Skip to content Sequim, a charming town nestled in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, is famous for its vibrant lavender fields and the annual Lavender Festival. This delightful event draws visitors from far and wide to immerse themselves in the fragrant beauty of the lavender farms, experience local culture, and indulge in lavender-inspired delights.
If you’re planning to visit Sequim for the Lavender Festival, we’ve compiled the seven best tips to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
The Lavender Festival in Sequim is a highly anticipated event that attracts a significant number of visitors each year. To make the most of your trip, plan well in advance. Check the festival dates and schedule, and book your accommodations as early as possible to secure your preferred options. The lavender festival always happens on the third full weekend of July. Accommodations often sell out months in advance so be sure to book early.
Additionally, consider driving around the Puget Sound instead of taking a ferry (unless you are on a very early morning ferry). Often times drivers end up waiting 2 to 4 boats before they can get on a ferry boat due to the large influx of traffic for the Sequim Lavender Weekend.
Sequim enjoys a mild climate during the summer months, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, it’s always wise to be prepared for changes in weather. Dress comfortably in layers and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be spending time exploring lavender farms and wandering through fields.
Often times, the weather can be warm and pleasant during the day in the Summer months. However, early morning marine layers and cool breezes in the evenings can leave some visitors feeling cold at the beginning or end of the day. It is always best to bring layers.
With numerous lavender farms and events taking place during the festival, it’s helpful to create an itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Research the participating farms and decide which ones you’d like to visit. Note their opening hours and any special activities they offer, such as distilling demonstrations, live music, or craft workshops. A well-planned itinerary will help you make the most of your time and ensure you don’t overlook any highlights.
Here is a link to our favorite farms in Sequim. Our favorite stop is B&B Family Farm due to their farm being the largest and their free informative tours that happen every half hour. We also really enjoy Lavender Connection just down the road from B&B Family Farm. The quaint farm with a picturesque barn and many different types of lavender should not be missed also.
The roads in and out of the Olympic Peninsula are mostly 2 lane roads. Thus traffic can become congested easily in high-traffic areas. With that in mind be prepared to be flexible. There are many parks and places to stop on the drive to Sequim. Packing lunch and making the most of your journey will help you arrive with less stress and ready to embrace the tranquility of the lavender fields.
Ferries from the Peninsula tend to be utilized heavily during the summer months, and especially during Lavender Weekend. Thus, it is important to catch an early ferry when heading to Sequim or a plant on driving around Puget Sound. In addition, on your way home to the Seattle area it is best to drive around the Sound and avoid ferries as they will most certainly be backed up by at least 2 boats.
The Lavender Festival not only showcases the stunning lavender fields but also provides an opportunity to interact with local farmers and artisans. Take the time to engage in conversations, ask questions, and learn about the cultivation and distillation processes. Many farms offer lavender-related products, including essential oils, soaps, and culinary treats. Support the local community by purchasing directly from the farmers and artisans, and take home a piece of Sequim’s lavender magic.
At B&B Family Farm, the owners of the farm are often giving tours, checking out customers in the gift shop, and greeting new arrivals. The personal touch at many of the lavender farms in Sequim are really what set this experience apart from other events in the area.
While the Lavender Festival is the centerpiece of your visit, don’t miss out on exploring the other gems that Sequim has to offer. Take a break from the lavender fields and visit the charming downtown area, where you can find unique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. Consider visiting the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, home to stunning coastal views and diverse bird species, or explore the Olympic Discovery Trail for a scenic biking or walking experience.
If you have more time, consider further exploration into the Olympic Peninsula. Visiting La Push, Cape Flattery, and many coastal beaches are not to be missed
Sequim’s Lavender Festival provides a myriad of photo opportunities amidst the vibrant purple fields and picturesque landscapes. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the lavender farms and the joyful atmosphere. Take your time to find unique perspectives, experiment with different angles, and create lasting memories of your lavender-filled adventure.
Many of the farms close in the late afternoon so getting to farms early will give you the best lighting for beautiful pictures.
