Best Things to Do on Block Island, Rhode Island
Summer in New England is special. As the weather gets warmer, both locals and vacationers flock to the coast, where they enjoy long beach days, stay in charming bed and breakfasts, indulge in fresh seafood, sail the sapphire blue seas and make endless memories. One of the leading New England and East Coast summer destinations is Block Island, RI, and if you’re wondering what to do on the island, you won’t be disappointed.
Block Island is a small island south of mainland Rhode Island. It’s filled with 17 miles of stunning beaches protected by lighthouses, a charming downtown area featuring restaurants and shops, along with captivating natural landscapes. I love how you and your friends and family can enjoy a blend of relaxation, fun and adventure.
I visited Block Island in May 2025 with Chantilly of Chantilly Songs . We experienced the best early summer girls’ trip, from staying at the coziest beachfront hotel to adventuring around the island’s picturesque bluffs.
In this blog post, discover what to do on Block Island during a summer weekend getaway.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time on Block Island, Block Island Beach House hosted me for two nights.
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Traveling to Block Island, RI:
Since Block Island is an island off the coast of Rhode Island, the best way to visit, whether it’s for a day trip, weekend getaway or a long-term journey, is to take the ferry.
Since I visited Block Island right before Memorial Day Weekend, the summer season hadn’t officially started yet, so I took the Block Island Ferry , which provides year-round service from Point Judith, Rhode Island. The Block Island Ferry is the only service that can take vehicles to the island with a reservation in advance.
(I left my car in Point Judith. There is a convenient parking lot across from the ferry landing. It costs $10 USD per day to park your vehicle.)
Even though the ferry can be a relaxing experience, especially on a nice day when you can sit outside, you can book the Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry if you wish to get to the island faster. (It is a bit more expensive.) Whether you choose to take the high-speed ferry or not, passenger reservations are recommended, especially between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.
It’s imperative to continually monitor the weather and tide conditions when taking the ferry to Block Island. Ferry services will be suspended if the weather conditions are considered too dangerous for sailing.
The other ferries that operate to Block Island is the Newport, RI to Block Island Ferry , which runs from July through August; Block Island Express , which sails from New London, CT from late May through September; Block Island Express – Orient Point , which connects Orient Point on Long Island to Block Island from late June through early September; and Viking Fast Ferry , which goes from Montauk, New York from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In addition to riding the ferry, you can also take a flight to Block Island. New England Airlines offers daily air service to Block Island from Westerly, Rhode Island, located near Mystic, Connecticut . Fly The Whale also provides nine daily round-trip flights Monday through Friday from Westerly.
Once you’re on Block Island, you do not need a car since it’s only 110 square miles. If you stay in downtown New Shoreham like I did, near the ferry terminal, many eateries, shops and beaches are within walking distance.
Other great ways to travel around Block Island include renting a bike or a moped. In fact, if you’re wondering what to do on Block Island to stay active and see the best of the island, I suggest biking around. Click here to discover the top places for moped and bike rentals.
Where to Stay on Block Island:
The perfect place to stay on Block Island is Block Island Beach House . It’s a charming and cozy boutique hotel that offers the only beachfront rooms on the island.
Block Island Beach House is located in the former Surf Hotel . The original building was a cottage built in 1873, which was home to the island’s doctor, Thomas Mann . It was turned into a hotel by the island’s postmaster, Charles Willis , in 1876.
The Surf Hotel went through significant additions over the years. However, it fell into disrepair and closed for 17 years. The Cyr family purchased it in 1956 and renovated the property. Block Island Beach House has been thriving ever since and consists of three buildings: The Surf, which is the main property, The Gothic and The Gables .
Staying at Block Island Beach House :
All of the guest rooms at Block Island Beach House offer a laid-back, but vintage vibe. Being in the center of town, some rooms have views of the hotels, shops and restaurants on Water Street. Other rooms have beach or ocean views.
During my summer getaway, I stayed in the Oceanview King room, which is located on the beachfront side of The Surf . I loved how my room made me feel like I was literally over the ocean. It was relaxing watching the waves make their way to shore.
