17 Incredible Things To Do On A Block Island Day Trip (2024)

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. I love Block Island for all of these reasons, but mostly because it just has such a unique vibe with some really cool things to do that you can’t find anywhere else, and most of it is free.

Having done both, I can say that a Block Island day trip, as well as a weekend getaway are wonderful trips to consider. In this post, I’m excited to focus on all the best things to do on Block Island for a day trip, and many of these things can also be used to plan a weekend itinerary to make your trip to Block Island worth it.

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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. While there are lots of things to do on Block Island, you can really take your time and slow down for the day to soak up all the beautiful sights and scenery. 

I also think Block Island is one of the best beach towns in New England, so even if you’re just looking for a fun and unique beach day trip, it fits the bill perfectly – especially since all the beaches are free to visit!

17 Best Things To Do On Block Island During A Day Trip

While the island is small, you might not be able to do everything on this list, but you’ll be able to do most everything while on a Block Island day trip, especially if you have a car or rent a moped. So, if you’re looking for ideas on the very best things to do on Block Island, here are 13 incredible things to consider to make Block Island worth visiting.

1. Experience The Mohegan Bluffs

If you only do one thing on your day trip to Block Island, it should absolutely be the Mohegan Bluffs. These are featured on almost any postcard, stock image or website for Block Island, and are the most famous sight on the entire island. To get to Mohegan Bluffs, you’ll need to drive or bike 2 miles from downtown.

The views from the bluffs are absolutely incredible. Be sure to take some time from the top of the staircase, and admire the views from a distance, and then slowly make your way down to the beach to walk along the shore. The staircase is 141 steps long, so be prepared for a bit of a hike to get back up! There will be some light scrambling as you get to the end of the staircase close to the beach, but nothing that most people wouldn’t be able to handle.

The beach itself is a bit rocky, so it’s best to bring some water shoes, or sturdy sandals with you if you’re worried about hurting the bottoms of your feet. But the views of the cliffs from the beach below is absolutely worth the trek down the stairs!

If you drive, there is a small parking lot near the top of the staircase, but it can fill up fast on weekends in the summer. Some people will park along the road, which is also permitted.

2. Explore The Clayhead Trail & Maze (And The Secret Beach!)

Of all the trails to do on a Block Island day trip, this would be the one I would pick. This is a 3.5 mile loop trail that takes you through some of the prettiest scenery on the island, and should take you about 2.5-3 hours to complete.

The Clay Head Trail & Maze is about 3 miles from downtown, and to begin the trail, you’ll want to turn right on Clayhead Trail Road, and follow the dirt road until you reach the small parking area.

Once you’re on the trail, walk for about a quarter to a third of a mile, and you’ll reach an intersection. You’ll have the option to go right to visit a gorgeous beach (a local’s secret where almost no tourists or day trippers go!), or go left to walk along some beautiful bluffs for amazing views. Keep in mind that the beach is pretty rocky, so it’s not ideal for laying around or swimming, but the views are definitely worth it.

Once you reach the top of the trail, you’ll find yourself in The Maze, which is just a series of connected and unmarked paths, and you can choose where you want to go from there. To be honest, I’ve never veered off-course into The Maze, just because I don’t know where these trails lead, but if you’re feeling like an adventure, go for it!

Tip: Poison Ivy is very prevalent on this trail, so be sure to stay on the path. And if you’re allergic (like I am!) come prepared with special soap to wash it off, or better yet, wear sneakers with high socks or pants for this trail. I’ve never gotten it while on this trail, but I always come prepared just in case.

3. Enjoy The Atmosphere At Ballard’s Beach

Ballard’s Beach is a very quick 5-minute walk from the ferry, so if you’re looking to spend most of your Block Island day trip having a fun and exciting beach day, this is a great place to do that.

The beach is free to visit, and you’ll only have to pay if you’d like to rent any beach equipment like lounge chairs or umbrellas. There are even VIP Cabana rental options for larger groups or special occasions. Along the beach you’ll also find multiple Tiki Bars where you can order drinks, and you’ll also have Ballard’s Beach Restaurant on the grounds, where you can grab lunch, small bites or dinner. The restaurant staff will even deliver your food to your beach chairs.

