As much as I love to travel (and find myself doing it far more frequently than I ever seem to plan for), there’s nothing quite like being home and feeling like an explorer in your own city. If the Hamptons and beyond is not in the cards for your next weekend, consider staying put and making the most of your time at home by having a local adventure. Check out my recommendations below for making the most of your NYC staycation weekend!

Brooklyn Brewery and brunch in Williamsburg – There is no hot weekend afternoon better spent than with a cold beer in hand. Brooklyn Brewery is oh-so easy to get to in the heart of Williamsburg, and lets you purchase tokens to use towards trying all of their seasonal brews. Meander down to Allswell or Maison Premiere afterwards for a hearty brunch.

PS1 MoMA – Head out to Long Island City and check out one of my favorite of NYC’s museums – PS1. On Saturdays this summer, they have live music in their outdoor courtyard, and you can check out the museum at your leisure. Head down to the LIC waterfront afterwards for the most breathtaking views of Manhattan.

Red Hook Winery and Lunch at Brooklyn Crab – Taste, test, and sip at Brooklyn’s own Red Hook Winery, which is located right on the water. You can do a tour, you can book a tasting, and all of the offerings are local and eclectic. I sampled some out-there orange wine last time I visited! Follow this up with some oysters, beers, and corn hole at Brooklyn Crab.

Beach Day at the Rockaways – There is no better beachfront in NYC than the Rockaways, and the food scene that’s sprung up around it in the past few years is certainly noteworthy. Don’t miss Rockaway Beach Surf Club and Edgemere Farm by any means.

New York Botanical Gardens and Arthur Ave – I recently visited the Chihuly exhibit at the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, and it was absolutely lovely. There’s no better summer day activity than strolling in an expanse of green and admiring all of the nature you don’t see from your apartment window. Check out some authentic Italiano on Arthur Avenue as a follow-up.

North River Lobster Co – A floating lobster shack that sails around Manhattan while you eat and drink? Who can say no to that? Pay $10 and hop aboard this lobster roll-touting boat, which sails a few times per day (more on the weekends) and is the perfect way to take in the island and get your shellfish fix at the same time.