Beat the NYC heat with our curated guide to the coolest summer experiences! Whether you’re a local looking to escape your walk-up apartment or a visitor ready to discover the city’s secret spots, we’ve got the ultimate summer bucket list for you.
1. Beach Day Vibes: NYC’s Hidden Coastal Gems
Forget the Hamptons – NYC’s beaches are the real move this summer:
Brighton Beach: Where culture meets coastline
Rockaway Beach: Surf vibes and epic food trucks
Jacob Riis: The lowkey spot locals don’t want you to know about
Pro tip: Skip the weekend crowds and plan a weekday escape. Trust us, that “working remotely” email is worth it.
2. Rooftop Pool Scene: Living Your Best Life
Level up your Instagram game at these elevated oases:
The William Vale’s pool deck: Panoramic views that’ll make your followers jealous
TWA Hotel’s Pool Bar: Retro vibes with runway views
Jimmy at the James: Where the cool kids actually hang
Insider hack: Most hotels offer day passes – perfect for when your AC breaks down (again).
3. Night Market Munchies
Food hits different after dark:
Queens Night Market: A global food paradise
Smorgasburg Night Market: Brooklyn’s answer to late-night cravings
Time Out Market: Waterfront views with your bites
Must-try: Load up on small plates and share with your squad – it’s all about that taste-testing life.
4. Luna Park: Coney Island’s Glow Up
The OG summer spot just got better:
New rides for the thrill-seekers
Classic cyclone for the nostalgic souls
Boardwalk games that are actually winnable
Hot take: The neon lights at sunset = peak aesthetic moments.
5. Secret Lavender Fields
Main character energy loading:
Hidden gardens in the concrete jungle
Perfect for those dreamy summer photos
Seasonal events that sell out fast
Reality check: Yes, you can find lavender in NYC. No, we won’t judge you for the photoshoot.
6. Watermark Beach: Tropical Escape
Downtown’s beach club that hits different:
Beachfront vibes without leaving Manhattan
Craft cocktails that aren’t just basic mojitos
DJs who actually read the vibe
The move: Book a cabana with your crew – split the cost and feel fancy AF.
Why Not Both? Science Meets Summer at The Drunken Laboratory
Here’s where things get interesting. While you’re hopping between beaches and rooftops, slide into our coolest experiment yet:
Summer-exclusive cocktail experiments
AC-blessed laboratory space
Interactive games that beat the heat
Special summer night events
Summer Lab Special: Book our “Beat the Heat” package and get:
Exclusive access to our frozen experiments
Signature summer cocktail flight
Cool lab gear perfect for the ‘gram
Group games with prizes
Book Your Summer Lab Experience
Check Out Summer Specials
Pro Tips for Your NYC Summer:
Download CityMapper or Google Maps
Always carry a portable charger
Join our Lab insider list for secret events
Check social media for pop-up announcements
Keep it cool this summer!
