Rasika DalviAs summer was slowly coming to an end and we were getting ready to welcome the colder months, we wanted to hold on to a little bit of sunshine and escape into a tropical state of mind – at least for a while. New England is blessed with many charming islands scattered along its coastline, and for my birthday getaway in September 2021, we decided to explore one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful hidden gems: Block Island.
Located just 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island may be small in size, covering only about 10 square miles, but it is overflowing with natural beauty and coastal charm. The island boasts 17 miles of pristine beaches, two historic lighthouses, scenic trails, and breathtaking ocean views. With much of its land protected and preserved, Block Island has managed to maintain its untouched beauty, offering visitors a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.
While Block Island may not have the same fame as some of the more well-known destinations in the United States, that is exactly what makes it so special. This charming island feels like a hidden treasure, where beautiful landscapes, quiet beaches, welcoming locals, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Whether you are looking for a perfect summer day trip or a relaxing weekend escape, Block Island has something for everyone. From exploring picturesque lighthouses and scenic viewpoints to enjoying delightful restaurants and cozy accommodations, this little island offers countless ways to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of coastal life.
The first thing is first…How to go to Block Island?
Block Island is a very convenient day trip from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or New York. In only about an hour, you can get a completely different state of mind and atmosphere. To enjoy Block Island, you need to arrive by boat or plane. You can sail there yourself, fly in on your private jet, or, like most visitors, hop on the Block Island Ferry. The ferry sails from Pt. Judith, Newport, and Fall River with a traditional option that takes 55 minutes or the high-speed option for a quick 30-minute trip. The Point Judith location is the only one that runs year-round and offers the cheapest option. We chose to hop on the ferry from Point Judith at 1:30 pm ET. Arriving 45 minutes ahead of time like we were instructed to do, there are plenty of paid parking spaces left in the lot across the boarding area. It’s a good idea to make ferry reservations in advance. Be aware, some reservation times load first come, first served, requiring you to queue up early. If you plan to bring your car, you need to take the traditional ferry, and reservations are required.
As you are reaching Block Island, you can’t miss huge Windmills standing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This is such an interesting project to deliver clean, reliable energy. Block Island Wind Farm is the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States, located 3.8 miles (6.1 km) from Block Island in the Atlantic Ocean. The 30 MW, the 5-turbine project began commercial operations in December 2016 and generates enough energy to power 17,000 homes.
Only 13 miles from the mainland, the ride is under an hour-long, but time goes by fast. About 55 minutes in, the gorgeous coastline dotted with a few random homes makes an appearance. Before we know it, we are disembarking and heading to this beautiful island.
Let’s start our exploration:
The ferry arrives at Old Harbor Historic District, the lively heart of Block Island and the perfect starting point for your island adventure. From here, most destinations are just a short walk or a quick taxi ride away, making it easy to begin exploring the island at your own pace.
Strolling through the charming village, you’ll discover a delightful mix of boutique shops offering unique island treasures and souvenirs, local art galleries showcasing creative work, cozy restaurants, and welcoming inns. Set around the picturesque village square, the Old Harbor Historic District is rich in history, featuring 42 historically significant buildings dating back to the 19th century. With its charming streets, classic New England architecture, and relaxed island atmosphere, Old Harbor beautifully captures the timeless character and coastal charm of Block Island.
Whether you are looking for a relaxed ride along scenic coastal roads or a little adventure exploring hidden corners of the island, discovering Block Island by bike or moped is truly one of the best ways to experience it. In fact, for us, the moped ride was one of the biggest reasons we planned this trip. We had enjoyed riding mopeds during our Florida getaway and loved the experience so much that we couldn’t wait to do it again. While it is possible to explore Block Island without a car, renting a scooter gives you the freedom to discover the island at your own pace and make the most of your visit. A moped ride quickly became one of our favorite experiences and definitely tops our list of fun things to do on Block Island.
We rented our mopeds from Island Moped and Bike Rental, conveniently located just a short walk from the ferry terminal. With Block Island’s rolling hills, winding roads, and scenic overlooks, a moped is not only a fun way to explore but also a practical way to navigate the island.
A half-day rental is plenty of time to visit many of the island’s must-see spots while enjoying the beautiful surroundings along the way. If you are a first-time moped rider, there is no need to worry; the staff at Island Moped provide detailed instructions and make sure you feel comfortable and confident before heading out. Once you’re on the road, the combination of ocean views, fresh island air, and the freedom of riding makes the experience truly unforgettable.
If you don’t feel comfortable renting a scooter, you can join one of the Block Island tours. There are no public bus tours or trolleys on the island, but you have the option of a taxi tour, helicopter tour, or kayak tour. You can find one at the Taxi Stand located in Old Harbor. If you choose to get out on the water, you can whip around the island on the Sea Dog, a 35-foot cruiser, or by kayak, if you like a slower pace. A helicopter tour is the most unique way to see the island, as it provides a bird’s eye perspective of all the beautiful landscapes.
