Skip to main content
DESTINATION

Block Island

Sixteen families seeking religious and political freedom bought the 11-square-mile island in 1661 and established it as a democratic settlement.

Block Island is ringed by public beaches; the largest is Crescent Beach which encompasses a 5-mile stretch of the east side of the island. Many nature, bicycling and hiking trails as well as wildlife sanctuaries are available. Popular nature trails include the Clayhead Trails, 2 miles north off Corn Neck Road, and the Greenway Trails, a half-mile west off Center Road. There are more than 40 rare and endangered wildlife species on the island; phone Block Island Nature Conservatory at (401) 466-2129.

Mohegan Bluffs, rising to 200 feet along the southeast shore, affords an excellent view of the southern coast of Rhode Island. Southeast Light, a restored lighthouse built in 1875, still stands. Its lantern, 240 feet above sea level, sends light 35 miles out to sea.

Passenger ferries run from downtown Newport mid-June through Labor Day; phone (401) 783-4613 or (866) 783-7996. A 1-hour crossing aboard an automobile ferry is offered all year from Point Judith; phone (401) 783-4613 or (866) 783-7996 in advance for reservations. Island Hi-Speed Ferry offers half-hour crossings between Port Judith and Block Island aboard high-speed catamarans mid-May to mid-October as well as a two-hour ferry from Fall River, MA, to Block Island, mid-June through Labor Day; for information or reservations phone (401) 783-4613 or (866) 783-7996. Another high-speed ferry runs from Orient Point, Long Island, N.Y., to Block Island; phone (860) 444-4624 or (855)256-2547 for reservations. Additional ferry service is available from Montauk, Long Island, N.Y. Crossing time is approximately 2 hours; phone (631) 668-5700.

Scheduled air transportation is available from Westerly, while charters are available from other points, including Providence. Phone New England Airlines at (401) 596-2460 or (800) 243-2460.

Visitor Centers

Block Island Tourism Council 40 Center Rd. Block Island, RI 02807. Phone:(401)466-2474

Shopping

The New Harbor and the Old Harbor areas contain restaurants, specialty shops and galleries.

Things to Do

The North Light

Settlers' Rock

Recreational Activities

Horseback Riding

Rustic Rides Farm

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP