Near the base of the Olympic Mountains, along the Dungeness River, you’ll find the enchanting little town of Sequim Washington. Known as “The Lavender Capital of North America”, Sequim is surrounded by natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Lying in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Sequim receives only about 16 inches of rain per year, making it a popular place to visit any time of the year.

The longest natural sand spit in the United States is found in Sequim, Washington.

Paula T/Trip Advisor Dungeness spit is a 5-mile-long, walkable sand spit that extends from the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The Lighthouse at New Dungeness Light Station has been in continuous operation since it was first lit in 1857.

New Dungeness Lighthouse/Facebook The five-mile hike from the Dungeness Spit takes you to the lighthouse which is open to the public. Parking is available for $3 at the Refuge Parking lot on the north side of Dungeness Spit. There is no charge to tour the lighthouse, but donations are greatly appreciated and support maintenance and restoration efforts.

Every summer the town of Sequim comes alive with color during the Annual Lavender Festival.

G Gerkitz/Visit Sunny Sequim There are more than 20 unique, family-owned lavender farms in Sequim, and nine farms make up the Lavender Trail. Sweet-smelling lavender blooms all summer long in the Sequim valley, with peak blooms in mid-July. Enjoy U-cut lavender, shop for locally curated gifts, and take advantage of the glorious photo opportunities.

Have you ever seen a waving bear?

Olympic Game Farm/Facebook One of the most popular destinations in Sequim is the Olympic Game Farm. Take a driving tour and get up close and personal with non-predatory animals. Have your camera ready as bison, llamas, and deer wander past your windows. Slow down and toss bread to their world-famous waving bears!

Catch a glimpse of the largest elk in North America.

Greg Wahl US Forest Service/Flickr Sequim is home to a protected herd of local Roosevelt Elk, indigenous to the Olympic Peninsula. These gentle giants can often be found wandering the foothills east of the Dungeness River. If you are fortunate enough to come across these beloved, but wild animals, be sure to keep a safe distance.

Another opportunity to view wildlife is at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

Peter Davis/USFWS Observe birds and other wildlife as you hike the half-mile trail through the forest of Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy sweeping water views from an overlook high on a bluff above Dungeness Spit.

Experience local culture at the Northwest Native Expressions Art Gallery.

Larry10803/Trip Advisor The Northwest Native Expressions Art Gallery features beautiful works of art, including exquisite textiles, baskets, and art prints from the Jamestown S’Kallam tribe and Native American tribes from around Washington State.

After a full day of exploring, you’ll probably be hungry.

The Oak Table Cafe Sequim/Facebook The Oak Table Café is the perfect spot to unwind over a delicious meal. Oak Table offers a large breakfast menu and house specialties, including Fruit Blintzes made from an old family recipe. Charming décor, friendly service, and generous portions make this a favorite stop for visitors and locals.

Spend the night at the sweetest hideaway in town.

Lost Mountain Lodge/Facebook Book an idyllic getaway at Lost Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast situated on 9 acres, with mountain views and quiet serenity. Spacious suites and gourmet cuisine await minutes from Sequim’s lavender fields.

If you’re looking for a getaway with small-town charm and plentiful activities, head to the simply enchanting town of Sequim Washington. With vast beaches, quaint shops, walkable trails, and abundant wildlife, Sequim will quickly become one of your favorite places to explore.

Paula T/Trip Advisor

Dungeness spit is a 5-mile-long, walkable sand spit that extends from the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

New Dungeness Lighthouse/Facebook

The five-mile hike from the Dungeness Spit takes you to the lighthouse which is open to the public. Parking is available for $3 at the Refuge Parking lot on the north side of Dungeness Spit. There is no charge to tour the lighthouse, but donations are greatly appreciated and support maintenance and restoration efforts.

G Gerkitz/Visit Sunny Sequim

There are more than 20 unique, family-owned lavender farms in Sequim, and nine farms make up the Lavender Trail. Sweet-smelling lavender blooms all summer long in the Sequim valley, with peak blooms in mid-July. Enjoy U-cut lavender, shop for locally curated gifts, and take advantage of the glorious photo opportunities.

Olympic Game Farm/Facebook

One of the most popular destinations in Sequim is the Olympic Game Farm. Take a driving tour and get up close and personal with non-predatory animals. Have your camera ready as bison, llamas, and deer wander past your windows. Slow down and toss bread to their world-famous waving bears!

Greg Wahl US Forest Service/Flickr

Sequim is home to a protected herd of local Roosevelt Elk, indigenous to the Olympic Peninsula. These gentle giants can often be found wandering the foothills east of the Dungeness River. If you are fortunate enough to come across these beloved, but wild animals, be sure to keep a safe distance.

Peter Davis/USFWS

Observe birds and other wildlife as you hike the half-mile trail through the forest of Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy sweeping water views from an overlook high on a bluff above Dungeness Spit.

Larry10803/Trip Advisor

The Northwest Native Expressions Art Gallery features beautiful works of art, including exquisite textiles, baskets, and art prints from the Jamestown S’Kallam tribe and Native American tribes from around Washington State.

The Oak Table Cafe Sequim/Facebook

The Oak Table Café is the perfect spot to unwind over a delicious meal. Oak Table offers a large breakfast menu and house specialties, including Fruit Blintzes made from an old family recipe. Charming décor, friendly service, and generous portions make this a favorite stop for visitors and locals.

Lost Mountain Lodge/Facebook

Book an idyllic getaway at Lost Mountain Lodge Bed and Breakfast situated on 9 acres, with mountain views and quiet serenity. Spacious suites and gourmet cuisine await minutes from Sequim’s lavender fields.

Have you visited Sequim during the Lavender Festival? Which local farm was your favorite? We’d like to hear from you in the comments.

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Address: Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Olympic Game Farm, 1423 Ward Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Sequim Lavender Festival, 202 N Blake Ave, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, 554 Voice of America Rd W, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Dungeness Spit Trail, 715 Holgerson Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: New Dungeness Lighthouse, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Oak Table Cafe, 292 W Bell St, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Northwest Native Expressions, 1033 Old Blyn Hwy, Sequim, WA 98382, USAAddress: Lost Mountain Lodge, 303 Sunny View Dr, Sequim, WA 98382, USA