Ballard’s Beach definitely has a party atmosphere, so if you’re looking for a quiet and serene experience, this is not the best place to spend your day. However, if you’re looking for a lively beach atmosphere with tons of amenities, live music and volleyball nets, this is one of the best things to do on Block Island. 

4. Relax At Mansion Beach

Contrary to Ballard’s Beach, Mansion Beach is where to go for a more relaxing beach day during your Block Island Day Trip. Usually less crowded, and known for its bigger waves and long stretch of pristine sandy shoreline, Mansion Beach can be found about 3 miles, or a 10-minute drive, from downtown. 

It’s good to note that there are no facilities at Mansion Beach, including bathrooms. You’ll want to come prepared with anything you’ll need for the day if you plan to spend some time here. Otherwise, as a quick stop, a walk along Mansion Beach is one of the best things to do on Block Island for a day trip. 

5. Hunt For Glass Orbs All Over The Island

Probably one of the coolest things to do in all of New England is the Glass Float Project. Each year, over 500 glass orbs, or floats, are handmade in nearby Wakefield, RI by a local artist named Eben Horton, as well as his wife, Jennifer and the team at his studio. Each glass float is dated and numbered, and hidden around Block Island by volunteers, sometimes called “Orbivores.” 

The floats are hidden on beaches and greenway trails, and are never placed in protected areas of the island such as sand dunes, so be sure not to walk on any forbidden areas to try and find one. Anyone is allowed to search and find them, including tourists and day trippers. If you’re lucky enough to find one during your Block Island day trip, be sure to register it by clicking here, so everyone knows how many have been found thus far in the season, and then you’re free to keep it as the ultimate Block Island souvenir. The hunt for all the floats doesn’t end until they’re all found and registered!

I’ve never found any during my stay, but it’s a goal of mine to find one someday. Wishing you the best of luck during your float hunt!

Hints: Floats are placed between the high tide lines and bluffs on beaches (so they don’t float away!) and not more than a few feet from trails. The floats are usually hidden around early to mid June, so if you come before then, you’ll likely not be able to hunt for any orbs, unless there are some leftover from the previous year.

6. Visit North Light

North Light is one of two lighthouses on the island, and one of the best things to do on a Block Island day trip. Close to the Clayhead Trail, the lighthouse is about 10 minutes from downtown by car, and has a good-sized parking lot. 

To get to the lighthouse, there is about a 1/2 mile walk along a beach involved, so plan your time accordingly. To get to the actual lighthouse, take Corn Neck Road all the way to the end. You’ll run right into a parking area by the water, right before a beach called Cow Cove. You’ll see the lighthouse in the distance, and from there, you’ll begin your walk along the beach to get to the lighthouse.

7. Explore Southeast Lighthouse & Museum

The other lighthouse on Block Island is Southeast Lighthouse, and is located on the other side of the island, close to Mohegan Bluffs. Also offering amazing views of the ocean, this lighthouse has been named a National Historic Landmark, and was built in 1873, but moved to avoid bluff erosion in 1993. 

The lighthouse has an attached museum and gift shop, and in the summer season, tours are given inside the museum, as well as up to the lighthouse tower. There is a fee to take the guided tours, but the lighthouse grounds are free to wander and explore. 

Tip: During the summer, the Southeast Light Delights Food Truck is nearby, offering lobster rolls, grilled cheese and lemonade. Check their Facebook and Instagram page for updates to see if they’ll be around during your Block Island day trip.

8. Explore The Island By Bike, Moped or Car

If you didn’t bring your car over on the ferry, but want flexibility to explore the island on your own time, renting a bike, moped or car is easy from downtown, and is one of the best things to do on Block Island to make your day trip worth it. Island Moped and Bike and Aldo’s Bikes & Moped’s both offer rentals that are less than a 5-minute walk from the ferry.

My very first trip to Block Island, my husband and I rented bikes, and I wasn’t quite prepared for how hilly the island is! Renting bikes was a wonderful experience, but keep in mind that it’ll be a workout. If you’re up for it, this is a great way to see the island. 

