Block Island: If It Isn't on Your Radar Yet, It Soon Will Be

This Cafe Life
Aug 17
14 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

As summer begins to wind down, there are still plenty of easy weekend trips to make the most of the lazy days left.

9 Miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a low-key destination for a perfect weekend escape. Within a 10-square miles area, natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, sandy beaches, lighthouses, quiet villages, and fascinating history, make this small island a haven for nature lovers and beachgoers alike. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning for a memorable stay, Block Island holds unique experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Block Island’s story begins thousands of years ago, when receding glaciers carved it from the Atlantic, the same geological hand that shaped Cape Cod, the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Known as Manisses (“little island”) to the Niantic people, it has hosted everyone from 16th-century explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano and Adriaen Block, to 17th-century English settlers, to 18th-century privateers and pirates like Captain Kidd. It’s been the site of war raids, shipwrecks, lighthouse rescues, and a thriving fishing culture.

By the mid-1800s, the arrival of steamships brought vacationers, and with them came sprawling Victorian hotels with sweeping porches - a summer scene that still defines Block Island today.

The island’s preservation efforts since the 1970s have safeguarded about a half of its land from development. The Nature Conservancy named Block Island one of 12 “Last Great Places ” in the western hemisphere. It's a wildlife hotspot, providing habitat for many plants and animals that disappeared from the rest of southern New England decades ago. Today, Block Island blends this layered past with forward-thinking sustainability - it became the first community in the United States to be completely powered by offshore wind energy in 2016.

Here’s how to soak it all in during a long weekend.

Traveller's Tips

How to get to Block Island
Restaurants & Cafes
Where to Stay
Island Events & Resources

Visit the Lighthouses

North Lighthouse on Block Island, Rhode Island

North Light - If you appreciate great scenery, this is one of the island’s best, with pretty coastal views and the historic North Light. Located where Corn Neck Road ends, the area includes Settler’s Rock, right next to the parking lot – a monument inscribed with the names of the original English families who settled on the island in 1661. Leave your car or bike in the small lot near the Rock and hike about half a mile across the shoreline to the lighthouse. North Light is an iconic granite and iron lighthouse that dates from 1867, the fourth structure built after 3 others were lost and the prototype for five sister lights, three in Connecticut and two in New York. The lighthouse is home to a museum that chronicles shipwrecks and rescues - open weekends from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Beyond the lighthouse is the Sachem Pond Wildlife Refuge.

Southeast Lighthouse & Museum - The Southeast Light is located on Mohegan Bluffs at the southeast corner of the island. The lighthouse was built in 1874 and has a 52-foot brick and granite tower. The red brick lighthouse is equipped with a first order Fresnel lens. When originally built, three hundred feet of land lay between it and the edge of the bluffs and the ocean. Over the next hundred years the bluff eroded to within seventy-five feet of the light. A boulder close to the bluffs marks the lighthouse's original location. It was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1997 as one of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses built in the United States in the 19th century. In 1983 the Block Island Southeast Light Foundation was formed to save the light. The only way to do this was to move the structure. It took nearly ten years to raise the funds. On August 13, 1993, the lighthouse began its nearly three hundred foot move inland. It took nineteen days to move it to its new location. The beacon was re-lit on August 27, 1994. The lighthouse and gift shop are open to the public during the summer. The grounds of the lighthouse, with sweeping views of the bluffs and the Wind Farm, are open year-round.

The Glass Float Project

Unique to Block Island is the Glass Float Project. Created in 2011 by a Rhode Island glassblower, now evolved into a collaboration of local artist crafting 500 glass spherical floats annually. Each is dated and numbered and come in an array of colors. Volunteers hide them around the island, along public trails and open spaces, and wait for the magic to happen. Anyone is allowed to search, and if you’re lucky enough to find one during your Block Island visit, register it here, keeping track of the season's progress, then it's yours to keep as the ultimate Block Island souvenir. The hunt for all the floats doesn’t end until they’re all found and registered.

Head to the Beach

Block Island has over a dozen stunning, free beaches, each offering unique experiences for visitors. Families can enjoy safe, family-friendly beaches with gentle waves, soft sand, and amenities. Surf enthusiasts can find thrilling surf spots, with local schools offering lessons and rentals for all skill levels. Nature lovers and marine life enthusiasts can explore tide pools and observe diverse marine creatures and bird species in their natural habitats. For adventure seekers, scenic trails and picturesque landscapes around the beaches provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the island's natural beauty.

Crescent Beach - One of the most popular beaches, located just outside of downtown. Roadside parking. No facilities.

Ballard’s Beach - Located off Water Street (by Old Harbor). Excellent deep-water swimming. Lifeguards in season and waterfront cabanas for rent. Food and beverages available from Ballard’s restaurant. Live music and beach volleyball in the summer.

