Sequim

Sequim is known as the “Lavender Capital of North America”, and is a small town located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.  There are nine lavender farms near Sequim, best visited during the Sequim Lavender Festival in July (check dates).

Sequim sits in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains, and has a unique microclimate with lower rainfall and 300 days of sunshine. This makes it the perfect location for growing lavender.

Sequim is also close to other major attractions like the 5-mile Dungeness Spit with a lighthouse, and a 45 minute driving tour through the Olympic Game Farm with bears, bison and zebras.

You can also visit the Dungeness Valley Creamery near Sequim, to purchase raw milk, cream, eggs, and chocolate, and see jersey cows.  In the 1940s there were hundreds of dairy farms in this area.

The downtown area of Sequim has plenty of shops and restaurants, and the excellent Sequim Museum.  Further afield, you can visit the Dungeness River Nature Center to see exhibits on the Dungeness River Watershed, then walk across the 750-foot Dungeness Railroad Bridge.

End your trip with a meal at the Dockside Grill east of Sequim, overlooking spectacular Sequim Bay. 

13 best things to do in Sequim

1. Downtown Sequim

Explore shops and restaurants along Washington Street in downtown Sequim. Highlights include Hurricane Coffee, Salty Girls Seafood, Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza, Pane D'Amore Artisan Bakery, and Cedarbrook Lavender Gift Shop.

2. Purple Haze Lavender Farm

Purple Haze Lavender Farm has a charming setting in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, and has U-Pick lavender in late June through August. Wander through the lavender fields, eat a delicious lavender ice-cream at the seasonal ice-cream stand, shop at the gift shop, then visit the chicken coop.  There's also a farmhouse for rent. Check hours.

3. B&B Lavender Farm

The B&B Lavender Farm is Sequim's largest farm, with 16,000 lavender plants across 12-acres, overlooking the spectacular snowcapped Olympic Mountains. You can also stop by the gift shop, and vintage barn. Check hours.

Stop by in summer to U-Pick bunches of lavender from these stunning fields.

Learn how lavender products are harvested, dried and distilled in the 100 year old barn!

Visit the gift shop, with a fantastic array of gifts including lavender balsamic vinegar, lavender sachets, eye-sprays and pillows, lavender foaming soap and lemonade, lavender chocolate bars, and razzleberry simple syrup. 

4. Dungeness Spit & Lighthouse

Take the 0.5 mile trail (one-way) along a forested trail to the blufftop overlooking the Dungeness Spit.  You can then walk down to the beach and hike 5-miles along the Dungeness Spit to the New Dungeness Lighthouse (always check tide-tables). 

5. Dungeness Valley Creamery

Visit the only dairy in the Dungeness Valley, selling cream, eggs, and raw milk from jersey cows. The Dungeness Valley Creamery is spread across 38 acres with 60 jersey cows, and has pastures, a milking area, shop, and barn area to see the cows. There's also an outdoor area where you can get up close to the calves. Check hours.

6. Sequim Museum & Arts

The Sequim Museum & Arts is in Downtown Sequim, located in the old Post Office Building. See 14,000 year old Mastodon bones, and learn the amazing story of local rower, Joe Ranz, who overcame adversity to be part of the rowing team that won gold at the 1936 Olympics. His story is now featured in the George Clooney film, "The Boys in the Boat" (2024). Check hours.

7. Olympic Game Farm

The Olympic Game Farm is 15 minutes northwest of Sequim. You can drive a 45-minute loop around the park, and get up-close to bears, bison and elk.

8. Dungeness River Nature Center

The Dungeness River Nature Center has exhibits on the geology, flora, fauna and cultural history of the Dungeness River Watershed. Kids can visit the Discovery Table, touch fur, feathers, shells and bones, see the Salmon Room aquarium, borrow binoculars to check out the abundant bird life here, or investigate the Rain Garden.

There's also a gift shop and coffee shop for refreshments, with a seating area on the plaza.  Walk across the historic 750-foot Dungeness Railroad Bridge, and explore trails in the 75-acre riverfront park. Check hours.

9. Dungeness School House (1892)

The two story Dungeness School House (1892) is 5-miles north of Sequim. This historic building was used to educate local children from the 1890s to 1950s.  Today its available for tours, or can be rented for special occasions.

10. Jardin Du Soleil Lavender Farm

Jardin Du Soleil is another popular lavender farm near Sequim, with fields of lavender available for U-Pick in summer. You can also explore the maze, or bring a picnic lunch and sit at one of the tables or chairs available on the property. Wander up to the chicken and goat pens to say hello to some of the animals, then purchase a variety of lavender products at their store. Check hours.

11. Sequim Bay State Park

Sequim Bay State Park is 8 minutes southeast of Sequim, overlooking beautiful Sequim Bay. This 92-acre park has beaches to explore, a boat launch area, campsites and an amphitheater.

12. Sunshine Herb and Lavender Farm

The Sunshine Herb and Lavender Farm is easily accessible along Highway 101, just 14 miles east of Sequim. It has a large store housed inside a red barn, with an abundance of lavender products.

13. Dungeness Landing County Park

The Dungeness Landing County Park is 5 minutes drive north of Sequim.  It's the perfect place to get a closer view of the New Dungeness Lighthouse across the bay, avoiding a 5-mile hike out to the lighthouse. Stroll along the shoreline, step up on the birding platform, or sit at the picnic table and enjoy the views from this small county park.

14. Dockside Grill overlooking Sequim Bay

The Dockside Grill has an incredible, waterfront location, overlooking Sequim Bay. Check hours.