Mohegan Bluffs
Perched along the southern shore of Block Island, Mohegan Bluffs is one of the island’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. These towering clay cliffs rise dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, creating a spectacular viewpoint where rugged landscapes meet endless ocean views.
Standing nearly 200 feet tall, the bluffs were named in honor of the historic 1590 battle between the Mohegan and Niantic tribes. Atop these magnificent cliffs sits the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, a historic beacon that has been relocated multiple times over the years due to ongoing erosion of the bluffs.
Beyond offering one of the most stunning coastal overlooks in New England, Mohegan Bluffs also provides access to the secluded Corn Cove Beach below. Adventurous visitors can make their way down a staircase of 141 steps to reach this peaceful stretch of shoreline, where swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and relaxing by the water are popular activities.
On a clear day, the panoramic views from the top of the bluffs stretch all the way to Montauk and Long Island, making it a truly unforgettable spot. Whether you visit for the dramatic scenery, the historic lighthouse, or simply to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Atlantic coastline, Mohegan Bluffs is a place that captures the wild and untouched charm of Block Island.
Standing nearly 200 feet above sea level, the views from Mohegan Bluffs are absolutely jaw-dropping and easily among the best on Block Island. But the adventure doesn’t stop at the top! Once you’ve finished admiring the breathtaking views and taking what feels like a hundred photos from every possible angle, it’s time for the real challenge – conquering the famous 141 stairs down to the beach.
Those stairs may look innocent at first (they are basically saying, “Come on, it’s just a few steps!”), but halfway down your legs might start questioning your life choices. Don’t worry – the reward waiting at the bottom is totally worth the workout. You’ll find a peaceful, uncrowded beach with stunning views, soft sand, and the perfect spot to spread your towel, relax, and soak up the sunshine.
Just remember, the trip down is the easy part… because eventually, those 141 stairs will be waiting for you again on the way back up! Consider it Block Island’s very own scenic workout with a million-dollar view as your reward.
Block Island is home to two lighthouses: North Light and Southeast Light.
Southeast Lighthouse:
To the east of the Mohegan Bluffs, you can also spot the Block Island Southeast Light from afar. The lighthouse was placed on the National Historic Landmark list as one of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses built in the United States in the 19th century.
The Southeast Lighthouse has a fascinating history. It was first planned in 1856 and was built in 1874, with its light shining for the first time the following February. Over the years, erosion of the bluffs threatened the lighthouse, so it was carefully moved about 300 feet inland to protect it from falling into the ocean.
The lighthouse stopped operating under the U.S. Coast Guard in 1990 and was later placed under the care of the Southeast Lighthouse Foundation, which works to preserve this historic landmark. In 1997, it was officially recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Today, it is one of the few remaining American lighthouses that still features a first-order Fresnel lens, a special type of lens that helps create a powerful beam of light visible from far out at sea.
Block Island North Light:
The North Lighthouse is set in a wildlife preserve. The North Lighthouse is a fifteen-minute walk over rocks from the parking area. It has a beautiful long, relatively empty beach and many nesting seagulls. It was built in 1867 of Connecticut limestone, was the final of four and still stands today. The octagonal shape and brown granite rock make the sight of this lighthouse a beautiful one. This historic lighthouse is the ideal place to take a stroll along the beach, watch the sunset and spend a peaceful evening admiring the scenic beauty. Beautiful rock formations, interesting birds, and seals adorn the beauty of the lighthouse.
The Beaches
Whether you are taking a walk or going for a swim, the 17 miles of sandy beaches on Block Island should not be missed. North, south, east, and west, Block Island offers 15 different beaches for your flip-flops-in-the-sand enjoyment.
Crescent Beach at the edge of Old Harbor is the easiest to get to from the ferry and has soft sand and welcoming water. Other popular swimming beaches include Mansion Beach, Scotch Beach, Baby Beach, Surf Beach, and Ballard’s Beach.
With its dramatic dunes, peaceful salt marshes, and miles of soft sandy beaches, Block Island welcomes visitors with a perfect blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. It is a place where you can slow down, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and truly appreciate the simple joys of island life.
If you haven’t yet discovered this hidden gem just 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, it’s time to add Block Island to your travel list. From breathtaking viewpoints and scenic trails to charming streets, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable adventures, this little island has so much to offer. One visit is never enough—you’ll find yourself dreaming of returning again and again.
Have you ever been to Block Island? I would love to hear about your favorite spots and experiences. Share your recommendations for the best things to do on the island in the comments below!
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