Baby Beach - An easy walk from the ferry docks and local hotels, a well-sheltered beachfront at the south end of Crescent Beach. Here, kids can play in shallow waters and adults can wade out for a peaceful swim,

Charleston Beach - A sandy, peaceful beach popular with fishermen. The beach is quite large, and the waters are tranquil. Plenty of solitude. The jetty is an interesting walk. From here, you can watch boats entering New Harbor and get a look at the Coast Guard Station (where you’ll find parking). It is a good beach to find collectible driftwood. Walk southward to reach Grace’s Cove.

Dorry’s Cove - A small, uncrowded black-sand beach. with nice sunset views of Long Island. Hike northward and find a second cove, Grace’s Cove. Lots of interesting stones and driftwood here. Limited parking at the end of Dorry’s Cove Road, a dirt road off West Side Road. Good bike destination.

Fred Benson (Town Beach) - BIs only fully equipped bathhouse and pavilion. It’s owned and operated by the town and staffed with lifeguards. Public restrooms, changing areas, hot showers. Rental items such as chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards. Movies on Tuesday evenings. Hot food, cold drinks. No admission fee. Free parking.

Scotch Beach - A quarter mile north of Fred Benson Town Beach, at the center of Crescent Beach, Parking lot off Corn Neck Road. Bring a cooler, an umbrella, and chairs, and dig in for the day. A nice walk to Mansion Beach.

Mansion Beach - At the end of a dirt road by the same name. Long stretches of soft sand and beautiful water. There is parking, but the spaces can fill up on busy weekends. No facilities.

Black Rock - Named after a large, dark rock hidden under 10 feet of water; the sinister rock has been the demise of many ships. You can hike or bike to this area. Rough surf. Good for exploring and scenery.

Vaill Beach - A steep, slippery trail to the beach is accessible at the first bend of Snake Hole Road, off Lakeside Drive. Limited parking. At the bottom of the trail, proceed east for 50 yards, over rocky beachfront; the beach is around the first point. The surf can be heavy here, and there are rocks in the shallows.

West Beach - A truly different experience with light traffic, calm surf, and perhaps the island’s best beach walk. To the south is Beane Point; this area is part of a bird sanctuary (no dogs allowed). To the north, dunes lead to the North Light (watch out for nesting gulls). There is limited parking at the end of West Beach Road, past the Transfer Station.

Dinghy Beach - Also known as Mosquito Beach, it offers majestic views of Great Salt Pond and easy access to Crescent Beach.

Andy’s Way - Premiere clamming spot and best place to take a stroll.

Mohegan Bluffs - Some people say the beach at the base of the 200-foot tall Mohegan Bluffs is the most beautiful on the island, harboring a secluded, if rocky, place to swim and surf. It’s a bit of a climb to get there, however, with a set of 141 steps leading down to the sand. If you don't have a car, it's a bit of a ride, but worth the effort.

Enjoy A Beach Fire

Beach fires are permitted at any beach on Block Island with a permit, which you can get at the Police Department on the island. You must stay 25 feet from dunes, have your permit on you at all times, and wrap by midnight.

Clifftop Views at Mohegan Bluffs

Probably the most recognized feature of the Island, the Bluffs are large clay cliffs about 200 feet above the sea and stretch for nearly three miles. Through the years, the cliffs have eroded and receded over 250 feet, causing relocation of the lighthouse. Named for the 16th century battle where 40 members of a Mohegan raiding party were said to have been driven off the cliffs to their deaths by the Manisseans over supremacy of the island.

Payne Overlook and Second Overlook offer endless ocean views of the Atlantic, the wind farm offshore, and on clear days, Long Island's Montauk Point. From Payne Overlook, you can walk down about 150 wooden steps to the rocky beach. also known as Corn Cove and spend the day surfing, swimming or sunbathing.

Scenic Island Parks, Preserves & Trails

There are many excellent options for enjoying the coastal beauty aside from scenic beaches. Trail maps are available at the Visitor's center, or AllTrails for a comprehensive guide for walking and hiking options and recent trail conditions. Most trails allow leashed dogs and are open from sunrise to sunset. Hikers should exercise caution and wear sturdy shoes, be wary of ticks and poison ivy, and stay hydrated.

North Lighthouse Trail - Less than 1 mile waterfront path of sand and stones leading from a parking lot to the lighthouse. Settler’s Rock, commemorating the first European settlers who came ashore in 1661, sits along the shore by the parking lot. Leashed dogs are welcome along the trail to the lighthouse.

