Celebs' Guide to Summer Bliss

Photograph by Grant Harder

Summertime is the perfect season to disengage and relax. We turned to some of our favorite celebrities--including Rufus Wainright, Billy Porter, Andrew Rannells and Lady Bunny--for inspiration on where and how to unwind.

Rufus Wainwright

Destination: Montauk, Long Island
What I Do: Go for a long bike ride and be really healthy, but end up getting a lobster roll and clam chowder at The Clam Bar.
Why: I grew up going to Shelter Island, but I was always longing to being on the East End, in the Hamptons, where the mansions are. Finally I came to Montauk, and it's the best of both worlds. It has glamour and is kind of gritty.

Robbie Rogers

Destination: Summer is my busiest time of the year, so my time and place to relax is just after practice, in my pool.
What I Do: Pool, laying out, resting after our team's workout. This is my private time where I can take a moment to myself.
Why: The pool is great for my legs and the weather is so beautiful in California, it's hard to stay inside.

Billy Porter

Destination: Fire Island Pines, NY
What I Do: Lay on the beach in the sun as much as possible.
Why: To get centered. Peaceful. Balanced. Recharged.

Cyndi Lauper

Destination: Sicily
What I do: Cook and eat with my family, long walks, getting lost in museums, and see if I could find Game of Thrones in Italian.
Why: To relax after the tour with Cher and catch up with my family.

Cheyenne Jackson

Destination: My summer bliss is just hanging by the pool with my dog, my man, with great music playing, and my phone turned off.
What I do: Read, talk, swim, kiss... rinse and repeat as necessary.

John Waters

Destination: Truro, Mass.
What I do: Sit on my favorite beach in the world, Longnook, and hope to see a shark eat a seal.
Why: I love nature--as long as it's not killing me.

Andrew Rannells

Destination: Fire Island Pines, NY
What I do: Hang out with friends either on the beach or at a pool, talk, laugh, general day-drinking activities.
Why: I love the timeless quality it has. Fire Island can be raucous and wild, but it can also be incredibly peaceful. If you put together the right guest list, in the right house, it is a truly magical place.

Lady Bunny

Destination: Amsterdam
What I Do: Eat legal space cakes (chocolate with hashish) obtainable from coffee shops. Then just hit the streets and make some friends in a public square, bar, or sex club.
Why: The Netherlands is a perfect gateway community for U.S. travelers. Many Dutch speak English well and are extremely friendly and courteous--and well hung! I was there last summer and ended up feeling like the Holland Tunnel by the end of my visit.

Maulik Pancholy

Destination: The Bay Beaches in East Hampton
What I do: Ride my bike to one of the bay beaches. Even in the middle of summer, the bay side is super quiet.
Why: Some of the most amazing sunsets ever.