13 Things to Do in Block Island, Rhode Island You'll Actually Want to Save
- Rey Eleuterio
- May 1
- 14 min read
If you've ever stared at a Rhode Island map and skipped over that little pork-chop-shaped dot offshore, you're missing one of the prettiest islands in New England. Block Island sits about 12 miles off the coast, and it feels like you traveled a lot farther than that.
There are no traffic lights. No chain stores screaming at you. Just bluffs, beaches, lighthouses, and a downtown that looks frozen in the best way.
Most folks come over for a quick day trip and end up wishing they'd booked a room. The island is small enough to see in a day on a bike, but packed with enough good stops that you'll want to come back.
Some of the best things to do in Block Island are the ones nobody puts on a postcard, and those are the spots worth chasing first.
Key Takeaways
Block Island is a small offshore island in Rhode Island, reachable by ferry from Point Judith, Newport, New London, or Montauk. The biggest highlights are Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse, and the quiet beaches along the east coast. You can see the main stops in one day by bike, moped, or rental car. Old Harbor is the heart of town and where most ferries dock.
Stop | Area | What It's Best For |
North Light | North end | Lighthouse views, seal spotting |
Settlers' Rock | Sandy Point | Quiet history, beach walk |
Clay Head Trail | Northeast | Hiking, ocean cliffs |
Mansion Beach | East side | Quiet swim, soft sand |
Crescent Beach | East side | Family-friendly swimming |
Andy's Way | West side | Clamming, sunsets |
Old Harbor | Town center | Shops, food, ferry hub |
1661 Inn Farm & Garden | Town center | Kids, animals |
Empire Theatre | Town center | Rainy day, classic movies |
Rodman's Hollow | South end | Hiking, bird-watching |
Mohegan Bluffs | Southeast | Cliff views, the famous staircase |
Southeast Lighthouse | Southeast | History, photo stop |
Ballard's Beach | South of Old Harbor | Drinks, live music, sand |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Crescent Beach, 1661 Inn Farm & Garden, Empire Theatre
Best for charm and history: Southeast Lighthouse, North Light, Settlers' Rock
Best budget-friendly: Mohegan Bluffs, Rodman's Hollow, Old Harbor stroll
Best food and drink stop: Ballard's Beach, Old Harbor restaurants
Best for couples: Mansion Beach, Andy's Way at sunset, Clay Head Trail
Wayback Tours helps you save the spots you actually want to remember, so your next trip out here doesn't start with a frantic Google search at the ferry terminal.
Getting to Block Island
You can't drive to Block Island. You either fly in on a small commuter plane or, more likely, hop a ferry. The ferries make this trip easy, and the ride itself is half the fun.
The main ferry leaves from Point Judith in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The traditional ferry runs year-round and takes about 55 minutes. The high-speed ferry runs from mid-May through mid-October and gets you there in roughly 30 minutes. Point Judith is the only ferry that takes vehicles, and you need a reservation for that.
Other options include:
Newport, RI: Seasonal high-speed ferry, about an hour
New London, CT: High-speed ferry, just over an hour
Montauk, NY: Viking Fast Ferry, around an hour, summer only
Orient Point, NY: Direct seasonal service to Block Island
If you're already road-tripping the coast, pair Block Island with stops in Newport or Narragansett for an easy weekend.
The takeaway: Pick your ferry based on where you're coming from, and book early in summer because spots fill up fast.
Best Time to Visit Block Island
Block Island has a different feel in every season, and there's no wrong time to go. It just depends on what you want.
Summer (June through August) is peak season. Beaches are open, every shop and restaurant is humming, and the water is warm enough to swim. It's also the most crowded and the most expensive. If you're looking at block island things to do in june or planning around July, book your ferry and lodging weeks ahead.
Spring (May) is quiet and fresh. Wildflowers come out, the trails clear up, and you can have Mohegan Bluffs almost to yourself. Things to do on block island in may lean toward hiking, biking, and shop-hopping rather than swimming.
Fall (September and October) might be the sweet spot. Crowds thin out, the light gets golden, and the weather still holds. Block island things to do in august spill into a beautiful September, and October brings cooler air and stunning coastal hikes.
Winter (November through March) is for solitude seekers. Most shops close, ferry service drops to the Point Judith run only, and the island goes quiet. A handful of inns, restaurants, and shops stay open. If you want things to do on block island in winter, think long walks, windswept bluffs, and zero crowds.
Fun Fact:
Block Island is said to be named after Dutch navigator Adriaen Block, who mapped the area in the early 1600s.
The takeaway: Summer is for swimming and energy, fall is for peace and views, and winter is for the dreamers who want it all to themselves.
Top 13 Things to Do in Block Island, Rhode
Here are the stops worth your time, laid out in a loose loop you can ride or drive in a day. We're starting at the north end and working our way south, ending near Old Harbor where the ferries come in.
1. North Light
Tucked at the very tip of the island, the North Light is a granite tower that has stood since 1867. It's quiet, windy, and feels miles away from the rest of the world.
Why this one stands out: You walk along a sandy path through dunes to get there, and you'll often spot seals lounging on the rocks. The lighthouse itself houses a small maritime museum, and the views back toward the ocean are some of the best on the island. It's a longer walk than you'd think, so plan accordingly.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Sandy Point, north tip of the island
Cost: Free to walk the grounds; small fee for the museum
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours including the walk
Bring water, sunscreen, and good shoes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you like quiet, wide-open coastline and don't mind a bit of a hike. Best for nature lovers and history fans.
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you don't want to forget, perfect for planning future trips.
2. Settlers' Rock & Sandy Point
Right near North Light, you'll find Settlers' Rock, a small monument marking where the original European settlers came ashore in 1661. It's a short stop, but the area around it is beautiful.
Don't skip this if you like: quiet beaches, history, and places that feel off the radar. Sandy Point itself stretches out into the water and is a great spot for a slow walk or a picnic. Birders love this end of the island too.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: End of Corn Neck Road, by the parking area for North Light
Cost: Free
Time needed: 30 minutes
No facilities, so plan ahead
Worth it or skip it? Worth it as a pairing with North Light. Best for history buffs and anyone wanting a quiet stretch of beach.
Pin this one to your list so you don't drive past the marker without stopping
3. Clay Head Trail and the Maze
A network of short trails along the northeast coast that wind through low brush, open fields, and views of the ocean. The Maze is exactly what it sounds like, a tangle of small footpaths that branch off the main trail.
The quick pitch: This is one of the prettiest hikes on the island, and you can make it as long or short as you want. Clay Head sits on cliffs over the ocean, and the trails are easy enough for kids but interesting enough to keep adults wandering for an hour or two.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Trailhead off Corn Neck Road, parking is limited
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Bring bug spray in summer
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Best for hikers, photographers, and anyone who likes getting a little lost on purpose.
Save this one for the next time you want a real walk, not just a stroll
4. Mansion Beach
Named after a mansion that once stood here and burned down long ago, this beach is one of the loveliest on the island. Soft white sand, calm water, and far fewer people than the bigger spots.
Why it's worth stopping: It feels like a secret, even when it's busy. The road in is a sandy track, which keeps the casual drop-by crowd to a minimum. You'll find space to spread out, and the swimming is excellent in summer.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Mansion Road, off Corn Neck Road
Cost: Free
Time needed: 2 hours or all day
No lifeguards, no facilities
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Best for couples, quiet beach lovers, and anyone tired of crowded sand.
Tuck this one away for the next sunny afternoon you have free
5. Crescent Beach
The longest stretch of beach on the island, running along the east coast for nearly three miles. This is the main swimming beach, and the section closest to Old Harbor is the easiest to access on foot.
What makes this stop different: Crescent Beach has it all in one strip. Some sections are lifeguarded and family-packed, others are quieter and feel almost empty. You can walk the whole thing if you want, ducking in and out of the water as you go.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: East coast, accessible from multiple points along Corn Neck Road
Cost: Free
Time needed: 2 hours minimum
Lifeguards and bathrooms available at certain access points
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Best for families, casual swimmers, and anyone who wants a classic New England beach day.
