Block Island

Block Island is a small, laid-back island located 12 mi (19 km) off the southern coast of Rhode Island. With a year-round population of around 900, the island transforms each summer as visitors swell the population to nearly 10,000 at any given time, and many thousands more on busy weekends and holidays. Known for its beautiful beaches, unspoiled natural beauty, and easygoing atmosphere, Block Island has become one of the most appealing New England summer hotspots, drawing couples and families seeking seafood, sun, and stretches of sandy beach.

During the winter months Block Island is the picture of a sleepy seaside New England town, while summer brings the island alive with numerous bars, restaurants, and outdoor activities. More than 40% of the island is protected as open space, preserving its rural and undeveloped character. Visitors enjoy 17 miles of beaches, hiking trails through grassy meadows and along dramatic bluffs, and a charming village center. The best time to visit is from late May through September, when warm temperatures and full services are available. Winters are cold and windy, and many businesses close for the season.

The island is divided into several areas: Old Harbor is the main village with the ferry landing, shops, and restaurants; New Harbor on the Great Salt Pond offers a quieter waterfront setting with marinas and beaches; and the rest of the island features rural roads, nature trails, and scenic overlooks.

By Plane

Westerly State Airport (WST) is the nearest mainland airport, about 20 miles away by ferry. New England Airlines (tel: +1-800-243-2460) operates flights between Westerly and Block Island. Cape Air provides seasonal service from Hyannis, Massachusetts. The Block Island airport is small and primarily serves general aviation and scheduled air taxi services.

By Car / Road

There are no bridges to Block Island; the only way to bring a car is via the Block Island Ferry. From Providence, drive south on I-95 to Route 4 South, then follow signs to Point Judith in Narragansett (about 60 miles, 1.5 hours). The "traditional" car ferry departs from Point Judith multiple times daily. From Connecticut, take I-95 South to Route 2 East to Route 1 South, then follow signs to the ferry terminal. The Block Island Express ferry also departs from New London, Connecticut, from May through September.

Most areas of Block Island are easily within walking distance of each other. Bicycles and mopeds are available for rent right off the ferry and are a popular way to explore the island. For those who prefer not to walk, taxis are available: Block Island Taxi (+1 401 466-2562), McAloon's Taxi (+1 401 741-1410), and Mig's Rig (+1 401 480-0493). Rental services include Aldo's Mopeds and Bikes (+1 401 466-5018), Beach Rose Bicycles (+1 401 466-5925), Block Island Bike & Car Rental (+1 401 466-2297), and Island Moped & Bike Rental (+1 401 466-2700). Only the traditional ferry from Point Judith carries cars.

• North Light, Corn Neck Road. Built in 1867, this is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point. The lighthouse sits on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails through coastal habitats.

• Mohegan Bluffs, 122 Mohegan Trail. Dramatic bluffs rising 200 feet (61 m) above the water along the southern coast for about three miles. The site of the Southeast Lighthouse and one of the most visited places on the island for its gorgeous views. Be prepared for a climb down numerous flights of stairs to reach the beach below.

• Southeast Light, accessible via Mohegan Trail (tel: +1 401 466-5009). One of the most magnificent lighthouses in America, perched atop the Mohegan Bluffs with breathtaking ocean views. Built in 1875, this Victorian Gothic lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark.

• Lewis-Dickens Farm, Cooneymus Road. Coastal grasslands on the bluffs above the Atlantic providing habitat for raptors and passerines.

• Block Island Historical Society, Old Town Road. Houses permanent and special exhibits chronicling Block Island's past, including maritime history and island life.

• The Sacred Labyrinth, Corn Neck Road. A hidden man-made labyrinth tucked away on Corn Neck Road. Walk the circular path in silence, leave a small gift at the center, and your wish is said to come true.

• Dories Cove, Dories Cove Road (off West Side Road). A secluded beach tucked in a cove, perfect for watching sunsets or having a beach fire. Limited parking and a dirt road make it a quieter escape from the tourist crowds.

• Beaches. Block Island offers 17 miles of beaches. Crescent Beach, within walking distance of the ferry landing, is divided into Fredrick J. Benson Beach, Scotch Beach, and Mansion Beach. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and free parking.

