When life’s stresses are weighing you down, you’ll probably feel like hitting up the bar where everybody knows your name. What might actually serve your soul in a genuine way is to go where no one does. Because when your brain is as buzzy as the city streets, you need a real reprieve.

Getting out in nature, whether it’s for a picnic or a walk in the woods, can help you reclaim your calm, find your center, or whatever zen mind trick you’re trying to pull. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find a spot to embrace the outdoors, unplug, and recharge. Here are seven peaceful spots in Baltimore to unwind.

The Red Trail at Lake Roland: The park and nature center at Lake Roland are big hits, especially in the springtime. But off the beaten path, you’ll find tons of trails to wander. The red trail, which juts off the main part of the park (between the playground and the dog park) follows Falls Road north for two miles. On it, you’ll find streams, bridges, and art installations. Higher traffic times are in the morning and late afternoon, but around midday, only a few folks can be found snapping twigs under their heels. Whether you’re looking to have a walking meditation or a workout, this shady trail can’t be beat. 1000 Lakeside Drive

Sherwood Gardens: If you’d rather relax and snack than move and sweat, bring the blanket and the charcuterie over to Sherwood Gardens in Guilford. The six-acre park houses over 80,000 tulips which makes it the perfect place to breathe deep and let go of your troubles. The evening brings tons families to the park to play, so if you’re aiming to get your “om” on without having to worry about getting clocked in the jaw with a frisbee, an early afternoon picnic and siesta is your best bet. Yawn . . . it really does sound ideal. 4310 Underwood Rd.

Soldiers Delight: Over in Owings Mills, you’ll find another trail to cure what ails. What’s unique about the land here is that it’s a serpentine barren, meaning the rock that underlines the area is made mostly of serpentine, making it a sandy, stony, sparsely vegetated space with some rare flowers, insects, and plant species. There are about seven miles of marked trails and, because of the sensitive nature of the environment there, cyclists aren’t permitted on the trails. Wanderers, however, are more than welcome. 5100 Deer Park Rd.

Quarry Lake: If you’re in need of a nearby loop where you can walk off your lunch and still make it back to work on time, Quarry Lake is a solid midday stop. The manmade lake is one of the deepest in Maryland and makes for a beautiful reprieve for its community members and neighbors. At the quarry, you can sit and eat a bagel, have a peaceful walk, or people watch. 2700 Quarry Lake Drive

Loch Raven Reservoir: If the woods are calling, there’s no better place to find your way (or lose it) than Loch Raven Reservoir. There are lots of shady trails to hike through, though some are a bit tricky with steep inclines and bumpy terrain. Take a break for a snack or some quiet time on the rocks overlooking the water. And before you leave, make sure to feed the ducks some corn, lettuce, or duck pellets (no bread, though)! A word a to the wise: Watch out for the geese because those are huge, loud, and, uh, kind of scary. Morgan Mill Rd and Loch Raven Drive

Baltimore Waterfront Promenade: For those looking for the perfect waterfront walk, the 4.3-mile trail running from Canton Waterfront Park to Fells Point is just the one. It’s easy walking, and the water views make the time fly by. Of course, you’re bound to see some passersby here, because you’re not exactly lost in the woods. But taking a stroll while looking out over the water still makes a great getaway (if only in your head). The promenade is dog-friendly, too. Just make sure to pick after your pup and keep them on a leash. 3001 Boston St.

Patapsco Valley State Park: Whatever you’re in the mood to accomplish (or not accomplish), you can probably achieve it here. This Howard County park runs for miles along the Patapsco River and has eight developed recreation areas. Tame your mind with a hike or a bike ride along one of the many trails, or hop in a canoe and let your troubles drift away. The Cascade Falls Trail in the Orange Grove area of the park is popular spot for its waterfalls and swinging bridges. And if you’re just looking to post up in a pavilion for the day and watch the world go by, you can totally do that, too. At least until your boss calls. Or the school wonders why you haven’t picked your kids up, yet. Okay, get zen, but maybe check the time every now and then. 5120 South St.

Cylburn Arboretum, Coldspring
The city’s living plant museum is home to all manner of domestic and exotic species in 20 themed gardens on 207 acres. We suggest throwing down a blanket near the Heritage Rose Garden behind the park’s stone mansion.

Lillian Holt Park and Center for the Arts, Overlea-Fullerton
This out-of-the-way oasis offers 13 acres of trails and gardens, including an arboretum, a lily pond, and a labyrinth with a Zen meditation garden. Chain restaurants proliferate nearby, or bring your own edibles.

Druid Hill Park, Reservoir Hill
Druid Hill Park stuns with its outdoor botanic gardens, which can be seen for a suggested $5 donation.

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Jonas Green Park, Annapolis
This little sliver of greenery on the banks of the Severn River opposite the Naval Academy is beloved for its free fishing pier, petite beach, and tidy picnic area.

Flying Point Park, Edgewood
Jutting out into the Bush River, this serene slice of upper bay waterfront boasts ample recreational facilities, including picnic areas with grills and tables, plus a horseshoe pit, playground, and boat launch.

Downs Park, Pasadena
Another unheralded bayside gem, this 236-acre expanse of open space features walking trails, picnic amenities, a large playground, and, best of all, a dog-friendly beach. $6/car.

Middle Branch Park, Cherry Hill
Just over the Hanover Street Bridge from Federal Hill/Riverside, Middle Branch Park offers lovely views of the Patapsco. You may even see a crew team or two stroking down the river thanks to the nearby boathouse.

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Wyman Park Dell, Johns Hopkins/Homewood
The 16-acre, bowl-like dell shields visitors from traffic on Charles and 29th streets. The shady lawns and slopes are especially helpful when seeking protection from the full heat of a Baltimore summer.

Patterson Park, Upper Fells Point/Butchers Hill/Canton
Pick your picturesque position: by the boat lake, perched near the pagoda, in front of the marble fountain, or down by the dog parks. Grab grub from any of the nearby eateries. We recommend a crab pie from Matthew’s Pizza.

Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia
Shake off suburban office park stupor with a jaunt around this 27-acre man-made lake. Pop over to the nearby Whole Foods for a grab-and-go meal and you’ll be back at your desk with time to spare.

Federal Hill Park, Federal Hill
Gaze upon the hustle and bustle of downtown at this grassy rise overlooking the Inner Harbor. Benches, monuments, and a large playground make it fun for the whole family.

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Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, Catonsville
This 142-acre site honors the life of Benjamin Banneker, often called the first African-American man of science. The park offers good walking trails and picnic areas, but do make time for the exhibits, too. Snacks from either Atwater’s or The Breadery will complete the experience.

Fort McHenry, Locust Point
The star-shaped fort played a “key” role in American history when Francis Scott Key watched its bombardment during the War of 1812 and wrote what would become the lyrics to our national anthem. There’s a $10 entrance fee to the historic area, but walking the perimeter along the water is free.

Hampton National Historic Site, Towson
There’s plenty to absorb at this former estate that once belonged to the prominent Ridgely family, from the beauty of the stately, cream-colored Georgian mansion to the sobering exhibits on slavery and indentured servitude.