Sandy beaches, lighthouses, vast open spaces, a wildlife refuge, and a charming downtown are the main draws of Block Island, Rhode Island. Take the ferry from Point Judith (near Narragansett), Newport, Montauk, or New London — or take a small plane — to reach this vacation oasis. Once on the island, you’ll no doubt find relaxation fall upon you. This article details the best places to explore on this 10-square-mile island, ways to get around, and tips to make your visit enjoyable. My family and I have enjoyed our visits to Block Island over the years, and we most recently visited for a long weekend. Because we took our car on the ferry, we could explore every part of the island easily and enjoyed the beaches, hiking trails, endlessly beautiful scenery, and friendly hospitality.
1. Catch the Buzz in Old Harbor
You most likely arrived on a ferry, which puts you right in Old Harbor, along Water Street. This waterfront avenue is the busiest area of the island, with stores, ice cream shops, restaurants, art galleries, and moped and bike rental spots. When exploring this main drag, check out the side streets, as there are also interesting establishments there.
2. Discover Hidden Glass Floats/Orbs Around Block Island
One of the unique delights of a Block Island visit is a chance to find a hidden glass float or orb. The glass floats are part of the Glass Float Project, which began in 2011 and has grown in popularity. A Rhode Island glass blower, his wife, and fellow artists create over 500 glass spherical floats yearly, and volunteers hide them around Block Island throughout the primary tourist season – from June to early October.
Hundreds of glass floats/orbs are hidden along public trails and open spaces each year – and are just waiting to be discovered. Each is dated and numbered and is a popular collector’s treasure. Most are clear glass, while a few have colored glass. They can be found just about anywhere on the island (in public spaces), and if you’re lucky enough to find one, you can keep it and register it. In fact, looking at the registry lets you see where others have found these unique glass souvenirs – and might inspire you to get out and search!
3. Visit the Island’s Lighthouses
Two lighthouses, one on the northern tip and the other on the southern point, stand guard on Block Island and are open to visitors.
North Lighthouse
Sandy Point on the north end of Corn Neck Road | 401-466-3220
At the northern tip of the Block Island sits North Lighthouse, constructed in 1867. It’s now a maritime museum that chronicles shipwrecks and rescues. The lighthouse has limited hours in the summer, so visitors may not always be able to enter it; however, the 15-20 minute walk to it from the parking lot is enjoyable for many. Wear shoes (not flip-flops) as the walk is along a rocky beach. The Settler’s Rock monument is near the parking lot, noting where European settlers arrived in 1661. Also, Sachem Pond is nearby.
Near North Lighthouse (on the right of Corn Neck Road as you head back to town), look for signs for Sacred Labyrinth. Walk up the embankment, and you’ll find a labyrinth that beckons people to slow down and relax while meandering through the circular pathways.
Southeast Light
122 Mohegan Trail | 401-466-5009
As its name implies, Southeast Light and the lightkeeper’s house are situated on the island’s southern shore atop the cliffs of Mohegan Bluffs. Built in 1878, the lighthouse was moved 300 feet inland in 1993 due to erosion. Guided lighthouse tours are available, and there’s a small museum onsite. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The lighthouse and museum are open from late May through early October; days and hours vary by season. Parking is close to the lighthouse.
4. Soak in Clifftop Views at Mohegan Bluffs
Adjacent to Southeast Light are two lookouts—Payne Overlook and Second Overlook—from which you can catch seemingly endless ocean vistas. Because this part of the island isn’t developed, your view is pretty much uninterrupted – except for the wind farm with five windmills several miles offshore. It’s said that you can see Long Island’s Montauk Point from Mohegan Bluffs on clear days. From Payne Overlook, you can walk down about 150 wooden steps to the beach.
5. Head to the Beach
Block Island has over a dozen beaches (all free). The largest is Crescent Beach, which has several sections (including Mansion Beach and Benson Town Beach) along the eastern shore on the island’s north end.
Baby Beach
For the younger set and shallow pools of water, head to Baby Beach. It’s a short walk from many hotels near Old Harbor.
Ballard’s Beach
Located right off Water Street (by Old Harbor), Ballard’s Beach has lifeguards in season and waterfront cabanas for rent. Beachgoers can order food and beverages since the beach is adjacent to Ballard’s restaurant. Expect live music and beach volleyball in the summer.
Benson Town Beach
In addition to being a lifeguarded beach, Benson Town Beach (along Corn Neck Road) has showers, restrooms, chair and umbrella rentals, and a concession stand. You can watch a movie on the beach on Tuesday evenings during the season.
Mansion Beach
Mansion Beach isn’t as busy as others– like Benson Town Beach — and that may be because it’s at the end of a rocky dirt road off the main paved road. Look for a small sign for Mansion Beach on the right side while driving north on Corn Neck Road (from town). There are no lifeguards, restrooms, or other facilities here. It’s a “carry in, carry out” beach (like most on the island), so you must take your trash with you.
West Side Beaches
Grace’s Cove Beach, Dorie’s Cove Beach, and Cooneymus Beach are smaller beaches on the island’s west side. These rocky beaches are at the end of dirt roads (off the paved West Side Road) and are suitable for beachcombing, fishing, or just enjoying the view – but not sunbathing or swimming. On clear evenings, these might be a good choice to savor the sunsets.
6. Walk, Hike, or Jog Scenic Island Trails
There are several excellent options for stretching your legs and enjoying coastal beauty. One is to walk along the beaches. Another is to head to a trail, most open from sunrise to sunset, and most allow leashed dogs. Stay on the trails and know there may be ticks and poison ivy. Several popular trails are listed below in order from north to south. Stop by the Block Island Visitor Center (1 Water Street) for a trail map. In addition, check out AllTrails for a complete list of walking and hiking options as well as recent trail conditions.
