Sand, surf, and history lessons in York, Maine

Dip into history or ocean waters in York, a southern Maine town comprising the villages of York Harbor, a residential area with a sprinkling of inns; York Village, with a collection of historical buildings; York Beach, with miles of sand and plentiful amusements; and Cape Neddick, a semirural section of town.

STAY The York Harbor Inn (Route 1A, York Harbor, 207-363-5119 or 800-343-3869, www.york harborinn.com, $149-$349, with breakfast) is an accommodating country inn with a dining room and tavern. Gardens and woodlands surround Morning Glory Inn (120 Seabury Road, York Harbor, 207-363-2062, www.morninggloryinnmaine.com, $155-$235 with breakfast), a secluded, boutique bed-and-breakfast catering to romantics. The 1889 Chapman Cottage (370 York St., York Harbor, 207-363-2059 or 877-363-2059, www.chapmancottagebandb.com, $175-$225 with breakfast) is a plush B&B. Inviting Adirondack-style chairs accent the harbor-front lawn at Edwards’ Harborside Inn (7 Stage Neck Road, York Harbor, 207-363-3037 or 800-273-2686, www.edwardsharborside.com, $170-$300 with breakfast). For less expensive digs, check into Katahdin Inn (11 Ocean Ave., York Beach, 207-363-1824, www.thekatahdininn.com, $65-$145), a comfy guesthouse overlooking Short Sands Beach. The Candleshop Inn (44 Freeman St., York Beach, 207-363-4087 or 888-363-4087, www.candleshopinn.com, $105-$195, with breakfast) is a vegetarian B&B and holistic retreat center near Short Sands Beach. The pet-friendly Country View Motel & Guesthouse (1521 Route 1, 800-258-6598, www.countryviewmotel.com, $85-$250) has accommodations ranging from standard rooms to townhouses.