Mt. Desert, Maine: Rural Town on Mount Desert Island Near Acadia

Q: How far is Mount Desert from Acadia's Hulls Cove entrance?

About 30–45 minutes by car, depending on your exact location on the island.

Q: Is the Island Explorer shuttle available year-round?

No—it's seasonal, running from late June to mid-October to connect MD Island and park destinations.

Q: Where should I stay if I want quiet and fewer crowds?

The Quiet Side on the west end of Mount Desert Island is the calmer option; Bar Harbor offers more amenities if you want more dining and nightlife.

Q: What grocery options exist on the island?

Convenience options exist at On the Run and Shell stations; Town Hill Market opens early for groceries, coffee, and deli items.

Overview

About This Town

Mount Desert is a working Maine town on Mount Desert Island with a rural cadence. The Quiet Side west of town stays noticeably calmer, particularly outside peak season; the island's main attractions are a short drive away toward Bar Harbor, with Hulls Cove Entrance about 30-45 minutes from most spots.

The Vibe

Working-town cadence with a rural backbone; a car is essential; you’re here for Access to Acadia, not neon nightlife.

Stock Up Here

Last fair-price resupply before the park: On the Run and Shell for fuel, Town Hill Market for essentials; Acadia Outdoors in Bar Harbor for gear; fill up before crossing toward Acadia.

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens close by 7–9 PM; late-night options are scarce in Mount Desert—Bar Harbor has more late-night spots like Hops Downtown, but that’s a drive away.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Local Haunt

Population

2,146

Distance to Park

30-45 minutes

Highlights

Known For

Proximity to Acadia National Park and Somes Sound.

Main Attractions

Acadia National Park entrances, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Somes Sound, Quiet Side, Island Explorer connections.

What Makes It Special

The Quiet Side is home to year‑round residents, with a slower pace and light traffic. Somes Sound lines the shore, and Mount Desert sits about 10 miles from the Acadia National Park Entrance Station—a roughly 17‑minute drive.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

June–October

Shoulder Season

May and September

Winter

Winter is quiet; coastally milder than inland Maine; some seasonal businesses close.

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (May and September) are calmer; summer brings crowds but great access; winter is quiet.

Tips & Advice

Gas up at On the Run (Rt 102 & 198) or Shell (1052 Main St) — 24 hours.
Island Explorer runs late June to mid-October; use it to skip parking headaches near park entrances.
Parking on Mount Desert Island is limited; Bar Harbor has two-hour limits; plan accordingly.
Most kitchens close by 7–9 PM; eat early or prepare for limited options after 9.
Town Hill Market opens at 6 AM with deli and coffee; great for early starts.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 5

B&Bs 4

Hotels, inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds.

Dining

Restaurants 9

Price Range Varies; casual lobster pounds and mid-range sit-downs available; higher-end dining in Bar Harbor.

Lobster pounds, seafood shacks, casual dining, upscale.

Essential Services

Grocery: On the Run (Rt 102 & 198) 24 hours; Shell (1052 Main St) 24 hours; Town Hill Market opens at 6 AM.
Gas: On the Run (Rt 102 & 198) — 24 hours; Shell (1052 Main St) — 24 hours
Gear/Outdoor Shops: Acadia Outdoors Store (Bar Harbor); no MD town-specific gear shops in Mount Desert; plan in Bar Harbor for outdoor gear.
Medical: Nearest urgent care/hospital in Ellsworth or Bangor; local medical services referenced by Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce; emergencies routed to larger facilities.

Conveniences

Banks/ATMs Available

Insider Tips

Abel's Lobster on Mount Desert serves classic lobster with Somes Sound views. Town Hill Market opens at 6 AM for coffee and breakfast burritos. The Island Explorer shuttle runs seasonally at no charge, helping you skip parking hassles. The Quiet Side stays calmer; Bar Harbor has more dining options and nightlife. Fill up before heading toward Acadia, since park entrances are about 10 miles from Mount Desert and take roughly 17 minutes.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Hiking the carriage roads, scenic drives, boating, kayaking, and seaside exploring along Somes Sound.

Winter Activities

Winter access remains but is quieter; some services close; island experience is calmer with variable snowfall.

Shopping

Bar Harbor has a strong selection of gifts and Maine‑made goods; Mount Desert has a smaller shopping scene, and Swallowfield in Northeast Harbor stocks curated gifts.