If you’re not up for all the hills during a bike ride, a moped is also a great option. The only thing to keep in mind with a moped rental is that many of the dirt roads don’t allow them, and most beaches and trail heads are at the end of dirt roads. You’ll need to park your moped along the side of the main road, and do a bit more walking in these cases. 

And lastly, Aldo’s has Jeeps available to rent for your Block Island day trip, which will allow you both flexibility and access to those dirt roads to get to all the beaches and nature trails. To keep things easy, it’s also an option to bring your own car on the ferry (see later in this post for more information on this option).

9. Walk Around Downtown And Visit The Shops

The downtown area along Main Street is one of the best things to do on Block Island for a day trip, and is also right where the ferries dock, making it really convenient for you to visit.

The downtown is small, but there are some really lovely shops, boutiques and restaurants that will make your day trip to Block Island worth it, and most of it is along the water for a really lovely way to spend your afternoon. See below for some of my favorite shops to visit on the island.

Best Block Island Shopping

If you’re looking to visit the best shops during your Block Island day trip, I’ve got you covered! Below is a list of shops not to missed during your visit:

Mary MacGill – Simple and stunning gemstone jewelry made on the island in an inspiring shop that also has some home goods, artwork and clothing. 

Glass Onion – An adorable little home goods boutique that also sells nice jewelry, apparel and gifts.

Block Island Trading Company – A great place for souvenirs that are nice quality, as well as gifts and unique finds.

Chapel Sweets – A must-stop if you’re looking for an old-fashioned candy shop!

Island Bound Bookstore – A small little bookshop that has a great selection, including fun beach reads and new releases.

You may also like:
My post on the best New England gifts and souvenirs!

10. Go Bird Watching At The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

With over 120 acres of protected land, the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible destination to view over 70 species of migratory birds in the fall season, and an important destination for birds and all wildlife throughout the rest of the year. 

But even if bird-watching isn’t your thing, the Wildlife Refuge is a very peaceful place for nature walks, and strolls along the beach. The adjacent Sachem Pond is also a very scenic place to stop and admire the views. 

11. Sail The Open Waters

If you’re coming to Block Island with a group or family, chartering a sailboat might be something to consider! Through the Block Island Club, you can charter a sailboat and crew for a customized tour around the coast of Block Island. 

The Club encourages you to pack snacks and drinks for your sail, and taking in views of the bluffs from the water will offer an amazing and unforgettable perspective of Block Island. 

To book a charter, you just need to email them directly to get started. 

12. Kayak Through Salt Marshes With Pond & Beyond Kayak

Take an amazing guided eco kayak tour through the Great Salt Pond of Block Island with an island native, and get a chance to see an oyster farm and fiddler crab colony. Corrie, the owner of Pond & Beyond, has volunteered with the Block Island Conservancy and the Committee For The Great Salt Pond, and has won awards and recognition for her conservation efforts. With expert knowledge of the island’s ecosystem and navigating the waters, this is a truly amazing experience to have.

Pond & Beyond offers other guided tours as well, and also just rentals if you’re looking to do a self-guided tour. They also have a restroom on-site, and are able to store your extra backpacks and belongings while you kayak, making the whole experience as easy and stress-free as possible. 

13. Grab Lunch With A View At The Oar

For lunch with a cool atmosphere and an incredible view of the water, head over to The Oar. This is actually my favorite place for lunch on the entire island. The Oar is about a 30-minute walk or a 5 minute drive from downtown, and has amazing, casual-style food and cocktails.

Located inside the 1661 Inn, The Oar also has an awesome outdoor deck, much of which is covered for shade (so it’s a nice break from the sun on a hot day), and has an awesome view the Great Salt Pond and harbor. 

There is a large parking area if you arrive by moped, bike or car.

14. Have A Quiet Moment At The Sacred Labyrinth

Located about 10 minutes from downtown, and near the Clayhead Trail, this little spot is a lovely place for a meditative walk and reflective moment. The Sacred Labyrinth is a circular walking maze without dead-ends that’s meant to slow you down, and allow you to reflect and meditate while walking to the center. Once you reach the center, there’s a place to sit and enjoy the views of the ocean, as well as North Lighthouse and Sachem Pond. It’s a unique and fun thing to do on your Block Island day trip.

