Ending Summer: Must-Do Activities Before it Gets Cold

The signs of summer's end are everywhere: You can hear them in the back to school buzz, the sudden presence of fall coats in stores and the sound of a thousand discount mattress stores gearing up for the biggest Labor Day Sale ever!(!!)

But you're not ready! There's still so much to do before the cold weather sets in! Herewith is our list of the must-hit events of summer.

Brighton Beach and Coney Island

If you want the beach and/or Russian food, head to Brighton Beach on the B or Q line.

The beach is less crowded than at Coney Island and closer to the subway, and there's great Russian food. If you can splurge a little, eat at one of the cafes along the boardwalk and soak up the ocean view. Or, head to Brighton Beach Avenue, where the restaurants lack the view, but are much less expensive.

If it's nostalgia and amusement park rides you're seeking, than Coney Island is your spot. Not only are there great kiddie rides and the Wonder Wheel, but there are also revamped rides for adults.

It's true that Coney Island will still be there in the winter, but there is something uniquely intoxicating about slurping a soft serve cone on the boardwalk in the blazing summer heat.

But don't take our word for it. Just hop on the Q train, stay put until Stillwell Avenue and see for yourself.

Watch an Outdoor Movie

It's a simple recipe for a stellar evening: Take an activity normally done indoors, and move that sucker outside. Outdoor movies are screening on the regular in parks all over the city. Here's TimeOut New York's master list of ALL of them.

Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine and voila! Ideal summer evening. As long as it doesn't rain.

Get Out of Dodge

Let's face it, there's a reason so many city dwellers flee during the summer months: New York's streets can be tough, sticky places to navigate even without the oppressive heat. But leaving town need not be an extravagant affair reserved for those lucky enough to own multi-million dollar Hamptons homes.

Consider a day trip to Bear Mountain, or Jacob Riis Park for some fun that involves little by way of crowds, trash or cement. Hop on the Long Island Railroad and get off at any number of beaches, or just hang on until Montauk and enjoy the () majesty of Montauk Manor.

Whatever you do, just get outside. It's still summer, after all.

Have other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below.