The basic law of supply and demand applies when ordering a bushel of crabs at the beach. They can be expensive and hard to find on holiday weekends. For a no-fuss option, head in-land to 1 Fish, 2 Fish in Salisbury, Md. Their rates are reasonable (compared to Ocean City), and they usually have a supply of jumbos on-hand. Just one warning: this crab shack is a 30 minute drive to Ocean City, which means the car (for better or worse) will smell of Old Bay seasoning.

Start the beach trip with a breakfast detour at Bagels And . . . in Annapolis, Md. This is a no-frills bagel shop located in a strip mall directly off Route 50. It will satisfy even the pickiest of bagel connoisseurs. Order the New Yorker: a bagel served with cream cheese, smoked salmon, sprouts and tomatoes.

Berlin is just outside Ocean City, and it's well worth the detour since it's an extremely walkable, picturesque town with plenty of shopping. The Baked Dessert Cafe is another reason to visit — be sure to focus on the pies, pastries, and miniature cakes.

Along with breakfast bagels, Annapolis has one of the best coffee roasters around — Ceremony Coffee. Head there for a pour-over coffee that will keep a caffeine freak wired all the way to Ocean City.

This is a legendary stop for tourists and beer lovers alike. At Dogfish Head Brewery, in the tiny town of Milton, Del., growler fills are permitted and beers can be sampled alongside beer-flavored brats and hop-flavored pickles.

One sign that the beach is near: a sign for Hopkins Farm Creamery. But the beach can wait a few because Hopkins is a working dairy farm with an on-site ice cream shop.

It's The Pits is a required pitstop for lunch. This place serves classic Baltimore pit-beef sandwiches, as well as oyster poboys, fish tacos, and cream of crab soup.

If Bay Bridge traffic sucks, stop and spend a few hours picking crabs at Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis. This popular waterfront restaurant is just beyond the Severn River Bridge. Cantler’s can be crowded, especially on weekends, so call ahead to check on wait times.

Lyon Distilling rum is worth the few extra miles detour off Route 50. The distillery is located in an old flour mill in St. Michael’s, Md. They serve a few styles of rum, including white, dark and aged varieties. Pick-up a bottle before hitting the beach and plan a visit accordingly — owner, Ben Lyon gives tours starting at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on most weekends.

This pub is a great stopping point for lunch, too. The fish and chips and cream of crab soup are particular favorites.

On the way out of Washington, D.C. in the morning, swing-by Naval Bagels for a breakfast sandwich. The lox bagel is a favorite, as is the super egg bagel.

Chef Patrick Fanning recently opened this essential lobster shack, located in downtown Cambridge. He's from Massachusetts, therefore the restaurant specializes in several types of lobster rolls. There's even a crab roll.

Kent Island is a stretch notorious for traffic. If the Bay Bridge backs up, head to Stevensville Crab Shack and wait it out with some crabs, clams and oysters.

The BBQ Joint comes from Andrew Evans, the same guy who runs the barbecue stall at Union Market. At this restaurant, there are expanded options like redneck nachos and Texas smoked sausages.

Cambridge locals will tell visitors the High Spot Gastropub is the place for a pint of beer and a burger. Try the duck fat burger with a side of buffalo oysters — oysters that come served with hot sauce and blue cheese.