7 Most Relaxing Maine Towns
There is no denying that the landscape of Maine is quite dramatic. From rocky bluffs overlooking the ocean to densely wooded mountain ranges, it’s the perfect place to breathe in the fresh air. Whether you love the beach or the mountains (or maybe a little of both!), these relaxing Maine retreats are as inviting as they are beautiful. In these Maine towns, you can explore an island locked away in time at Swan's Island or walk the Appalachian Trail in Rangeley, Maine, which is where you want to be when you are ready to relax. When you need to shake off the stress of the week, check out these tranquil Maine towns!
Bar Harbor
Amidst the isolation of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a relaxing retreat with sweeping views and salty sea air. The views of Mount Desert and the surrounding Acadia National Park feel like stepping onto a deserted planet. Untouched wilderness and rocky terrain stretch out as far as the eye can see, dissolving into the calm Frenchman Bay shoreline. One of the best ways to enjoy the views of Mount Desert is at the peak of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in Acadia National Park. You can take the scenic, winding road to the top, or hike along the Cadillac North Ridge Trail and the Cadillac South Ridge Trail. While Cadillac Mountain is one of the more popular spots in Acadia National Park, it’s rarely crowded.
Nestled along the banks of the Frenchman Bay, downtown Bar Harbor is a sleepy seaside village of colorful shops along the tree-lined sidewalks. With coffee in hand (the coffee at Choco-Latte Cafe is a local favorite), you can stop by some amazing historical sites like the Bar Harbor Historical Society, or the Abbe Museum, and then take a relaxing stroll down the John B. Ells Pier to watch ships pull into the harbor.
Cape Elizabeth
Just south of Portland on the banks of Casco Bay is the idyllic town of Cape Elizabeth, known for its picturesque lighthouses, idyllic parks, and rocky bluffs. It’s home to the Portland Head Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in Maine. Built around 1791, the former keeper's quarters now serve as the Museum at Portland Head Light, where visitors can learn more about this iconic that has overlooked the bluffs of Casco Bay for well over 200 years! The neighboring park also provides walking trails with sweeping ocean views and historic structures ready to be explored.
Situated in the heart of Cape Elizabeth is the calming nature lover’s paradise of Great Pond. The Great Pond Trail starts in the heavily wooded area off Route 77 and gives way to a wide open space and the calming waters of Great Pond, a 40-acre freshwater pond. You can hike through miles of woodlands and wetland marshes, and there’s even a 700-foot elevated boardwalk. It’s the perfect secluded spot to relax and take in the fresh air. And if you want to relax along the shoreline, Crescent Beach State Park provides uncrowded sandy beaches and shores along the Atlantic Ocean. If peace and quiet are what you need, there is no better spot than Cape Elizabeth.
Rangeley
Coastal Maine is always great, all the rave (and for good reason), but inland Maine is just as beautiful. And there is no better example of Maine’s mountain beauty than the sleepy hamlet of Rangeley. It’s often called the Jewel of the Maine Mountains and offers visitors amazing views of Rangeley-Stratton Ranges and the Western Maine Mountains. As a part of the Rangeley Lakes Region, adventure awaits four seasons out of the year! Whether you love skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, there is no shortage of relaxing retreats in Rangeley.
Rangeley is a part of the Appalachian Trail! From downtown Rangeley, the Rangeley portion of the Appalachian Trail is less than 10 miles away. This unique leg of the trail takes you through Piazza Rock, a unique rock formation that looks like it is hovering in mid-air over the trail. East of Rangely is Saddleback Ski Area and Bike Park, a popular spot for skiing. It offers over 60 uncrowded trails down a 4,000-foot mountain! Whether you want to relax along the water at Rangeley Lake State Park Beach or ski down a mountain, Rangeley is a great spot to relax in the great Maine wilderness.
Greenville
Along the southern shores of Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake is the serene area of Greenville. The downtown area of Greenville is humble and quaint, with small locally owned shops and general stores dotted along winding city streets. It’s what you think of when you think of a lakeside town. It’s humble and modest, with stores designed to help jumpstart your day of outdoor adventures, like the Stress-Free Moose Pub and Cafe or the Moosehead Meat and Deli. The real adventure of Greenville starts after you load up on supplies and head out into the beautiful mountains and surrounding lakes.
