In Maine’s coastal pockets, the farther you stray from the highways, the closer you get to something quietly extraordinary. Beyond the tour buses and polished harbor towns, you find neighborhoods where salt air seeps into the woodwork and the days fall into the natural rhythm of tide and light.
Places like Islesboro’s North End and Corea aren’t trying to sell you a lifestyle—they’re still living one. Here, the roads turn narrow, the ocean feels like an old neighbor, and the soundtrack is made of seabirds and porch screen doors.
Along this coast, seclusion isn’t an accident—it’s a design choice made by geography and generations. These neighborhoods are tucked into pine forests, hidden along peninsulas, or anchored on rocky islands, offering a kind of rare privacy without pretense. No neon, no fanfare—just a way of life that keeps its head down and its heart open.
Whether it’s the short ferry to North Haven or the slow drive through winding backroads to Cape Rosier, getting there is part of the pact you make: leave the speed behind, and you’ll be rewarded with a life that’s quieter, tougher, and more quietly beautiful.
Here are ten of Maine’s most secluded coastal neighborhoods—places where the world doesn’t just slow down, it rights itself.
10. Islesboro’s North End: Exclusive Privacy on the Island
Nestled in the heart of Penobscot Bay, the North End of Islesboro offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking seclusion amidst Maine’s stunning coastal beauty.
This less-developed part of the island is home to large estates and expansive natural landscapes, providing residents with ample privacy and a deep connection to nature. With a small year-round population of just over 600 people, Islesboro exudes a tight-knit community feel that’s both welcoming and unobtrusive.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of unspoiled coastline, perfect for kayaking, sailing, or simply watching the sunset over the bay. The island’s tranquil forests and walking trails offer peaceful exploration, and the absence of commercial zones means uninterrupted serenity.
Living on Islesboro’s North End feels like stepping into a secluded paradise, where the hustle and bustle of mainland life fade away.
Where is Islesboro’s North End?
Islesboro is located off the coast of Lincolnville in Waldo County, accessible only by a 20-minute ferry ride across Penobscot Bay. This separation from the mainland enhances its exclusivity and ensures that the natural beauty remains pristine and unspoiled.
The island’s geography, with its rocky shores and dense woodlands, creates natural barriers that contribute to the secluded atmosphere. To get there, visitors can take the state ferry from Lincolnville Beach, making the journey an integral part of the island experience.
9. Corea: A Quiet Harbor Village Beyond the Crowds
Tucked away on the eastern edge of the Schoodic Peninsula, the fishing village of Corea offers a peaceful escape from the tourist trails. With a modest population of around 350 residents, this small community is known for its spacious lots and a remarkable amount of undeveloped land.
The village’s charming harbor is dotted with lobster boats, and the local economy thrives on the traditions of the sea. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy fresh seafood at the local eateries, explore art galleries featuring local artists, or simply soak in the serene coastal views.
The lack of commercial development means less traffic and noise, allowing the sounds of the waves and seabirds to take center stage. Corea’s secluded environment provides a tranquil lifestyle that feels worlds apart from busier coastal towns.
Where is Corea?
Corea is situated in the town of Gouldsboro, within Hancock County, along Maine’s bold coast. Its location away from the main tourist hubs means it retains an authentic, untouched charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. The geography features rugged coastlines and quiet coves, perfect for kayaking and wildlife watching.
To reach Corea, travelers can take U.S. Route 1 to Gouldsboro and then follow local roads that wind through forests and along the coast, leading to this hidden gem.
8. North Haven Island: Seclusion in Penobscot Bay
Nestled in the heart of Penobscot Bay, North Haven Island offers a secluded haven accessible only by ferry or private boat. With a population of just around 350 year-round residents, the island boasts large properties surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
Expansive forests, rolling meadows, and rocky shorelines make this island a paradise for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet. Activities include sailing, hiking, and exploring the island’s hidden coves and beaches, offering endless opportunities for solitude and reflection.
The absence of urban distractions ensures that life on North Haven moves at a gentle pace, governed by the rhythms of the sea and seasons. The strong sense of community and appreciation for the island’s unspoiled environment make North Haven a unique and tranquil place to live.
