Block Island Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Stepping off the ferry onto Block Island feels like stepping back in time. Located just 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, this tear-drop-shaped island has managed to escape the commercialization of the mainland. There are no traffic lights, no chain stores, and the speed limit rarely exceeds 25 miles per hour. Instead, you are greeted by rolling green hills, miles of stone walls, and Victorian architecture that recalls the Gilded Age.

Known by the Narragansett Indians as “Manisses” (meaning “Island of the Little God”), Block Island is a conservation success story. Nearly half of the island is preserved open space, making it a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Whether you are hunting for hidden glass floats on the trails or watching the fog roll in over the clay cliffs, the island forces you to slow down and breathe in the salt air.

A Legacy Preserved in Salt and Stone

The island’s geography is its most defining feature, shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. The result is a dramatic landscape of rolling moors and towering bluffs that drop precipitously into the Atlantic. While the summer buzz is undeniable, the island’s deep maritime history is always present, from the lighthouses that have guided sailors for over a century to the shipwrecks hidden beneath the waves.

Culturally, the island is a unique blend of New England reserve and island eccentricity. You’ll find art galleries sitting next to rustic farm stands, and five-star dining experiences just down the road from clam shacks where shoes are optional. It is this unpretentious accessibility that keeps visitors returning generation after generation.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Mohegan Bluffs - Located about 3 miles from town, these 200-foot clay cliffs offer the most famous view on the island. A staircase allows you to descend to the beach, but remember that the climb back up is a workout. Free access.

Southeast Lighthouse - An architectural gem built in 1874, located atop the bluffs. It was moved in 1993 to save it from erosion. Tours of the tower are available in summer ($10 USD).

North Light - Situated at the northern tip, 4 miles from town. This granite lighthouse sits amidst a wildlife refuge. The building is beautiful, though the tower itself is often closed to climbing. Free to view the grounds.

The Oar - While technically a restaurant, this spot at the Boat Basin is a landmark. The ceiling is lined with hundreds of painted oars left by visiting sailors over the decades. It’s a visual history of the island’s boating culture.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Block Island is part of the adventure. Most visitors take the ferry from Point Judith, RI (traditional or high-speed). If you plan to bring a car, you must book months in advance, but honestly, a car is a burden here. The island is best explored by bicycle, moped, or taxi. Rentals are available the moment you step off the boat in Old Harbor.

Pack casual clothing; “island formal” usually just means a collared shirt and clean shorts. Even in July, the evenings can be cool and breezy, so a sweatshirt or light jacket is essential. Be aware that while most places take cards, some smaller vendors and taxis prefer cash. WiFi is available in town, but cell service can be spotty on the remote trails, take that as a sign to unplug.

Whether you come for the vibrant energy of the Fourth of July or the silent, wind-swept beauty of a November afternoon, Block Island offers a rare opportunity to disconnect. It is a place where the simple pleasures, a bike ride, a lobster roll, a sunset, are the main events.