Sail the boats, learn the ropes, and eat crab at this port in Chesapeake Bay.

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Water, Water, Everywhere

Pop quiz: What's the sailing capital of the East Coast? Annapolis, of course.

Professional skippers routinely stop at this famous port town on their way up and down the Atlantic shore. Wannabes flock here too, to learn the ropes at sailing schools. And just about everyone comes to see the real pros in action -- at the U.S. Naval Academy.

But here's something not commonly known about Annapolis: It was once the nation's capital. The homes of Declaration of Independence signers, among other historic landmarks, are all within walking distance of the bustling City Dock.

Beyond boats and history, no vacation to Annapolis is complete without a feast of Maryland crab, fresh from Chesapeake Bay. And if your kids would rather be in the water than on it, the port is just a stone's throw from the beach.