Block Island
4.7(277)google
4.6(10)yelp
IslandBeachHikingSwimmingBoatingSummer RetreatOcean ViewMust-See
Overview
Block Island is a gem of New England, frequently named one of the Western Hemisphere's 'Last Great Places' by the Nature Conservancy. Characterized by its dramatic clay cliffs, miles of pristine sandy beaches, and expansive rolling hills laced with historic stone walls, the island offers a tranquil escape from modern urban hustle. Visitors flock here to rent bicycles or mopeds, exploring the winding roads that lead to historic lighthouses, boutique shops, and locally-owned seafood eateries. The island's strong commitment to conservation means over forty percent of its land remains protected, preserving its wild, untamed coastal beauty.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-2 days
Best TimePeak summer from July to August is optimal for exploring this pristine island oasis. Arriving via the morning ferry by 9:30 AM is highly recommended; renting a bicycle or moped instantly allows you to pedal along the rolling coastal lanes under soft morning daylight, bypassing intense midday heat and capturing sweeping Atlantic vistas in quiet comfort.
Getting ThereAn isolated maritime island situated south of the mainland. Access is exclusively via the sea: board the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith to arrive directly at Old Harbor. Once on the island, public transit is non-existent; the historic downtown strip is completely walkable, while remote scenic sites are best met via local moped and bike rentals.
Travel Tips
- Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft do not operate on the island. Visitors must rely on local fixed-rate taxis or expensive moped/bike rentals; local police aggressively enforce the island-wide 25 mph speed limit with zero-tolerance moving violations.
- The central areas like Rodman's Hollow and the southwestern coast are notorious cell coverage dead zones. Signals from major carriers drop entirely away from Old Harbor, making pre-downloaded offline maps a mandatory operational requirement for navigation.
- Over 40% of the island is protected conservation land, triggering an absolute ban on recreational drone flights. Foraging, removing driftwood, or collecting beach cobblestones is prohibited by federal and state conservation statutes, subject to heavy fines.
Reviews
Positive
- The entire island preserves its pristine Victorian-era charm; raw coastal cliffs interweave with crystal clear waters, making it a beautiful paradise.
- The main street sits right outside the ferry terminal, fully supported by moped and bike rentals; multilingual tourist maps are easy to obtain.
- Local residents and shop owners on the island are incredibly hospitable; whether dining or renting bikes, the staff are always hearty and friendly.
- The island charges no entry fee, and many beaches and hiking trails are free to access, making a bicycle tour around the island highly cost-effective.
Heads up
- Being an isolated island, local prices for food, lodging, and souvenirs are generally 30% higher than the mainland, making extra spending costly.
- Public transit options are extremely scarce; aside from pricey taxis, you rely on cars or bikes, and some steep hills are physically draining.
- Public restrooms and trash cans are mostly clustered near the ferry docks; once you head out to remote nature preserves, facilities are hard to find.
- The summer tourist density in July and August is suffocatingly high; dock streets crawl with queues and bikes, ruining the quiet island escape.