Where is North Haven Island?
Located approximately 12 miles offshore from Rockland in Knox County, North Haven sits in the middle of Penobscot Bay. The island’s isolation is enhanced by the surrounding waters, creating natural barriers that contribute to its secluded atmosphere.
To get there, visitors take a one-hour ferry from Rockland, sailing across the picturesque bay with its scatter of lobster buoys and passing sailboats. The journey itself is a scenic introduction to the island’s charm, setting the tone for the peaceful experience that awaits on North Haven.
7. Sebasco Estates: Peaceful Shores and Forested Retreats
Located in the coastal town of Phippsburg, Sebasco Estates is a hidden enclave offering a peaceful retreat amidst Maine’s natural splendor. This small community features large wooded lots and picturesque coastal properties, perfect for those seeking seclusion without sacrificing beauty.
With a population of around 2,200 in Phippsburg, Sebasco Estates feels even more intimate due to its spread-out homes and minimal traffic. Residents and visitors can enjoy local amenities like the Sebasco Harbor Resort, offering golf, boating, and spa services amidst serene surroundings.
The area’s natural barriers, including dense forests and rocky coastlines, enhance privacy and create a tranquil atmosphere. Life here is enriched by the simple pleasures of seaside living, from watching sunsets over Casco Bay to exploring nearby hiking trails.
Where is Sebasco Estates?
Sebasco Estates is situated on the western shore of Casco Bay in Sagadahoc County, south of Bath. The geography features a classic Maine coastline with protected harbors, coves, and pine-covered peninsulas. Access is via Route 209, which winds through Phippsburg and down to this quiet corner of the coast.
The drive itself is scenic, passing through quaint villages and along stretches of forest and shoreline, leading to the peaceful seclusion of Sebasco Estates.
6. South Addison: Hidden Gems Along the Bold Coast
South Addison, part of the town of Addison in Washington County, is a quiet coastal area known for its rugged beauty and expansive acreages. With a population of approximately 1,200 people in Addison, South Addison offers even more solitude due to its large tracts of undeveloped land.
The neighborhood provides residents with stunning views of the Pleasant River Bay and access to unspoiled natural landscapes. Outdoor activities abound, including bird watching, beachcombing, and exploring the nearby Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The absence of tourist activity and commercial development ensures a peaceful environment where the sounds of nature prevail. South Addison is a place where residents can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the serenity of Maine’s bold coast.
Where is South Addison?
Located in Washington County, South Addison is situated on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Its remote location contributes to its tranquility, far from the main highways and bustling towns. Access is via Route 187, which branches off from U.S. Route 1 and meanders through woodland and along the shoreline.
The journey offers glimpses of Maine’s rugged coastline and brings you to a secluded spot that feels like a well-kept secret.
5. Cutler’s Back Road Communities: Coastal Privacy Beyond the Crowds
The rural neighborhoods surrounding the small town of Cutler offer a peaceful lifestyle nestled amidst Maine’s easternmost coastal landscapes. With a population of around 500 residents, these back road communities are characterized by expansive properties and densely forested surroundings.
The area’s proximity to the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land provides ample opportunities for hiking and enjoying breathtaking ocean vistas. The lack of commercial development and low housing density ensure that residents experience minimal traffic and a strong connection to nature.
Life here is quiet and unhurried, with the rhythms of the tides and the seasons guiding daily activities. The communities around Cutler exemplify the secluded, peaceful lifestyle that so many seek along Maine’s coastline.
Where is Cutler?
Cutler is located in Washington County, along the Bold Coast between Machias and Lubec. The geography includes rugged cliffs, peat bogs, and spruce-fir forests, offering a dramatic backdrop to this secluded area.
Access is via Route 191 from Machias or Lubec, leading through picturesque landscapes to these hidden communities. The journey is part of the charm, taking you off the beaten path to discover the quiet beauty that defines Cutler’s back roads.
4. Great Wass Island: Remote Living at the Edge of the Sea
Connected to the mainland by a short bridge, Great Wass Island offers remote living surrounded by the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. With a sparse population, the island is known for its rugged coastal scenery and large undeveloped tracts of land.
