School is out and the lazy days of swimming and backyard barbecues are here. We love Lafayette in the summertime, but it’s fun to mix up the routine every now and then. Here are some of our favorite Bay Area summer activities to help you expand your warm weather horizons:

• Watch the planes land at SFO: Take your airplane fans to the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront for a front row view of SFO’s landing strip. The hotel’s newly remodeled lobby, Flights 101 Lounge, features a three-story tall wall of windows with direct views of the aircraft action. An outdoor patio with cozy seating areas puts you even closer to the activity. Take bikes and scooters to venture along the waterside Bay trail, and then reenergize with snacks and libations back in the lounge. A bonus – this spot is also great for sports viewing. A multi-screen entertainment center takes center stage at the 25-seat bar.
• Catch a Comedy at the Top of the Mark: Summer Movie Nights are back at Top of the Markat San Francisco’s InterContinental Mark Hopkins, and this year it’s all about the laughs. Featuring comedies such as Airplane, Happy Gilmore, and Father of the Bride, the series runs Tuesday nights through August 28. Movies begin at 7pm, and complimentary wine tasting starts at 5:30pm. Seating is first come first served and it’s free, so arrive early. The full cocktail, tapas, and small plate menus are also available, as well as complimentary popcorn. (Young ones are welcome, but need to vacate the bar at 10pm.)
• Sing and Dance at the Broadway Plaza Concert Series: Broadway Plaza’s annual Summer Concert Series is back for three Thursdays in August. All shows start at 7pm and are held on the event plaza, just outside Macy’s. August 16: Kalimba- The Spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire. August 23: Caravanserai- The Santana Tribute. August 30: Bee Gee’s Gold- The Tribute. Bring a chair and something to nibble and drink.