15. Walk To The Ocean View Pavillion

Located a short walk from downtown, a hidden little path will take you to the Ocean View Pavilion (and also connects you back down to Ballard’s Beach). The pavilion provides a quiet area to enjoy views of the water from atop a hill, and has some cool sculptures and a community garden. Once you’re up there, be sure to wander for a bit and see what you can find.

This isn’t the most exciting thing to do on the island, but I really enjoy it because it’s never crowded, and often end my Block Island day trip here before heading down to catch the ferry back. To find the trail, you’ll want to walk to Water Street, and go past Calaveras restaurant. It’ll be on your right, and Google Maps also has it marked.

16. Visit The 1661 Exotic Farm & Gardens

Located close to downtown on Spring Street, the 1661 Inn has a free garden and animal petting area, which is a great experience for the kids (or adults, no judgement!). At the animal petting area, they have a llama, camels, kangaroos, lemurs and even a zedonk, which is a zebra/donkey hybrid.

The gardens on the farm are absolutely beautiful, and one of the best things to do on Block Island to support the local sustainable living movement. Enjoy an hour or so walking through the orchards and flowers, and leave feeling connected to nature. The 1661 Inn also uses 95% of food waste throughout their property to use as compost for their gardens.

The Exotic Gardens and Animal Zoo is free for all, but there is a donation box, and all donations go toward their sustainable living efforts, so I highly encourage you to bring some cash for a donation if you’re able.

17. Walk The Breakwaters

There are a few breakwaters accessible from downtown that are fun to walk on. As you get off the ferry downtown, and begin to walk around, you’ll immediately see them. The easiest one to access is right in front of the Block Island Summer House. Look for a small staircase that leads down to the water, and begin your walk.

Another one is located right at Ballard’s Beach, and you can’t miss it once you arrive. This is also a nice little picture spot.

Be sure to have sturdy enough shoes to feel comfortable walking on the breakwater and exercise normal safety precautions.

Things To Do On Block Island At Night

If you decide that the island is just too amazing, and you must stay overnight (it happens!), then there are a few things I couldn’t include on the list for best things to do on a Block Island day trip, but are really cool things to do on the island in the evenings during longer stays. If you’re staying overnight or for a weekend, you can also consider these four options, which are some of the best things to do on Block Island around, or after, sunset.

1. Take A Ghost Tour Of The Island

Take a spooky walking tour with Block Island Ghost Tours because with so much history comes lots of opportunities for ghost stories! In the evenings, take guided walking, driving or even a haunted pub crawl throughout town to learn about the history and spooky lores of the island.

Tours can easily be made online via their website.

Click here to read my post on the best New England ghost tours!

2. Catch The Best Sunset On The Island At Dories Cove

You can see some gorgeous sunsets all over the island, but Dories Cove is regarded as the best sunset on Block Island by locals. This little cove is a secluded beach on the West side of the island, and can be rocky, so it’s not ideal for swimming. But it’s a perfect spot to end your day, and watch the sky fill with beautiful colors as the sun goes down.

3. Have A Beach Fire

Beach fires are allowed at any beach on Block Island with a permit, which you can get at the Police Department on the island. You must stay 25 feet from dunes, have your permit on you at all times, and be done by midnight. Other than that, you’re good to go! So grab some things to make s’mores, and head to the beach to settle in for a night of listening to waves by a crackling fire.

Tip: It’s imperative that you practice leave-no-trace during your beach fire, and be sure to carry everything out with you, including any wrappers or drink containers that may have fallen out of your bags or coolers.

4. Witness The Beautiful Bioluminescence At Great Salt Pond

You don’t have to go to the Maldives to experience the beautiful phenomenon that is bioluminescence, and you can see it right here on Block Island! The downside is that you do have to visit during the month of August when the comb jellies light up the Great Salt Pond. The good news is that if you can, or already planned to visit in August, this will be an unforgettable experience.

