Sequim, Washington: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do Plus Places To Visit (No, Seriously!)

Sequim calls itself the Lavender Capital of North America right out loud, and it absolutely means it. There are several farms out here, and Purple Haze alone does the oils, the soap and the lavender honey. July. And there is a separate Lavender Weekend running on top of all of that. And the tea shops sell lavender tea that was grown just down the road.

Welcome to Sequim, Washington, a small town that carries more than its size suggests, with plenty to do and plenty to see. Local after a weekend or visitor after somewhere new, Sequim covers both. From the lavender fields to the wildlife refuge, Sequim gets hold of you and does not let go.

If you want something you will not get elsewhere, Sequim’s lavender fields earn the trip. Sequim is known as the Lavender Capital of North America, and with reason. The town holds several lavender farms, where you can take a tour, pick your own lavender, and buy lavender products. And lavender is more than something to look at, because it also carries real benefits, taking stress off you and helping you sleep.

If you would rather be outside, Sequim runs plenty. From hiking the forests to biking the Olympic Discovery Trail, there is more outdoors here than you can get through. You can also visit the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, where you will see wildlife across the board, bald eagles, harbor seals and gray whales among it. With this much on, Sequim earns your next trip.

Key Takeaways

Sequim is the Lavender Capital of North America and offers several lavender farms to visit.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Sequim’s pristine forests, biking trails, and wildlife refuge.
Sequim has something for everyone, from beach bliss to culinary delights and fun festivities.

A Whiff of Lavender

If you want something in Sequim that slows you down and smells of it, the lavender farms and fields are the answer. Sequim is known as the Lavender Capital of North America, and with reason. Here are a couple of ways to take the lavender in Sequim.

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

Step into a purple haze at this lavender farm, which runs lavender products across the board, essential oils, soap and lavender-infused honey among them. Take a walk through the fields and let the scent do its work while the mountains stand around you. And get a few photographs for your Instagram feed.

Sequim Lavender Festival

If you are in Sequim in July, check out the annual Sequim Lavender Festival. This three-day event marks everything lavender and pulls visitors in from around the world. You can tour multiple lavender farms, watch cooking demonstrations built on lavender-infused dishes, and take the live music. And there are plenty of lavender products to carry home.

Lavender follower or simply somebody after something that takes the week off you, a lavender farm or the Sequim Lavender Festival is what to do in Sequim.

Outdoor Adventures

Are you ready to work the outdoors in Sequim? There is plenty of it in this corner of Washington state. Here is where to start:

Hiking The Olympic Discovery Trail

Get your hiking boots on and take the Olympic Discovery Trail. This 130-mile trail runs from Port Townsend to La Push, and it is how to see the Olympic Peninsula properly. You pass through forests, along beaches and over rivers. The trail works at every level, so seasoned walker or complete beginner, you will get something out of it.

Boating at John Wayne Marina

If you want to be on the water, head to John Wayne Marina. This marina sits on Sequim Bay and runs boat rentals, so you can work the bay at your own pace. The marina is named after the actor, who boated seriously and spent a good deal of time in the area. And you may see wildlife while you are out there.

Fishing in Dungeness Bay

If you fish, Dungeness Bay will hold you. This bay runs a range of fish species, salmon, steelhead and trout among them. You can fish from shore or rent a boat and head out into the bay. Just carry a valid fishing license before you cast.

Whatever you want to do outdoors, Sequim runs it. From hiking to boating to fishing, everybody is covered. So get out there and take the Olympic Peninsula.

Wildlife Wonders

If you follow animals, Sequim runs wildlife you should not miss. Here are two of the strongest places to take:

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

At the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge you get animals in their own habitat. From birds to bears, this refuge holds a broad range of creatures.

One of the strongest parts of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is the Dungeness Spit, one of the longest natural sand spits anywhere. Take a walk along the spit and keep your eyes up for seals, sea lions and other marine life.

Olympic Game Farm

At the Olympic Game Farm you get close to animals you will not get close to elsewhere. From yaks to llamas, this farm runs a broad range of creatures.

One of the strongest parts of the Olympic Game Farm is that you can feed some of the animals. Get ready for a bison to put its head straight into your car and take a carrot out of your hand.

Wildlife follower or simply somebody after something to do, these two will land. And bring your camera, because you will want the photographs.

Beach Bliss

Are you ready for the sun and the saltwater? Sequim has that covered with strong beaches to work. Here are two of our favorites:

Dungeness Spit Walk

If you are up for a proper walk, head to the Dungeness Spit and take the natural sand spit that runs out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The walk is about 11 miles round trip, so carry plenty of water and something to eat. But the Olympic Mountains and the lighthouse at the end of the spit pay it back. And if you time it, you can catch the low tide and work the tide pools. Just watch where you put your feet.

