The Time to Relax is When You Don’t Have Time For It
—Sydney J. Harris
Life has a way of getting busy – sometimes more than we’d like. Between work, family, social commitments, and the endless to-do lists, finding time to unwind can feel nearly impossible at times. But it’s in those hectic moments when we usually need a break the most.
When things start to feel overwhelming, I’ve learned it’s best to step back and reset. For me, that most often means heading outside – into the woods, along a trail, or by the sea – because nature has a way of grounding me. As it turns out, there’s actually science to support that feeling! Studies show that walking in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, while also promoting mindfulness and a clearer state of mind.
So, next time you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by life, try getting outside for a walk where you can slow down, breathe deep, and quiet your mind.
Here are some of my favorite places to recharge and relax. Each of them offer something unique and beautiful to help soothe the soul.
- Long Hill House & Garden
- Halibut Point State Park & Reservation
- Crane Beach
- Coolidge Reservation
- Charles W. Ward Reservation
It just so happens that all of these places are properties of The Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts. This incredible organization works to preserve and protect Massachusetts’ most scenic, historic, and ecologically significant places for us to enjoy.
Long Hill House & Garden
Beverly, Massachusetts
Vibe: A secret garden that meets a woodland escape
Best For: Girlfriend outings, solo strolls and listening to the sounds of nature
Long Hill House and Garden in Beverly, MA is a Trustees of Reservations property that is an absolute hidden gem. Once the summer home of author and editor Ellery Sedgwick and his family, this 114-acre historic estate has beautifully maintained gardens and walking trails that wind through woodlands and meadows.
The mansion dates back to the early 20th century and assumes an air of timeless elegance with incredible wall coverings, antique furnishings and family heirlooms.
Long Hill hosts events throughout the season including Afternoon Tea, yoga, concerts and their signature Halloween on the Hill event. You are also able to tour the beautiful house and garden.
What I Love About Long Hill
Long Hill is such a quiet and peaceful space to wander about that time just seems to slip away. I love wandering through the various sections of the gardens to enjoy the vibrant blooms and wildflowers that change with the seasons. As you stroll along the walkways, you’ll pass interesting sculptures, unique trees and little nooks where you can sit and listen to the birds chirping.
On the outskirts of the gardens, there are 2 miles of well marked hiking trails to explore, including a 1.5 mile loop trail providing a more woodland adventure.
Pair it with: Grab a smoothie or a snack from Grassy Roots (136 Dodge Street, Beverly, MA), a laid back healthy cafe featuring healthy options for breakfast, lunch, or a midday pick-me-up. My go-to snack is the Hummus Toast—2 slices of hearty multigrain bread topped with their creamy, house-made hummus, crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppery arugula. A sprinkle of feta and drizzle of olive oil finishes it off making it a delicious and satisfying snack.
Tips for Visiting
- Hours: Grounds are open daily from 8 AM to sunset. The Main House gardens are open April–November. Hours may vary during special events.
- Admission\Parking: Free for Trustees Members; Non-members: Typically $5–$10, but free general admission is often available for the grounds. On-site parking is available and included with admission.
- Location: Long Hill – 572 Essex Street, Beverly, MA
Halibut Point State Park & Reservation
Rockport, Massachusetts
Vibe: A dramatic and peaceful escape
Best For: Easy walks with stunning views to clear your mind or anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic adventure
With its giant granite quarry ledges on one side and crashing waves and wide ocean views on the other, Halibut Point is a perfect place to explore, unwind and connect with nature.
Once the site of an active granite quarry in the 19th century, Halibut Point played a key role in constructing many of Boston’s bridges and buildings. The Babson Farm Quarry was active from the 1840s until the granite industry’s decline in 1929. Today, the area has been transformed into a scenic retreat offering visitors sweeping ocean views and a glimpse into its fascinating geological and military past.
This 67-acre state park and neighboring 12-acre reservation offer a network of short, well-marked trails, including a 0.6-mile loop around the historic Babson Farm Quarry. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.
The park also features a visitor center inside a renovated World War II observation tower, complete with exhibits on the local granite industry, military history, and wildlife. You can even climb the stairway up to the observation tower for some amazing views.
What I Love About Halibut Point
The Ocean View trail is simply spectacular! This ½ mile trail branches off from the Quarry Loop and leads to the rocky coastline, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s something so calming about sitting on the rocks watching the waves and listening to the constant rhythmic crash against the rocks as seabirds soar above you. The world just seems to stop.
Pair it with: A visit to the Lobster Pool restaurant just around the corner to experience some fresh New England seafood and watch the sunset over the bay.
Halibut Point State Park is managed jointly by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in collaboration with The Trustees of Reservations.
Tips for Visiting:
- Hours: Halibut Point is open year-round from 8AM to sunset daily.
- Admission\Parking: Massachusetts residents pay $5 per car for parking, while non-residents pay $20; pedestrians and cyclists can enter for free. DCR annual passes and Massachusetts senior passes are also accepted. Halibut Point has a designated parking lot that fills quickly in summer so arrive early or visit on a weekday.
- Location: Halibut Point – 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA
Crane Beach
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Vibe: Endless white sand and rolling waves year round
Best for: Beach walking, sunset watching, and salt air therapy
Crane Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on Massachusetts’ North Shore, featuring over four miles of pristine white sand, gentle waves, and beautiful sunsets. It’s part of the Crane Estate, once the private summer retreat of the wealthy Crane family in the early 1900s. Overlooking the shoreline, the grand Castle Hill mansion adds a touch of elegance to this popular destination.
