Sure, everyone is headed to the beach, but why not skip all that bridge traffic and visit good ol’ Annapolis?

Land Legs
Take your time strolling the charming old streets through Church Circle and down by the water. Then head over to the Naval Academy, where you can tour the grounds and check out the midshipmen (247 King George Street, Annapolis; 410-293-8687).

They’re Biting
Wet your whistle with a bottle of vino at Osteria 177 (177 Main Street, Annapolis; 410-267-7700). Open since last fall, the joint’s got a fresh menu of clams and mussels with garlic, shrimp Malaga, and squid ink spaghetti.

For a finger-licking good time, Jimmy Cantler’s Riverside Inn is a must (458 Forest Beach Road, Annapolis; 410-757-1311). The family-owned spot has hard- and soft-shell crabs, hush puppies, and some of the best crab cakes around. Get a table on the deck and check out the boats.

The cherry on top is a sundae from Chick & Ruth’s Delly, where they recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily (165 Main Street, Annapolis; 410-269-6737).

Bait and Tackle
When it’s time to look shipshape, visit the tiny and unpretentious shops throughout the town.

Lilac Bijoux has baubles from Alexis Bittar and bags by Betsey Johnson and Matt & Nat (145 Main Street, Annapolis; 410-263-3309). The laid-back, sunny Astrid stocks Development, Rebecca Taylor, Tibi, and Mint (175 West Street, Annapolis; 410-626-9726). And stop by Sitting Pretty for Milly, Elie Tahari, and Tory Burch (35 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis; 410-267-1722).

And don’t forget to pick up one of the rope bracelets at any of the shops along Main Street.

Ahoy
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, sign up for lessons at the Chesapeake Sailing School, where they offer classes from basic to advanced on 22- to 38-foot cruisers (7080 Bembe Beach Road, Annapolis; 410-269-1594).

Or take matters (and life) into your own hands: Rent a boat from Suntime Boat Rentals to tool around the bay (2820 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater; 410-266-6020).

See? There’s plenty of fun close to home.