Sorrento, Maine Downeast

Sorrento, Maine, located in coastal Hancock County on Waukeag Neck, is a well-known fishing and summer resort community that offers spectacular views of Bar Harbor and the mountains of Mount Desert Island to the southwest. (see Schoodic map) Sorrento was once part of the southern part of Sullivan until it separated and became incorporated on March 3, 1895. Its year 2000 census placed the year-round population at 290 with over 40% of the work force being professional. The more recent 2020 census population figure dropped to 279.

Sorrento has a 9-hole public golf course that first opened in 1916. Other local activities include biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. The densely forested Preble Island, located just off-shore on the southern side, is known for its cobble beaches and roosting eagles.

Schoodic Winter Harbor Acadia

Sorrento, Maine view of yachts in ocean with Mount Desert Island in the background

Location

Sorrento is about 14 miles (23 km) from Ellsworth, the closest commercial center, and 14 miles (23 km) from the entrance to the Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park. (View the Schoodic map to see how to get there.) Bar Harbor, Maine is approximately 33 miles away via the coastal route and takes about one hour drive time.

As you can see on the map, Sorrento is below US Coastal Route One just before reaching the Schoodic Peninsula as you are heading East. It is just slightly north of Bar Harbor as the crow flies on Mount Desert Island which provides some great views looking at Bar Harbor from this mainland location. This is a quiet Maine Coastal community in most every sense and one that you will appreciate. The harbor is almost always filled with lobster boats and plenty of dinghies and yachts. This is part of what is called Down East Maine. Read the following to learn more:

Area History Origin of Down East

Additional Information

Sorrento Town Government: (207) 422-6889
79 Pomala Ave., Sorrento, ME 04677
The Sullivan & Sorrento Historical Society: Website
P.O. Box 44, Sullivan, ME 04664
(207) 422-0995

Golf Courses
Chamber:
P.O. Box 381, Winter Harbor, ME 04693
(207) 963-7658

Beautiful Harbor Setting

This is one of the best places for capturing images from the mainland of the cruise ships that visit Bar Harbor during the summer and fall seasons. It is about the angle and scale that provides such a nice impact. Some of the ships are massive and really show it against the smaller islands and even Mount Desert Island itself. I also enjoy the way Sorrento Harbor itself opens up when you first arrive. The dock is nice and sturdy and there are bathrooms present which is important after a long drive to get here.

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