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

Surry road through open fields toward the water in Acadia National Park.

Surry is a small, rural town where most residents own their homes. It has a quiet, homegrown feel and little nightlife. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Surry to Acadia National Park, depending on which park entrance you’re headed to. Essential services: - Gas stations: hours aren’t published locally; plan to refuel earlier in the day. - Grocery: Surry General Store and The Surry Store cover basics; for larger groceries, Ellsworth is about 10–15 minutes away. - Medical: the nearest ...

Quick facts

Town Type: Local Haunt
Population: 1834
Best Known For: Perry's Lobster Shack for dockside seafood and value; Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop for local favorites.
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.

Town overview

Town Type: Local Haunt
Population: 1834
Best Known For: Perry's Lobster Shack for dockside seafood and value; Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop for local favorites.
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.
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.

Park access

Distance From Park: 35-40 minutes
Shuttle To Park: Island Explorer shuttle operates within Acadia; a smart choice to avoid park parking woes
Nearest Airport: Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) 7.7 miles; Bangor International Airport (BGR) 26.5 miles

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count: 6
Bnb Count: 4
Lodging Variety: 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.
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.
Restaurant Count: 4
Restaurant Types: Dockside seafood spots, casual eateries, local ice cream shop
Dining Price Ranges: Moderate to affordable; notable value at Perry's Lobster Shack

Visitor services

Grocery Stores: General store in Surry; Ellsworth for larger supermarkets
Gas Stations: No reliable 24/7 gas in Surry; refuel in Ellsworth
Gear Shops: No listed outdoor gear shops in Surry; Ellsworth has options for gear and supplies
Medical Facilities: Urgent care in Ellsworth; hospital in Ellsworth
Banks Atms: 0
Laundry Facilities: 0
Cell Wi-Fi Quality: Cell service spotty in rural areas; some accommodations offer high-speed fiber WiFi

Things to do

Main Attractions: Perry's Lobster Shack; waterfront views; Under Canvas Acadia nearby for glamping
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 District: Surry general store; Ellsworth for larger shopping options
Breweries Bars: 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

Planning advice

Peak Season: June through September; July and August are the busiest
Shoulder Season: Spring and fall offer calmer conditions; fewer crowds
Booking Advance: Book several months ahead during peak season; shoulder season can be more flexible
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
The Vibe: Working-town calm with a coastal feel; car-dependent and practical; not a party town, but a solid base for Acadia adventures
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.

More details

Visitor Center Location: Maps and info available at Acadia’s visitor centers in Bar Harbor area; Surry residents typically use Ellsworth listings for resources
Winter Scene: Quieter winter; Acadia sees significantly fewer visitors; some seasonal businesses may be closed
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.
Recent Updates: Under Canvas Acadia remains a notable lodging option nearby; Acadia shoulder seasons are gaining more visitors, but Surry stays quiet outside peak months
Accessibility: Car required; not a pedestrian-friendly zone for long hauls
Family Friendly Notes: 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.

Location

Photos

Gravel road in a grassy field near Surry in Acadia National Park, Maine, with trees and a distant shoreline under cloudy skies.

A wooden bench sits outside a bright ice cream shop window along a park road in Acadia National Park.

Glamping tents line a lakeside lawn with expansive ocean views inside Acadia National Park and pink sunset skies above.

Frequently asked questions

Is there gas in Surry 24/7?

No; plan to refuel in Ellsworth because Surry gas availability isn’t reliably open around the clock.

How far is Surry from Acadia Entrance?

About 35–40 minutes by car.

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.

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.

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.

Little Deer Isle

Quiet coastal outpost with an artsy edge. Plan ahead: early kitchens, cash, and a car.

Hancock Point

Ghost town after 9pm. Fuel up in Ellsworth and plan early dinners.

Bucksport

Bucksport: practical base near Acadia. Gas up, stock groceries, and plan dinner before you roll toward the park.

Milbridge

Milbridge: a quiet fishing town 40 min from Acadia. Gas up first; kitchens close early.

Corea

Sleepy Downeast fishing village near Schoodic. Expect limited services and early kitchen hours.

Bar Harbor

Downtown Bar Harbor gets crowded in peak season. Kitchens close around 9 pm.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.