Block Island Travel Guide: A Perfect Summer Escape

Every summer, I find myself pulled back to the same place, the gentle sway of the boat, the salt in the air, and the first glimpse of Block Island coming into view on the horizon. Some of my earliest memories are tied to sailing here, watching the shoreline slowly take shape after hours on the water, moving through the Long Island Sound as Block Island came into view.

Arriving by boat is part of the experience. You don’t just show up. You ease into it. The beaches stretch out, and the harbor starts to fill your view with boats coming and going. Pulling into Block Island Harbor, sun-warmed and a little salty, always feels like the official start of summer.

If you’re planning a Rhode Island vacation or looking for an East Coast island getaway, this Block Island travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from beaches and biking to where to eat, stay, and how to get here if you’re not arriving by boat.

Things to Do on Block Island

Block Island has this way of feeling both relaxed and full at the same time. You can spend an entire day doing almost nothing, or fill it completely without ever feeling rushed.

Block Island Beaches

The beaches are easily one of the biggest draws, and for good reason.

Crescent Beach is usually the go-to. It’s easy to get to, the sand is soft, and the waves are gentle enough to spend hours in the water without thinking twice. It’s the kind of beach you end up staying at longer than you planned.

If you want something quieter, Mansion Beach feels a little more tucked away. The cliffs here make everything feel bigger and more dramatic, and it’s usually less crowded, which I always appreciate.

No matter which beach you end up at, there’s something about the air here, the mix of ocean, sun, and that constant breeze, that makes it really easy to slow down.

Scenic Spots to Explore

Even beyond the beaches, Block Island is worth exploring.

The Mohegan Bluffs are one of those places that never get old. Standing at the top and looking out over the Atlantic, you get a full view of just how small the island is compared to everything around it. The walk down the stairs is a bit of a commitment, but it’s always worth it once you’re at the bottom.

The Southeast Lighthouse is another stop I always make time for. It sits right on the edge of the island, and there’s something about it that feels both peaceful and a little dramatic at the same time. It’s also a great place to sit for a bit and take everything in.

What to Do in Block Island Harbor

If you’re arriving by boat, the harbor is where everything starts to come together.

There’s always something going on, with boats pulling in, people unloading for the weekend, and others getting ready to head out. It has that mix of energy and ease that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

From the harbor, you’re within walking distance of restaurants, small shops, and just about everything you need. It’s also one of the best places to sit and watch everything move around you for a while.

If you want to get back on the water, renting a kayak or paddleboard is an easy way to see a different side of the island. You’ll pass boats, maybe spot a few seals, which are more common in the colder months, and get a quieter version of the same place.

Evenings here are my favorite. The light starts to change, everything slows down a little, and the harbor takes on that golden glow that makes it hard to leave.

How to Bike Around Block Island

Biking is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to see the island. It’s not overly complicated, but it does take a little effort, just enough to feel like you’ve earned the views along the way.

Tips for Biking Block Island

• Rent a bike close to the harbor so it’s easy to start and end your ride

• Bring water, especially if you’re going mid-day

• Expect a few hills, they sneak up on you

• Take your time, you’re not here to rush it

  
  

Popular Biking Block Island Routes

One of the most popular rides is from the harbor out toward the Mohegan Bluffs. It’s a steady ride with a few hills, but the views along the way make it feel easier than it is.

If you have more time, doing a loop around the island gives you a little bit of everything, coastline, quiet roads, open land, and a few spots you probably wouldn’t find otherwise. It can take you 2 to 3 hours to bike around the island, which is roughly 16 miles.

It’s one of those experiences where the ride itself ends up being just as memorable as the places you stop.

Best Coffee Shops and Bakeries on Block Island

After a morning outside, this is always one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s something about grabbing a coffee or a pastry here that just feels slower in the best way.

Must-Visit Coffee Shops

• Persephone’s Kitchen is one of the most popular morning stops on the island. It’s known for fresh breakfast, smoothies, and good coffee, and it has that easy island feel where people tend to linger a little longer than planned.

• Odd Fellows Café sits right in town near the ferry and is one of the most central coffee spots on the island. It’s a classic grab-and-go stop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods, especially if you’re just arriving or heading out for the day.

• Mohegan Café is another longtime local favorite in the harbor area, offering coffee alongside breakfast and casual lunch options. It has more of a laid-back, local diner feel that fits the island rhythm.

Favorite Block Island Bakeries

• Aldo’s Bakery is one of the most well-known spots on Block Island. It’s right near the harbor and is where you’ll find pastries, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream, and coffee all in one stop. It’s one of those places almost everyone ends up at at least once during a visit.

• The Bake Shop is another seasonal favorite known for fresh pastries and baked goods. It has that small island bakery feel that makes it perfect for a slow morning or a beach run before heading out for the day.

• Payne’s Donuts is also worth a stop if you want something quick and classic. Fresh donuts on the island hit differently after a morning bike ride or beach walk.

The best part is how simple it all feels. Nothing is rushed here, and even just grabbing coffee becomes part of the experience instead of something you squeeze in between plans.

Where to Stay on Block Island

Where you stay really shapes your experience, but it is hard to go wrong here.

There is a mix of hotels, inns, and rentals that all feel true to the island.

• The National Hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay on Block Island. It sits right in Old Harbor and has that classic Victorian New England feel. Staying here puts you close to everything, from the ferry to shops and restaurants.

• The Spring House Hotel is another historic favorite. It sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and has a slower, more scenic feel. The wraparound porch and ocean views make it one of the most recognizable places on the island.

• The 1661 Inn is a well-known boutique-style inn that is spread across several buildings near Old Harbor. It is one of the most popular lodging choices for visitors who want charm, views, and easy access to town.

For something more flexible, there are also plenty of vacation rentals and cottages across the island. These are especially great if you are staying longer or want a quieter experience away from the main harbor.

Waking up near the water here always feels different. It is simple, calm, and a little unhurried in the best way.

How to Get to Block Island Without a Boat

Even though I’ve always arrived by sailboat, getting to Block Island without one is actually really easy.

The Block Island Ferry is the most common option, with routes from Point Judith and Newport. It’s straightforward, reliable, and a really nice way to start the trip.

Ferry Tips

• Book ahead during the summer, spots fill up quickly

• Get there early, especially if you’re bringing a bike

• Spend some time outside during the ride if you can, the views are worth it

Once you arrive, it’s easy to get around with bikes, taxis, or shuttles.

Block Island is one of those places that keeps pulling you back without needing to change. The roads, the beaches, the harbor all stay the same in the best way, but it never feels repetitive.

For me, it will always feel like summer starts the moment we pull into the harbor.

And if you’ve never been before, there’s a good chance it becomes that kind of place for you too.