Surry, Maine: Population 1,834 in a Quiet Rural Town Near Acadia

Q: What about dining late at night?

Most kitchens close around 9 PM outside peak season; dinner earlier is safer, with Ellsworth offering more late options.

Q: Where should I stay for easy access to Acadia?

Stay in Surry for quiet coastal vibes; choose Ellsworth for more lodging and groceries; Under Canvas Acadia nearby offers glamping.

Q: Where can I get maps or visitor information?

Acadia park visitor centers in Bar Harbor area (Hulls Cove) are reliable; Ellsworth listings Also provide local maps and guidance.

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Overview

About This Town

Surry is a quiet coastal town with a rural New England feel. It serves as a practical base for Acadia visitors, offering a general store, waterfront views, and a calm pace. For more lodging variety and bigger groceries, Ellsworth is a short drive away, while Surry keeps crowds at bay.

The Vibe

Working-town calm with a coastal feel; car-dependent and practical; not a party town, but a solid base for Acadia adventures

Stock Up Here

Ellsworth is the last fair-price hub before Acadia: full supermarkets and fuel; gear shops nearby for last-minute needs; gas up in Ellsworth before heading into the park

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens die by 9:30 PM outside peak; Perry’s Lobster Shack and some general stores may offer limited late options in Ellsworth; plan earlier dinners or head to Ellsworth for later bites

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Local Haunt

Population

1,834

Distance to Park

35-40 minutes

Highlights

Known For

Perry's Lobster Shack for dockside seafood and value; Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop for local favorites.

Main Attractions

Perry's Lobster Shack; waterfront views; Under Canvas Acadia nearby for glamping

What Makes It Special

Coastal scenery without the crowds, a close-knit feel, and easy access to Acadia without staying in the heart of the park. The town balances quiet charm with practical services, plus nearby Under Canvas Acadia for a different kind of stay.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

June through September; July and August are the busiest

Shoulder Season

Spring and fall offer calmer conditions; fewer crowds

Winter

Quieter winter; Acadia sees significantly fewer visitors; some seasonal businesses may be closed

Best Time to Visit

Peak crowds hit June–September; if you want calmer trails and cheaper stays, aim for late spring or early fall. Shoulder seasons offer nicer weather with fewer people.

Tips & Advice

Gas up in Ellsworth; Surry gas stations aren’t reliably open 24/7.
Groceries: Surry general store for basics, Ellsworth for full supermarkets.
Kitchens tend to close around 9 PM outside peak season; plan dinner earlier or head to Ellsworth for later bites.
Use the Island Explorer shuttle to dodge Acadia parking chaos; you don’t need a car inside the park.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 6

B&Bs 4

Common lodging in Surry includes vacation rentals, cottages, cabins, and small inns. For a broader pool of hotel options, nearby Ellsworth and Bar Harbor offer a larger mix of lodging types.

Dining

Restaurants 4

Price Range Moderate to affordable; notable value at Perry's Lobster Shack

Dockside seafood spots, casual eateries, local ice cream shop

Essential Services

Grocery: General store in Surry; Ellsworth for larger supermarkets
Gas: No reliable 24/7 gas in Surry; refuel in Ellsworth
Gear/Outdoor Shops: No listed outdoor gear shops in Surry; Ellsworth has options for gear and supplies
Medical: Urgent care in Ellsworth; hospital in Ellsworth

Insider Tips

• Gas up in Ellsworth; plan for groceries there as well. • Surry’s general store covers basics, but Ellsworth is your lifeline. • Island Explorer shuttle is gold for avoiding park parking. • Perry’s Lobster Shack is worth a stop for value seafood. • Under Canvas Acadia gives a unique glamping option nearby. • Bring cash for small-town purchases; some places may be card-only.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Coastal drives, seafood shacks, scenic hikes, and boat viewing along the coast

Winter Activities

Very quiet; Acadia sees fewer visitors; some seasonal businesses may close

Shopping

Surry general store; Ellsworth for larger shopping options

Breweries & Nightlife

Limited nightlife; rely on nearby Ellsworth for broader dining/drinking options

Events & Festivals

Local activity centers around Acadia’s peak season; town events are modest

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) 7.7 miles; Bangor International Airport (BGR) 26.5 miles

Shuttle to Park

Island Explorer shuttle operates within Acadia; a smart choice to avoid park parking woes

Cell/WiFi

Cell service spotty in rural areas; some accommodations offer high-speed fiber WiFi

Visitor Center

Maps and info available at Acadia’s visitor centers in Bar Harbor area; Surry residents typically use Ellsworth listings for resources

Best Area to Stay

Staying in Surry offers quiet coastal views and easy access to local trails. If you need more groceries or lodging choices, Ellsworth is the nearby larger town, roughly a 40-minute drive away.

Book Ahead

Book several months ahead during peak season; shoulder season can be more flexible

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Car required; not a pedestrian-friendly zone for long hauls

Family-Friendly

Safe streets; calm environment; plan around quieter evenings and earlier dining

Nearby Facilities

Ellsworth is the main service hub: full-service supermarkets, the closest hospital or urgent care, and several banks and ATMs within a reasonable drive. Surry has a small general store for basics and coastal scenery. The Bar Harbor area includes park access to Acadia National Park and a broader set of amenities.