Photo: Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons License.

The fiery summer beast lost its energy a couple of weeks ago in the heat wave…and turned into a purring kitty. With the pleasurable breezes, lovely summer nights, and beautiful colors during the magic hour, August promises spectacular views and juicy experiences. We suggest you spend it at the Rockaways. Seriously, go if you haven’t been yet this year and, if you already have, go again!  There are plenty of great things to do, plus good food, sun, music and people! Take the subway or Rockabus, or consider taking a scenic bike ride, which takes as long as the subway! Here are our favs:

#1 Stay overnight at Playland Motel!

Playland Motel (photo via PlaylandMotel.com)

Thanks to the beautiful, new creature that grew at 97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd virtually overnight, you can stay over at the Rockaways and enjoy all the fun you couldn’t fit into one day. One reason Playland Motel is especially cool? Each room was designed by a different artist! Hurry up because the motel got already noticed by The New York Times and will likely blow up soon. (Rooms start on $159 on Mondays through Thursdays and $199 on Fridays through Sundays).

#2 Eat surfer tacos!

Rippers is perfect for beer and music but don’t believe the hype about its food – if you’re hungry, Rockaway Tacos is where it’s at! Rockaway Tacos are like no other tacos. With a bit of radish and cabbage on top, our favorite are fish tacos with extra guac!

#3 Learn to surf!

Locals in the action explaining basics to their students (image via Locals Surf School Facebook Page)

We love Locals Surf School, run by Mike Reinhardt and Mike Kololyan, two Rockaway natives and best friends. For $100 you get an hour of private time, which includes surf, a wetsuit rental and pictures!

#4 Catch great bands at Rippers!

back to the beach flyer

The second in a trio of awesome concerts, created by My Social List in collaboration with Rippers and Sixpoint, is going on this Saturday. Look forward to Heliotropes, Dead Stars, Quiet Loudly, The Veda Rays, Eastern Hollows & more!

#5 Build a sandcastle with Creative Time!

Image via CreativeTime.org

This Friday, Creative Time is organizing its second annual sandcastle building competition on Rockaway beach! The fierce competition starts at 2PM, after which the party moves over to Rippers where DJ Lucas Walters of Tutu’s in Bushwick will spin to the dance!