This cozy and intimate room features a comfy king bed, an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and Lather bath products, an LED flatscreen television and high-speed WiFi. The room also has clothing steamers, hairdryers, wine classes, a mini refrigerator and much more to make your stay more convenient.
Discover the other lovely guest rooms that you can book in The Surf , The Gothic and The Gables . Like I mentioned above, The Surf offers vintage-style rooms; however, you can book contemporary accommodations in The Gothic and suites in The Gables .
Block Island Beach House Amenities:
This welcoming boutique hotel offers everything you need to have the best vacation on Block Island.
Not only is Block Island Beach House centrally located in the downtown area and near the ferry, but it also has convenient beach access, since it’s located above Surf Beach. (It’s a peaceful sandy beach.) In fact, the hotel has lounge chairs for relaxation and you can also rent a chair and beach towels to bring to another beach on the island.
Additionally, if you’re wondering what else to do on Block Island to cool off, Block Island Beach House also has a pool, which is located near The Gables .
If you leave something at home, from toiletries to specific outfits, you don’t have to worry because Block Island Beach House has a gift shop and boutique called Paper Bag , where you can purchase everything from sweatshirts to shoes and sunscreen to sunglasses.
What I also loved about staying at Block Island Beach House was that there is an on-site restaurant, called The Surf , where you can dine. Additionally, there is a breakfast spot called Coffee & Cocktails to start your day. There is also a Beach Bar and a newly-renovated “Surf Shack,” which is available to rent for special occasions .
Weather on Block Island:
It’s no secret that the best time to visit Block Island, Rhode Island is the summer, making it the peak season for vacationers. That is because the island experiences the most pleasant weather, characterized by sunny, warm and dry conditions. The summer months, especially in July, are also when Block Island has the most sunshine.
Below are the average temperatures that you and your loved ones can enjoy during the summer season:
May: Average highs in the lower 60s°F and average lows in the lower 50s°F, with around seven days of precipitation.
June: Average highs in the lower 70s°F and average lows in the upper 50s°F, with around six days of precipitation.
July: Average highs in the upper 70s°F and average lows in the mid 60s°F, with around five days of precipitation.
August: Average highs in the upper 70s°F and average lows in the mid 60s°F, with around five days of precipitation.
September: Average highs in the lower 70s°F and average lows in the lower 60s°F, with around five days of precipitation.
Since I visited Block Island in May, the weather was on the cooler side. Being by the Atlantic Ocean, the weather can vary. I suggest packing a range of summer clothing paired with sweaters and layers.
What to do on Block Island: A New England Summer Weekend Trip
For those seeking a laid-back New England getaway during the warm months, but also want to have a great time, Block Island is the best place to consider. From its poetic beaches to restaurants and bars, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Block Island.
In this article, learn about what to do on Block Island without a car:
Relax at the Beach:
A Block Island trip during summer is incomplete without having a beach day. There are numerous beaches that you can choose from on this lovely island and each one has a different vibe. Below are the five best beaches to enjoy on your vacation:
Ballard’s Beach: The best beach to visit with friends on Block Island is Ballard’s Beach . It’s considered the island’s party beach with tiki bars, live music, refreshing cocktails and a delicious restaurant. While you’re at Ballard’s Beach, you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas and cabanas. Overall, this is the best beach to visit if you also choose to do a Block Island day trip.
Mansion Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches for all to enjoy, with pristine white sand and clear waters, is Mansion Beach. It’s located on the more secluded side of the island and also has big waves for surfing and bodysurfing. What’s interesting about this beach is that it housed a former mansion called White Hall , until it was burned down in the 1960s.
Andy’s Way Beach: Located on the Great Salt Pond, off of Corn Neck Road, is Andy’s Way Beach. It’s the best spot for water sports like kayaking as well as clamming. (Please keep in mind that you’ll need a clamming license from the Harbormaster shack first.)
Crescent Beach or Fred Benson Town Beach: The leading family beach on Block Island is Fred Benson Town Beach. It offers convenient amenities, including a concession stand, restrooms, showers, changing rooms and beach rentals. Please note that this is the most popular beach on the island.
