Sequim Lavender Fields: Visiting the Lavender Capital of North America

When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Affiliate Policy. Sequim wasn’t part of our ‘Explore the Olympic Peninsula’ plan. We had every intention of staying in Port Angeles while exploring Olympic National Park, but we booked accommodations late. Really late. By the time we got around to looking, anything decent in Port Angeles was either already gone or way outside our budget. So we zoomed out on the map, looking for other places nearby and landed on Sequim (pronounced ‘skwim’), a small town about 25 minutes east. We didn’t expect it to be a highlight of our road trip. But then we found out it’s the Lavender Capital of North America. Where We Stayed in Sequim: Hotel vs. Farm Airbnb We split our time between two places: a night at the Red Lion Hotel in town and four nights in an Airbnb out in the country, just south of Highway 101. Both were pet-friendly (which is a must for us with the dogs), and honestly, both were fine in different ways. The hotel was exactly what you’d expect: clean, basic, and came with a surprisingly good, if not ordinary continental breakfast. We took full advantage of the pool and hot tub that night, something we don’t usually get when we stay in Airbnbs. The Airbnb, though, was quieter. It was out on a farm, which made the transition from cozy Sekiu to busier Port Angeles feel less jarring. There wasn’t much cell service and the Wi-Fi was spotty at best, though it was still better than no signal at all while glamping near Forks. Either way, the slower pace was welcome. Except for the one day Lily wouldn’t stop howling at the farm dogs while we were off hiking Hurricane Ridge. The moment we got signal again, our phones blew up with camera alerts. We talked to her through the pet cam the whole drive back, but she made up her mind that she’d ignore us and continued to howl. Sorry again to our host! Hitting Lavender Season at Just the Right Time The year before, in 2023, when we visited Mount Rainier National Park, we’d also hoped to check out some lavender farms nearby, but we were too late in the season. This time, though, we hit it just right quite by accident. In the lavender capital of North America, blooms still going strong, and we were just a week past their big festival. There are quite a few farms around the area, but we ended up at B & B Family Lavender Farm, mostly because it was less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Our Visit to B & B Family Lavender Farm We got there a little after 1 p.m. on a Tuesday in August last year. Sunny, not too hot, and the air smelled like (no surprise) lavender. Everywhere. It was fresh and soothing, not like an overpowering candle shop. They handed us a pair of scissors and a tie and told us to go cut whatever we wanted for ~$20 (as long as it fit in the tie). So we did. As we walked through the rows, bees buzzed around doing their thing. I was convinced I’d get stung (I usually do) but somehow made it out without a single sting. That still surprises me since bees and wasps sting me even while I’m standing in a concrete parking lot minding my own business. The fields were laid out in neat rows, with landscaping fabric between them (the heavy-duty kind that keeps weeds down), and just beyond the lavender were the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The contrast was wild: deep purple in front, blue mountains out back, purple flags fluttering in the breeze, and the occasional rustic barn off to the side. Also: I learned something. I always thought lavender was just… lavender. But B & B grows a bunch of different species. There are actually over 45 lavender species & 450 varieties, and this farm had 10 varieties growing right there in one field. As someone who doesn’t know much beyond “plants need sun and water,” that was pretty cool. Bringing Lavender Home from the Olympic Peninsula We brought home a full bunch of cut lavender and also picked up a small canvas bag of dried lavender from their store. Our cut stems made it through the full 2,500+ mile drive back home, and even now, they’re still sitting on our bookshelf, and still smell amazing. That said, quite a bit of it did fall apart in the car on the way home. We were finding bits of lavender under our seats for weeks. Worth it. Also, wild side note: apparently our car picked up enough pollen that bees kept flying up to investigate it during our drive home and even after we got back to Alabama. For over a month. Would We Visit Sequim Again? Not for Sequim itself. The town was fine; fewer food options than Port Angeles, and most places closed early. It felt like a small town near a popular spot, not a destination on its own. But for the lavender and, presumably, the Lavender Festival? Yes. If we ever found ourselves back in the area during bloom season, we’d absolutely go again. Maybe even plan better and catch the festival next time. But even without the fanfare, the quiet walk through the fields, the unexpected lavender facts, and the view of the mountains in the distance was more than enough. Exploring Olympic National Park from Sequim If you’re staying in Sequim, you’re perfectly positioned for some of Olympic’s best hikes and sights: Sol Duc Falls – A quick, easy 1.8-mile walk through mossy rainforest to a beautiful waterfall. Great for all skill levels. Marymere Falls – Less than 1.8 miles round trip through old-growth forest, ending at a serene cascade. Perfect for a peaceful stroll. Hurricane Ridge – Offers several trails; Hurricane Hill (3.4 miles) rewards you with sweeping mountain views. Visitor center nearby. Obstruction Point – A longer, more challenging mile hike through alpine meadows and wildflowers near Hurricane Ridge. All within easy driving distance from Sequim, these spots give you a great mix of waterfalls, forests, and mountain vistas to round out your visit.