If this place sounds familiar, it’s because it’s where Taylor
Swift celebrated the Fourth of July weekend with Tom Hiddleston and
every other celebrity on the planet. Swift is one of the many
celebrities who own property in this affluent community nestled at
the southwestern tip of Rhode Island. The Watch Hill Inn and Ocean
House offer chic accommodation – not to mention a sprawling
white-sand beach – close to the bay, with antique shops, art
galleries, a carousel and charming boutiques making for a nice
daytime diversion. In contrast to the throbbing nightclubs and
bottle service you’ll find on The Hamptons, Watch Hill’s nightlife
is distinctly more mellow, with locals opting for The Malted Barley
pub or martinis and live entertainment at Perks & Corks in
Westerly.

Down for a day out with little fuss? Keep it in Queens. This
hurricane-ravaged former military base has unexpectedly become an
Instagrammer’s paradise thanks to MoMA PS1’s ‘Rockaway’ art
installation. Artist Katharina Grosse’s spray paint makeover of the
dilapidated aquatics buildings has been this summer’s selfie
backdrop du jour. While the Fort Tilden beach is heavily enforced
and is better for sunbathing than swimming, nearby Rockaway Beach
is a solid back-up. Pencil in a pit stop for BBQ, booze and
margarita-flavoured ice pops at Rockaway Beach Club.

This resort town is regarded for its quaint Victorian
architecture and one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Rent a gingerbread-style house for your crew or settle into The
Southern Mansion’s opulent surroundings; the popular B&B was
built in 1860 and is just one of the area’s nods to grand Southern
living up north. 410 Bank Street is the place to fuel up on Creole
cuisine after a day of tanning and swimming. The restaurant at the
stunning Peter Shields Inn serves up wines from local vineyards
along with its seafood creations. By day, you can book your own
tour, peruse art galleries, or participate in countless maritime
activities.