Sitting just 9 miles from mainland Rhode Island, Block Island is a gorgeous place to visit for a day trip that has amazing beaches, nature trails, a charming downtown, lighthouses, awesome food and a very relaxing atmosphere.
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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.
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.
The Nature Conservancy calls it “One of the 12 Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere.” With gorgeous beaches, sand dunes, bluffs, salt ponds and more, over 40 species of wildlife classified as rare or endangered can be found here. 28 miles of Greenway trails.
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.
Based in Point Judith, (Narragansett), Rhode Island, the Block Island Ferry offers Traditional ferry service, (55 minute voyage) as well as the fastest ferry trip from the mainland on the High speed ferry service, (30 minute cruise).
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.
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 are no fees to enter any beach. All beach parking is free. Block Island and its beaches are extremely dog friendly, so long as they are on a leash.
Being a coastal destination, seafood is the most popular type of food you'll find on the island. Can you walk everywhere on Block Island? The main tourist area is highly walkable, but there are parts of the island you cannot get to unless you rent a bike or moped.
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.
Unfortunately, there are no public campgrounds or designated tent camping areas on Block Island. Camping is not allowed on the beaches or in public parks. If you're looking for beach camping options, you might consider nearby Watch Hill in Rhode Island or Shelter Island in New York.
Q. Is the water on Block Island safe to drink? A. Yes, The water provided by the Block Island Water Company meets or exceeds all Rhode Island Department of Health and E.P.A.