StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

While most of my fellow fashionistas bolt for the beach every Friday, I prefer to stick it out in the city.  But occasionally, well, you know the song:  "Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck..."

To avoid such unsavory effects, I suggest the following stay-cation excursion:

1.  Start your beachy afternoon at the South Street Seaport (SPY TIP: Plan for lots of sand and sun, but no swimming).

2.  Upon arrival, buy a ticket for the New York Water Taxi, ultimate destination: Water Taxi Beach at Hunter's Point (SPY TIP:  Puchase a hop on/hop off day ticket for $20, and you'll end up shelling out less money than you would for a single roundtrip ticket to most Water Taxi stops; or, if you'd rather shop and eat Swedish meatballs, take the FREE Water Taxi to the new Ikea in Red Hook).

3.  While waiting for the taxi, grab a dockside cocktail -- and a snack, if you want something other than burgers and dogs, which is your only food option once you get to The Beach -- at the Pacific Grill (SPY TIP: According to a recent post on Eater.com, a new version of Water Taxi Beach is in the works in Red Hook, complete with a beer garden and the Cheyenne diner).

4.  Score a seat on the roof of the Water Taxi.  (IMPORTANT:  They are very strict about occupancy, so in order to avoid getting stuck in the stuffy, enclosed cabin downstairs, be sure you're one of the first fifteen people in line.  I was too busy posing for the above picture, so I had to sit inside for most of the trip.)

However, I did get my moment in the sun...

...and I milked it (Victoria Beckham, eat your heart out!  Hey Leo -- who's King of the World, now?!).

5.  Once you get to Water Taxi Beach, prepare to show ID and have your bag inspected by a surly security guard.  Then, kick off your shoes and secure towel space or a cafe table as close to the water as possible.   

6.  Stop by the (CASH ONLY!) Tiki-esque bar for sangria, Peroni or a glass of '06 Mouton Cadet.  The beverage selection is surprisingly upscale...

...compared to the (CASH ONLY!) food selection which includes hamburgers, soy burgers, hot dogs, hot dogitos (a tortilla stands in for the bun) and extra-extra-greasy fries.  The cheeseburgers weren't terrible, so if you're really starved (like I was), go for it. 

7.  Relax, play volleyball, dance, play cards, admire the panoramic view of Manhattan, worship the sun...or, do what I did: PEOPLE WATCH (and take pictures!)

Here are my snaps of the hottest gals on the beach:

8.  Extend your beach day with a dockside dinner back on "the big island." Take the last Water Taxi from Hunter's Point (at about 7pm, just in time for a mini sunset cruise) one stop to 34th Street, and walk to The Water Club (SPY TIP: Make a reservation).

Sit in the outside dining room right on the water (dressier, just off the main dining room) or upstairs on the deck (casual dress, casual menu).  Order a bottle of Rose, She-Crab soup and Maine lobster.  Sit back and raise a glass to all those less fortunate than you who are sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on their way back from the Hamptons.