Sequim: Day-Trippin’ Hub of the Pacific Northwest
Who doesn’t love a good day trip? Being able to leave your house in the morning and return in the evening—mini-vacation included—usually makes for a great time for all ages. Luckily for us residents of the Olympic Peninsula… we have plenty of day trips to choose from! I’ll be highlighting these fun excursions in this series of articles, with tips to make each one a pleasurable experience. So come along for the fun!
Sunset from Cline Spit in Sequim, WA
Why Sequim?
Sequim (pronounced Skwim), Washington is home base for me—and the hub of our Day-Trippin’ wheel—thanks to its ideal location and moderate climate. It sits at the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, with the Olympic Mountains to the south and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north. “From the mountains to the sea” is a local phrase that sums it up perfectly.
Hiking in the mountains, sea glass hunting along the beaches, discovering mini aquariums during low tide, or even exploring a different country to the north—it’s all within a couple of hours from our charming town.
View of the Strait from atop one of the lower mountains
Sequim also lies in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, creating a unique microclimate known as “The Blue Hole.” This means Sequim receives just 16–17 inches of rain per year, compared to other parts of the Pacific Northwest where annual rainfall can exceed 130 inches!
Lavender Capital of North America
With at least 20 lavender farms in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, Sequim has earned the title Lavender Capital of North America, thanks to a climate similar to the south of France.
Picking lavender at one of the local farms
The Lavender Festival takes place during the third week of July, when the entire town seems to bleed purple—but the harvesting season continues through August if you’re hoping to beat the crowds. Fields of lavender in every shade imaginable create a picture-perfect backdrop for summer visits, and many farms offer “U-Pick” options so you can create your own beautiful bouquet.
Several farms also offer free tours, so be sure to ask (B & B Family Farm is my personal favorite!).
Festivals and Live Music Galore
From Sunshine and Logging to Irrigation and Lavender, Sequim doesn’t need much of a reason to celebrate! The warm, welcoming vibe is apparent year-round, and locals are always happy to share their piece of paradise with visitors.
Music flows as abundantly as the Dungeness River, with wine bars, restaurants, and outdoor venues offering a variety of live performances. Be sure to visithttps://www.visitsunnysequim.com/ for a sneak peek at monthly activities.
Dawn & Steve Martin at Rainshadow Cafe for First Friday Art Walk
Food
Cafés, coffee shops, bakeries, and farmers markets are perfect places to grab food on the go. Ideal picnic spots are everywhere—whether you want to dine on the beach, atop a mountain, or along one of the local spits (landforms extending into the water). A beautiful view is never hard to find.
Even the local big-box store boasts a mountain view that would make anyone envious.
Just a word of warning: check hours of operation online before setting your heart on a particular spot. Hours can fluctuate during busy seasons, so a little flexibility (and patience) goes a long way.
Heading to lunch at The Old Post Office in Carlsborg
Wrapping It Up
Sequim isn’t just a destination—it’s the starting point for countless adventures. And the best part? You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special.
In the next article, I’ll take you on one of my favorite day trips from Sequim—complete with can’t-miss stops, hidden gems, and a few local tips along the way. Let’s go exploring!