• Block Island Parasail & Watersports, Old Harbor Dock (tel: +1 401 864-2474). Banana boat rides, parasailing, jetboat rentals, sunset cruises, and island tours.

• Hiking on the Greenway. Over 40% of the island is protected open space with 25 miles of trails through grassy meadows, stone walls, inland moors, and Mohegan Bluffs. Maps available from the Nature Conservancy and island stores.

• Bird Watching. Block Island is a hotspot during spring and fall migration on the Eastern flyway. Northern Harrier and Merlin patrol the skies during breeding season.

• Rustic Rides Farm, West Side Road (tel: +1 401 466-5060). Guided horseback rides on the beach, pony rides for children, and carriage rides for special events.

• Block Island Fishing Charters, LLC, New Harbor (tel: +1 401 787-2321). Inshore and offshore fishing trips for striped bass, blues, fluke, and gamefish.

• The Empire Theatre. One of Rhode Island's oldest movie theaters, showing two films nightly in a charming single-screen venue with live piano entertainment before each showing. A true "old school" theater experience.

Block Island has a solid dining scene for a small island, with seafood being the star. Fresh lobster, clam cakes, and chowder are staples. Many restaurants offer waterfront dining with harbor or ocean views. Prices tend to run higher than mainland establishments due to the island location.

• Atlantic Inn, 351 Main St. Upscale dining with ocean views, offering New England classics and seasonal menus. Entrees $25-45.
• The Oar, 221 charsictic waterfront restaurant at the Block Island Marina. Known for lobster bisque and casual seafood fare. Entrees $15-35.
• The Black Sheep, 512 Lower Old Harbor Rd. Popular gastropub with creative takes on comfort food and a solid craft beer selection. Entrees $12-25.
• Poor People's Pub, Water St. Casual spot with burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare at affordable prices. Entrees $8-15.

Block Island's bar scene is concentrated in Old Harbor, with a mix of casual beach bars and more refined establishments. Most bars are seasonal and cater to the summer crowd. Water Street is the main strip for nightlife. Local craft beer is increasingly available alongside the usual national brands.

• The Mahogany Shoals. Popular waterfront bar on the Block Island Ferry dock area, known for live music and sunset cocktails.
• Dog Days. Casual outdoor bar and restaurant with a festive summer atmosphere.

Tap water on Block Island is safe to drink.

• Budget: Block Island Hostel, Spring St (rates around $40-60/night in summer). A simple option for budget travelers, with shared rooms and a communal kitchen.
• Mid-range: Atlantic Inn, 351 Main St (rates from $200-400/night in summer). A well-regarded inn with ocean views, on-site dining, and a classic New England feel.
• Upscale / heritage: The Spring House, 251 Main St (rates from $300-600/night in summer). A historic grand hotel with sweeping ocean views, elegant rooms, and fine dining.

Accommodation should be booked well in advance for summer weekends and holidays, as the island has limited rooms relative to demand.

Block Island is filled with quaint gift shops and specialty stores along Water Street and Chapel Street in Old Harbor:

• Chapel Sweets, Chapel St (at Weldons Way). Candy store specializing in fudge and taffy.
• Island Bound Book Store, Water St. Books about Block Island for adults and children.
• Star Department Store, Water St. Old-fashioned general store with clothing, candy, and jewelry.
• Full Moon Tide, 459 Chapel St (tel: +1 401 466-2422). Eclectic housewares, giftware, sportswear, jewelry, and Block Island photographs. Open 10AM-10PM.
• BI T's, Water St (tel: +1 401 466-5977). Block Island and Rhode Island memorabilia.
• The Bird's Nest, Dodge St (tel: +1 401 466-5080). Home décor, curtains, and specialty dinnerware.

• Narragansett (12 mi by ferry to Point Judith, then 15 min drive). Gateway to the ferry and home to beautiful South County beaches.
• Newport (30 mi, ~1 hour drive). Famous Gilded Age mansions and sailing heritage.
• Providence (60 mi, ~1.5 hours). Rhode Island's capital with vibrant arts, dining, and WaterFire festival.
• Mystic, CT (45 mi, ~1 hour). Seaport village with the famous Mystic Seaport museum and aquarium.
• Watch Hill (25 mi by ferry to Point Judith, then 40 min drive). Charming seaside village with a historic carousel and upscale shops.