With more coastline than California, it's no wonder Maine has some incredible beaches! But, the popular ones are certainly no secret. Maine families and tourists alike descend on places like Old Orchard Beach and Higgins Beach like they're going out of style. The truth is, within a few weeks of Maine's tourist season, they probably will! Maine only has so much warm weather to offer, so don't waste your precious beach time nestled next to a stranger on a crowded coast. Instead, pack the car and head to the best hidden beaches in Maine. It might be a lot of beaches to cover in just one weekend, but if anyone can do it, it's an ambitious Mainer! Let's go check out some of the best beaches in Maine:

Stop #1: Laudholm Beach, Wells

Not only is Laudholm Beach a bit of a secret, it also requires some effort to reach. Make your way through The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and you'll eventually reach this stretch of beach that will likely be deserted. The wooded trails to get there are beautiful and the view at the end is just as lovely. We love this selection because it's open year-round... Because Maine beaches are sometimes best in the winter.

Stop #2: Seawall Beach, Phippsburg

Perhaps the most hard-to-reach of all the secret beaches in this article, Seawall requires some effort to see. But don't worry - it's nothing crazy! Seawall Beach is located over Morse Mountain, so you'll need to get to the top (via an approximately 1-mile hike) and then over to reach the beach. Travel through the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area to the sand dunes, which are nesting areas for two species of endangered birds, the piping plover and least terns. You won't be able to do much here - no recreation such as volleyball and frisbee are allowed. But, it's worth the hike to check it out for its beauty. Honestly, it's one of the best hikes in Maine!

Stop #3: Birch Point State Park Beach, Owls Head

Birch Point State Park in Owls Head can often be overlooked. But that's good news for those who like to have the beach to themselves! This crescent shaped beach is full of sand and a fairly calm surf. Get the chair from your trunk and look out over the Mussel Ridge Islands while enjoying a lovely picnic. It's a bit hard to find, though, so follow the directions we've included above. And, check out the Owls Head General Store on the way! This is one hidden beach in Maine you can't miss.

Stop #4: Sandy Point Beach, Stockton Springs

Sandy Point Beach is nestled between two rocky headlands and surrounded by lots of nature. A day spent here means you'll have a view of the area where the Penobscot River widens into Penobscot Bay, giving sweeping, lovely and very "Maine" vibes to anyone lucky enough to find it.

Stop #5: Barred Island Preserve, Deer Island

This beach is so hidden, it's only accessible for part of the day. You'll be heading to Deer Isle for this one and then taking a light and easy hike through the Barred Island Preserve, leading to the shore. It's here that, during low tide, you'll find a truly hidden beach. This one is classic Maine! You'll love this beach if you're trying to find hidden beaches in Maine.

Stop #6: Branch Lake, Ellsworth

While the coastline is lovely, don't forget that Maine's lakes have some great beaches as well! While others may know of the area, the rocks located along the beach itself make for a private area. So, hide away to your heart's content! You'll be arriving at the lake via Route 1 and it's located between Bucksport and Ellsworth on Boat Launch Drive. It's home to one of our favorite hiking trails in Maine, too!

Stop #7 and Overnight: Lamoine State Park, Lamoine

Time to stop for the day! Lamoine is a great option if you like waking up at the beach. And, this could be a great place to stop overnight on your road trip. The beach in this park offers secluded beach views, views of Mount Desert Island and will give you fairly easy access to Acadia. They're open May through October and the campsites are great!

Stop #8: Roque Bluffs State Park, Roque Bluffs

Wake up fresh and ready! Of all the spots on this list, Roque Bluffs might be the best if you want to spend an entire day alone in nature. If you love a natural beach, you'll appreciate the rock and pebble that line the ocean here. Once you get tired of appreciating the view over Englishman Bay, you can try out a hike on a portion of the six-mile network of trails.

Stop #9: Jasper Beach, Machiasport

Jasper Beach is located south of Machiasport, overlooking Howard Cove. The beach is known for the many colored stones that can be found mixed among the pebbles. The ecology of the area makes it a great place for spotting wildlife, especially migratory birds. Learn more about this amazing, hidden beach in Maine in this article!

Stop #10: Lily Bay State Park Beach / Dunn Point, Piscataquis County

And, because we couldn't resist sending you off the coast just a bit, here is just more proof that you don't need an ocean to make a great beach! Located in one of our favorite state parks in Maine, this beach is fairly remote. You'll find it on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake and you'll have wonderful views of Sugar Island and the Misery Ridge mountains in the background. There are picnic tables for day-use and you can even camp in the area.

This incredible outdoor adventure will take you to the best beaches in Maine. Which of these breathtaking sites is your favorite? Do you have any favorite beaches to visit in Maine? Tell us about them in the comments.

To take the trip without any confusion, remember to grab the official map for the exact directions. For another secret attraction in Maine, head straight for this hidden Maine waterpark!