Clay Head Trail (and The Maze) - A 3.5-mile out-and-back trail along the island’s northeastern coast, with an elevation gain of about 200 feet. A maze greets hikers at the top of the trail. The trailhead is along Corn Neck Road; about three miles from town. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Greenway Traverse - A 5.6-mile trail from Beacon Hill Road to Payne Road meanders through fields along the shoreline and Rodman’s Hollow. It is considered moderately difficult and gains about 400 feet in elevation. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Rodman’s Hollow - A 230-acre glacial outwash basin (an area of sand and gravel left behind by melting glaciers) managed by The Nature Conservancy and other environmental protection organizations. Two trailheads are along Cooneymus Road; one has a parking lot. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Lewis-Dickens Farm - A 120-acre wildlife refuge in the island’s southwest, with meadows and sweeping coastal views. A popular place for birdwatching with an easy walking trail, Dogs are prohibited as this is a refuge for native species.

Sachem Pond Wildlife Refuge - 46 acres of sandy beaches and rolling dunes. Although no developed trail system exists, the site is accessible by foot over sandy terrain. This wildlife refuge is a hotspot for birding year-round, especially in the fall. Over 70 species of migratory songbirds visit the island each fall. The Piping Plover, a threatened species, is found here. Block Island is home to the largest Gull colony in Rhode Island. As one of the most important migratory habitats on the East Coast, Block Island is the perfect spot for an eco-friendly vacation. Plan your visit to end at sunset; the hues of the sun reflecting off the water with the silhouette of the North Light in the background is a must see.

Hodge Wildlife Preserve - A 25-acre parcel is the most recent large-scale conservation purchase on BI - A great spot to view migratory songbirds, the state-endangered northern harrier, and the Block Island meadow vole. The meadow areas of the property have goldenrod, and common aster; the maritime shrubland features bayberry, arrowwood and black cherry. The Preserve has a small parking lot along Corn Neck Road.

1661 Exotic Farm & Gardens - Close to downtown on Spring Street, the 1661 Inn has a free garden and animal petting area, with llamas, camels, kangaroos, lemurs and even a zedonk, which is a zebra/donkey hybrid. The gardens and orchards on the farm are beautiful and support the local sustainable living movement. The Inn uses 95% of food waste throughout their property as compost in the gardens.

Old Harbor & Water Street

The ferry docks here, and along the waterfront you'll find the busiest area of the island with stores & boutiques, ice cream parlors, restaurants, art galleries and moped and bike rentals. Don't miss Ocean View Pavilion, built on the site of an old hotel on the southern tip of Old Harbor; it has a community garden, sculptures, harbor views, rest, and quiet, dawn to dusk.

In the center of the Old Harbor traffic circle on Block Island stands the Statue of Rebecca, a notable landmark. In the late 1800s, during the rise of the Temperance Movement in the U.S., local chapters began installing drinking fountains to promote sobriety, addressing the lack of clean drinking water. These Temperance fountains appeared nationwide, including in Union Square Park and Boston Common. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union of New Shoreham joined this effort, dedicating "Rebecca at the Well" on July 22, 1896. The zinc statue, depicting Rebekah from the Book of Genesis, wears a toga and holds a jar, guiding viewers to the fountain below for a clean, non-alcoholic drink.

Best Block Island Shopping

The Spring Street Gallery - Local artists, workshops, shows.

Mary MacGill - Stunning gemstone jewelry made on island, home goods, artwork, clothing.

Glass Onion - A home goods boutique that also sells nice jewelry, apparel and gifts.

Block Island Trading Company - A great place for souvenirs, gifts, unique finds.

Chapel Sweets - A must-stop if you’re looking for an old-fashioned candy shop.

Island Bound Bookstore - Small bookshop with a great selection, fun beach reads, new releases.

Dining on Block Island: Where to Eat & Drink

Eli’s - Cozy, beloved Bistro. Known for creative small plates. Walk-ins only - worth the wait.

Spring House Hotel - The Barn & Veranda - Island classic with sweeping porch views. The Barn has refined dining with local seafood, farm-fresh produce. The veranda is perfect for sunset cocktails.

The Oar - Casual waterfront dining overlooking the mooring field, laid-back vibe. Family-friendly.

Three Sisters - A must for grab-and-go breakfast or picnic sandwiches.

Block Island Oyster Bar & Grill - Seafood-centric, raw bar, daily catches. Upscale but relaxed.

Poor People’s Pub - Neighborhood pub, burgers, local beer, live music. Laid-back, loved by locals.

Winfield’s - Fine dining. New American menu, seasonal ingredients, polished service.

Persephone’s Kitchen - Breakfast & brunch favorite, health-conscious, smoothie bowls, wraps, coffee.

