Keirsley PeaseWhen I found myself planning our road trip through New England, I instantly began researching the most unique places to visit in the region. Loaded with history and coastal beauty, Rhode Island was an obvious choice. But even more so, I knew that we would have to make a trip to Block Island. With the small beach town charm, unique bluffs, and plenty of adventure… We didn’t want to miss out on the experience. And you won’t either!
Know Before You Go
Block Island is a generally affordable travel destination due to its abundance of free activities to enjoy. However, visitors will need to consider the costs of traveling to the island and how they plan to explore once arriving.
The Block Island Ferry offers round-trip tickets starting at $27/adult ($14.70/child) and offers nearby parking for a small fee. For an additional cost, you can also bring your car onto the island. But I don’t recommend it due to parking concerns and the abundance of alternative options.
If you do decide to leave your car behind, there are plenty of bike and moped rental options around the main strip. You’ll also have the option to take a taxi or walk around the harbor with ease.
Although Block Island is open year-round, the ferry options are a different story. The High-Speed Lines only offer tickets during the peak season, from June to September. Additionally, winter weather forecasts can affect all ferry operations. Make sure you double-check the website ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary stress!
Most visitors agree that the best months to visit Block Island are from May to September, with each season offering a slightly different experience. Early spring (May-June) will bring smaller crowds and cheaper lodging, but the ocean is still cold. During peak season (July-August), the island is in full swing, with large crowds enjoying the beaches, restaurants, shops, and hiking spots. And early fall (September) offers the best of both worlds: warm water, open storefronts, and smaller crowds.
Block Island is only 7 miles wide, making it extremely easy to explore in a short amount of time. With that said, you absolutely DO NOT need a car to enjoy the area. Actually, I advise against it. Parking in popular areas can be a challenge, you’ll incur extra costs, and there are so many other options. Why give yourself a headache?
If you do decide to leave your car behind, renting a bike or moped is the next best option. You can also opt to walk to most of the downtown area located near the harbor, or call for a taxi if need be.
NOTE: If you find yourself running late for your ferry, like we did (cue anxiety), call ahead and ask the staff members to change your ticket to the next available ferry!
The cellphone reception on Block Island is usually very reliable, so visitors shouldn’t experience any issues. Additionally, many of the local restaurants, bars, and cafes offer free wifi, so there’s always a backup option.
The Experience: Our Trip To Block Island
Getting To The Island
Block Island, situated off the coast of Rhode Island, offers visitors a beautiful beach escape. There are no highways connecting the island to the mainland, so the only way to travel is via the Block Island Ferry.
Located in Pt. Judith, the Block Island Ferry is just a short distance from most nearby lodging options. The ferry runs on Monday-Thursday from 9 AM-5 PM (7 PM on weekends). There are three different travel options offered:
- Pt. Judith Traditional Ferry (1 hour):
- $27/adult & $14.70/child (round-trip)
- $85-$103/vehicle (round-trip)
- Pt. Judith High-Speed Ferry (30 mins):
- $51/adult & $30/child (round-trip)
- No cars
- Only operates during peak season
- Newport High-Speed Ferry (30 mins):
- $50.50/adult & $26/child (round-trip)
- No cars
- Only operates during peak season
Alex and I decided to take the Traditional Ferry (without a car), since it was the cheapest option available. And after seeing how difficult parking is in many areas of the island, I highly recommend leaving your car behind as well. We departed Pt. Judith at 11 AM and returned at 5 PM, which gave us more than enough time to enjoy our trip to Block Island.
Getting Around The Island
Since we decided against bringing our car on the ferry, we needed to explore our other options. Thankfully, a car isn’t necessary and can actually make the trip more complicated due to parking and other costs. We instead focused on our other options: bike rental, moped rental, and taxi services.
Alex was enthusiastic about renting bikes, but me? Not so much. Riding around the island and to the top of the bluffs is strenuous, and I knew that I wouldn’t make it. Our trip to Block Island would not include pedaling bikes.
So what’s the next best thing? A moped.
Although renting a regular bike would’ve been far cheaper, renting a moped allowed us to see the entire island with far more comfort. Aldo’s, located on Chapel St. behind Block Island Reservations and Block Island Sports Shop, offered some of the best prices on the island. We paid $115 for a full day, which included insurance and gas. The staff gave us a quick lesson on the moped basics, assured us that the mopeds had a speed limit of 30 MPH, and we were off. We had an absolute blast, and it’s still one of my favorite memories to this day.
Also important to mention is that the area near the harbor and surrounding beaches is extremely walkable. So if you’re planning to stay in the main town, you can catch a taxi or walk quite easily.
What To Do During Your Trip To Block Island
The Mohegan Bluffs & Beach
The first stop on our list of places to see on the island was The Mohegan Bluffs. Located on the southernmost point of the island, it was a short 10-15 minute ride before we reached a sandy parking lot. The parking lot was free to visitors and offered plenty of spaces to access the bluffs.
The picturesque wooden staircase leading down into the lush green trees was majestic. It was easy to understand why the bluffs are one of New England’s hidden gems. The light breeze, sound of the sea crashing against the bluffs, and contrast of bright green against blue were breathtaking. Thankfully, the bluffs weren’t crowded when we visited, so we were able to leisurely soak in the views.
Mohegan Beach lies just at the bottom of the wooden staircase overlooking the bluffs. This is a rocky beach, with the shoreline covered in stones of various shapes and sizes. Although it’s not the best spot for a picnic or sunbathing, it’s a great area to learn about sea life, explore tidal pools, and search for sea treasures. I recommend planning your trip here around the tide, so you can take your time exploring the beach and cliffside.
Crescent Beach
On the other hand, Crescent Beach is a great spot to lie out on the sand and go swimming. The beach sits just north of the ferry and is within walking distance of Old Harbor. Named after its crescent-shaped shoreline, visitors are rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding sea and a low-key atmosphere perfect for lounging. We finished our tour of the island here, and it was the best place to catch the last rays of the sun while dozing on the sand.
Enjoy The Live Music At Ballard's Beach Bar
Always a fan favorite, Ballard’s Beach Resort is a great choice for those looking for delicious food, drinks, and live entertainment. They also offer guests access to outdoor seating on a private beach and cabana rentals, giving the experience an upscale beach-bar vibe. Additionally, guests looking for an adventure can rent paddleboards, wave boards, and bonfire equipment. The restaurant is open for all three meals with fair prices and generous portions. You’ll be sure to leave satisfied with both the food and the fun!
Grab A Bite At The Oar
Located on the Great Salt Pond sits another fantastic (and low-key) option: The Oar. We decided to visit this spot after our day of island exploring and really enjoyed ourselves. The menu boasts a variety of cuisines, from sushi to tacos, which is great for diners with different tastes and budgets. We requested an outdoor seat and were rewarded with a view of the pond, boats passing by, and people lounging around or fishing in the grass. It was a great finish to our island adventure before heading back to the ferry.
