Sometimes, we Maine residents are so determined not to fall into tourist traps, fearing long lines and overrated experiences, that we end up missing out on some of the best activities in our backyard.

But we also know there’s so much more out there than whatever lands on the must-do lists of national magazines and influencers passing through.

To help you find that happy medium, here are some alternatives to our busiest summer spots that will still check the boxes of a quintessential Maine vacation.

Instead of Red’s Eats, go to Erica’s Seafood

Visitors might have their sights set on the famously hefty lobster roll from Red’s Eats, but Mainers associate the Wiscasset seafood shack more with the bottleneck it creates on Route 1. Although Sprague’s Lobster across the street has long drawn customers deterred by the line at Red’s, those wanting to avoid the traffic jam altogether should head down the Harpswell peninsula to Erica’s, a cash-only lobster shack on a commercial wharf, where you can BYOB and enjoy the scenery while you wait.

Instead of Portland Head Light, go to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is known as the most photographed lighthouse in the world, but if you prefer to enjoy your beacons surrounded by fewer selfie sticks, next-door in South Portland is Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Built on a cylindrical foundation — what’s called a caisson-style or “sparkplug” lighthouse — it’s the only one of its kind in the country that you can walk to, connected to land by a granite breakwater. Starting in July, the lighthouse holds tours and opens its gift shop.

Instead of Tumbledown Mountain, go to Mount Blue

With a quick ascent to rewarding views and an alpine pond to boot, Tumbledown is one of the most popular mountains to hike in the state, and the parking areas can fill up early. For a similar but less strenuous alternative in the area, head into adjacent Mount Blue State Park and hike its namesake peak. Cool off afterward in the park’s Webb Lake, where you can admire your accomplishment, rising across the water.

Instead of Popham Beach, go to Seawall Beach

This might be a harder sell for some, but the payoff is huge. Not far from popular Popham Beach down the Phippsburg peninsula is a similar sandy expanse called Seawall Beach that doesn’t get nearly as crowded. There are a few catches: You have to hike in a couple of miles, there are no bathrooms once you get to the beach, and the parking lot can fill up. But if you get there early and are willing to carry everything you need on your back, you will be rewarded.

Instead of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, go to The Gardens at Pineland Farms

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is a major attraction that, at busy times, requires buying tickets in advance for up to $28 apiece (though there are ways to get in for less). For a more spur-of-the-moment garden experience, consider going instead to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, where you’re also less likely to combat traffic on the way. Ticketed garden tours are held on select dates ($6 per person, cheese included), but there are also gardens and displays that are free to peruse from spring to fall. A two-hour farm pass ($6) gets access to more.

Instead of Mount Desert Island, go to Isle au Haut

Visiting Acadia National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many tourists, so they’re going to want to hit all the highlights. We, however, have the luxury of returning again and again to explore new spots. While many know the Schoodic Peninsula as a quieter section of the park, you can get even more remote by taking a ferry from Stonington out to Isle au Haut. Your chances of getting a site at the island’s only campground are long gone for this summer, but you can make a day trip of exploring the 18 miles of trails managed by the park.