You can visit lavender fields in the U.S.—sans Southern France crowds—in this stunning state

It’s that time of the year when French lavender fields dominate your Instagram algorithm. What those posts don’t show are the stifling crowds and even more suffocating heat (inland Provence can consistently hit triple digits during peak bloom). But not to fret, a domestic destination, Washington State, has just as fantastic purple fields with fewer crowds and much friendlier temps. Northwest summer highs are a much more comfortable mid-70s to mid-80s, sometimes with cloud coverage.

Lavender grows across the state, but I’ve rounded up the best spots to check out, from lush islands to desert wine country.

Whidbey Island

On this favorite weekend getaway for Seattleites, rolling green and golden hills blend into windswept bluffs above the multi-shade azure Puget Sound. From late June to August, lavender fields (most of which gladly welcome visitors) dot the island.

Western Sun Lavender is a U-cut and U-pick farm that typically opens in mid-June ($12 U-pick, additional $7 for the guided tour). Flower picking and educational walks are available Wednesday through Sunday during the season. After your tour, head to nearby Coupeville for coffee or lunch, and make sure to stroll the scenic pier. If you’d like to stretch your legs even more, hike Ebey’s Landing, a loop hike that includes beach and cliff sections.

The island is accessible by ferry from either Mukilteo (a 20-minute journey to Clinton) or Port Townsend (a 35-minute journey to Coupeville). Reservations are recommended for the latter, and you can check sailing times on the Washington Department of Transportation here. Another lovely option is to drive to Deception Pass State Park and use the bridge to access the north end of the island.

Camano Island

It’s always a pleasure to cross the land bridge onto Puget Sound’s drive-on island. Classic Pacific Northwest rocky, driftwood-filled shores are set against deep evergreens, and though the island may seem quiet on the surface it offers so much.

Camano is home to two of the region’s best lavender farms, Kristoferson ($5 for U-pick) and Our Legacy Fields (free to visit, products for sale). The former is a large farm that also offers pumpkin and apple picking in the fall as well as a massive zipline. The latter allows picnicking in the fields and has yard games on offer for guests. Both open in late June, with public visits available Wednesday through Sunday.

Camano also has two fantastic public beaches, Cama Beach Historical State Park Beach and Camano Island State Park. Both require a Discover Pass, $11.50 for a day or $50 for the year. Purchase online here.

The island is an easy drive from downtown Seattle. Head north on I-5 and take exit 212 for Stanwood/Camano Island, then take a left onto WA-532 all the way to the island’s bridge.

San Juan Islands

There’s nothing like the ferry ride to Washington’s best-known islands. In every direction, craggy coastlines meet water teeming with life. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of the many local species that inhabit the area. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, whales and seabirds, oh my!

The San Juan’s largest lavender farm, formerly known as Pelindaba Farm, has been purchased by the Alchemy Art Center. The new center and farm is under construction but Alchemy will still maintain the annual festival through the transition. The Cutting Field will be open to visitors to choose their own lavender bouquet, and local vendors will provide food at the event on June 18 and 19, 2026, with free admission. In town, Lavender Beads offers numerous products for your own slice of the islands!

Definitely reserve a ferry spot in advance to avoid disappointment. These open about a month ahead of each season, so summer slots are open now. The ferry port is outside of Anacortes, located about 80 miles northwest of Seattle. The journey lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on where you disembark.

Please note that some ferries also service Canada. Passengers who board within the U.S. (any of the San Juan ports) are given a card to show at customs at the Anacortes dock in lieu of a passport.

Seaplanes to the island via Kenmore Air are also available.

Sequim

Even in June, the Northwest can be shrouded in gray clouds. But just across Puget Sound on the Olympic Peninsula, Western Washington’s sunniest city awaits visitors in the hope of lavender festivities. This delightful town has its own Lavender Festival every third weekend in July, where various farms take turns hosting fun activities such as lavender distilling, concerts and garden walks. 

The Sequim Lavender Trail can be driven or biked in a single day. It includes the all-organic Jardin du Soleil (one of the few spots hosting events for the entire festival weekend; $10 in advance or $15 at the door for a three-day pass) and pet-friendly B&B Family Farm (free to visit, $8 U-pick). 

Sequim pairs great with a visit to historic Port Townsend and the Hurricane Ridge section of Olympic National Park. Visitors can opt to take the Seattle – Bainbridge Island ferry, a 35-minute ride followed by a 90-minute drive, or drive around Puget Sound, south on I-5 to Tacoma and then north on State Route 16, about a three-hour journey.

Walla Walla

As you cross the Cascade Mountains into the eastern part of the state, the landscape quickly changes. Snowcapped peaks are swapped for more rugged mountains. Evergreens become sparser and are replaced with arid grasslands and deserts. This creates an ideal ecosystem for Washington vineyards as well as lavender.

Walla Walla is the perfect base. Located in the state’s southeastern corner, the underrated region is idyllic in spring before the temps become a bit too unbearable. Nestled among the Blue Mountains and rolling fields of wheat and vineyards, the purple hues of Blue Mountain Lavender Farm are a bit unexpected. U-pick ($12 for a generous bundle) is available starting in June, as well as fun activities like yoga and wreath-making onsite.

Walla Walla is about a four-hour drive from Seattle. It also has a small airport, Walla Walla Regional Airport, with daily flights to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.