5 Secret Maine Beaches You Can’t Drive To

Written By Maine Hikes
Hidden beach behind coastal spruce in Maine

Breathe that last breath of summer, and sneak off to one of Maine’s secret beaches. This list is for you if you don’t like being packed in like sardines at a popular beach!

1. Seawall Beach

If you're looking for one hike with multiple payoffs, check out Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach in Phippsburg. It's not your typical mountain trek – you get a bit of everything: marshes, woods, and killer views from the top. The best part? There's a secret beach at the end! Seawall Beach is like your own private slice of paradise. Just a heads up: get there early 'cause parking's tight. Oh, and don't forget the bug spray – those little critters can be annoying on this trail, but fall is a great time to mostly avoid them. This hike is perfect for a chill day out, with some guaranteed space to yourself at Seawall Beach. Trust us, this hidden gem is totally worth the trip!

    • Location: Phippsburg

2. Laudholm Beach

Just under 40 minutes from Portland, this lesser known beach is accessible via trails in the Wells Reserve, offering a quiet beach experience. The trails here offer a mix of fields, forests, and marshlands, leading you to the serene Laudholm Beach. A popular route is the Laird-Norton and Barrier Beach Trail Loop, which is about 2 miles round-trip. This path takes you through woodlands and over boardwalks (is it really a Maine Hike without a boardwalk?) with stunning marsh views before reaching the beach. The beach is a quiet spot, perfect for exploring tide pools and enjoying the waves. Just remember, there's a small admission fee during peak season, and parking can fill up fast, so it's best to arrive early. Bug spray is a must, especially in the summer months. The trails are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures in any season!

  • Location: Wells

  • Distance: 2 miles

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Trailkeeper: Wells Reserve at Laudholm

  • More Info: Wells Reserve Website

3. Owls Head

Featuring an iconic Maine lighthouse and a picturesque beach with little effort to reach, this spot perfect for picnics. The park features two short paths: one leads to a small rocky beach, and the other takes you up to the Owls Head Lighthouse. Both trails are super easy and about 0.2 miles each. The beach path offers a chill spot for a picnic with views of the lighthouse and pine-covered cliffs.  The lighthouse trail gives you stunning views of Penobscot Bay and Rockland Harbor. Although you can't enter the lighthouse, the climb up the stairs is worth it for the vistas. It's a great place for photography, wildlife watching, and just soaking in the coastal beauty. Remember to keep your pets on a leash and enjoy the park from 9 AM to sunset.

  • Location: Owls Head

  • Distance: ~1 mile network

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Trailkeeper: Owls Head State Park

  • More info: Area Guide

4. Roque Bluffs

Deep Downeast, near Machias, you’ll find a trail network featuring a natural beach with hiking trails and spectacular bird watching. Roque Bluffs State Park has about 3 miles of trails that take you through old orchards, fields, and woods, all leading to the rocky shores of Great Cove and Pond Cove. The main trails, like Houghton’s Hill and Mihill, offer easy to moderate hikes with scenic views and spots to chill out.  One of the coolest features is the half-mile beach along Englishman Bay, which is perfect for a stroll. You can also explore Simpson Pond, where the water is warmer if you're up for a swim. Bald eagles abound, and you can spot other interesting birds year-round. Just remember to bring your own water and maybe a picnic to enjoy in one of the park's picnic areas. Whether you're hiking, birding, or just relaxing, Roque Bluffs is a hidden gem worth checking out

  • Location: Roque Bluffs (near Machias)

  • Distance: 3 mile trail network

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Trailkeeper: Roque Bluffs State Park

  • More info: Area Guide

5. Lobster Lake

If you're up for an adventure, the hiking and kayaking or canoeing to Lobster Lake beaches and the peak of Lobster Mountain is a must-try. It's a bit off the beaten path, requiring a drive on rough logging roads, but the journey is worth it. Start your trip by paddling on Lobster Stream to reach Lobster Lake. From there, you can explore the lake's unique shoreline, shaped like, you guessed it…a lobster! Does it get more Maine than that? Find campsites with sandy beaches perfect for relaxing.  For hiking, head to the Lobster Mountain trailhead at Jackson Cove (you can also access this trail by parking at the end of Halfway Brook Road and walking to Jackson Cove). Once you reach the trailhead, it’s about 1.5 miles to the summit, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. It's a moderate hike, with some steep and eroded sections, but the panoramic vista at the top is a great reward, and beaches upon your return are a great place to basque in your accomplishment. Ironically, this is the only hike on this list to a freshwater beach. Plan for a multi-day camping trip to fully enjoy the area, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

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