This is the best beach on the North Shore for taking a leisurely seaside stroll with four miles of coastline. Adjacent to the beach there are also 5 miles of coastal dunes you can hike if you are up for a little more challenge.
What I Love About Crane Beach
There are few places that soothe my soul like Crane Beach. My favorite time to visit is when the sun begins to set and the crowds start to thin or during the quiet off-season. It’s the perfect place for long, peaceful walks along the shore or simply sitting and listening to the waves and watching the seabirds frolic along the water’s edge. Somehow the world just seems to slow down along these shores.
Pair it with: Lunch or dinner at the Choate Bridge Pub, a cozy pub named after the historic Bridge that it sits beside (3 South Main Street, Ipswich). With its laid back vibe and classic American fare, it’s the perfect spot to refuel after a relaxing seaside stroll.
Tips for Visiting:
- Hours: Open daily from 8AM to sunset, with a bathhouse available in the summer months.
- Admission\Parking: Free or discounted for Trustees members. Parking fees vary by day and season so check online for pricing and parking availability. Crane Beach has a large parking lot, but it fills quickly in peak season and reservations are often required on summer weekends.
- Location: Crane Beach – 310 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA
Coolidge Reservation
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.
Vibe: Coastal elegance with remnants of a Gatsby-era
Best for: Quiet picnics, ocean vistas, and watching the clouds drift by
Coolidge Reservation is another North Shore hidden gem. Located in Manchester-by-the-Sea, this 66-acre Trustees property once housed the grand “Marble Palace,” the summer home of Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, a descendant of President Jefferson.
While the mansion is long gone, there are trails that take you around ponds and through meadows and woodlands to the “Ocean Lawn”, where it once stood. This manicured green space that opens up to expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean, is the highlight of this reservation. Trustees members can also enjoy access to Magnolia Beach.
What I love about Coolidge Reservation
It’s just a short walk through the woodlands until you come across the sprawling “Ocean Lawn” which is simply magnificent. It’s the perfect place to lay down a blanket, kick off your shoes, and watch the clouds pass by. You can also stroll along the rocks and trails to enjoy the stunning ocean views.
Pair it with: A visit to Manchester-by-the-Sea’s downtown (Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA) to browse the shops, visit Masconomo Park and get a taste of some homemade ice cream at Captain Dusty’s.
Tips for Visiting
- Hours: Coolidge Reservation is open daily from sunrise to sunset, however, the Ocean Lawn is only open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day to preserve the landscape. Admission is free for everyone.
- Admission\Parking: Admission is free to all visitors. There is very limited parking (approximately 10 cars) so it will never feel crowded but it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends, as there is no street parking.
- Location: Coolidge Reservation – Summer Street (Rt. 127), Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Charles W. Ward Reservation
Andover, Massachusetts
Vibe: Hillside escape with 360-degree views
Best for: Seasonal walks and mindful hikes to help you feel grounded
Charles W. Ward Reservation is a 704-acre natural preserve spanning Andover and North Andover, just 25 miles from Boston. It features a scenic mix of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, with several well-marked trails to explore.
The highlight of the reservation is Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County at 420 feet. This is where you’ll find the Solstice Stones, a compass-like installation that marks the cardinal directions as well as the solstice and equinox points. Mabel Ward, the wife of Charles Ward, had this installed after visiting the Stonehedge structure in England.
What I Love about Charles Ward Reservation
Hiking up to Holt Hill to see the cool solstice stones and the incredible panoramic views is always fun. Surrounding the stones are benches where you can sit and reflect while enjoying the scenic views. On a clear day, you can actually see the Boston skyline.
I love that there are several loop trails of varying lengths which integrate with each other so you can always find a trail route for your mood. On most days, it feels as though you have the whole forest to yourself, even when there are other visitors in the parking area. While each season offers its own beauty, fall is particularly breathtaking with the foliage.
Pair it with: Take a ride downtown to visit to the Andover Bookstore (74 Main St, Andover, MA), for a little browsing. This adorable bookstore located on the side of an old house on Main Street is the country’s oldest continually operating independent bookstore. Just up the block is The Ultimate Perk, a local coffee shop where you can grab a snack and coffee or tea.
Tips for Visiting
- Hours: This reservation is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
- Admission\Parking: Admission is free for Trustees members. There is a suggested $5 parking fee for non-members, using an honor box. There are 2 small gravel parking lots on both Rocky Hill Road and Prospect Road. Parking areas can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
- Location: Charles Ward Reservation main entrance – 65 Prospect Road, Andover, MA
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a place where you can relax and recharge, these Trustees of Reservations properties are the perfect spaces to reconnect with nature. From peaceful paths, ocean views, and woodland walks, these nature escapes on Boston’s North Shore offer their own unique soul-soothing reset.
- Long Hill (Beverly, MA) enchants with its formal gardens and woodland trails.
- Coolidge Reservation (Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA) rewards you with sweeping coastal views from the serene Ocean Lawn.
- Crane Beach (Ipswich, MA) combines the calming sound of waves with a long sandy shoreline for a soothing seaside walk.
- Halibut Point State Park (Rockport, MA) offers a dramatic coastal scenery with its combination of ocean cliffs and historic granite quarries.
- Ward Reservation (Andover, MA) has panoramic views from Holt Hill and quiet forest paths.
Regardless of which of these destinations you choose, you’re guaranteed to be left feeling refreshed and renewed when you explore these nature trails.
Do you have a favorite place you go to relax and recharge?
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