Ballard’s Beach Resort - Iconic beachfront bar & restaurant. Lively summer crowds, lobster platters, and frozen drinks served right on the sand.

Rebecca’s Seafood Takeout - Casual, quick, delicious. Fried seafood baskets, chowder, breakfast sandwiches. Great for ferry travelers.

Where to Stay

Historic Hotels & Inns

The National Hotel - A landmark on the Old Harbor waterfront with a grand porch overlooking the ferry landing. Rooms are simple but the location and views can’t be beat. Great for first-time visitors who want to be in the center of it all.
Spring House Hotel - Iconic Victorian hotel perched on a hill with sweeping ocean views, sprawling lawns, and that famous sunset porch. The Barn restaurant and bars on-site make it a lively choice.
Atlantic Inn - 19th-century inn with large grounds, sunset views, and a refined yet relaxed vibe. Known for excellent service and quiet charm, a short walk from town.
Hotel Manisses - Stylish and boutique, with contemporary updates inside a Victorian frame. Guests love its garden restaurant, cozy cocktail bar, and proximity to downtown.

Charming & Romantic Stays

1661 Inn - Elegant rooms, some with balconies and ocean views, plus one of the best breakfast buffets on the island. A favorite for couples and food lovers.
Rose Farm Inn - Peaceful, romantic, set back from town. Cozy rooms, cottage-style buildings, surrounded by meadows and walking trails.
Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea - Beachfront bed-and-breakfast steps from town, with direct access to Crescent Beach. Rooms are bright and airy, perfect for those who want the sand at their doorstep.

Casual & Family-Friendly

Champlin’s Marina & Resort - A lively resort with marina views, pool, and multiple restaurants. Great for families or groups who want activity right outside the door.
New Shoreham House - Centrally located, budget-friendly option right in Old Harbor. Rooms are simple but ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time outdoors.
Seacrest Inn - Comfortable inn within walking distance of the ferry, shops, and restaurants. A good choice for families or small groups looking for convenience.

Travelers Tips

Getting to Block Island

The island is only accessible by ferry or flight, both short and equally part of the adventure.

Traditional Ferry from Point Judith, RI. It runs year-round and takes about an hour - passengers, bikes, motorcycles, and cars. (To bring your car you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time with Block Island Ferry by calling them directly. Vehicle reservations can’t be made online. When you call, be sure to have them book your passenger ticket, as well as your vehicle ticket. Both will be needed to board the ferry. Book your car as soon as you have ravel dates.)
Hi-Speed Ferry from Point Judith, RI. 30-minute ferry running from May through Thanksgiving weekend. Passengers and bikes only.
Point Judith Parking - There is no official ferry parking lot at Point Judith, but there are lots on Great Island Road, where the ferry terminal is located. Most don’t take online reservations ahead of time, and it’s best to have at least $20 cash with you to pay to park for the day if leaving your car behind. All parking lots are easily walkable to the Point Judith ferry terminal.
Hi-Speed Ferry from Newport, RI. 1 hour from Perrotti Park in Newport. Passengers and bikes only, Runs June through Labor Day.
Express from New London, CT and Orient Point, NY. Check online for ferry schedules and fares.
Viking from Montauk, NY, Memorial Day to Labor Day,

Getting Around Block Island

Mopeds & Bikes - Mopeds are a fun transportation option but be aware they are not allowed at night or on dirt roads connecting the main roads to small beaches and trails. Another idea is to rent a bike, which works well on the flatter streets near Water Street, but the topography changes and gets hilly as you venture south of town. Island Moped and Bike and Aldo’s Bikes & Moped’s both offer rentals that are less than a 5-minute walk from the ferry.
Cars - Aldo’s has Jeeps available to rent which allow you both flexibility and access to the dirt roads to get to all the beaches and nature trails. If you bring your own car, ensure you have a good amount of gas before getting on the ferry. There is one gas station on the island, off Corn Neck Road, but it’s easier (and likely cheaper) to be prepared beforehand. All beach parking is free.
Taxis - Usually wait by the ferry terminal to drive visitors to accommodations.
Tours - Often led by long-time locals. To find, do an online search for “Block Island taxi tour; most don't have websites. The customized tours last between 1-2 hours, and costs between $50-$75.

Block Island’s Events

Block Island Historical Society Exhibits on the island’s geology, native inhabitants, and relatively recent inhabitants and events. There is an admission fee.
The Block Island Tourism Council has a calendar of events that lists fun things happening around the island.
Block Island Ghost Tours offers some insights into the island’s haunted history.

A Weekend to Remember

Whether you’re seeking waterfront relaxation, an exploration of history, or indulging in local cuisine, Block Island is sure to leave you with cherished memories. So pack your bags, hop on the ferry, and discover the hidden charms of this island.

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