Despite being in one of the most gorgeous places in the world, every so often things can feel overwhelming. When they do, it’s important to take some time out of the day to remember all that we’re grateful for. Most days, we’re grateful for all the beauty that surrounds us. So, when it’s time to take a break and feel some peace we have a list of our favorite calming spots in the state. There’s a lot of competition, but these just might be the most peaceful places in Maine.
- The Asticou Azalea Garden, Northeast Harbor
ugardener / Flickr The Asticou Azalea Garden’s design is focused on the careful balance between natural and man-made beauty. A walk along the circuitous circular path will take visitors through picturesque garden rooms - some with stone benches to sit and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty. From sunny, open spaces to lush green forest areas, Asticou Azalea Garden is a true zen spot. It’s open during daylight hours from May 1st through October 31st.
3 Sound Drive, Northeast Harbor, Maine
- The Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway
dougtone / Flickr Forget the destination, it’s all about the journey with this peaceful getaway. The scenic drive down Route 113 runs along the Saco River, connecting Standish and Gilead. It’s a short 60-miles, so you could do this at the end of a day requiring a little peace and still make it home for dinner.
- The Belgrade Lakes Area, Central Maine
lightsamples / Flickr This is for people who want access to more than just one lake. The hills of the Belgrade Lakes Region have tons! And, the nearby Main Street is alive with local flavor once you’ve had all the peace and quiet you can handle.
- Barred Harbor Beach, Isle Au Haut
donahue / Flickr Part of what makes this secluded beach so peaceful is that it’s not exactly easy to find. Access it by taking the Goat Trail or the Median Ridge Trail. They both span the entire length of Isle Au Haut and run a few miles But! Once you get there you’ll be find only seabirds, and the sounds of a peaceful Maine ocean.
- The Crooked River Tiny House, Waterford
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook This tiny house is big on peace and quiet. Located next to the Crooked River, this little house can be considered off-the-grid, but also has perfect cell reception. Great for people who want to disconnect, but still let people know they’re okay. Click here to see more photos and book yourself a night.
- Jasper Beach, Machiasport
Jessica Hayssen / Flickr Hiding out just south of Machiasport is a beautiful beach that overlooks Howard Cove. Wildlife lovers will be smiling ear-to-ear and those who love to explore will love combing the beach for treasures. Look for the many colored stones mixed among the rocks.
- Little Hunters Beach, Acadia National Park
Andre S / TripAdvisor This beach feels totally hidden. It’s just off the Park Loop Road, three miles beyond the better-known Otter Point. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the small pullout at the side of the road for parking. Carefully cross the street and go down the stairs to get to the beach. The summer months see the most people here, but if you visit in the early morning or around sunset you might be all alone.
- Big Lake, Washington County
suckamc / Flickr If you live in Washington County you’ve probably had all the peace and solitude you need, but just in case don’t forget about this awesome lake. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it a perfect destination for those from further south.
- The Bold Coast Scenic Byway, Millbridge to Easport
jimmykaw / Flickr This is another one of those “journey-not-the-destination” type options. Take the Bold Coast Scenic Byway to spend some time out of touch. The route hugs the coast, while also traveling through Maine’s rural backroads. The drive will take you from Millbridge, all the way up the coast to Eastport.
- Vaughan Woods, Hallowell
stephen_malinowski / Flickr “Hobbit Land” as it’s more commonly called, also goes by the name of Vaughan Woods. It’s found in Hallowell and the name makes sense after visiting. It looks strikingly similar to J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional the “Shire” from “The Hobbit.” The forest is a beautiful nature preserve with a meandering system of historic trails for walking and hiking.
- Kawanhee Inn Restaurant, Weld
DavidL40950 / TripAdvisor Mostly known for being a beautiful place to spend the weekend, it also has a restaurant with one of the most peaceful ciews in Maine. With special like pan seared Rainbow Trout with lemon parsley brown butter and a bacon wild mushroom garnish, you’ll be wishing you had room for more. The dining room overlooks Webb Lake, which means you’ll be eating your perfect meal with the beauty of nature surrounding you.
