Before stewing in umpteen hours of bridge traffic, get a leg up on the crowds with inside info on the newest Cape and island offerings.

Nantucket
Scamper off the ferry and straight into Cru (1 Straight Wharf, Nantucket; 508-228-9278), for lobster rolls, fried clams, and bivalves galore. Brighten a drab rental with picnic baskets and color-block buoy pillows from C. Wonder’s pop-up shop (opens June 8). A bike ride down Polpis Road takes you to the just-unveiled picnic knoll at the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum overlooking Folgers Marsh (the new lighthouse exhibit also looks illuminating).

Martha’s Vineyard
Francophiles can gather for an alfresco croissant at La Cave du Grenier (82 Main Street, Vineyard Haven; 508-693-0023), a bistro from chef Jean Dupon. Customize your dream burrito at tiny takeaway spot La Choza, which also has gluten-free options. Itching to hit the water? Book boat charters, sunset yacht cruises, and flotilla parties at Harbor View Hotel.

Cape Cod
The renovated Sea Crest Beach Hotel entices with a pool bar, fire pit, and bayside restaurant serving Chatham cod loin and spinach gnocchi. Fido can revel in a blueberry facial or massage therapy at Hot Diggity Dog Wash & Boutique. After a day at Herring Cove, refuel with a protein-spiked smoothie at sandwich cantina CastAways or head straight for the frozen bellini machine at revamped Sage Lounge.

Now what are you waiting for?

Photo: Courtesy of Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum