Located just 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is one of New England’s most special destinations, known for its dramatic bluffs, beautiful beaches, scenic walking trails, and relaxed island atmosphere. I’ve been visiting Block Island for many years, both on day trips and longer stays, and it’s a destination I love coming back to for its mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and unique things to do. It’s one of those places that just continues to feel like it’s world’s away, while only being a quick ferry ride from the mainland.
I first came to Block Island over 10 years ago for an anniversary getaway with my husband, and I’ve come back several times since because I just love it that much.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do on Block Island, including the can’t-miss highlights for first-time visitors, as well as local favorites worth adding to your itinerary if you have more than a day. You’ll also find my insider tips for planning your visit, which I’ve learned after my many trips here, where to stay, and the best places to eat – you’ll be able to make the most of your time on the island after reading my guide to Block Island 😊
And with that, let’s get started!
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Can’t-Miss Things To Do On Block Island: Highlights
If you’re coming to the island for a short amount of time, these are the top things I always recommend visitors prioritize when planning their itinerary. These are the most beautiful views, best beaches, and top attractions that you can’t leave the island without seeing.
1. Mohegan Bluffs
One of the most iconic landmarks on the island, Mohegan Bluffs is absolutely worth a place on your itinerary. Rising more than 150 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, these dramatic clay cliffs offer stunning coastal views, making it one of the best places to take photos during your visit.
Once you arrive, you’ll descend the wooden staircase, which has about 140 steps to the beach below. Each step along the way offers a different perspective of the bluffs, and ends at the rocky beach below the cliffs.
You’ll also have the option to walk on the beach once you get to the bottom of the staircase, but keep in mind that it’s not as easy as just stepping off the wood platform. It’s not difficult, but there are a variety of rocks you’ll need to traverse over to get to even terrain on the beach. There’s a rope available that’s been helping people navigate this section for years, but there are several ways to climb over the rocks, depending on your comfort level.
Mohegan Bluffs has a designated parking area that can accommodate about 40 cars, and there’s also a viewing platform offering a different perspective of the area – take a left from the parking lot to reach the viewing platform.
2. Southeast Lighthouse
Just down the street from Mohegan Bluffs is Southeast Lighthouse, one of the two lighthouses you can visit on the island.
Southeast Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark, and is free to visit if you’re just walking around the grounds. It’s also home to an expansive lawn with beautiful ocean views, and in the summer months, has the Southeast Delights food truck, which is perfect for a lunch picnic.
The lighthouse also allows visitors to climb the tower. It’s typically open for tower tours on weekends in the spring and fall season, and daily in the summer. Click here for more information on exact hours.
3. North Lighthouse
While Southeast Lighthouse is beautiful, I do slightly prefer visiting North Light – largely because it’s quite the adventure to get out there, and a more unique experience.
North Light is located at the northern tip, and requires you to walk across a beach, and through sandy paths to reach it. While the tower is never open for tours, the lighthouse does have a seasonal museum that you can visit. It’s open on weekends in the spring and fall, and daily in the summer.
If you have time, I also suggest walking along the beach at North Light. There are usually lots of seals swimming by, and often a large group of them sunbathing at the very tip of the beach. It’s important to admire these cuties from a distance if you see them on the beach, and keep a safe distance so you’re not disturbing their natural behaviors.
To reach North Light, you’ll head north on Corn Neck Road until it ends, and then park at the lot. From there, you’ll be exploring by foot. You can see the lighthouse from a distance once you park if you’re not up for the walk (or short on time), so either way, it’s worth the drive up to enjoy the views.
4. Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is the most popular and easy to visit stretch of coastline on the island, and for that reason, most people will plan their beach days here when visiting. Especially if you’re just coming for the day or a quick trip.
The good thing to know about Crescent Beach is that it’s one large beach that’s broken up into small sub-beaches, each with their own names. This happened naturally over time so locals could more easily pinpoint what stretch of beach you were referring to, as Crescent is actually about 2.5 miles long.
So, for example, there’s Surf Beach, which is located right in the main town area. Then you could go as far north as Mansion Beach, which requires a bike or car to get to.
Generally, the further north you go on Crescent, the prettier the beaches get. But you could easily start in town at Surf Beach, and walk for quite a ways on the shoreline to get a feel for the different sections.
5. Clay Head Preserve
This trail is one of the many trails in the Greenway system on the island, and probably the most popular – but, for very good reason. Starting at a beautiful beach, you’ll enjoy beautiful coastal views along the way with bluff overlooks, small ponds, and wooded areas.
Clayhead is also a pretty easy trail with minimal incline, making it a great option for all skill levels. It’s 3.4 miles out-and-back, but you can also head into “the maze,” which you’ll see along the trail. These are little add-on sections that veer of the main trail, and add more time to your walk. These trails aren’t as well-marked, but it’s a great way to turn this more into an adventure if you have the time.
A few important things to know about this trail:
→ There’s poison ivy on the trail. If you stick to the main path, you should be fine. But the trail can be narrow in some parts, so if you’re worried about exposure, it’s a good idea to wear high socks and sneakers.
→ This trail also usually has a lot of ticks, especially in the spring season. You’ll want to do a thorough tick check once you’re done.
→ To reach the parking lot for the trailhead, you’ll drive down a bumpy dirt road, and mopeds are not allowed.
6. Old Harbor
Old Harbor is the main downtown area of the island where you’ll find the majority of the shops, restaurants, and hotels. This is also where the ferry terminals are.
While it’s not a large area, it’s a great part of the island that’s an absolute must when visiting. There are some cute little shops, great places to eat, an ice cream place, and easy access to Ballards Beach, which is known as the party beach on the island with cabanas and wait service.
A few of my favorite shops in Old Harbor:
→ Glass Onion, which may have the most whimsical vibe of all the shops on the island.
→ Star Department Store, which is a typical souvenir shop, but has the largest selection.
→ Wave, which has some more unique Block Island apparel and designs than the typical souvenir shops.
→ Lazy Fish, which is a unique gift shop.
→ Beachcomber, which also has some more unique designs for t-shirts and such.
→ Mary MacGill, which is a very small little shops selling upscale clothing and handmade jewelry pieces.
7. Lunch Or Drinks At The Oar
One of the most well-known waterfront dining spots on the island is The Oar, and there’s a good reason for that. Not only do they have a large outdoor dining section on the lawn overlooking Great Salt Pond with picnic tables and water-facing chairs, but they also have a covered deck with water views, and a really fun vibe.
Known for their mudslides, which are a must on the island (just ask anyone!), as well as their sushi, all the food here is actually really great, too. My standard here is a mudslide and a lobster roll, but my husband has had a lot of their vegetarian sushi, and he loves it.
What makes The Oar extra special is its collection of thousands of hand-painted oars hanging throughout the restaurant. Visitors leave their own decorated oars behind as a tradition, creating a colorful display that serves as a visual guestbook and a record of the generations of travelers who have visited Block Island.
Anyone can a decorated oar it to hang at the restaurant with all the others – just keep in mind they’re only accepting oars at this time, not paddles. Because there are now so many oars hanging throughout the property, finding your own on a return visit can become a bit of a treasure hunt, which adds to the fun.
8. Hunt For Glass Orbs
From oars to orbs, and guys, this feature about the island is actually a real-life scavenger hunt! One of the most unique experiences in New England is the Glass Float Project on Block Island. Each year, starting the first full weekend in June, over 550 glass orbs, modeled after Japanese fishing floats, are hidden around the island. Each one is etched with the year and a number, and if you find it, you get to keep it.
The project began in 2011 when glassblower and artist Eben Horton was looking for a reason to visit Block Island more often while also creating something special for the local community. The tradition quickly took off, and today Horton and his wife, Jennifer Nauck, continue the tradition all these years later.
Some people even plan their entire trip around looking for orbs, hoping to find one. While I’ve never personally found one yet, it’s important to remember that it’s all about the journey and the fun of the hunt.
Most of the orbs are hidden away on the greenway trails, plus a few other locations around the island. They’re usually tucked away just out of sight, so you really do need to look for them. If you find it, they ask that you register it here so they know it’s been found. There are still orbs out there from past years, too, so you may even find an older one.
It’s also important to note that they ask if you happen to find two orbs in one year, to please only keep one so that someone else has a chance to find it.
Happy hunting!
More Things To Do On Block Island: Local Favorites
Have more time on the island during a longer getaway? The rest of this list is for you! Here’s what I recommend you do after you’ve seen all the top highlights, and are looking to explore more of the island.
9. Kayak Around Great Salt Pond
Kayaking on Great Salt Pond is one of the best ways to experience Block Island from the water. This large saltwater lagoon sits at the center of the island, and is connected to the ocean via a manmade channel, providing calm conditions that are ideal for paddling.
Along the way, you’ll pass marinas, waterfront homes, boats, and scenic shoreline views that are difficult to see from land. Popular places like The Oar and Dead Eye Dick’s restaurant are located on the pond, too, and it’s one of the prettiest places to see on the island.
10. Stay For An Incredible Sunset
The entire western coast of Block Island offers stunning sunsets, so if you’re able to stay for one, it’s definitely worth the effort.
Pretty much any beach on the west side is perfect for sunset viewing, but some popular ones include Dories Cove, Grace’s Cove, and Charlestown Beach. Just keep in mind that Charlestown Beach doesn’t have parking right at the beach. You’ll have to drive a bit further down the road to park at the Coast Guard, and then walk another 10 mins back to the beach. That said, Charlestown is a wonderful gem on the island, and has sandy shoreline, which is unique to the western beaches.
11. Explore The Greenway Walking Trails
I already mentioned Clay Head Preserve, which is part of the Greenway Trail System, but the entire system actually has at least 10 trails spanning over 28 miles. For a small island, that’s actually quite a bit of terrain to cover!
My second favorite trail on the island is Rodman’s Hollow, which is a 230-acre glacial depression with rolling hills, and beautiful coastal scenery. There are a few different trails here to choose from, one of which brings you to Black Rock Beach. Since this beach is only accessible via the trails system, it’s hardly ever crowded.
But many of the trails within the Greenway are awesome, and worth your time.
12. Visit The Sacred Labyrinth
Another unique spot on the island, this meditative maze was created by Barbara MacDougall, a former chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was kind enough to share it with the public, and it’s now one of the most beloved things on the island.
The Labyrinth is a circular maze that’s easy enough to follow, and intended to walk while allowing your mind to slow down and relax. Once you reach the center, you’ll find your way back out, and the goal is you walk away feeling more centered, relaxed, and in touch with nature. Outside of the Labyrinth, you’ll also find some lovely coastal views to enjoy after your meditative walk.
13. Explore The Rest Of The Island’s Beaches
There are miles of beaches to explore on the island, and while Crescent Beach, including all its smaller beaches, are the most popular, there are some more fun ones to explore, too.
One of which is Ballard’s Beach, which, as mentioned previously, is where to go if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere. This beach is about a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal in town, and you can rent cabanas, order food and drinks, or just bring a towel and relax without any of the bells and whistles.
Psst! I have a full guide on Block Island’s best beaches coming soon! Stay tuned 😉
14. Enjoy The Views From Ocean View Pavilion
Located right in Old Harbor, there’s a hidden path that takes you to a pavilion with sweeping panoramic views of the ocean and harbor.
To find this spot, head to the Ocean View Trailhead, which will come up in Google Maps. It’s just steps from Island Bound Bookshop in Old Harbor. You’ll head up a minimally steep path to the overlook, which has the covered pavilion, offering a nice escape from the sun.
There aren’t usually a lot of people up there, and it’s often a peaceful spot. While the views aren’t as amazing as places like Clay Head, if you have the time, it’s worth the quick excursion.
Plus, on your way up, be sure to look down at the stepping stones – you’ll find some whimsical little details on them 😉
15. Visit The 1661 Inn Farm & Gardens
The 1661 Resort is my personal favorite place to stay on the island, but it’s also home to a farm and gardens that are open to the public.
The farm is home to a variety of animals, including a camel, chickens, emu, llamas, lemurs, and more. But it’s most famous animal resident is the zedonk, which is a donkey and zebra hybrid, and is extremely rare. The little zoo is free to visit, and you can simply walk up to the gates and watch the animals.
Near the zoo, you’ll also see the resort’s gardens, and while they’re fenced in, during growing season, it’s really cool to see what they’re harvesting.
16. Grab An Ice Cream Or Popsicle
There are a few places around the island to get ice cream, so when that craving hits on a warm summer day, you’re covered.
The best place is the Ice Cream Place right in Old Harbor, steps from the ferry. This shop has been around since the late 1970s, serving up their homemade ice cream and baked goods. They always have a large flavor selection, and while the lines can get long during peak season – it’s worth the wait.
Also on the island, you can swing into Aldo’s for ice cream, which is right across the street from the Ice Cream Place, and is home to a large store that serves a lot of different things – coffee, baked goods, candy, etc.
Then there’s Dip’s Scoop Shack, located outside of town by Payne’s Dock, making it the best place to stop if you have dinner at The Oar or Dead Eye Dick’s.
Lastly, there’s also Blocksicle, a cute little spot in town that serves homemade popsicles, which are the perfect afternoon treat when it’s really hot outside, but you want something lighter than ice cream.
17. Get Drinks At The Spring House
The Spring House is a popular spot on the island for drinks, and there’s a very good reason for that. This historic hotel has a huge wrap-around covered porch with a beautiful bar, and also Adirondack chairs in their lawn – all of which offers a view of the ocean.
Walkable from town, this is such a great spot for pre-dinner drinks on a nice summer night. It does tend to get crowded, but if you’re able to find a spot, I think the drinks are worth it. Just be prepared that the prices reflect the view, so come ready to pay higher prices.
18. Dine At The Island’s Incredible Restaurants
There are so many amazing places to eat on the island. Here’s my breakdown of what’s worth your time:
The Oar: Already talked about this one, so we’ll move on 😂
Dead Eye Dick’s: Located a few minutes from The Oar, they also have a deck right on Great Salt Pond, awesome food, and a fun tavern vibe. It’s great for both lunch and dinner.
Persephone’s: A great little breakfast spot in town. It’s popular, but the food and drinks are worth the wait. They used to offer online ordering, but now only do call-head. And, they charge a service fee call-head orders. So, it’s usually best to just get in line.
Coffee & Cocktails: We happened upon this place while walking in town during a recent visit, and decided to order some iced lattes. They were so good! It’s located inside the Block Island Beach Hotel, and you can also take your drinks to their back deck overlooking the ocean.
Hotel Manisses: This is a great spot for both lunch and dinner. They have an outdoor patio that feels so whimsical, but they also offer outdoor seating. I recommend lunch here with drinks and their cheese plate in the garden.
The Atlantic Inn: For an upscale dinner, this is my top recommendation. The dining room is beautiful, and the food is even better. Our entire experience here was so memorable, and it’s a hard place to beat when visiting. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, go here.
Spring House Hotel: I hesitate putting this on my recommended dining list because the food isn’t the best on the island. That said, the service is fantastic, and honestly, dining on their covered porch overlooking the ocean really is such a wonderful experience. I don’t think the quality of the food matches their prices, but again, you pay for the experience and views, too. So, I do recommend it, with caveats. For example, I ordered the salmon, and it was a little dry, which is a strange way to prepare salmon at a more upscale restaurant. The food definitely isn’t bad – it’s one of those things you may have to see for yourself.
Where To Stay On Block Island
This remains my favorite place I’ve ever stayed at on the island. They have a few different buildings within their resort, and I most recently stayed at their Eureka Hotel, which was so impressive. Resort guests get a discount at their champagne breakfast, which includes unlimited mimosas, too!
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the 1661 Resort
This is a more traditional, but elevated, hotel experience on the island. Perched on the highest hill in Old Harbor, the hotel recently got a renovation that perfectly balances modern comforts with its historic character. Rooms here are small and basic (no TVs, for example), but the the hotel was outfitted with air conditioning during the recent renovation, and the bathrooms are modern. The restaurant here is also one of my favorites on the island, and their bar serves amazing cocktails.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Atlantic Inn
While the two previous hotels are walkable to town, the BI Beach House is located right in the heart of town. In fact, it’ll take you 5 minutes or less to walk there from the ferry. This is a more modern hotel experience with a boho vibe that’s located right on Surf Beach. The hotel has on-site beach dining and a great little coffee shop in the lobby.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Block Island Beach House
Visiting Block Island – Answering Your Questions
Is Block Island Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s one of my favorite places in New England. Despite its size, it has so many fun and memorable things to do, and is home to stunning beaches, coastal charm, wonderful hotels, amazing restaurants, and breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for both day trips and longer getaways, too. Once you arrive, and experience the island’s charm for yourself, you’ll understand its appeal.
Is Block Island Walkable?
Yes and no. As mentioned, it’s a small island, but it’s just big enough that you really do need a bike or car to get around and see all the sights. Old Harbor, the historic town center, is very walkable, and this is also where the ferry drops you off. However, to get to places like Mohegan Bluffs, the lighthouses, most of the beaches, and Clay Head Preserve, you’ll need a bike or car (or a taxi).
Best Time To Visit Block Island
Block Island is very seasonal. While there is a year-round population of about 1,000 residents, the vast majority of businesses are only open seasonally. In fact, it’s one of the most seasonal places I’ve experienced in New England. Therefore, most people choose to visit between late June and September.
July and August are the busiest and most crowded times to visit the island, but you’ll have the best weather for visiting the beaches and such. Personally, I really like to visit in early June and mid September after Labor Day. The weather is still usually very nice, but you’ll experience fewer crowds, and most businesses are open during this time.
Most businesses on Block Island will open for the season around Memorial Day, and close toward the end of September and early October. The first time I ever went to the island was end of September, and a few places we wanted to eat at had already closed for the season. I’ve also been in mid May, and some places hadn’t opened for the season yet. That said, I’ve also been in early to mid June, and some places weren’t operating at full summer hours yet. For example, we wanted to have lunch at one of the hotels around June 10th, and when we walked in, they weren’t serving lunch for the season yet “because it’s still so early.” That made me laugh, but I totally get it!
Is Block Island Expensive?
Yes, much like any island in New England in the summer, it will be expensive to stay at a hotel. Because their tourist season is so short, they have to charge enough when they are open to compensate. That said, I don’t find it to be more expensive than, say, Nantucket in the summer. Food and drink prices are also slightly higher because you’re on an island.
On the flip side, though, ferry tickets are very reasonable, even if you bring your car over (compared to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard ferry prices), and all the beaches are free to park at.
Tips For Planning Your Block Island Trip
→ Book in advance. Since the island is so seasonal, ferries and hotels book up very fast, especially for July & August dates. I’ve tried to book last-minute day trips and such myself, and the slow car ferries have been sold out – even on weekdays. I recommend booking hotels 4-6 months out if you can, and your ferry at least 2-3 months in advance if you’re bringing your car – the passenger-only quick ferries usually don’t sell out quite as far in advance. For dining reservations, I’d make these 2-4 weeks in advance, depending on how popular the restaurant is.
→ Cell service is generally okay on the island, but it’s a good idea to offline Google Maps to your phone, as you will likely lose service at some point while exploring the island. This happens to me mostly by the water, and the further out I go from town center.
→ If you’re planning to visit beaches during your visit, check with your accommodations to see what beach gear they have available, and then plan accordingly. Some places will provide beach chairs and umbrellas, whereas others may direct you to local businesses where you can rent these. It’s much easier to rent all this on the island, versus bringing it on the ferry with you.
More posts you may find helpful:
That’s A Wrap On The Top Things To Do On Block Island
And there you have it! My ultimate guide on the best things to do on Block Island, plus everything you need to know before you plan your trip. This island really is such a special destination, and between the beaches, gorgeous hotels, stunning views, and the fun island traditions, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way once you arrive. Happy planning!
