Beach staycations

If you have an afternoon
'Board a free ferry to Governors Island (govisland.org), and beeline it to Bike and Roll (212-260-0400, bikeandroll.com; from $10) so you can cycle around the 2.2-mile promenade. Then wander to City of Dreams Mini-Golf (figmentnyc.org)—a free, artist-designed course. Water Taxi Beach (watertaxibeach.com) is the only place on G.I. for alcohol—pair your drinks with dogs ($3), burgers ($6) and gratis vitamin D.

If you have a day
Take advantage of Rockaway Beach’s waves with a lesson at Boarders Surf Shop (192 Beach 92nd St at Rockaway Beach Blvd; 718-318-7997, boarderssurfshop.com; lessons from $55, board rental $25 for four hours). On Sundays, stick around for Movie Nights in the Rockaways (718-318-4000). Upcoming films include Kung Fu Panda (Sun 16 at 8pm) and The Lion King (Aug 23 at 8pm). Cap your day at the divey Rockaway Beach Inn (8822 Rockaway Beach Blvd at 90th St, 718-474-9616) for pool, darts and boozing with the regulars.

New York Aquarium

If you have a weekend
Walk down Little Odessa’s main drag, Brighton Beach Avenue, for an earful of native tongues, then stop for kebabs at Le Soleil (3152 Brighton 6th St between E Boardwalk and Brightwater Ct, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn; 718-934-6666) before taking in a free fireworks show (Fri 9:30pm) on the boardwalk (between Stillwell Ave and 10th St, 718-265-2100). After leaving Heaven (2338 Coney Island Ave between Aves T and U; 718-362-0408, heavenrusso.com), where DJs spin for the young Slavic set, call it a night at the Best Western Brooklyn Bay (3003 Emmons Ave at Nostrand Ave; 718-769-5000, bestwestern.com; from $149). Next day, park your towel close to the action—and sand hogs. (Remember Speedos? They’re here.) After some volleyball, grab an eggplant and mozz Godfather Panini ($8) at Volna’s on the Go (3145 Brighton 4th St, 718-332-0341). A ways down the boardwalk is the New York Aquarium (Surf Ave at 8th St; 718-265-FISH, nyaquarium.com; $10–$17). Ogle poisonous jellyfish and teensy sea horses, then catch the “4-D” flick “Planet Earth: Shallow Seas” (prepare to get sprayed). Return to Brighton for a cheesy Vegas-style show at Tatiana Restaurant and Nightclub (3152 Brighton 6th St near Brightwater Ct, 718-891-5151; Sun; $25, reservations required), where over-the-top decor (Russian frescoes, gilded carpets) won’t remind you of home one bit.

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New York City staycations
You need a summer break but don't have the days off? Save time by staying home!