The Great Wass Island Preserve encompasses much of the island, providing habitats for rare plant species and miles of trails for exploration. Residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the solitude of the rocky shoreline, tidal pools, and wind-swept barrens.
The limited accessibility and natural barriers create a secluded environment ideal for those seeking privacy and a deep connection with nature. Life on Great Wass Island is defined by the rhythm of the sea and the untouched beauty of Maine’s coastline.
Where is Great Wass Island?
Great Wass Island is part of the town of Beals in Washington County, located off the coast near Jonesport. The island’s geography features dramatic coastal landscapes with granite shores and panoramic ocean views.
Access is via a series of bridges connecting Beals Island to Great Wass Island, with Route 187 leading from U.S. Route 1 to the coast. The journey takes you through quiet fishing villages and over narrow causeways, culminating in the remote beauty of Great Wass Island.
3. Westport Island: An Island Retreat Off the Beaten Path
Nestled in the Sheepscot River, Westport Island offers secluded living accessible by a single bridge from the mainland. With a population of around 720 residents, the island is characterized by large lot sizes and abundant natural landscapes.
The island’s winding roads and forested surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the urban hustle. Residents can enjoy activities like kayaking, boating, and exploring the island’s coves and inlets.
The absence of major roads or commercial zones contributes to a quiet environment where wildlife sightings are common. Westport Island provides a tranquil retreat where the beauty of Maine’s coastal environment is right at your doorstep.
Where is Westport Island?
Located in Lincoln County, Westport Island lies between Wiscasset and Boothbay Harbor. The island’s geography includes rocky shorelines, tidal marshes, and dense woodlands, enhancing its secluded feel.
Access is via the Davey Bridge off Route 144, which connects the island to the mainland with minimal fanfare. The island’s off-the-beaten-path location ensures a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle.
2. Spruce Head Island: A Secluded Escape in Maine’s Coastal Region
Spruce Head Island, located in South Thomaston, Maine, is a serene and secluded neighborhood with a small population of around 300 year-round residents. This peaceful island is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty, with activities such as kayaking, boating, and exploring the rocky coastline.
The area is primarily residential, with a focus on small-scale fishing, maritime industries, and local art. The quiet atmosphere is enhanced by the absence of commercial development, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of larger towns.
Spruce Head Island offers residents and visitors a deep connection to nature, surrounded by lush greenery, saltwater marshes, and tidal flats. Its isolation, coupled with limited access, ensures the area remains a secluded haven in Maine’s coastal region.
Where is Spruce Head Island?
Located off the coast of South Thomaston in Knox County, Spruce Head Island is situated in Maine’s beautiful mid-coast region. The island is only accessible by car via a causeway from the mainland, which enhances its sense of seclusion.
Its remote location, coupled with its small population, gives it a quiet, private atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere in Maine. To get there, visitors can travel along Route 73 to South Thomaston and take the bridge onto the island, offering a peaceful drive through the natural landscapes that make the island so special.
1. Cape Rosier: Hidden Havens on Penobscot Bay
Located in the town of Brooksville, Cape Rosier is a secluded coastal area offering large wooded lots averaging over an acre. This hidden gem is surrounded by Penobscot Bay and is renowned for its serene landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty.
The natural barriers of dense forests and rolling hills contribute to residents’ privacy and the area’s low population density. With a population of just over 900 in Brooksville, Cape Rosier feels even more intimate and peaceful.
Residents can explore coastal trails, visit the renowned Holbrook Island Sanctuary, or enjoy sailing and kayaking in the calm bay waters. The minimal commercial development and distance from urban centers enhance its peaceful, low-traffic environment, making it a perfect retreat.
Where is Cape Rosier?
Cape Rosier is situated in Hancock County, on a peninsula extending into Penobscot Bay. Its geography offers a mix of forested areas, rocky coastlines, and sheltered coves.
Access is via winding rural roads off Route 176, adding to the sense of seclusion. The journey through picturesque countryside and along the bay’s edge leads to this tranquil haven where nature and solitude are paramount.
