numerous organizations and local events.
🌊 Nature & Outdoor Life
With over 1,000 acres of forested trails and stunning vistas of Mount Baker, Langley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Saratoga Passage offers kayaking, and wildlife watchers often spot bald eagles, herons, and even migrating whales.
🏘️ A Tight-Knit Town
Despite its small size—just over 1,100 residents as of the 2020 census—Langley boasts a robust civic life. Governed by a mayor-council system, the town is currently led by Mayor Tim Callison. Residents are proud of their close-knit community and shared traditions.
🕰️ Honoring the Past
Langley’s rich history lives on through the South Whidbey Historical Society Museum. Housed in a 1902 building constructed by town founder Jacob Anthes, the museum showcases Langley’s logging roots and early development.
🎉 Annual Events in Langley
🎭 Mystery Weekend (February):
Langley transforms into a life-sized whodunit, with locals playing characters and visitors solving a fictional crime.
🐋 Welcome the Whales Festival (April):
Celebrate the return of gray whales with parades, educational programs, and shoreline sightings, hosted by the Langley Whale Center.
🎷 Djangofest NW (September):
A five-day celebration of Django Reinhardt's Gypsy jazz, filled with concerts, workshops, and jam sessions throughout town.
🎡 Whidbey Island Area Fair (July):
Held at the Island County Fairgrounds, this regional fair features rides, food, exhibits, and family-friendly fun.
🎃 Spooktacular Langley (October):
On Halloween, the town goes all out with decorations, community trick-or-treating, and festive displays.
🎄 Deck the Doors Holiday Gallery (Late November–December):
Downtown shops embrace the season with decorative storefronts and unique holiday gifts in a cozy, small-town setting.
🎨 Arts & Cultural Offerings
Langley has a thriving arts community and year-round creative events:
Ukulele for Beginners: A February class at Create Space Langley introduces students to the joy of ukulele playing.
Pottery with Jordan Jones: Weekly pottery wheel classes at Whidbey Clay Center in nearby Freeland.
Exploring Your Soul Song: A donation-based March workshop at Soundview Center focusing on sound, tone, and self-expression.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, Langley offers a unique blend of coastal charm, community warmth, and cultural richness. Come explore this enchanting Village by the Sea.