Block Island is a year-round vacation land about twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island. About eight hundred residents live there year round. The island is accessible by ferry, boat, or plane.
New England Airlines has a daily service year round, from Westerly, Rhode Island. Charter flights are also available.
There is a ferry that runs year round from Judith, Rhode Island, with ferries running in the summer only from Newport, Rhode Island and New London, Connecticut. The only way to get your car to Block Island is by ferry. However, you don’t really need a car on the island. Most people leave their car in a parking lot at the ferry terminal and walk onto the ferry carrying or wheeling their luggage.
Once on the island people use bicycles or mopeds to get around. The sight of all these two-wheeled vehicles reminds people of Bermuda, which is why Block Island is often called “Bermuda of the North.” Of course there are also taxis if you are not feeling up to pedaling or walking.
Some visitors use their own personal boats to get to the island and then moor the boat at one of the many marinas. Before you do this check with the marina to make sure they have space to tie your boat up.
If you are planning to stay on the island for one night or several nights, make sure you have reservations. All types of accommodations are available, from bed and breakfasts to fancy hotels to inns to house rentals.
There is also a large variety of dining choices, ranging from cafes to fine dining, all with a spectacular view of the ocean.
If shopping is your passion, the main streets of Old Harbor are lined with all kinds of shops including local vendors selling quaint knick-knacks available only on Block Island.
If you love outdoor activities Block Island is your place. There is boating, bicycling, kayaking, walking trails, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, and parasailing. If you just want to lie and relax on the beach and read, well, you can do that also.
Cresent Beach is the main beach on Block Island. It is right near Old Harbor and the ferry terminal making for an easy walk to get to if you plan to go only for the day. Admission for the beach is free. There is a food and drink concession stand there as well as a place to rent chairs, umbrellas, and boogey boards. A lifeguard in on duty for your protection.
There are two lighthouses on the island. Both built in the mid-1800s. The one on the southeastern shore has the tower open for visitors in the summer. The one on the north end of the island has a museum but the tower isn’t open.
Whether you visit Block Island for a day or week or longer, be prepared to have lots of fun. And if you forget your sunscreen don’t worry you can buy more on the island.
