Mind you – nothing is fancy on Block – it's a casual relaxed resort vibe across the isle with a very short season – May to Columbus Day.
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Think food and drinks overlooking the ocean, boutique-lined streets, spectacular natural sights and some of the most unspoiled white sand beaches in the country. Hop on a bike or moped and get exploring charming streets, dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches and pristine nature trails.
Getting Around Block IslandAs mentioned, it's not necessary to bring a vehicle. The island is highly walkable and bikeable, and you can either bring your own bicycle or rent one on the island. Mopeds are also available for rent on the island and a fun way to zip around to its beaches, cliffs, and lighthouses.
There is more to Block Island than gorgeous beaches. With more than 50 stores and specialty shops, and numerous art galleries, Block Island offers a diverse shopping experience. The Island's plentiful shops offer casual souvenirs as well as unique gifts from around the world and antiques.
Block Island is very casual, much more so than Nantucket. It does not have the same refined architecture and cobblestone streets as Nantucket but Block Island has a lovely Victorian front street facing the Old Harbor and the ocean. Block Island is smaller, with only one town and two harbors, Old Harbor and New Harbor.
This happy humble island also calls itself the “Bermuda of the North.” Block Island is cool, casual, fun, relaxed, and beautiful to explore for a few days.
The summer retreat's reputation for partying, not its natural beauty, came to the fore in August after fights broke out at a free music festival at Ballard's Beach Resort and, later that same night, on the Block Island Ferry.
Additionally, you may want to bring a bathing suit, a change of clothes, lots of sunscreens, a camera, some cash or credit card, and your bikes if you are choosing to bike the island rather then rent mopeds. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing as it will be a long day filled with lots of activities.
From July 4th to Labor Day, especially on weekends, Block Island is extremely crowded. If you plan to visit in the height of summer, do so during the week in order to enjoy all the island has to offer without fighting the crowds that daytrip by ferry on weekends.
Block Island has a vast array of specialty shops to satisfy even the most seasoned shopper. You will find everything from magnets to pottery and everything in between.
Dorry's Cove is a black-sand beach. It is small and generally uncrowded, with nice sunset views of Long Island. The waters are usually calm and access is easy, making this an excellent beach for swimming and snorkeling, and for picnics! Hike northward and you will approach a second cove, Grace's Cove.
Cars are allowed on the island, but roads are narrow, winding, and without shoulders, and drivers must contend with runners and flocks of bicycles and mopeds. Unless your party includes people with mobility problems or small children, we recommend leaving your car on the mainland and joining the two-wheelers.
Is Block Island Worth A Day Trip? Block Island is most definitely worth a day trip. With ferry crossings only taking 30-60 minutes, it's an enjoyable day trip to take from the Newport/Narragansett area. And with the island being relatively small, it's very easy to see most of it in just one day.
The passenger/vehicle ferry M.V. BLOCK ISLAND and our High-Speed ferries M.V. ATHENA and M.V. ISLANDER provide the easiest boarding access, as well as access to restrooms, and all other amenities available aboard our vessels.
Block Island is a summer destination. The peak season runs from Mid-June to Labor Day, but it would also be nice to visit either end of the season – in May or September.