Surf Beach: Also known for being the beach that Block Island Beach House is located on, Surf Beach is another one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, sunbathing and long walks on the beach.
Here is a list of other gorgeous beaches to enjoy on Block Island:
- Mohegan Bluffs (The most scenic beach on Block Island.)
- Block Rock Beach (A secluded clothing-optional beach.)
- Charlestown Beach (Best beach to watch the sunset.)
- Vaill Beach (Best surfing beach.)
Stroll through Downtown New Shoreham:
Just a short walk from Block Island Beach House is the heart of downtown New Shoreham. Not only does it have the ferry terminal, but it also boasts a variety of charming cafés and restaurants, coastal shops, ice cream parlors and charm all around.
Overall, downtown New Shoreham consists of Water Street, High Street and Spring Street, which intersect at the Old Harbor Historic District. It’s a walkable area with many shops and eateries near each other.
Some of the best shops to visit in downtown New Shoreham are Island Bound Bookstore for a beach read, Lazy Fish and Minnow for souvenirs, Mutt Hut for pet supplies, Blocks of Fudge for a sweet treat, Odd Fellows Café for coffee and breakfast sandwiches, as well as The Ice Cream Place for homemade ice cream.
If you love animals like I do, then you must visit Abrams’ Animal Farm in downtown New Shoreham. This local farm is free to visit and is home to alpacas, goats, sheep, donkeys, swans, ducks, camels, kangaroos and more.
Dine at Block Island’s Best Restaurants:
Undoubtedly, Block Island is famous for seafood. Some of the best food items to savor while you vacation at this stunning destination are fresh lobster rolls, clam cakes, oysters and chowders. Additionally, you can find other incredible eateries serving a diverse range of international cuisines. Below are my recommendations on where to eat on the island:
The Surf : Located at Block Island Beach House , The Surf offers the perfect summer cuisine from beach BBQ to fresh seafood and savory sandwiches to refreshing cocktails, local beer and wine. During our evening at The Surf , Chantilly and I had rosé with a warm lobster roll. We also savored clam cakes, which are a staple of Block Island.
Coffee & Cocktails : Also conveniently situated inside Block Island Beach House is a café where you can fuel up with freshly brewed coffee, morning cocktails, breakfast sandwiches and bowls, as well as smoothies. During my morning at Coffee & Cocktails , I had a latte with a delicious Nashville chicken breakfast sandwich.
Poor People’s Pub : An iconic restaurant and bar on Block Island is the Poor People’s Pub . This superb restaurant was founded in New Hampshire in the mid-1970s by Jim Keating and Dan Davis , two unemployed contractors seeking a way to earn a living while creating a fun space for locals in the quiet village of Sanbornville. Block Island is their second location.
During our time on Block Island, the weather was rainy and cold, so the Poor People’s Pub was a cozy spot to enjoy a heartwarming corn and crab chowder with a beer. It’s located on Ocean Avenue, only a short walk from Block Island Beach House .
TigerFish : An eclectic restaurant to savor delicious Japanese cuisine is TigerFish . It’s where you can enjoy delicious sushi, savory noodles and rice dishes, sake, prime meat and seafood, plus more. I loved the Tiger Roll.
At night, TigerFish becomes a 21 and older venue. There is a house DJ and a late-night food and drink menu.
Ernie’s Old Harbor Restaurant : If you love going out for breakfast like me, while on vacation, and are wondering what to do on Block Island in the morning, then you must start your day at Ernie’s on Water Street. It’s a welcoming eatery where you can enjoy coffee, pancakes, eggs, French toast and more. I loved the chocolate chip pancakes!
Persephone’s Kitchen : One of the most cozy spots to grab a coffee, pastry or breakfast sandwich on Block Island is Persephone’s . It’s only a few steps down the road from Block Island Beach House , on Dodge Street and also makes for a great mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Other great restaurants to visit in both Old Harbor and New Harbor are below:
- The Oar (American Restaurant)
- Mohegan Restaurant and Bar (Alehouse)
- Dead Eye Dicks (Seafood Restaurant)
- Los Gatitos (Mexican Restaurant)
Experience the Best Mudslides on Block Island:
If you and your friends love catching up and making memories over a good drink and are wondering what to do on Block Island, then you must enjoy the island’s most famous drink, a Mudslide.
