A Cozy Stop in Sekiu, Washington

Sekiu turned out to be one of our favorite surprises while traveling. And honestly? It’s all because we didn’t plan ahead. Sometimes, winging it just works out! Known as a summer destination, Sekiu, WA, brings in visitors with its kayaking, birdwatching, diving, and—of course—fishing for salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. Even with all these activities, it’s still a tiny fishing village with just 56 residents.

We spent three days in Sekiu (pronounced seek-you) from late July to early August, using it as our home base to explore the far western corner of the Olympic Peninsula. If you’re after a quiet, laid-back spot to kick back and relax, Sekiu is where it’s at.

Lodging in Sekiu

With a gorgeous view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sekiu has this calm, unhurried vibe that feels pretty rare these days. It’s the kind of place where time just slows down, and you can actually relax. Staying here was the most decompressed we’ve felt in a long time—not just on this trip, but in general. Our Airbnb, was just steps from the bay, so every morning, we’d pull back the curtains and watch the fishermen heading out, their boats gliding across the still water while clouds drifted over the mountains.

The weather during our stay was perfect! Mornings were cool (50s), and afternoons and evenings stayed pleasantly mild (upper 70s). It also wasn’t nearly as wet and damp as what we experienced while in Forks and Ruby Beach.

Sekiu Weather

We stayed in an Airbnb, but there are plenty of other places to stay around Sekiu, too—like Van Riper’s Resort, Curley’s Resort & Dive Center, and Mason’s Olson Resort, just to name a few. If you’re just exploring the area, there are also lodging options in Neah Bay on the Makah Indian Reservation, though it’s about a 30-minute drive from Sekiu.

Dining By the Sekiu Bay

Sekiu isn’t known for a bustling restaurant scene, but it does have one gem: By the Bay Cafe. We couldn’t quite figure out their hours—it seemed like they were open whenever you needed them, whether it was early in the morning or way late at night. On our first night in town, we rolled in around 11 PM, starving from a long drive, and were shocked when they offered to make us dinner. It was such a kind gesture, and honestly, the food really hit the spot.

The menu was surprisingly big, too! It had all the American classics like burgers, sandwiches, chicken strips, and salads, plus some great breakfast options—like their French toast and pancakes.

But the cafe is more than just a place to eat; it’s the heart of the community. Locals drop by for coffee, fishermen chat about the day, and everything just feels slow and relaxed. To give you an idea of how community-driven it is, they even ask the ‘By the Bay faithful,’ as they call them, what hours work best for them during the winter months via Facebook!

We saw the laid-back vibe firsthand when a family came in, stressed and rushing for a quick meal. When they complained about the wait, the waitress just calmly said, ‘You’ve got the rest of the day.’ It was a reminder of what Sekiu is all about—no need to rush when everything’s meant to slow you down.

If you’re up for a 30-minute drive to Neah Bay, we’d recommend checking out Linda’s Woodfired Kitchen and Calvin’s Crab House

Laundry Options in Sekiu

Our Airbnb didn’t have laundry on-site, and, honestly, we weren’t sure where to go at first. Turns out, there aren’t any laundromats in Sekiu. After asking a few locals, they pointed us to Mason’s Olson Resort, where visitors can use the washers and dryers for $2.00 per load each. Problem solved!

The Night Sky in Sekiu

Sekiu’s small, secluded location on the western edge of Washington means there’s almost no light pollution to obscure the night sky. If you drive out a bit—maybe somewhere between Sekiu and Neah Bay—you’ll get some seriously clear views of the stars. And with so little traffic, we didn’t even have to worry about headlights. It’s perfect for stargazing!

Coming from Alabama, we don’t get many chances to see the aurora borealis, so when we heard there was a chance to catch one while we were here, we had to check it out! We drove out to Shipwreck Point, just 12 minutes west of Sekiu. The aurora was truly magical, and the stars? Absolutely breathtaking. We even caught a few shooting stars!

Proximity to Nearby Adventures

Sekiu is the perfect spot to relax and set out on some amazing adventures. There’s so much to check out, all within a quick, 45-minute drive. We definitely recommend hiking the stunning coastline at Shi Shi Beach, whale watching at Cape Flattery, stargazing at Shipwreck Point, and learning about the rich history of the Makah Tribe at the museum in Neah Bay.

Ready to Discover Sekiu?

Sekiu surprised us in the best way possible. It’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula at your own pace.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with plenty of opportunities for adventure, we highly recommend giving Sekiu a visit.

We can’t wait to visit again!

So, what are you waiting for? Add Sekiu to your travel list, and let the laid-back charm of this little town win you over!