Pond & Beyond Kayaks also offers an amazing night time kayak tour during the bioluminescence. If this is something you’re interested in, keep an eye on their website and Instagram page, or reach out to Corrie directly to ask if that tour will be offered during your visit.

How To Spend The Day On Block Island – Suggested Itinerary

To make the most of your time, I’ve created a sample itinerary for you. This itinerary assumes that you will have either a car or moped to get around. If you plan to use a bike to get around, you’ll just need to adjust the timing a bit, since it takes longer to get everywhere on a bike versus a motorized vehicle. I also suggest you take an early ferry (8 or 9a) to the island, and a 6-7p ferry back so that you can really spend a full day here.

Morning: Arrive downtown at the ferry terminal, and head to pick-up your car, bike or moped (if renting). If you brought your car with you on the ferry, you can obviously skip this step. Head over to Mohegan Bluffs, and spend about an hour taking in the views, snapping some photos, and walking the beach.

Tip: If you need to get some breakfast before starting your day, Persephone’s Kitchen is a great option, and does online ordering if you wanted to schedule your order to be ready when you arrive. You can also swing by the Old Post Office Bagel Shop, which is in the same area, and grab some bagels to-go.

From the bluffs, walk over to the nearby Southeast Lighthouse, and spend 30-60 minutes there (depending on if you choose to visit the museum, or do a guided tour to the lighthouse tower).

Late Morning: Stop by the 1661 Exotic Gardens & Animals Zoo on your way back to town from the lighthouse. You’ll only need about 30-60 minutes here (closer to 30 if you just see the animals).

Lunch Time: Drive up to The Oar for lunch, which is about 5 minutes from the zoo.

Afternoon: Drive to Mansion Beach. Stop for about 30 minutes or so to enjoy a nice walk on the beach, and snap some photos. After Mansion Beach, head over to the Clayhead Trail for a scenic walk/hike. You can go as far as you’d like on the trail. The entire trail is about 3.5 miles, and usually takes 1.5-2 hours to complete. Or, you could just walk about halfway to get to the bluffs, take in the views, and backtrack through the trail back to your car.

Late Afternoon: Depending on time, you could stop at the Sacred Labyrinth, since it’s on the way to North Lighthouse. If you’re short on time, I would go straight to the lighthouse, and plan to spend about 60-90 minutes there, to account for the walk there and back.

After the lighthouse, drive about 10-15 minutes back downtown, and drop off your rental. Spend your remaining time exploring the shops downtown, and any sights you’d like to see (Ballard’s Beach is just a few steps from downtown).

Catch your ferry back to the mainland, and enjoy scrolling through your photos, and all the memories you’ve captured on your Block Island day trip!

Can You Drive To Block Island?

No, there is no bridge that connects Block Island to the mainland, so you have to take a ferry to get there. But that adds to the fun of visiting Block Island for a day trip!

How To Get To Block Island

To get to Block Island, you’ll take the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett, RI, which is only about 30 minutes from Newport, RI.

The Block Island Ferry offers two types of service: The Fast Passenger-Only ferry, and the Traditional Ferry, which will accommodate vehicles.

The Fast Ferry option will take 30 minutes to get from Point Judith to Block Island, and the Traditional Ferry option will take 1 hour.

There is also a Block Island Express Ferry from New London, CT, which takes about 1.5 hours to get to Block Island. This ferry does not have an option to bring your car to the island. 

How To Bring Your Car To Block Island

To bring your car with you to Block Island, you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time with Block Island Ferry by calling them directly. Vehicle reservations can’t be made online. When you call, be sure to have them book your passenger ticket, as well as your vehicle ticket. Both will be needed to board the ferry.

Parking At The Point Judith Ferry

There is no official ferry parking lot at Point Judith, but there are tons of lots on Great Island Road, where the ferry terminal is located. Most don’t take online reservations ahead of time, and it’s best to have at least $20 cash with you to pay to park for the day if leaving your car behind. 

I’ve also used SpotHero to pay for parking here ahead of time, and it works really well with an easy-to-use online reservations system.

All parking lots are easily walkable to the Point Judith ferry terminal. 