Save this for that day when you just want to lay around and not think
6. Andy's Way
A protected salt pond beach on the west side of the island, known for clamming, paddleboarding, and some of the best sunsets you'll ever see.
The quick pitch: It's calm, shallow, and quiet. Locals come here to dig clams in the muck, kids splash around in water that barely comes up to their knees, and at sunset the whole place glows pink. If you have a paddleboard or want to rent one, this is the spot.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Off West Side Road, follow signs to the parking area
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Bring water shoes if you plan to clam
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you have time. Best for sunset chasers, families with little kids, and anyone curious about clamming.
Add this to your bucket list and aim for golden hour
7. Old Harbor & Water Street
The heart of Block Island. Old Harbor is where the main ferry docks, and Water Street is the row of shops, restaurants, and old hotels that runs along the waterfront.
Why this one stands out: Old Harbor still feels like a Victorian seaside town. Big white hotels with wraparound porches, salt-faded shingles, hanging flower baskets, the works. You can wander for an hour easily, ducking into bookstores, surf shops, and ice cream spots. Pair this with a quick detour for things to do in Providence on your way back to the mainland for a fuller Rhode Island weekend.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Center of New Shoreham, walking distance from the ferry
Cost: Free to wander
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours depending on shopping and eating
Most shops are open May through October
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Best for everyone, since you'll likely pass through here anyway.
Building a New England trip? Wayback Tours lets you save your favorite stops and string them together so you're not juggling six tabs and a notes app.
8. The 1661 Inn Farm & Garden
A small farm tucked behind a historic inn, with goats, llamas, alpacas, emus, and even a few exotic animals like a zedonk. Free to walk through, and the kids will go nuts.
Don't skip this if you like: unexpected stops, animals, and finding things that don't fit anywhere else on a typical itinerary. The garden views over the ocean are gorgeous, and you can wander the grounds even if you're not staying at the inn.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Spring Street, just up from Old Harbor
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Open seasonally
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Best for things to do in block island for kids and adults who secretly love petting zoos.
Save this stop for your next visit with the family
9. Empire Theatre
A small old-school movie theater in the heart of Old Harbor that has been running for over a century. Step inside and it feels like 1950 in the best way.
The quick pitch: It's the kind of place where you can grab a tub of popcorn, settle into a creaky seat, and catch a movie on a rainy afternoon. If you're looking for things to do on block island in the rain, this is one of the easiest answers.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Water Street, Old Harbor
Cost: Standard movie ticket prices
Time needed: 2 hours for a film
Open seasonally; check the schedule
Worth it or skip it? Worth it on a rainy day. Best for couples, families, and anyone who appreciates an old theater.
Bookmark this one for the day the weather turns on you
10. Rodman's Hollow
A glacial valley on the south end of the island, protected as a wildlife refuge. Trails wind down through brush and scrub to dramatic ocean cliffs.
Why it's worth stopping: This place feels older than the rest of the island. Quiet, untouched, and a little wild. It's a great hike, especially in spring and fall when birds are migrating. You'll often hear nothing but wind and the distant ocean.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Off Black Rock Road, south end
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Wear sturdy shoes, the trails get rocky
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you like hiking. Best for nature lovers and folks who want to escape the beach crowd.
Save this one for a quieter morning on the island
Fun Fact:
A large portion of Block Island is widely considered one of the most protected stretches of land on the East Coast, with conservation groups long working to keep it undeveloped.
11. Mohegan Bluffs
The most photographed spot on the island, and for good reason. Towering clay cliffs that rise about 200 feet above the Atlantic, with a long wooden staircase down to a rocky beach below.
What makes this stop different: You earn the view here. There are roughly 140 steps down, and the same 140 back up. The beach below is rugged and beautiful, and the cliff-top overlook is jaw-dropping. The bluffs are said to be named after a 16th-century battle between Native American tribes, and the history adds weight to the place.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Mohegan Trail, southeast end of the island
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
The staircase is steep; not great for anyone with mobility issues
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, no question. Best for everyone who can handle the stairs.
This is the one you'll want to remember, save it now
12. Southeast Lighthouse
Sitting right at the top of Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse is one of the most striking lighthouses in New England. Red brick, Gothic Revival design, and a story that involves moving the entire 2,000-ton building back from the cliff edge in 1993 because the bluffs were eroding.