North Lighthouse Trail
North Lighthouse Trail is a 0.7-mile waterfront path of sand and stones leading from a parking lot to the lighthouse. Wear good shoes (no flip-flops) to avoid twisting your ankles. While there, you may see seals frolicking in the water. 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)
Clay Head Trail is 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; look for the marker about three miles from town (where the road begins). You’ll go down a bumpy dirt road to park. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Ocean View Pavilion
This trail is located on the southern tip of Old Harbor. Stroll down Water Street, heading west, for some scenic vistas of the southern Crescent Beach area.
Greenway Traverse
This 5.6-mile trail from Beacon Hill Road to Payne Road (near Torrey Guest House) 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
Hike some trails and enjoy more fantastic ocean views at Rodman’s Hollow, west of Mohegan Bluffs. It’s 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. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Lewis-Dickens Farm
The Lewis-Dickens Farm is a 120-acre wildlife refuge in the island’s southwest, featuring meadows and sweeping coastal views. It’s a popular place for birdwatching and has a walking trail. There’s a 0.7 out-and-back trail that’s considered easy. Although difficult to find, parking is available at the trailhead on Dickens Road (a bumpy, dirt road) just off Cooneymus Road. Dogs are prohibited as this is a refuge for native species.
7. Explore the Island on Two Wheels
If you don’t take a car, there are two popular vehicle rental options near the ferry terminal: mopeds and 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.
8. Enjoy More Outdoor Pursuits
A variety of other options for outdoor fun include fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, banana boat rides, horseback riding, and parasailing. The best way to find an experience to explore your passion is to search online for “Block Island XX” where “XX” is what you’re interested in, like “Block Island kayak rentals.”
Another popular outdoor activity is birdwatching (especially along walking trails on the southwest area of the island). Bring your binoculars if this is your thing!
Exotic animals like emus, camels, and alpacas live on a farm across from the 1661 Inn near town. It’s free and open daily until dark.
9. Check Out Block Island’s Events
- Block Island Historical Society has exhibits on the island’s geology, native inhabitants, and relatively recent inhabitants and events. It is open from Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples Day. 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.
10. Find Celestial Delights in the Night Skies
When night falls, head to one of the beaches or otherwise away from light pollution and look skyward—your potential reward: fascinating views of the world beyond.
Getting to Block Island
Most visitors arrive by ferry or private boat, although there is a small airport on the island. There are several ferry options available:
- Block Island Traditional Ferry from Point Judith, RI. It runs year-round from Point Judith (304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island). The traditional ferry ride takes about an hour and can carry passengers, bikes, motorcycles, and cars. You can reserve your spot online or purchase your ticket at the ticket window to ride the ferry. If you plan to take your car on the ferry, call to make your reservation by phone in plenty of time – as soon as you know your travel dates as it can be full (for transporting cars) months ahead. On the day of departure, you’ll need to park your car at the ferry terminal one hour before the ferry leaves. 401-783-7996
- Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry from Point Judith, RI. It takes about 30 minutes and runs from May through Thanksgiving weekend from Point Judith (304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island). It carries passengers and bikes – but no cars. You can buy tickets online or pay when you arrive at the ferry terminal. 401-783-7996
- Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry from Newport, RI. The ride takes about an hour from Perrotti Park in Newport. This ferry carries passengers and bikes (no cars) and runs from late June through Labor Day. Purchase tickets online or at the ticket window. 401-783-7996
- Block Island Express from New London, CT and Orient Point, NY. Check online for ferry schedules and fares. 401-466-2212
- Viking from Montauk, NY, from Memorial Day to Labor Day takes about an hour. Check online for ferry schedules and fares. 631-668-5700
Tips for Visiting Block Island
- The best time to visit Block Island is June through September. If you visit in the off-season, fewer shops and restaurants may be open.
- If bringing a 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.
- Taxis usually wait by the ferry terminal to drive visitors to their accommodations.
- If you don’t bring your car, you can still get a lay of the island with a tour provided by one of the taxi services, often led by long-time locals. To find one that suits you, do an online search for “Block Island taxi tour.”
- Bring snacks and groceries (especially if you’re bringing your car) because grocery stores can be quite expensive.
- If you are staying in a short-term rental, check with the host about drinking the tap water. We needed to bring bottled water for our stay as the house used well water that we were advised not to drink. Otherwise, the Block Island Water Company provides water in restaurants that is safe to drink.
Where to Stay and Eat
There are many accommodation choices: hotels, inns, B&Bs, and short-term rentals. The Block Island Tourism Council lists dozens of lodging options. When my family visited for a long weekend, we opted for a short-term rental (that we booked directly through VRBO) that suited us perfectly. Having our own house meant we could make some meals if we chose to, and we had comfortable common spaces (inside and out) to relax together. Read my article How to Find the Perfect Vacation House Rentals for tips on renting a vacation home.
Some of the biggest decisions on vacation are where to eat! My family enjoyed our meals at Ballard’s, The Mohegan, The National Hotel Tap and Grill along Water Street (where I had the best warm, buttery lobster roll!), and Ellen’s (at the airport), which serves breakfast and lunch.
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Final Thoughts
My family and I have visited Block Island over the years. The first time, we went on the high-speed ferry and explored on mopeds. When we decided on a return trip for several days, we brought our car on the ferry. That was perfect because we could bring coolers with some food we had planned for breakfast and snacking.
The biggest tip about bringing a car is to book the ferry as soon as you know your travel dates. When I called the ferry company to book the ride, I was told that it’s best to book the ferry about five months in advance if visiting during the summer and at least two months in advance for the off-season.
Comments
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