Should I Bring My Car Or Rent Transportation On Block Island For A Day Trip?

My personal preference is to bring my own car. It is expensive to bring your car on the ferry, and the ride will take an additional 30 minutes, but a car rental on the island will likely cost more in the end anyway. I’ve also rented bikes and a moped to explore the island, and enjoyed both, but prefer driving. That’s just my opinion, and I know people who would rather bike or moped.

If you would prefer to rent bikes or a moped for your Block Island day trip, this will be more cost-effective than bringing your own car to the island. Just be sure you’re aware that mopeds can’t get down the dirt roads to access some beaches and trails.

Best Way To Get Around Block Island

For a day trip to Block Island, the best way to get around is by car. Mopeds are also great, but you won’t be allowed to go down any dirt roads to lead to trailheads or beaches, so keep that mind. Mansion Beach is at the end of a long, dirt road, so with a moped, a lot more walking will be required to visit this beach.

Crescent Beach and Fred Benson Beach have easy parking along a main road, so a moped will easily work to visit these two beaches without any additional walking.

Biking is also a great way to get around the island since it’s pretty small, but keep in mind that the island is actually pretty hilly, and it’ll be a workout! There are some flat areas, but you’ll encounter a lot of hills. 

For those reasons, I always suggest having a car to make your day trip to Block Island worth it, and cover as much ground as you can while having time to go at a leisurely pace. 

Is There Uber or Rideshare On Block Island?

Uber and other rideshare services are not available on Block Island, but there are taxi companies that can get you around if needed. Rondo’s Taxi and Mermaid Cab are two great options available.

What Is There To Do On Block Island Without A Car?

Without a car, bike or moped on Block Island, you’ll be limited on what you can do. While the island is small, if you’re on Block Island for a day trip, you’ll spend most of your time walking rather than actual sightseeing. If you don’t have a car, or don’t wish to rent a car, moped or bike while on the island, you can use the local taxi services to get around.

Many of the taxi companies offer customized tours, which usually lasts between 1-2 hours, and costs between $50-$75 for two people. For this option, you’ll want to reach out to them directly by phone to arrange something, as most of them don’t have websites.

If that’s also not an option for you, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring downtown, and you could also opt to walk to Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse, which would be just under 2 miles one-way. You’ll still get a good feel of the island this way, but I highly suggest having some mode of transportation for the day to make your Block Island day trip worth it.

Free Things To Do On Block Island

One of the best things about Block Island is that most of the sights and attractions are free, which is a stark contrast to most New England summer destinations. If you come to the island with your car, you could spend the entire day here without paying money to see anything on this list. There are no parking fees for the lighthouses, beaches and nature trails, and no entrance fees to most sights and attractions. Below is a list of everything that is free to do on Block Island.

• All beaches and parks (including parking)
• Mohegan Bluffs (including parking)
• North and Southeast lighthouse grounds (there is a fee for a Southeast Light tour)
• Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
• The Sacred Labyrinth
• 1661 Exotic Gardens & Animals
• The Glass Float Project
• Exploring downtown
• Ocean View Pavilion

Best Time To Visit Block Island

The best time to visit is between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. It’s good to know that Block Island is very seasonal, and if you want to visit when all the shops and restaurants are open, you’ll want to visit between these weekends. If visiting outside of these weekends, you’ll run into a good amount of closures, but there will still be some restaurants and shops that are open. 

For this reason, you’ll run into the most crowds between July Fourth and Labor Day, and while parking spots will fill up fast, especially on weekends, I don’t find the island to feel as crowded as places like Newport, RI or Cape Cod. 

I’ve visited in late September, mid-May and peak summer time, and have found the island to be enjoyable each time. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, and don’t mind that certain places may not be open, the two weeks following Labor Day are awesome (a lot more places will start to close down toward the end of September). I’ve also been the weekend before Memorial Day, and things were just starting to open up, but the island was very quiet (a few places were still closed at this time, including The Oar and a few shops).

What Is Block Island Known For?

Block Island is known for its dramatic bluffs, gorgeous beaches and extensive ecosystem which includes the The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, a significant migratory stopping point for over 70 species of young birds, and the Great Salt Pond.