The quick pitch: It was built in 1875, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997, and still works as an active aid to navigation. Tower tours are offered in summer, and the view from the top is something else.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Spring Street and Mohegan Trail, southeast end
Cost: Grounds free; tower tour fee in summer
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Tours run late June through Labor Day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. Best for history buffs, photographers, and anyone already at Mohegan Bluffs.
Stack this with the bluffs and save them together
13. Ballard's Beach
A legendary beach club just south of Old Harbor with a sandy beach, oceanfront restaurant, tiki bars, and live music. Loud, fun, and very Block Island in summer.
Why it's worth stopping: Ballard's has a reputation for being a party scene, and that's mostly true on weekend afternoons. But it's also a fully usable beach with chairs, cabanas, and food service. If you're going for the scene or just a beach day with your toes in the sand, it works either way.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Ballard's Way, just south of Old Harbor
Cost: Free beach access; food and drinks at restaurant prices
Time needed: 2 hours or all afternoon
Live music most weekends in summer
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for the experience. Best for groups, couples on a fun day out, and anyone who wants their beach day to come with a cocktail.
Save this stop for a sunny weekend afternoon
Tips for a Smooth Visit
A few things that make any block island day trip go more smoothly.
Getting around: The island is small, just under seven square miles. Most people rent bikes, mopeds, or e-bikes near the ferry. Taxis are available, and a few rental cars exist if you didn't bring your own. Walking everywhere is doable but slow.
What to pack:
Layers, because it gets windy at the bluffs
Sunscreen and water
Cash for small shops that prefer it
Sneakers if you plan to hike
Where to eat: Old Harbor has the densest food options, from quick lunch spots to fancier dinners. Ballard's is great for a beach day. Aldo's, the Spring House, and the Block Island Beach House are all popular for sit-down meals.
Money matters: A day trip can stay budget-friendly if you stick to free attractions and pack a lunch. Lodging in summer is the priciest part if you stay overnight. If you're stretching this into a longer East Coast trip, planning your budget for the whole route ahead of time saves headaches.
Don't bring a car if you don't need to: Vehicle ferry reservations fill up months ahead, and bikes get you around just fine.
Fun Fact:
Block Island is widely known for being home to the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States, visible from the Southeast Lighthouse on a clear day.
Ready to plan your trip out? Save your favorite stops, build your route, and check things off as you go with Wayback Tours.
Final Thoughts on Block Island
The best things to do in Block Island Rhode Island aren't the loud, flashy ones. They're the quiet bluffs at sunset, the beach you stumble onto, the lighthouse that took ten years and three Acts of Congress to save. Block Island rewards slow travelers, and even a single day here can leave you planning the next trip before the ferry pulls back into Point Judith.
If you're coming for fun things to do in block island with friends, planning a romantic weekend, or hauling the kids over for a day of beaches and farm animals, there's a version of this island for you. And once you find the spots you love, you'll want to keep them somewhere safe for next time.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every place you want to visit, all in one spot with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Can you visit Block Island as a day trip?
Yes, easily. The high-speed ferry from Point Judith gets you there in about 30 minutes, and most people see the main highlights in one full day by bike or moped.
Is Block Island good for kids?
Absolutely. Crescent Beach, the 1661 Inn Farm & Garden, the Empire Theatre, and the easy biking trails all work well for families with kids of any age.
Do you need a car on Block Island?
Not really. Most visitors rent bikes or mopeds at the ferry landing, and the island is small enough to cover that way. Bringing a car requires advance ferry reservations and isn't usually worth the hassle for a day trip.
What's the best month to visit Block Island?
September is hard to beat. The weather is still warm, the crowds thin out, and most shops and restaurants are still open. June and early July are great too if you want full peak season energy.
Is Block Island open in the winter?
Partially. A handful of inns, restaurants, and shops stay open year-round, and the Point Judith ferry runs all winter. Most attractions and seasonal businesses close, but the island's natural beauty stays just as stunning, and you'll have it almost to yourself.
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