This super-casual, cash-only Winthrop standby isn’t a secret to out-of-towners: The New York Times named it one of the best restaurants in Boston a few months ago, and it is a convenient stop on the way to and from the airport. But it is, and feels like, a spot for locals.

If you want to feel like you’ve retired to Florida for a hot minute (albeit with a cooling breeze), pay a visit to the Marina Bay boardwalk in Quincy.

Unexpected waterside bliss by the shores of Lake Lynnapesaukee, a.k.a. Lynn’s truly magical Sluice Pond. Outside, Four Winds Pub & Grill looks like your average dive bar. Inside, it’s a beachy lodge with views of serenely rippling water, serving upscale pub fare: crispy avocado wedges with buttermilk dipping sauce, bourbon-black pepper burgers, fish tacos, and the unmissable candied garlic spareribs. Grab one of the reasonably priced cocktails and watch the sun set over the lake.

Some things can’t be contained — like neighborhood Italian restaurants serving handmade pasta from an acclaimed chef. Thus Douglass Williams’s South End spot replicated, in Newton and East Boston. The last adds “view for days” to its list of charms, which include paccheri bolognese, gnocchi cacio e pepe, and smoked short rib lasagna. On a leisurely weekend, take the ferry over for brunch for the full on-the-water experience.

The patio outside the Royal Sonesta’s restaurant offers a grand view of the Charles River and city skyline. Formerly Dante, this space reopened in June. Now it’s Monteverdi, the latest project from restaurateur Seth Greenberg (Mistral, Serafina). Come for a contemplative plate of garlicky, lemony linguine vongole and a cold glass of Gavi, maybe stay for a turned-up weekend party with DJ and frisky international crowd?

Night Shift beer and currently hot Detroit-style pizza taste even better when consumed beside Boston Harbor. You can have all that at this Lovejoy Wharf hangout right by TD Garden. Sample taproom-specific selections and a ’Roni, ‘Roni, ‘Roni pie (guess what it’s topped with) on the patio overlooking the water.

The perfect summer party: beer, oysters, lawn games, music, and mingling. Bring the family. Bring the dog. Enjoy the view and the cooling breeze off Duxbury Bay. But most of all enjoy the fresh-as-you-can-get-them oysters, grown right here at Island Creek Oyster Farm. There’s also Island Creek’s own caviar and tinned fish, sushi bowls, and more. After you’ve won enough cornhole games, adjourn to the casually elegant Winsor House for dinner (and more oysters, of course).

We almost don’t even need to mention it: An annual visit to this Castle Island landmark is practically mandatory. An afternoon of hot dogs and soft-serve, followed by sunning and strolling, is priceless (but in the real world also happily affordable). The entire city is here, and in a festive mood.

Gloucester is full of beautiful spots, and Talise is located in one of the prettiest of them all, Lobster Cove in Annisquam. The menu is stocked with ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen: Gloucester bluefin crudo, Rockport lobster, salads with vegetables from farms in Hamilton and Ipswich, grains from Hadley. Pasta, charcuterie, bread, and more are made in house.

Even when the city is dead, as on a long weekend in the summer, the Seaport is bustling. Somehow, this part of Boston makes everyone feel like a tourist. Amid the chains and hubbub, in the spot that was long Anthony’s Pier 4, find this locally owned restaurant that is consistent, delicious, and not as expensive as it could be given the scenery.