Things to Do in Sequim & the Dungeness Valley
Sequim (pop. 6,600+) is small-town America and the surrounding Dungeness Valley has become a retirement destination for many newcomers. Located just 10 minutes down the road from the Inn, makes it an ideal location for lunch, dinner, and exploring. There’s many things to do in Sequim. The downtown area has many unique gift shops, murals, antique stores, galleries and fine restaurants.
Looking for sunshine? The sun shines in Sequim more than anywhere Western Washington. The “rain shadow” effect, caused by the Olympic Mountains, shelters the valley from excessive rain. In May, join us for the oldest continuous festival in Washington State, the Sequim Irrigation Festival. This 120 year old festival celebrates the irrigation ditches that made the arid valley lush and bountiful. Come along as we discover the many things to do in Sequim, Washington.
Shopping & Dining
Unique garden, gift, book, and clothing stores fill the quaint downtown. Grab your favorite coffee or tea specialty drink and enjoy a walking shopping tour. Visit the Farmers Market on Saturdays (May through October) where local growers sell fresh produce and artisans display their hand-crafted items. Stop by the Sequim Museum & Arts Center to enjoy the wealth of history and visit the Manis Mastadon exhibit! And then relax and enjoy a local culinary delight at one of our many authentic restaurants.
Local Lavender
Visit the many colorful lavender farms in the Duneness Valley. Over the past two decades Sequim has become “America’s Provence” with over 30 lavender farms. Lavender is one of the most fragrant and useful herbs known to mankind. The Sequim-Dungeness Valley has weather conditions perfect for lavender. Quaint farm stores open during the summer at the height of the lavender season. The U-pick season typically lasts from July through August. Make plans early to attend Sequim Lavender Weekend, America’s largest lavender event, held the third weekend of July. In addition, George Washington Inn Lavender products are available in our online store.
Along the Shore
The pristine waters of Sequim and Dungeness Bay invite you to sail, bird-watch or take a kayak trip to the New Dungeness Lighthouse. Stroll along the shores of the Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the United States at 5.5 miles. Hike to the 150-year old New Dungeness Lighthouse, enjoy some of the best bird-watching in the Northwest or just relax in the warm sun. Drop anchor at John Wayne Marina and stay for awhile!
Sequim Wildlife
If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Sequim Roosevelt Elk Herd on the southeastern slopes of town. The herd, comprised of about 100 elk, enjoy Sequim as part of their grazing range. The herd is just one of the many colorful features that make Sequim a worthwhile visit. Plan to visit the Olympic Game Farm or an alpaca farm, watch the skies for one of our local American Eagle residents and enjoy the Friendship Garden at Carrie Blake Park. Everyday is a new opportunity to enjoy the richness of our wildlife community!
Rich in History
Sequim has a rich history, from the traditions of the local S’Klallam tribe to the agricultural heritage of early settlers. The Sequim Museum and Arts Center and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center are great resources for discovering more about our local history, including the mastadons which once roamed this area.