12 Annes Way, Weld / 207-585-2000
- And lastly, head to Acadia National Park for some of the most peaceful stargazing you’ll find anywhere.
Acadia National Park / Facebook Every year, Acadia hosts an annual Night Sky Festival. This year, the festival is held September 5th-9th. Check out the Cadillac Mountain Star Party, where volunteers will help you identify constellations and other features of the night sky. For more information, click here for the festival’s website.
It’s not just places that can calm us down, but also activities. Take a walk along the coast and take in the wildlife that’s teeming in the tidal pools and waves. This guide for finding sand dollars is a great way to start. It even reveals what we think is the best beach for spotting them.
ugardener / Flickr
The Asticou Azalea Garden’s design is focused on the careful balance between natural and man-made beauty. A walk along the circuitous circular path will take visitors through picturesque garden rooms - some with stone benches to sit and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty. From sunny, open spaces to lush green forest areas, Asticou Azalea Garden is a true zen spot. It’s open during daylight hours from May 1st through October 31st.
3 Sound Drive, Northeast Harbor, Maine
dougtone / Flickr
Forget the destination, it’s all about the journey with this peaceful getaway. The scenic drive down Route 113 runs along the Saco River, connecting Standish and Gilead. It’s a short 60-miles, so you could do this at the end of a day requiring a little peace and still make it home for dinner.
lightsamples / Flickr
This is for people who want access to more than just one lake. The hills of the Belgrade Lakes Region have tons! And, the nearby Main Street is alive with local flavor once you’ve had all the peace and quiet you can handle.
donahue / Flickr
Part of what makes this secluded beach so peaceful is that it’s not exactly easy to find. Access it by taking the Goat Trail or the Median Ridge Trail. They both span the entire length of Isle Au Haut and run a few miles But! Once you get there you’ll be find only seabirds, and the sounds of a peaceful Maine ocean.
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook
This tiny house is big on peace and quiet. Located next to the Crooked River, this little house can be considered off-the-grid, but also has perfect cell reception. Great for people who want to disconnect, but still let people know they’re okay. Click here to see more photos and book yourself a night.
Jessica Hayssen / Flickr
Hiding out just south of Machiasport is a beautiful beach that overlooks Howard Cove. Wildlife lovers will be smiling ear-to-ear and those who love to explore will love combing the beach for treasures. Look for the many colored stones mixed among the rocks.
Andre S / TripAdvisor
This beach feels totally hidden. It’s just off the Park Loop Road, three miles beyond the better-known Otter Point. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the small pullout at the side of the road for parking. Carefully cross the street and go down the stairs to get to the beach. The summer months see the most people here, but if you visit in the early morning or around sunset you might be all alone.
suckamc / Flickr
If you live in Washington County you’ve probably had all the peace and solitude you need, but just in case don’t forget about this awesome lake. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it a perfect destination for those from further south.
jimmykaw / Flickr
This is another one of those “journey-not-the-destination” type options. Take the Bold Coast Scenic Byway to spend some time out of touch. The route hugs the coast, while also traveling through Maine’s rural backroads. The drive will take you from Millbridge, all the way up the coast to Eastport.
stephen_malinowski / Flickr
“Hobbit Land” as it’s more commonly called, also goes by the name of Vaughan Woods. It’s found in Hallowell and the name makes sense after visiting. It looks strikingly similar to J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional the “Shire” from “The Hobbit.” The forest is a beautiful nature preserve with a meandering system of historic trails for walking and hiking.
DavidL40950 / TripAdvisor
Mostly known for being a beautiful place to spend the weekend, it also has a restaurant with one of the most peaceful ciews in Maine. With special like pan seared Rainbow Trout with lemon parsley brown butter and a bacon wild mushroom garnish, you’ll be wishing you had room for more. The dining room overlooks Webb Lake, which means you’ll be eating your perfect meal with the beauty of nature surrounding you.
12 Annes Way, Weld / 207-585-2000
Acadia National Park / Facebook
Every year, Acadia hosts an annual Night Sky Festival. This year, the festival is held September 5th-9th. Check out the Cadillac Mountain Star Party, where volunteers will help you identify constellations and other features of the night sky. For more information, click here for the festival’s website.
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