With Memorial Day just around the corner, most New Yorkers have two options–sit in endless hours of traffic trying to get to the beaches on the Hamptons or down the Jersey Shore, or have a staycation in the city. And while the latter may sound boring (and hot!) there are plenty of beaches to hit up within the boroughs. From the Rockaways to Fort Tilden, we’ve rounded up the seven best sandy spots in New York City.

Check out the list

Photo via Flickr

The Rockaways is the quintessential beach getaway for those looking to soak up some sun and still remain in the city. Once known as “New York’s Playground,” the Rockaways offers a 5.5 mile stretch of bustling boardwalk and over 120 acres of sandy beach. While definitely a go-to spot for city-dwellers, navigating the Rockaways can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the Queens neighborhood. We’ve rounded up the best of the Rockaways, including how to get there, where to soak up the sun, and, of course, the best spots to wine and dine.

Rockaways this way

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers, beginning tonight!

It’s almost Memorial Day, which means your weekend is probably already chock full of picnics, barbecues and outdoor drinking activities. But in case it isn’t, we’ve rounded up some arty- and some Memorial Day-themed activities to keep the long weekend packed full of fun. Cool off with some public art in Brooklyn Bridge Park, be the first to hop over to Governors Island this season, or see Tom Cruise on the deck of the Intrepid. You can also get outside of your borough comfort zone and head to Far Rockaway to celebrate surf and photography, hear from some women in downtown rock, or try out your best dance moves at a hip hop party sponsored by the Museum of the City of New York. Then round out the weekend with the serenity—and opulence—of Buddhist art from Kashmir. There, weekend sorted.

All the best events here