Lily Bay State Park is one of the best ways to experience the tranquil shores of Moosehead Lake. The rocky shoreline of the lake provides majestic views of the shallow Longfellow Mountains in the Maine Highlands. You can swim in its crystal clear waters, hike various trails with lakeside views, or cross-country ski in the winter. Plus, there is a reason it’s called Moosehead Lake. It has one of the highest moose populations in the United States! Greenville offers guided moose safaris to check out these majestic creatures in their native habitat. With so much to see and do, Greenville is truly one of Maine’s most hidden gems.
Swan's Island
When planning your Maine road trip, your car will only get you so far if you plan on checking out Swan Island! Secluded six miles from the closest mainland town of Bass Harbor, visitors can only arrive via a 40-minute ferry ride. But the journey to Swan's Island is well worth the trip! Home to just over 300 residents, Swan's Island feels like stepping back in time. There's an old-timey general store called TIMS (The Island Market & Supply) where you can stock up on essentials before exploring the island. Outside of the general store, a post office, and a hotel, most of Swan's Island is untouched coastline!
If you are looking to relax on uncrowded beaches, Fine Sand Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the state. It’s a quiet place, and you never have to get up early to get a spot along the shoreline. While you are on the island, Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse is a must-see. Built in 1872, this lighthouse provides amazing views of the area. There are also a few hiking trails around the lighthouse, such as the Long Point Beach Trail, which lends views of the surrounding islands. When you want to unplug and unwind, Swan’s Island is like a breath of fresh air.
Belfast
The town of Belfast cozies up to the shoreline of the Passagassawaukeag River (the locals just call it Passy), leading out to Penobscot Bay. It’s a sleepy fishing village that hasn’t changed much over the years and has the most pre-Civil War architecture of any town in Maine! You can spend an entire afternoon walking the charming sidewalks and stopping in shops like The Grasshopper Shop or the year-round Belfast Farmers Market. When you want to enjoy the view of the harbor, check out the Harbor Walk or the more challenging Belfast Rail Trail.
Just outside of the city limits of Belfast is a wild, untouched wilderness waiting to be explored! The Coastal Mountains Land Trust provides over 50 miles of rolling coast hills, freshwater ponds, and dense forests with accessible hiking trails perfect for the whole family. If you want more of a challenge, the Hills to Sea Trail is a 47-mile trek along dense forests and open fields, and it’s quite a challenging hike! Whether you want to relax along the harbor and check out the local farmers market or lace up your hiking boots and get out in nature, your worries will surely melt away in Belfast!
Blue Hill
Blue Hill is New England's coastal charm at its finest! Tucked away on the Blue Hill Peninsula along the banks of the Blue Hill Bay, it’s a classic fishing village that hasn’t changed a lot over the years. For nature lovers, Blue Hill Mountain offers spectacular views of the area, and the hike to the top is a must. Just make sure you have enough camera storage on your phone!
Traveling east outside of town down East Blue Hill Road, you will find the secluded Peters Brook and Penny’s Preserve, a part of the Blue Hill Heritage Trust. These trail systems provide 5 miles of wooded trails, sometimes taking hikers by stunning waterfalls and granite quarries. While the trails are short (most are under 1 mile), the views are fantastic. The Peters Brook Trail, for example, is 0.5 miles long and takes you right up to a waterfall.
Maine’s Relaxation Hotspots
When it comes to relaxation, people usually fall into two groups: those who escape to the mountains and those who find peace by the beach. In these relaxing Maine towns, you can have the best of both worlds! Find peace while walking the rocky cliffs near the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth or swim in the clear waters of Moosehead Lake in Greenville. Escape the noise and the chaos of the larger cities and come to where time seems to stand still. The air is fresh, the hikes are idyllic, and the sweet smell of ocean air will help you remember what’s really important. These towns truly capture Maine’s motto: "The Way Life Should Be."
