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.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Block Island is doable as a day trip, but two days would be more fun and more relaxing. You may have trouble renting a hotel for one night on a weekend, as many are 2 night minimum. There are several bike rentals within a 5 minute walk of the ferry dock. They are about $25 a day for a decent 5-15 speed bike.
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.
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.
Block Island Sound BIS, which has a mean depth of about 40 meters, has features common to both a tidal estuary and the offshore waters of the Continental Shelf.
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.
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.
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.