visit sequim and
the olympic peninsula
Ensconced in the foothills of the Olympics, the teahouse is within minutes from the Discovery Bike trail, Miller Park, and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center and Library. We are 20 minutes from Sequim, the Dungeness River Nature Center, and 30 minutes from several wonderful forest and beach walks.
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Wether biking or walking, enjoy long stretches of groomed or paved trails that take you through the woods and beaches.
Enjoy a beach walk at Fort Worden. Visit the galleries and shops in the town.
For a lovely dining experience, book a reservation at Finistere for an early dinner. This is our favorite restaurant in the area. Be sure to book in the main dining room, not the Bistro if you hope to hear each other. If there are only 2 of you, ask for table 22.
Here is a recent Instagram on things to do in Port Townsend. And here is an article about things to do there.
We found the food to be mediocre, but the setting is lovely for a cold drink or cup of tea.
Beautiful stretch of sand beach along the Salish Sea. Try to time being there at low tide to explore the tide pools. Also this is a spectacular site for sunsets.
Hikes
While the gardens are not as large or spectacular as Bloedel Reserve, Heronswood offers a nice place to stroll and see over 8,000 different plant species from all over the world. Depending on your pace and the season, it could take 30 minutes to an hour and a half to walk through the garden. $10.00 admission fee.
Quaint town along the water with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
If you are into Gardens, plan a 1.5 hour stop on your way out here or on your return for a lovely walk at Bloedel Reserve. The $22 ticket fee is a bit high, but the gardens are spectacular.
Nice shops, galleries, and restaurants.
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Sequim
Hometown atmosphere and good food. The pizza is delicious. They have a gluten free crust. If ordering pizza take-out, we recommend you order at 4:00, just when they open.
Port Angeles
The fresh fish is exceptional here. Reservations are recommended. Patio seating is lovely.
Excellent food.
Chimacum
Finn River Farm and Cidery
On your way here or on your way back, you might want to stop at Finn River. It is a delightful farm and cidery. It has a tasting room, large outdoor covered seating, beautiful lawns, and rotating food stalls. It is a 15 minute detour between the Hood Canal Bridge and Port Townsend,. There are revolving restaurants, so check their website to see the options for the day you want to go.Port Townsend
Finistere
https://www.restaurantfinistere.com/
This is my favorite restaurant in the area. Be sure to book in the main dining room, not the Bistro if you hope to hear each other. If there are only 2 of you, ask for table 22.
Great burgers at Fort Worden. Perfect lunch after a stroll on the beach.
The best sushi that I've found on the peninsula.
Port Gamble
https://www.butcherandbakerprovisions.com/
Everything we’ve ordered there has been a home run. The bakery is worth a stop just to pick up dessert or breakfast pastries. Their cinnamon roll is the best I’ve ever eaten! They have Gluten free options.
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>10 minute drive
Beautiful walk along the Strait of Juan de Fuca
20 minute drive
If you are here on a Wednesday, join the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and Dungeness River Nature Center Bird Walk.
30 minute drive
o Dungeness Levee Trail
Walk or ride bicycles along Ediz Hook.
40 minute drive
Nice shops and galleries in a quaint town.
Fort Worden This is lovely beach walking.
45 minute drive
60 minute drive
Nice hikes, waterfalls, and lakeside activities.
Lake Crescent Lodge Restaurant and Bar
We found the food to be mediocre, but the setting is lovely for a cold drink or cup of tea.
Beautiful stretch of sand beach along the Salish Sea. Try to time being there at low tide to explore the tide pool. Also this is a spectacular site for sunsets.
80 minute drive
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Estimated driving times:
Hurricane Ridge (80 minutes)
Lake Cresent Area (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Ozette Area (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Neah Bay (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Mora (2 hours)
Hoh Rainforest (2 hours and 45 minutes)
Kalaloch (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Lake Quinault (3 hours)
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holiday lights mid-november – january
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If you are coming in the summer, be aware that ferry traffic, especially coming out on Fridays, and returning on Sundays is challenging, so plan to leave early if you can.
Also, please note that many of the restaurants are closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Day 1
Edmonds/Kingston Ferry, Port Gamble, Port Townsend, teahouse
Take the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry.
In Kingston, treat yourself to fabulous 5-star empanadas at Argensol.
