While Sequim is certainly a charming and wonderful place to visit any time of year, it also makes a great home base for exploring the Olympic Peninsula.  Its location near some of the top things to do on the Olympic Peninsula is also what makes Sequim such a great place to live. From here, it’s easy to explore the nearby towns of Port Townsend and Port Angeles, while still also having easy access to the Olympic National Park and the area’s top attractions.

Whether you’re into hiking, biking, taking scenic drives, fishing, or just relaxing on local beaches and at local parks, Sequim really is the perfect place to relax and unwind this summer.  Whether you’re coming to the area to consider making a move or just want someplace new to visit, we hope you make Sequim a part of your summer plans this year.  If you have any questions about living in the area, reach out to one of our wonderful Sequim Real Estate Agents.

20 of the Best Things to do on the Olympic Peninsula This Summer

With world-class attractions like the Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Hoh Rainforest to explore, plus hundreds of places in between, there really is no shortage of incredible things to do on the Olympic Peninsula.  While moving around the area make look a bit different this summer as compared to most, there are still plenty of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula that are worth doing, and most of which involve a little natural social distancing.  Just make sure you bring your mask – they are now required in Washington State!

As you explore all of the incredible places the Olympic Peninsula has to offer, don’t forget the charming communities along the way.  From Port Townsend to Forks, each of our small communities offers a slightly different look and feel, and a variety of unique experiences worth having.  Sequim, for example, is an exceptional place to enjoy some biking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.  How you experience these communities and the attractions around them will, of course, vary, but here are our top recommendations for the very best things to do on the Olympic Peninsula:

1. Visit the Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge
2. Bike down the Olympic Discovery Trail
3. Take in incredible views and hike to the top of the peaks at Hurricane Ridge
4. Explore the Elwah River, and wonder at just how dramatic the change in landscape has been since the removal of the dams
5. Stop at Lake Crescent Lodge and paddle your way around the lake as you admire the turquoise waters below
6. Take a walk on the opposite side of the lake along the Spruce Railroad Trail
7. Go hunting for fossils on Murdoch Beach
8. Head out to the Hoh Rainforest and walk through the incredible landscapes before you
9. Visit La Push and other amazing coastal beaches
10. Explore the unique Victorian town of Port Townsend
11. Visit Fort Flagler Historical State Park and Fort Worden Historical State Park
12. Go wine tasting at the Olympic Peninsula wineries
13. Take a hike in the Olympic National Park or Olympic National Forest
14. Head out on the water for some kayaking, canoeing, or fishing
15. Visit the beautiful Lavender fields of Sequim
16. Stand at the northwestern-most point of the United States at Cape Flattery
17. Explore Tribal areas and pick up Tribal art from local tribes
18. Take a waterfall tour of the Olympic Peninsula.  Great waterfalls include Marymere Falls, Madison Falls, and Sol Duc Falls
19. Visit the Forks Timber Museum & take the tour
20. Enjoy an afternoon tasting at Finn River Cidery

Where to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula

Much as there are plenty of things to do on the Olympic Peninsula, there are plenty of places to stay on the Olympic Peninsula.  Depending on what you want to do, of course, will probably dictate where you stay.  We recommend spending at least a few days up here getting acquainted with the area.  There are some really great Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, and cabins in the area to choose from.

In Port Townsend, there are some wonderful historic hotels to choose from, including the Manresa Castle Hotel, The Palace Hotel, or the Waterstreet Hotel.  In Sequim, consider staying at the Dungeness Bay Cottages or Juan de Fuca Cottages, or perhaps the vacation rental at Purple Haze Lavender Farm.  Port Angeles offers Bed and Breakfasts like Domaine Madeleine, Colette’s Bed and Breakfast, and the George Washington Inn, as well as a number of traditional hotels. Further out on the coast, there are great historic lodges like Lake Crescent Lodge (which books out well in advance), Kalaloch Lodge, and Lake Quinalt Lodge.