Sequim Bay State Park

If you want a slower beach day, check out Sequim Bay State Park. This park runs a pebble beach and plenty of picnic areas with tables. Pack a lunch and eat with the bay in front of you. And if you want a run at something, rent a kayak or paddleboard and work the bay. Just wear a life jacket.

Whichever beach you take, carry plenty of sunscreen and a hat. And take your trash out with you so these beaches stay the way you found them.

Culinary Delights

On feeding you, Sequim has it covered. From fresh berries to locally brewed tea, something here will land. Here are a couple of places not to walk past:

Dockside Grill

If you want to eat on the water, Dockside Grill is the place. With the Strait of Juan de Fuca in front of you, you eat while the boats go past. The menu runs seafood across the board, battered fish and fries, clam chowder and grilled salmon among it. And if seafood is not what you want, they also run burgers and salads. And if you want the smart version, take their lobster mac and cheese.

Local Farmers’ Market

For the local produce, head to the Sequim Farmers’ Market. Here you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, jams and baked goods. The market runs on Saturdays from May to October, so plan around it. And if you time it, you may catch a cooking demonstration or live music.

And take the local berries, the strawberries in particular. They are sweet enough that one is never the end of it. And if you follow tea, check out the local tea shops. You will find a range of teas, lavender and mint among them, which are grown here.

Sequim runs restaurants and cafes that will cover most tastes. Seafood or a vegetarian meal, both are here.

The lavender comes straight out of the fields that you can walk right into yourself. Purple Haze presses the oils and infuses the honey right there on the site itself. The tea is grown locally out here, and all the mint alongside it too. The berries come off the farmers market on a Saturday morning out there. And the crab comes straight out of Dungeness Bay itself.

Art and Culture

Looking for the cultural side of Sequim? The Sequim Museum & Arts and Northwest Native Expressions are the answer.

Sequim Museum & Arts

The Sequim Museum & Arts earns the stop for anybody interested in the history and culture of Sequim. This all-volunteer, nonprofit organization runs the Historic Dungeness Schoolhouse and the Museum & Arts Exhibit Center. You can work the exhibits, take Sequim’s history, and join workshops and events.

One of the strongest parts of the museum is the collection of work by local artists. From paintings to sculptures, it covers the range. And if you want a souvenir you will not see twice, check the jewelry made by local artisans.

Northwest Native Expressions

For a cultural stop you will not get elsewhere, head to Northwest Native Expressions. This gallery runs the work of Native American artists from the Pacific Northwest. You will find a deep collection of jewelry, carvings and other work that carries the cultural heritage of the region.

The gallery also runs regular exhibitions built on the work of individual artists or on particular themes. And if you time it, you may meet one of the artists and work their craft with them.

Art follower or simply somebody after something that teaches you, Sequim runs it. So take a break from the outdoors and work the cultural side of this town.

Retail Therapy

Looking to shop in Sequim? You have timed it. The city runs shops and boutiques covering a range of interests and styles. Here are the places to check:

Downtown Sequim Shops

Downtown Sequim runs shops across the board, from antique stores to gift shops to clothing boutiques. If you want gifts or souvenirs you will not see twice, check out Sequim Spice and Tea. They run a deep selection of teas, spices and other gourmet food items that work for anybody who cooks. For something lighter, head over to Dungeness Kids Co. This toy store runs a strong selection of toys, games and books at any age.

If you want clothing, stop by That Takes the Cake Boutique. This store runs a strong selection of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. They also run gifts and home decor, so you can shop for yourself and for everybody else at once.

Blue Whole Gallery

If you follow art, do not miss the Blue Whole Gallery. This artist-run cooperative gallery runs the work of local artists across a broad range of mediums, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry among them. The gallery sits in downtown Sequim and is open every day of the week, so you can stop in whenever you want.

Alongside the Blue Whole Gallery, there are several other galleries and art studios in Sequim worth the walk. Serious collector or simply somebody who likes looking at things, something here will catch you.

So shopping or simply looking at art, Sequim runs both. And walk the downtown without a plan, because you never know what turns up.

Fun Festivities

Sequim is a town that knows how to run. From festivals to parades, there is always something on here. Here are the strongest to take:

Sequim Lavender Weekend

If you follow the smell of lavender, take the Sequim Lavender Weekend. This annual festival runs every July and marks everything lavender. You can visit lavender farms, take live music, and work the lavender-infused food and drink. It is how to spend a summer weekend.

Irrigation Festival

The Irrigation Festival is one of the oldest festivals in Washington State, and it has been running for over 120 years. The festival marks the town’s irrigation system, which was built over a century ago so that farmers could grow crops in a dry climate. The festival runs a parade, a carnival and a logging show. It is how to work the town’s history and culture in one go.

Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival

If you follow seafood, do not miss the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival. This annual festival runs every October and marks everything seafood. You can take fresh crab, oysters and the rest of it with live music going and the waterfront in front of you.

Sequim Farmers Market

The Sequim Farmers Market is where to find fresh produce, artisanal crafts and food worth stopping for. The market runs every Saturday from May to October and puts money straight back into local farmers and artisans. You will find everything from fresh berries to handmade soap at it.

Sequim Sunshine Festival

The Sequim Sunshine Festival marks everything summer. The festival runs a street fair, live music and a classic car show. It is how to take the warm weather while it lasts.

Local or visitor, there is always something on in Sequim. So get friends and family together and take one of these. You will not regret it.

Leisure Activities

When you want the slow version, Sequim runs plenty. From golfing to biking, everybody is covered.

Golfing in Sequim

If you play golf, Sequim runs strong courses. The Cedars at Dungeness is an 18-hole championship course with the Olympic Mountains standing behind it. The course will test you and it is genuinely enjoyable, and with four sets of tees it works at every level. And the clubhouse runs a strong restaurant and bar for afterwards.

The other strong option is SunLand Golf & Country Club, a private course open to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. This 18-hole course sits among tall trees and runs quiet the whole way round. The course is well kept and the staff will look after you.

Biking the Olympic Peninsula

If you want an active way to work the Olympic Peninsula, take a bike. The Olympic Discovery Trail is a 130-mile trail running from Port Townsend to La Push, and it works for biking. The trail is mostly flat and paved, which makes it work at any age and any level.

Along the trail you pass through forests, along rivers, and past the Olympic Mountains opening out. You can also stop in towns such as Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks to eat and work them.

Experienced cyclist or somebody after a slow ride, the Olympic Discovery Trail earns the day in Sequim. So grab your bike and take it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some dog-friendly activities in Sequim?

Sequim runs well for dogs, and there is plenty to keep you and yours going. Take a walk on the Olympic Discovery Trail, a 120-mile trail running from Port Townsend to La Push, with the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca opening out. You can also visit the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, where you and your dog can work miles of trails and sandy beaches. And stop by the Sequim Dog Park, where they can run loose and meet everybody.

If you want somewhere nobody sends you, check out the Sequim Lavender Festival. This annual festival marks everything lavender and runs live music, food vendors and a street fair. The other one is the Dungeness River Audubon Center, where you can work the local flora and fauna and go birdwatching. And for shopping you will not get elsewhere, head to the Purple Haze Lavender Farm, where you can buy lavender products and take the gardens.

What’s the most unique event or festival that takes place in Sequim?

The Sequim Irrigation Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Washington State and marks how much water matters here. The festival runs a parade, a carnival, a logging show and a strongman competition. The other one is the Sequim Lavender Festival, which marks the town’s lavender industry and runs a street fair, live music and food vendors.

Where can I find the best seafood in Sequim?

If you follow seafood, you have timed it. Sequim runs several strong seafood restaurants. For the smart version, head to Alder Wood Bistro, where the seafood is built on locally-sourced ingredients. For something more casual, check out the Dockside Grill, which puts the Strait of Juan de Fuca in front of you with a menu full of seafood.

What’s the best way to explore the natural beauty of Sequim?

The strongest way to work the country around Sequim is on foot or on a bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail. This 120-mile trail runs from Port Townsend to La Push with the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca opening out. You can also visit the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, where you can work miles of trails and sandy beaches.

Are there any haunted places or ghost stories in Sequim?

Sequim may not be known for haunted places, but some stories have come down the years. The best known is the Lady in White, a figure said to haunt the Old Dungeness Schoolhouse. The other one involves the Sequim Bay State Park, where people have reported a figure walking the beach at night.

Frequently asked questions about Sequim, Washington

What exactly runs at the Sequim Lavender festival, then, really now, in the end?

A three-day run every single July, and it pulls people in from all over the whole world. You tour multiple lavender farms out there and watch all of the cooking demonstrations run. There is the live music, and all the lavender products to carry home with you as well. Purple.

How long exactly is the Olympic Discovery trail out of Sequim, then, really now, these days?

A 130-mile trail out there, running from Port Townsend the whole way out to La Push. It is mostly flat and paved, so it works at just about any age or level at all. You pass through the forests, along the beaches and over the rivers the whole way along. Bikes.

Which beach walk near Sequim takes in the whole sand spit, then, really now, these days?

The Dungeness Spit, which is one of the longest natural sand spits found anywhere at all. It is about 11 miles round trip, so carry the water and something to eat with you. There is a lighthouse at the end of it and the whole Olympic Mountains behind you. Pools.

Keep exploring Sequim, Washington