Picture this: you're strolling along a pebbly beach tucked away along the most quintessential Maine…read morerocky coast scene in the world during almost-dusk without a care in the world. It's like something out of Downeast Magazine, but really it's the vibe at Birch Point State Park during the off-season (which is open all year round, and as a Mainer you should really, really check out... I mean, is there anything quite as romantic as the ocean during winter?). I came in autumn and parked along the street outside of the entrance, walked the half mile down the access road, and was greeted by a crescent shaped beach bookended by giant rocks/ledges and small green spaces with picnic tables. I know there's a fee during the height of the season, but there's something really special about being able to enjoy this kind of unadulterated nature sans people in the chilly weather - so bring a sweater, a flask, a book... I'm confused though - there was a handwritten note defacing a park sign at the entrance that said, "Screw you State of Maine for closing this park." I don't know what's going on with that, but I hope it's not the truth because this is gem of spot. It seemed closed only for the season when I came, though that didn't stop locals from walking their dogs here.

Such a relaxing place that you don't even read your book much- just watch the water…read more A Sunday in mid-July was not crowded when we arrived at 1030 but by the time we left at 1, parking was rare and most people were parked on the long gravel drive into the park. The beach is a typical Maine one with dark, packed Sand and lots of seaweed. There's a lot of bugs in the seaweed that will go everywhere if you try to move it. Rocks are on either side of the beach and can make a less comfortable but quieter site. I was disappointed to see a giant pile of poo when we walked in. I think it was from a dog. Please, please clean up after your dog or leave them at home. This is a state park for all of us to enjoy. The water is frigid cold but we saw quite a few swimmers today. There are some grill to the left as you walk in that are shaded. Dogs must be on a leash.

We visited this preserve on our way back from Rockland, and it was worth the detour. What seems to…read morebe another trail in the middle of nowhere is actually filled with over a dozen large-scale wooden sculptures by Maine-born artist Bernard Langlais. The pieces are beautiful and all found around the preserve's entrance, so you don't have to walk much to see them all. There's a cute visitor center with postcards and other things for sale, exhibits, and even a short film to learn more about the artist's life. The young woman working the exhibit was so kind and welcoming--she gave us a quick history lesson about the space and the art. We learned that many of the sculptures will eventually become one with the Earth due to the elements and Langlais's wish not to repair them. The art preserve is free, but there is a $10 suggested donation.

DO NOT GO ON THE WOODLAND TRAIL! My husband and I are outside people. We hike, camp, take our dog…read moreto the woods every day. The sculpture path was lovely, but the woodland trail was the most miserable walk either of us has ever taken. We are not stupid. Bugs live in the woods. But this was horrible. We put on deep woods bug spray before we left and still spent the entire time desperately swatting away mosquitoes. At one point we both had to run after being bitten by bees. I now have a swollen bleeding bite on my calf. It was disgusting. Definitely go. The sculpture park was lovely. Just stay out of the woods.

I thought this spot was beautiful. Quiet. The grounds area…read morecould use some updating. But it's got water, rocks, shade trees, and a swing! Precious low key spot for some relaxing.

Nice little park. Not too busy and has a few nice trails by the water. Also picnic tables and and…read morespace to play catch or toss a football. Lots of trees for hammocking as well!

Really enjoyed this stop. Lighthouse is in very good shape and so are the grounds around it. Has a…read moresmall gift shop with a section with some history and lighthouse parts. I would definitely recommend this stop if you are in the area.

I did not see any owls at this state park, and I would think that the windy bluffs are not the spot…read morewhere you'd find one as they seem to prefer quiet areas. However, the views are majestic and entrance is free. There are ways to walk down to the beach, which is rocky as is typical in the region. The lighthouse itself is not regularly open for visitation, but there is a visitor center below it. The amount of trails and things to do is not enormous, but it is a great place to have open to the public to take as a sightseeing endeavor.

It was given that we had to visit at least one lighthouse in Maine, and what better way to do that…read morethan by visiting the most visited one in the state?? We were staying nearby in the area, so it was an easy drive here. This park is small, but has such a rich history. The guys working at the park were super friendly, and one gave us some fun facts about the lighthouse before heading up to the top! Speaking of, going up to the top is really neat. It's a tad bit scary and has a steep, spiral staircase, but has some great views once you get up there. There's also a little room with more on the history. Outside, you can climb around on the rocks to have a great viewing spot of the ocean. You need to come visit this place if you are nearby!

Pemaquid point lighthouse park is the lighthouse on the back of the Maine quarter. It is located in…read moreBristol. We were here on a foggy June day. There was a line to go up in the lighthouse. It is tiny, but worth the view, even in a foggy day

Such a peaceful and scenic spot to visit! The views from the lighthouse were absolutely stunning --…read moreyou can see the waves crashing along the rocks and feel the salty ocean breeze. It's the perfect place to relax, take photos, and just enjoy the beauty of the coast. The area was clean, easy to walk around, and not too crowded, which made it even more enjoyable. Whether you're into photography, sightseeing, or just love ocean views, this lighthouse is definitely worth the stop.

This was my first ever SUN RISE with a lighthouse and it was AMAZING. Came here around 7am Friday…read moremorning and made it just in time for Sunrise. There were plenty of parking and only a few people here. The View was absolutely breath taking. The sun was slowly making its away up on the beautiful water. The sound of the ocean waves against the rocks, the ocean breeze smell were absolutely magnificent. There is even a bench for you set and enjoy the sun rise. It was truly peaceful and definitely made my morning. Highly recommend coming here.