In case you don’t know, a Mudslide is a frozen cocktail that includes Baileys Irish Cream , Kahlua , vodka and ice cream. Below are the top places to have a Mudslide:
- Champlin’s Marina & Resort (Known to be the best on the island.)
- Beach Bar at Block Island Beach House
- The Oar
- Ballard’s Beach Resort (Famous for their award-winning 50 oz. Mega Mudslide.)
- The Beachead Restaurant
- Mohegan Restaurant and Bar
- Tap & Grille at The National Hotel
Visit Mohegan Bluffs:
My favorite spot on Block Island is Mohegan Bluffs . It’s the most breathtaking area of the island with natural beauty. It features a 200-foot cliff with 141 steps that lead down to a beach. Overall, Mohegan Bluffs is famous for its rocky shoreline and rough tides.
You can enjoy a beach day at Mohegan Bluffs, but I suggest taking extra caution if you decide to go in the water.
Mohegan Bluffs got its name from a Native American battle that took place at the end of the 16 th Century. During the battle, 40 people were driven off the cliffs.
If you love adventure and exploring places that are more off the grid and are wondering what to do on Block Island, then you must make your way to Mohegan Bluffs on the south side of the island.
In addition to enjoying nature and the beach, Mohegan Bluffs is a wonderful place for bird watching.
If you’re looking for a great hike on Block Island, I suggest taking on the scenic coastal Clay Head Trail , which is an easy 3.5 miles and takes around an hour and 15 minutes. Also, you can do the Block Island Greenway Traverse , which is a moderate 5.6-mile trail that takes around two hours to conquer. Both trails offer incredible views.
See the Block Island Lighthouses:
While you’re at Mohegan Bluffs, walk over to the Southeast Lighthouse , known as the “Beacon on the Bluff.” This picturesque lighthouse was established on Block Island in the late 1800s. This makes it one of the oldest lighthouses in New England. (It’s also the highest in the region.)
Because the Bluffs continue to experience erosion, the lighthouse was relocated hundreds of feet back in 1993.
You can learn more about the Southeast Lighthouse by visiting the museum, which costs $10 USD for adults and teens. Children nine and younger are free to enter. There are also tours for $15 USD per adult and teens ages 10 and older. The museum is open daily from June through Labor Day and on weekends in the fall through early October, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Located on the north side of Block Island is the North Lighthouse . Initially, this lighthouse was built in the early 1800s and lasted for 38 years. Due to its location on the island, the lighthouses that were rebuilt were swept out to sea during bad storms.
The North Light that stands today is the fourth lighthouse of its kind and has been renovated numerous times. The latest renovation happened in 2010. To get to this lighthouse, you will need to follow a dirt road that offers stunning ocean views.
This lighthouse is also home to a maritime museum. From Memorial Day through Columbus Day, you can visit this museum on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sundays. Admission costs $10 USD for adults and teens aged 10 and older, and $15 USD for tower tours.
Enjoy the Block Island Farmers Market :
If you’re wondering what to do on Block Island on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day Weekend, you must stroll through the Block Island Farmers Market . The farmers’ market takes place at Legion Park from 9 am to 11:30 am.
At this lovely farmers’ market, you can purchase fresh flowers, local produce, baked goods, island honey, homemade lemonade, handmade crafts, beautiful jewelry and more.
Spend an Afternoon at the Spring House :
One of my favorite things to do on a beautiful summer day is to make memories with friends while sipping a cocktail and listening to live music. A fantastic place to enjoy an immaculate day is at the Spring House in New Harbor. It’s an easy walk from downtown New Shoreham.
While you’re at the Spring House , you can also enjoy a meal at The Barn or Main Restaurant . This lively spot is also famous for its Mudslides.
If you love Block Island, then you’ll also enjoy the following destinations:
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Newport, Rhode Island
- North Fork, New York
I hope you all enjoyed discovering what to do on Block Island during a summer vacation. If you have any questions, please email me at info@.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., RI State Capital: Providence, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
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