On the Washington Coast, located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and bordering the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sequim  (pronounced Skwim) is known for its fields of lavender, beaches, hiking trails and wildlife.

Don't forget your camera when you visit the Olympic Game Farm (www.olygamefarm.com). But don't worry about a zoom lens. The bears, bison, elk and zebra room free at this drive-thru safari, and if your car window is open you just might get a sloppy, wet greeting. Many of the animals, including wolves, tigers and mountain lions, are retired actors, having stared in television shows and Disney movies.

Adventurers to Sequim can explore the Olympic Discovery Trail - along the Dungeness River, the Railroad Bridge Park offers a place to stop and rest or have a picnic – or search the beach for wave-swept treasures in the shadow of the historic Dungenous Lighthouse.

The Museum and Arts Center features memorabilia from Sequim’s pioneer days and area Native American life. Think your bones are old? You'll think again after viewing the mastodon exhibit, which displays fossilized bones of this prehistoric, elephant-like animal that roamed the North Olympic Peninsula nearly 14,000 years ago.

Though Sequim is one of Washngton's most charming small towns, it is still big on amenities. Here you will find one-of-a-kind antique shops, murals, galleries, and various intriguing restaurants. The area’s natural beauty and views alone make Sequim a popular destinations anytime of year.


BASICS: From Seattle, take Washington State Ferries’ Seattle/Bainbridge Island ferry. From Bainbridge Island, follow Highway 305 to Highway 3 in Poulsbo. Take Highway 3 to state Highway 104 crossing the Hood Canal Bridge. Continue on Highway 104 to U.S. Highway 101. Take Highway 101 west for 21 miles to Sequim. Total miles: 347.

WHERE TO STAY: Seacliff Garden Bed & Breakfast (www.seacliffgardens.com, 800/880-1332) sits on a bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca where you can smell blooming lavender and watch whales play in the surf. For an adventure off the beaten “track” stay the night in an restored authentic train caboose at Red Caboose Getaway (www.redcaboosegetaway.com, 360/683-7350).

EATS: Fresh chilled Dungeness cracked crab, crab Louie, open-faced crab sandwich and Dungeness crab cakes are menu favorites at The Three Crabs (www.the3crabs.com). Get a taste for the Olympic Peninsula at the Alderwood Bistro (www.alderwoodbistro.com), which serves local, seasonal, and, organic ingredients - you can't go wrong with the wood-fired blackened cod for dinner and chocolate hazelnut meringue torte for desert.