If you are not hungry, pick up some to-take out and reheat when you get to the Teahouse.
Then drive to Sequim via Port Gamble. If you are into gardens, make a stop at Heronswood Gardens. While most of the gardens are not as large or spectacular as Bloedel Reserve, Heronswood offers a nice place to stroll and see over 8,000 different plant species from all over the world. Depending on your pace and the season, it could take 30 minutes to an hour and a half to walk through the garden. $10.00 admission fee.
Enjoy lunch or pick up some tasty provisions to bring to the teahouse at The Butcher and the Baker. Everything we’ve ordered there has been a homerun. The bakery is worth a stop just to pick up dessert or breakfast pastries. Their cinnamon roll is the best I’ve ever eaten!
From Port Gamble, head to Port Townsend. Enjoy a beach walk at Fort Worden. Visit the galleries and shops in the town.
For a lovely dining experience, book a reservation at Finistere for an early dinner. This is our favorite restaurant in the area. Be sure to book in the main dining room, not the Bistro if you hope to hear each other. If there are only 2 of you, ask for table 22.
For great burgers, we recommend Batch Brothers, located at Fort Worden.
Here is a recent Instagram on things to do in Port Townsend. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3YDBlLx20f/?igsh=ZDBjMWI0ZjMxOQ==
And here is an article about things to do there.
On your way out of Port Townsend, stop to pick up groceries because Sequim and groceries are a 20 minute drive east of the teahouse.
Drive to the teahouse and settle in.
Day 2
Lake Crescent, Salt Creek Recreation area, Port Angeles (Google Maps estimate 3.0 hours roundtrip)
Lake Crescent
We found the food to be mediocre, but the setting is lovely for a cold drink or cup of tea.
Beautiful stretch of sand beach along the Salish Sea. Try to time being there at low tide to explore the tide pools. Also this is a spectacular site for sunsets.
On your way back to the teahouse, stop for dinner and an evening stroll in Port Angeles.
Dinner Restaurant
The fresh fish is exceptional here. Reservations are recommended.
Excellent food.
Return to the teahouse for a relaxing night.
Day 3
Port Ludlow, Poulsbo, Bleodel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, Seattle Bainbridge Ferry
Just before crossing the Hood Canal Bridge on your way to Bainbridge Island
Hikes
Quaint town along the water with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
If you are into Gardens, plan a 1.5 hour stop on your way out here or on your return for a lovely walk at Bloedel Reserve. The $22 ticket fee is a bit high, but the gardens are spectacular.
Nice shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Take the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry to Seattle.
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Access to Dungeness Spit is about a 20 minute drive. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dungeness-national-wildlife-refuge
Access to Travis Spit is about a 20-minute drive. Visitor Guide: Accessing Travis Spit & Miller PeninsulaBecause the coastal stairs at Panorama Vista County Park are permanently closed due to bluff erosion, the safest way to access Travis Spit overland is by driving to Miller Peninsula State Park and hiking down to the beach.
🚗 Driving & Parking Directions
Destination: Miller Peninsula State Park Main Trailhead Lot (Diamond Point Road, Sequim, WA 98382).
How to get there: From Highway 101, turn north onto Diamond Point Road. Drive approximately 1.8 miles until you see the dirt parking lot and trail map kiosk on your right.
Parking Pass: A Washington Discover Pass is required. You can purchase a day pass at the automated station at the trailhead.
🥾 The Hike to the Spit
Forest Trail: From the parking lot, follow the main gated trail signs toward Fireweed Road / Beach Trail. It is a scenic, mostly flat 1.5 to 2-mile walk through the woods.
Beach Descent: The trail ends with a safe path descending the bluff, bringing you out onto the gravel shoreline at Thompson Spit.
The Beach Walk: Once on the beach, turn left (northwest) and walk along the public tidelands for about 1 mile to reach the tip of Travis Spit.
⚠️ Important Safety Tips
Check the Tides First: This route requires a low tide. At high tide, water pushes right against the bluffs and fallen logs, which can trap hikers or block the path.
Stay on the Shoreline: The gravel beach and tidelands are completely public, but the forested high ground on Travis Spit itself is private property (managed by the Battelle Marine Laboratory). Please stay on the beach.