There is perhaps no place more beautiful in the world than the Olympic Peninsula, in the northwestern corner of Washington State. There, you’ll find several great towns to visit – but one that stands out above the rest. Head for a summer getaway in the sunny town of Sequim, Washington, and experience the best of the Olympic Peninsula’s natural beauty and small-town charm. There are plenty of things to do in Sequim, but the town is perhaps best known for its sunny weather and proximity to outdoor adventures, making it an ideal base to explore the area.
The world is your oyster when it comes to what to do in Sequim. Do you want to wander shops and galleries in downtown Sequim or dine on fresh local seafood? Or would you rather get outside and explore local berry farms, attend the popular Sequim Lavender Festival, or get adventurous hiking at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge? Regardless of what a perfect vacation looks like to you, you’ll quickly learn why Sequim is a favorite among travelers looking for unique and free things to do in Washington State.
Of course, Sequim is just the start of your adventures on the Olympic Peninsula. From here, you can easily take a day trip to the rugged coastline, mossy rainforests, and glacial peaks of Olympic National Park—undoubtedly one of the top 10 things to do on the Olympic Peninsula. If you’re wondering what to do in Sequim beyond the town itself, consider venturing to nearby Port Angeles, where you’ll find the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, the ferry to Victoria, and one of the best harbor views in the region. With so many things to do near Olympic National Park, from hiking and beachcombing to tidepooling and scenic drives, you’ll never run out of reasons to explore more.
At the end of the day, return to comfort at Juan de Fuca Cottages, the best waterfront lodging in Sequim. These cozy cottages offer front-row views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, along with thoughtful amenities and plenty of space to relax. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee while watching bald eagles soar overhead or unwinding in your private hot tub after a long hike, it’s the perfect place to stay while checking off your list of things to do in Sequim and beyond. Book your stay today!
Local's Guide: Best Things to do in Sequim
Summer is the perfect time to explore the Olympic Peninsula, and Sequim, Washington, is a fantastic place to kick off your adventure. With its unique weather patterns, fragrant lavender fields, and easy access to Olympic National Park, Sequim blends small-town charm with big-time natural beauty. From scenic trails and wildlife watching to downtown shopping and local dining, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Sequim.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic place to relax and unwind, a great home base for your epic adventures, planning day trips to Port Angeles and other top destinations on the Olympic Peninsula, or just trying to figure out what to do in Sequim, this list of highlights will get you started.
- There’s little doubt that one of the most popular things to do in Sequim, WA, during the summer is to wander through local lavender fields. Peak bloom at Sequim Lavender Farms is in July, as is the popular Lavender Festival.
- Don’t miss the stunning Dungeness spit, one of the longest natural sand spits in the country and one of the most impressive things to do in Sequim. This coastal hike offers dramatic views, beachcombing, and access to the New Dungeness Lighthouse.
- As part of your walk along the Dungeness Spit, you’ll pass through the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is perfect for bird and wildlife watching, whether from the beach or kayak.
- Soak up plenty of small-town character in downtown Sequim. Along the main thoroughfare through town, there are plenty of boutique shops, coffee spots, and art galleries to explore. Whether you’re looking for handmade lavender-scented products or stunning Native American Art, you’ll quickly see why shopping is one of the top things to do in Sequim.
- Sequim is a popular starting point for cyclists looking to explore the Olympic Discovery Trail. This relatively flat portion of the trail offers plenty of mountain, forest, meadow, and water views.
- One particular highlight of the Olympic Discovery Trail is Railroad Bridge Park, home to the Dungeness River Nature Center. Walk across this historic trestle bridge and enjoy the center’s interpretive nature trails.
- One of the best things to do in Sequim when you have your kids in tow (and even when you don’t!) is to visit the animals at the Olympic Game Farm. Famous for waving bears and buffalo that come right up to your car window, this drive-through zoo is a unique experience you won’t forget.
- Another great family-friendly activity in Sequim is berry picking at local farms. It’s a popular pastime on the Olympic Peninsula every summer. Our personal favorite is Greysmarsh Farms.
- We’re surrounded by water, so it’s easy to understand why kayaking is one of the best things to do in Sequim. Rent one of our kayaks and enjoy a quiet morning or afternoon paddle on Dungeness Bay. You never know which marine wildlife will pop up to say hi!
- There are some great golf courses near our Sequim lodging, too, including the Cedars at Dungeness.
- We haven’t even mentioned hiking yet, which is one of our favorite things to do in Sequim! Of course, there are epic hikes like Hurricane Hill or Obstruction Point in Olympic National Park, but there are some great Sequim hiking trails to consider, including the Upper Dungeness River.
- If you’re up for a day trip, consider exploring the vast expanses of the Olympic National Park. You’ll find alpine lakes, lush forests, and glacier-capped peaks just a short drive away. Hurricane Ridge is especially popular for day hikes and jaw-dropping views.
Waterfront Cottages: The Best Place to Stay in Sequim
Whether you’re sticking around for these top things to do in Sequim or gearing up for a bigger adventure on the Olympic Peninsula, Juan de Fuca Cottages stands out as the premier choice for lodging. Located on a private beach along Dungeness Bay, our family and pet-friendly Sequim lodging provides sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Each of our rooms & cottages is outfitted with a range of amenities, including private patios, jetted tubs, and full kitchens, making our Sequim vacation rentals feel like a true home away from home.
Beyond the individual appointments available in each room or cottage, our property also offers some fantastic amenities. Our most popular guest amenity is our private beach, which has 7 acres of frontage right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From here, you can enjoy a private beachside picnic, launch a kayak, or simply admire the sunset. You can keep up to date with what’s happening on our beach at any time with our Sequim webcam! We also offer kayak and other equipment rentals, a shared gazebo with games and seating areas, Adirondack chairs for sunny afternoons, high-speed WiFi, and Level 2 EV chargers for guests’ convenience.
Juan de Fuca Cottages combines the privacy of Sequim vacation rentals with the amenities of top-tier Sequim hotels. If you want to keep your mornings simple, consider one of our breakfast options. We have plenty of grab-and-go options available in our onsite market, but we’re also happy to bring you a freshly made hot breakfast each morning of your stay. We also have a few quick breakfast options if you need something a little less elaborate.
Beyond just being a great place to stay, the property’s location is ideal for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. It’s just a short drive from downtown Sequim and is the perfect base for day trips to Olympic National Park. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the property’s diverse accommodations cater to various needs. With its prime waterfront location and comprehensive amenities, Juan de Fuca Cottages is one of the best places to stay on the Olympic Peninsula. Book your stay today!
