Oak Harbor is Whidbey Island's largest incorporated community. Named for the many Garry oak trees which grace its skyline, the City is a growing metropolis because of two major forces: the completion of the Deception Pass Bridge in 1935, and the building of the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1942. Visitors and residents alike find much to enjoy in this island community. Recreational opportunities are bountiful. In 1850 the Irish began to settle into the Oak Harbor area with the Dutch following in the 1890's. In 1941 the U.S. Navy began to establish its presence near Oak Harbor. Since then the growth and changes of mission of the Naval Air Station, along with the economic growth of the Northwest Washington, changed the quiet country town of 600 into a beautiful waterfront community of over 20,000 persons.
Oak Harbor's small town flavor continues to be displayed in the numerous annual celebrations. The Irish paint the town green in March, and the Dutch fill the town with tulips the last weekend of April during the annual Holland Happening celebration. Patriotism soars and flags abound on the 4th of July and once again during the annual Sea 'N' Sky Fest celebrating the strong alliance between the community and the Navy. Whidbey Island Race Week, held each year in July, has been rated among the top 20 yachting regattas in the world.
When visiting Oak Harbor don't miss Oldtown, the original commercial center of Oak Harbor, where historic turn-of-the century buildings, parks, a full service marina, and beaches are enhanced by panoramic views of the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains.
