Three Days of Fall Fun in Sequim, Washington
Plan an autumn getaway to Sequim on Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula.
We’ve compiled a full list of fall activities, things to do and events for when the leaves start to change color and the weather cools. Follow our three day itinerary for Sequim to make the most of your fall visit to the Olympic Peninsula.
Looking for lodging in Sequim? Check availability at local hotels, motels and resorts in Sequim.
DAY 1
See Lions & Bears, Oh My!
Get an early morning start to see a variety of animals (over 200) at Olympic Game Farm when they are most active. This drive-through wildlife education attraction features only in-need animals with proper permits and permission from Washington State Fish and Wildlife. Take a self-guided driving tour through over 84 acres to see everything from mountain lions and bears to zebras, African lions and loveable llamas. And, it’s okay to feed the animals – you can hand feed slices of bread, purchased at the entry gate, to curious critters from the safety of your vehicle.
Afternoons are for Picnicking
Pick up sandwiches from The Goat & Radish to-go and head to Pioneer Memorial Park in downtown Sequim for history and colorful blooms – the gardens are meticulously maintained by the Sequim Prairie Garden Club. Established in 1951, the four acre park features historical artifacts like an 1800s log cabin and a pioneer cemetery as well as plenty of garden benches, an arboretum and full ADA accessibility throughout.
Fall Farm Visits in Sequim
Sequim is known for its plentiful fragrant lavender farms and the popular annual Sequim Lavender Weekend in the summer, but year-round lavender farm visits are available with plenty of seasonal fall activities, farm-made food and gifts, and more. Fat Cat Garden & Gifts, Jardin du Soleil, Nelson’s Duckpond & Lavender, Purple Haze and Sunshine Herb & Lavender Farm are open to welcome lavender loving visitors most of the year.
Dine & Drink Where the Locals Go
Wrap up day one’s adventures with a stop at Peninsula Taproom for snacks and a round of a rotating selection of regional craft beers and ciders on the outdoor dog-friendly patio. Choosing your dinner spot can be daunting in Sequim with so many delicious options: Nourish, Tedesco’s Italian Fresh, Fortune Star Chinese or Salty Girls Seafood are all tasty destinations whether you are craving farm-to-fork dishes, craft cocktails, fresh seafood or a big bowl of authentic Spaghetti Carbonara.
DAY 2
Begin with Breakfast & Baked Goods
Begin day two with a hearty breakfast and homemade cinnamon rolls at Riverhouse Bakery & Bistro, owned and operated by a self-confessed foodie. Or head to Hurricane Coffee for a breakfast sandwich and homebrewed coffee. And they even make their very own pumpkin spice for their popular pumpkin spice lattes, one of the season’s most highly-anticipated beverages.
Discover Dungeness Spit & All Its Wildlife Splendor
The Dungeness Spit encompasses dense green forests that open up to sandy shorelines along the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Dungeness Bay. This sandy spit is a National Wildlife Refuge (a small entrance fee is required and no dogs are allowed) where you can hike for up to 11 miles to spot shorebirds, sea life and even a historic lighthouse. It’s best to time your trek during low tide and when the New Dungeness Lighthouse Museum is open.
A Laid Back Lunch in Sequim
Jose’s Famous Salsa is a casual Mexican food eatery where fresh tamales are made daily along with Jose’s housemade salsas, guacamole and ceviche. Enjoy an ice-cold with your authentic Mexican fare or try one of their seasonal lavender margaritas.
Shopping & Museums in Sequim
Take an afternoon off from outdoor adventures to explore the charming shops in downtown Sequim. Sequim Trading Plaza is a Jamestown S’Klallam Native-owned retail plaza, which features several shops including Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm store. Peruse a variety of art galleries, gift shops and antique stores. Wander over to Sequim Museum & Arts in their new facility. You can’t miss the enormous mastodon bones – carbon dated to be more than 14,000 years old – along with rotating monthly art exhibits and much more.
Italian Wine Time
Settle in for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc at Wind Rose Cellars where they make Italian wines in very small batches. They feature hard-to-find in Washington varieties and “Barrel Select” wines. Happy hours are hosted every Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m and all day on Wednesdays. Pair a glass of Pinot Grigio with their Smoked Salmon Spread. They take great pride in wine and food pairings here.
Dinner and a Show in Sequim
Dress up (or down – we’re pretty casual around here) for dinner at Alder Wood Bistro followed by a play, movie or live music performance at Olympic Theatre Arts. Order a handtossed fermented sourdough pizza using local organically milled flour with farm fresh veggies or a bacon wrapped grass-fed beef and chorizo meatloaf.
DAY 3
Gourmet Pancakes and Mimosas
Oak Table Cafe doesn’t disappoint. From their scratch-made cherry and peach crepes and blintzes, french baked omelettes, and a plethora of gourmet-style pancakes to pick from, you’ll be ready to stroll or pedal off some of those breakfast calories along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Mimosas are made with fresh squeezed juice.
Pedal to Railroad Bridge Park & the Dungeness Nature Center
The Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) winds its way through Sequim along the Bay past picturesque waterways and historic bridges. Rent an electric bike from Ben’s Bikes, located only a half mile from the ODT. The Dungeness River Nature Center adjacent to the historic Railroad Bridge Park is a must-stop to learn about local wildlife as well as exploring the rivershed and surrounding forest. Here are 15 things to do with kids at the Nature Center – adults will have just as much fun following this list too!
Dinner with a View
Before dinner, take in the Sequim Bay sights and views of playful sea otters, graceful herons and sailboats at the John Wayne Marina with its many amenities for both boaters and non-boaters. Dockside Grill sits overlooking the Bay and features freshly caught seafood daily by local fishermen. Munch on oysters on the half shell (because it’s shellfish season!) and pair it with a crisp local craft cider from Finnriver Farm & Cidery. Signature dishes by their award-winning chefs include Ale Battered Halibut, Northwest Cioppino and fresh Dungeness Crab Melts. Bon appetite!