So glad we found this gem of an outing in our tour of the state. Walking the break wall was a…read moreunique experience. There are large gaps but it's pretty even. We wore good shoes and hoodies and were fine. The lighthouse itself was small but jam packed with that coastal vibe we came for. Plus we got to walk a mile out into the ocean!

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is located in the park and to get there, you have to walk about…read morea mile or more on the uneven granite slabs. There's some parts that have gaps, so you have to pay attention. But over all it was an easy walk to the light house. The walk itself was quite relaxing and beautiful. On each side of the pathway, the water on each side are quite different, which makes it beautiful. Once you reach the end, you'll find a lighthouse at the end. You can walk up the stairs of the lighthouse to get a better view. Overall, I really enjoyed this lighthouse and would come back.

This is a must do experience if you're visiting. We did not spend the night but according to…read morereviews spending the night isn't a good idea. The views on the hike is awesome. A very nice lady at the store at the novelty gave us some tips and when you start at the top of the hill and go right You always want to keep the ocean on your left and that will circle you down to the shipwreck and then up towards the brewery to end. Group of five ages 50 and 19. We had a fantastic trip to the island. Eat at the novelty. Great food. The ferry trip there and back was awesome and we were able to see gray seals and harbor seals.

Monhegan is a great June-September destination for people who like to walk and don't mind steep…read morehills and narrow trails. The views are amazing and it's a very special place. Just 64 people live here year round and it's home to the most well managed lobster conservation areas in the state. Spending the night is a good idea if you have the time and inclination. The day trip is a great introduction though. The island has a chronic water shortage so bring a full water bottle for each person in your group-- it's worth it. As for amenities, it's good to be flexible. On a recent trip, the Barnacle (closest to the dock) was very understocked-- empty shelves and empty refrigerators. The pre-made sandwiches were delicious-- they offered to hot press them and that was a good idea. Despite the signs and the website, beer, wine, and other drinks were not available. Monhegan House is a great place to stay as is the Trailing Yew. The Novelty behind Monhegan House has a good food (pizza especially), reasonably priced wine (especially since they have to get it there and get the empties back off), and is next to the only public bathrooms, which are privately operated and accept donations. No sinks with running water though and otherwise it's port a potties at the wharf. For the day trip, we like to do the walk up to the lighthouse and explore the exhibits, then to do the Lobster Cove Trail (very uneven trail), head back through the Black Duck Emporium and the Lupine Gallery, and have a meal at the Brewery, the Novelty, or the Fish House, depending on our group's preferences. We usually go out of Boothbay Harbor on Balmy Day Cruises.

Multiple access points bring you to the top of beech hill, great views, minimal effort, provide…read morerewards!

You can find the Beech Hill Preserve at 316 Beech Hill Rd, Rockport, ME 04856 with easy access to…read moreUS1. There are parking lots on either end of the trails leading up to the top and plenty of parking. Beech Hill was very close to where we were staying (at the border of Rockport and Rockland) and this fairly easy hike was about 5 minutes away. We climbed up one foggy day and returned another day from the opposite end to catch the view, obscured on the first day. Of course the prize of this hike is the really fantastic stacked-stone Tea House at the summit. Along the way you'll find blueberries that at one time were harvested and processed at the house (there's still an active processing building at one of the parking areas so it continues to this day). I took many photos of the Beech Nut Hut (as it's colloquially called) and added them to the Yelp listing dedicated to it). The trail itself is pleasant and fairly easy - I longer trail is slightly more aggressive than the short one that provides easy access to the summit. In all a good hike with plenty of native species to view as you ascend and descend, especially for those that have issues with more aggressive hikes.

You can find the Olson House at 427 Hathorne Point Rd, Cushing, ME 04563. There's some limited…read moreparking behind the apple orchard but presumably you can also park along the access roads. This is a residential neighborhood so please be respectful. If you aren't an art historian you may wonder why the Olson House is worth visiting? The key is Andrew Wyeth - who painted many scenes of the house, the family and local vignettes. One of the most iconic paintings done by an American artist is "Christina's World" which features the building's on the Olson's property. Luckily the property was obtained by the local Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland who has started a much needed restoration (at one point the house was a Wyeth museum but it's fallen to hard times prior to the acquisition). The house sits on multiple acres of land and the property includes several buildings - the house and barn are rendered in the painting. Much of the structures' original pigment gave way to the elements, apparently during the Depression so it holds a beautiful gray-weathered patina. The primary structure is mostly intact (a chimney has been removed but I believe the plan is to replace it at some point). As you walk around you can get a sense of the home from when Wyeth rendered the painting. You can walk around the property but be aware that if you try to view the buildings using Wyeth's painting's perspective, you'll be in a field that's private property not owned by the Farnsworth. We took a chance and walked out which I think is okay as long as you're not loud or disrespectful. Also in the field is the cemetery where Andrew and Betsy Wyeth are prominently resting - towards the water in the rear there's a headstone for Christina and her brother Alvero. There are several markers around the property identifying points of interest as well as color and restoration studies. I also spied some hops growing between the main building and boat house (I believe it's the kitchen) - I'm betting that at some point there was some homebrew being made, possibly by Alvero. In all, a great place to visit, especially prior to going to the Farnsworth as it provides a lot of context. Kudos to the museum for preserving this property!

Our morning on the Wyeth Experience tour was well worth $50. Six of us began the tour with Nancy at…read morethe Farnsworth and got background on several paintings by the three Wyeths. Then a half hour van ride driven by delightful David to the Olson House while Nancy shaed stories en route. Throughout the tour Nancy overflowed with history and stories gleaned from 30 years working at Olson House. The spare house is a wonder, and we loved wandering through each room with its beautiful light, all three floors. we even jogged down to the little cemetery where Andrew, Christina Olson, and others are buried.