A town of nautical pasts and presents

BATH, Maine —Bath’s seafaring heritage, magnificent sea captains’ and shipbuilders’ homes, and well-preserved Victorian downtown have earned the Kennebec riverside city prized Distinctive Destination status from the National Heritage Trust. The riches continue down the peninsulas flanking the river, with forts, beaches, and trails among the finds. All combine to make a great destination for a weekend away for couples or singles.

Stay

The flamboyant pink and plum Italianate Galen C. Moses House (1009 Washington St., 888-442-8771, www.galenmoses.com, $119-$259, with breakfast) is an architectural gem in the city’s historic district. Just up the street is the Inn at Bath (969 Washington St., 877-389-1161, www.innatbath.com, $170-$215, with breakfast) where many of the rooms have fireplaces or whirlpool tubs; pets are welcome). Yoga and meditation, all-natural bedding, and organic foods create a peaceful escape at Kismet Inn (44 Summer St., 207-443-3399, www.kismetinnmaine.com, $200-$255, with breakfast). Oceanfront Sebasco Harbor Resort (29 Kenyon Road, Sebasco Estates, 800-225-3819, www.sebasco.com; spring rates begin at $119; meal plan available) is a full-service resort, with golf and spa. Fall asleep to waves lapping at Popham Beach Bed and Breakfast (4 Riverview Ave., Popham Beach, Phippsburg, 207-389-2409, www.pophambeachbandb.com, $169-$235, with breakfast), housed in a former lifesaving station. Pitch a tent at Hermit Island Campground (6 Hermit Island Road, Phippsburg, 207-443-2101, www.hermitisland.com, sites begin at $35), with oceanfront and wooded sites.