Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine, DownEast and Acadia Maine

June 1, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Discover the best top things to do in DownEast and Acadia Maine, United States including The Bold Coast, Quoddy Head State Park, Penobscot Mountain, Carriage Roads, Thuya Gardens, Schoodic Point, Schoodic Peninsula, The Seal Cove Auto Museum, Great Wass Island Preserve, Whopaints Gallery.
Restaurants in DownEast and Acadia Maine

1. The Bold Coast

Machias, ME http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/bedrock/sites/jun10.htm
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 79 reviews

The Bold Coast

Coast comprised of high cliffs.

Reviewed By E1129TOlaurap - Surprise, United States

This is a magical area of Maine with few tourists. Lovely for painters, writers, hikers and those who enjoy quiet time.

2. Quoddy Head State Park

973 S Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652-3676 +1 207-733-2201 http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=10
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 285 reviews

Quoddy Head State Park

Spanning more than 481 acres, this scenic park offers hikers breathtaking trails that follow along rock cliffs rising 80 feet above the ocean.

Reviewed By MarjorieC332 - Wentworth, United States

Easy to get to, the Light House is lovely, Ocean views are fantastic Well worth the effort to seek it out. For those with difficulty walking the road down from the parking lot is a bit of an incline. There is limited Handicap parking right at the Light House but if you don't have a Handicap plate or pass and have bad knees or feet it may be a little bit of a challenge. Lovely Ocean Views.

3. Penobscot Mountain

Mount Desert, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-288-3338 http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Penobscot Mountain

Reviewed By JCWillow

We took Spring Trail from Jordan Pond House to Penobscot Mountain Trail and returned via Sargent South Ridge and Amphitheater Trails. It was a beautiful, moderately strenuous hike with some steps, scrambles, and a few brook crossings. Beautiful views from the summit and all along the walk up. We are in our 50s and hike regularly, recommend poles especially for tricky knees.

4. Carriage Roads

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-288-3338 http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 539 reviews

Carriage Roads

Reviewed By LPLoveToTravel - Ocala, United States

The carriage road system's intent was to provide access to the inner beauty of Mount Desert Island. Designed with the natural contours of the land to minimize impact and to maximize views it's the perfect place to hike or bike ride and really enjoy the solitude of nature.

5. Thuya Gardens

Peabody Drive, Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-276-3727 http://www.gardenpreserve.org
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 129 reviews

Thuya Gardens

Reviewed By RamblingRoses - Hendersonville, United States

There are two places to park. One parking lot holds about 8 - 10 cars and is on the same level as the garden. The other lot is lower and on the level with the highway. From the lower lot there are some steep looking stairs. We opted for the easier choice. There is no charge for admission, but a $5 donation is requested. It is well worth it. Large, well-tended flower beds were in full bloom when we visited in mid-September. It was very colorful.

6. Schoodic Point

Arey Cove Road, Winter Harbor, ME 04693 https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/schoodic.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 483 reviews

Schoodic Point

Reviewed By J6319RNdavidw - Peace Dale, United States

We always wanted to visit Schoodic Point while at Mount Desert Island and did so just recently. The weather was perfect and so were the views. We rode our bicycles around the loop road and it was spectacular. We have visited many spots along the Maine coast but I think that we have a new favorite.

7. Schoodic Peninsula

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-801-9444 http://www.acadiamagic.com/schoodic/schoodic-head.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 465 reviews

Schoodic Peninsula

Reviewed By 70clarkek - New York, United States

Recently took a a trip out to Maine. First time being there. If you want to enjoy some truly wonder sites, without a ton of people or crowds then you should check out Schoodic for sure. During our stay, we there twice. Once during the day where the scenery and shoreline is incredible. Be sure to stop by Raven's Nest where you can get a close up (but don't get TOO close) of this beautiful sheer cliff face where it meets the water. Also make sure you take a walk on the shoreline just past Blueberry Hill so that you can hear the "applauding river rocks". If you're up for it, do yourself a favor and go back at night. Find a place to park, turn your vehicle and vehicle lights off and look up at the sky. From here the Milky Way Galaxy is visible with the naked eye. You'll be glad you went.

8. The Seal Cove Auto Museum

1414 Tremont Rd Rt. 102, Seal Cove, ME 04674-4205 +1 207-244-9242 [email protected] http://www.sealcoveautomuseum.org
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 207 reviews

The Seal Cove Auto Museum

The Seal Cove Auto Museum exhibits a wide variety of antique autos, from an 1900 De dion Bouton to a 1921 Mercer, with a special emphasis on examples from the "Brass Era" (1895-1917). Antique car enthusiasts as well as those who simply enjoy cars from the past will delight in the beauty, mystery and romance of this unique collection. Open May 1st through October 31st, 10-5, seven days a week. Contact us for an appointment if you wish to visit the museum during the winter!

Reviewed By 544joanm - Derry, United States

Seal Cove Auto Museum is an unexpected hidden gem for sure! Many one-of-a-kind cars from the brass era in perfect condition, completed with easy to read descriptions and stories of each car, bike or motorcycle. Friendly staff. When we went and through next year the "Engines of Change" exhibit was out, telling the story of the Suffrage movement and the role cars played in women's independence. Completely enjoyed our visit. For only $10!

9. Great Wass Island Preserve

Station Rd, Beals, ME +1 207-729-5181 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/maine/placesweprotect/great-wass-island.xml
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Great Wass Island Preserve

Reviewed By 852philipg - Livingston, United States

We hiked the 5.5-mile loop consisting of the Little Cape Point Trail, shoreline, and the Mud Hole Trail. It was quite a workout, especially the 2-mile section up the shoreline, but it was very enjoyable.

316 Main St Behind the Periwinkle house and through all the flowers, Winter Harbor, ME 04693-3211 +1 610-717-7832 [email protected] http://www.whopaints.com
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 61 reviews

Whopaints Gallery

whopaints Studio, Garden & Gallery is a place where Art is Created and Experienced. Original paintings of Downeast Maine, Notecards and Posters are for sale. This very relaxed 'gallery' is located in an old ship construction building. Folks are invited to wander around pick up work angling them so that they capture the light for many are on gold leaf. Mediums used are Oil, Watercolor, Pastel and Kinpakku - traditional Japanese Gold Leafing. Very child friendly! Toys to find are hidden in the garden!

Reviewed By atlmainiac

Wendilee has a charming gallery and studio in Winter Harbor, Maine on the breathtakingly beautiful Schoodic Peninsula which is part of Acadia National Park, where she creates beautiful magic with her amazing artistic talents. Her studio is right on the main drag and is fronted by a whimsical garden and a wonderful rescue dog, Jack, who greets visitors. She has lived and worked in Japan and the techniques learned there inform some of her art, but there is a range of styles and formats to choose from. She also makes beautiful note cards that you'd be proud to send. She has a welcoming and ebullient personality and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to meet her, enjoy her gorgeous creations, and discuss her artistic processes. I have succumbed to the charms of her paintings on several occasions over many years and they are treasured parts of my home.

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