What is so special about Block Island?

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.



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Block Island is a popular summer tourist destination known for its bicycling, hiking, sailing, fishing, and beaches. It is home to the historic lighthouses Block Island North Light, on the northern tip of the island, and Block Island Southeast Light, on the southeastern coast.

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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.

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Approximately 1000 year round residents, 15,000 to 20,000 seasonal visitors a day.

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Block Island was named after Adrian Block, the Dutch navigator who re-discovered the Island in 1614. Sixteen families from the English colony of Massachusetts settled on Block Island in 1661 and in 1664, the Island became part of the English colony of Rhode Island.

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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.

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Unfortunately Block Island real estate is exremely high. Even with the market so low, you still have to pay steep prices for anything on the Block. This is true for most islands simply because there is just so much land.

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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.

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The Sullivan House is a much-admired architectural gem. It was built in 1904 for Col. LU Maltby, the owner of the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia. During WWI, a naval base was established on Block Island to hunt German U-boats and protect the coast.

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Getting Around Block Island As 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.

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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.

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The Block Island Medical Center is a Primary Care Facility providing community health care, able to handle urgent and emergent needs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Although there are very few tourists in the winter months the nine hundred or so year round residents manage to keep active and enjoy the quiet time.

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Luckily for you, a few hotels and rental properties are available for winter stays. You can book a room at the 1661 Inn, the Inn at the Spring House and Avonlea during the off season. Waverly Suite III is also open and pet friendly.

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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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No Lines in the Sand. In a welcome contrast to most of New England's ocean communities, virtually all of Nantucket's 110-mile coastline is free and open to the public—including 80 miles of some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

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