How Big Is Block Island?

Block Island is only about 7 miles long, and 3 miles wide, and the locals will refer to the shape of island as a pork chop.

How Long Does It Take To Go Around Block Island?

Without making any stops, you could drive around the island in about an hour. But of course, there are so many beautiful places to stop, so definitely plan for much longer than that to enjoy all the natural beauty of Block Island.

How Many Beaches Does Block Island Have?

Block Island has 15 beaches and over 17 miles of beautiful shoreline to explore. None of the beaches charge entrance or parking fees, so this is a great destination for summer beach days in New England.

Best Block Island Beaches

With so many options to choose from even on such a small island, it might feel overwhelming to choose what beaches you’d like to visit on your Block Island day trip. Here is a list of my favorites:

Mansion Beach – As mentioned, Mansion Beach has a long stretch of soft sand and beautiful turquoise waters. It also has a very calm and relaxed feel. There are no facilities at this beach.

Crescent Beach – One of the most popular beaches is Crescent Beach. It’s located just outside of downtown, and parking can be found along the road (remember, parking is free for all!). This beach is beautiful, and I really enjoy the walk through the sand dunes to get there from the street. There are no facilities at this beach.

Fred Benson Town Beach – Another popular beach right off Corn Neck Road, and bordering Crescent Beach is Fred Benson Town Beach. It’s equally as beautiful as Crescent Beach, but might be better for families with children, as there are facilities like bathrooms, changing rooms and a snack bar. This beach is also lifeguarded.

What To Pack For A Day Trip To Block Island

For a Block Island day trip, you’ll want to pack light enough that you don’t feel like you’re lugging around too many things all day, but also pack enough that you’ll be comfortable. Below is a list of some things you may want to consider bringing with you for the day.

• A small backpack or tote bag to carry everything (a backpack is better if you plan to rent a moped)
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Refillable water bottle (you can refill at Nicholas Ball Park in downtown!)
• Beach flip flops or sandals for walking on beaches (sturdy enough to walk on rocky shoreline)
• Extra set of clothes (including underwear) and a beach towel if you plan to go swimming at any of the beaches, and especially if you’re planning to spend the day at Ballard’s Beach.
• Driver’s license if you want to rent a moped, car or bike.
• Cash for parking at the ferry, or for a donation if you plan to visit 1661 Exotic Gardens & Animals.
• Binoculars if you want to go bird-watching.

My favorite towels for beach day trips (and in general!) are from Dock & Bay. They’re super lightweight, and take up way less space in your bag than a traditional beach towel. They also repel sand and dry super fast, which makes them perfect for day trips and travel. I would suggest the regular Large size, as opposed to the XL for day trips so that they take up even less space in your bag.

Click here to check out and buy these awesome Dock & Bay towels for your day trip!

Best Restaurants & Places To Eat On Block Island

While I do suggest The Oar as a great place for lunch, the island is full of wonderful places to eat. Below is a list of my suggestions on the best restaurants and places to eat on Block Island.

• Persephone’s Kitchen for coffee and breakfast (they do online ordering if you’d like to have it all ready when you arrive). They have an awesome acai bowl.
• Block Island Oyster Bar & Grille for a casual, but more upscale dining experience with a water view.
• Calaveras is awesome for tacos in a casual setting with a water view. I love their fish tacos.
• Dead Eye Dick’s is great for pub-style/seafood dishes, also with a water view.
• The Ice Cream Place has my favorite ice cream on the island!

Other posts you may find helpful:

• Best Things To Do In Westerly, RI & Watch Hill
• Summer In New England: Best Places To Go & Things To Do!
• Best New England Day Trips
• The Perfect 7 Day New England Road Trip
• The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To Visit
• Gorgeous New England Islands Worth Visiting
• Must-See Towns On The New England Coast

That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do On A Block Island Day Trip

Now that you know all the best things to do on Block Island, you’re ready to plan your own Block Island day trip! If you’re traveling around Rhode Island, this really is a special little place to visit, and a day trip to Block Island is definitely worth your time.