Top 15 Most Memorable Things To Do In Block Island, Rhode Island

Heading to Block Island, Rhode Island and wondering what to do once the ferry pulls into Old Harbor? This article covers the top 15 best things to do in Block Island, from dramatic clay bluffs and historic lighthouses to long bike rides and waterfront seafood.

Block Island has been my family’s annual tradition for over three decades, totaling more than 30 visits across every season. I’ve watched the island evolve while maintaining its rugged, timeless charm. I’ve personally explored every inch of the island. This guide isn’t just a list of highlights; it’s a distillation of 30 years of firsthand experience, so you can navigate the island easily.

Block Island is a small, pear-shaped island located about 13 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island, in the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its tiny size, roughly seven miles long and three miles wide, the island packs in a remarkable amount of natural beauty, with rolling green hills, dramatic ocean cliffs, freshwater ponds, and miles of unspoiled coastline. It is classic nostalgic New Enland. Nearly half of the island is permanently protected from development, which is part of why it feels so different from the more crowded New England summer destinations.

Most visitors arrive by ferry from Point Judith (Galilee), Rhode Island, though seasonal ferries also run from Newport, RI, New London, CT, and Montauk, NY.

The best time to visit Block Island is between late May and early October, when the ferries run most frequently, the restaurants are open, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches and the bluffs. Most restaurants are not open out of season.

Summer weekends are the busiest, so if you can swing a midweek trip in June or September, you’ll get the same beautiful scenery with a fraction of the crowds.

Whether you’re coming for a long weekend, a day trip, or a full week of beach time, I’ve put together this list of the top 15 best things to do in Block Island, Rhode Island, so you don’t miss a thing.

Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:

A trip to Block Island isn’t complete without renting a bike to ride the island, walking the stairs down to the beach at Mohegan Bluffs, and grabbing a sunset drink on the water in Old Harbor. Hit those three and the rest of this list is a bonus.

Where To Stay on Block Island

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1. Old Harbor and Water Street

Old Harbor is the main hub of Block Island. It’s where the ferry comes in, where most of the shops and restaurants are clustered, and where you’ll spend a lot of your time eating, drinking, and people-watching.

Water Street is the main commercial drag and is lined with charming shops selling everything from beach supplies to handmade jewelry to Block Island-branded apparel. The street is also home to several of the island’s most iconic Victorian-era hotels, including the Hotel Manisses and the National Hotel, both of which are worth a look even if you’re not staying there.

In the evenings, Old Harbor comes alive with diners, live music drifting out of bar patios, and visitors strolling along the waterfront. It’s compact, walkable, and feels like a step back in time.

2. Rent Bikes and Ride the Island

Renting a bike is hands down the best way to see Block Island. The island is small enough that you can ride a loop and hit most of the major sights in a day, and the rolling hills, ocean views, and stone walls make every mile a pleasure.

Several rental shops are located right in Old Harbor near the ferry terminal, so you can step off the boat and onto a bike within minutes. Standard cruisers, hybrids, and e-bikes are widely available. If you’re not a confident cyclist or want to skip the hills, the e-bike is well worth the upgrade.

Plan a route that includes Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse, Rodman’s Hollow, and a stop at one of the beaches along the way. Roads are narrow and shared with cars, so ride single file and be cautious at intersections.

If biking isn’t your thing, you can also rent a moped or a small car. Mopeds are controversial with locals due to past accidents, so a car is often the better backup option if you’d rather not pedal.

3. Southeast Lighthouse

Perched at the top of the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse is a beautiful red-brick Victorian lighthouse built in 1875. It’s one of the most photographed buildings on the island and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

What makes this lighthouse especially fascinating is that the entire structure was physically moved in 1993. Erosion at the cliff’s edge had brought the lighthouse dangerously close to falling into the ocean, so it was relocated about 245 feet inland. The whole operation took several weeks and is considered an engineering marvel.

It is just a short 10 minute bike ride (about 1 hour walk) from the town center. You can tour the lighthouse and climb to the top during the summer months for a small admission fee. There’s also a small museum and gift shop on the grounds. Even if you don’t go inside, the lighthouse is worth a visit just for the photo.

4. Mohegan Bluffs

Located a short distance from the Southeast Lighthouse, the Mohegan Bluffs are easily the most iconic sight on Block Island. Towering roughly 150 feet above the Atlantic, these dramatic clay cliffs run along the southern coast and offer some of the best ocean views in all of New England. From the top, you can look out across open water with nothing between you and the Caribbean except for the occasional passing ship.

A wooden staircase of about 140 steps leads from the clifftop down to a quiet, rocky beach at the base. The descent is easy; the climb back up is the cardio portion of your day, so pace yourself. The beach below is a beautiful spot to spend an hour, but be aware that swimming here is at your own risk; there are no lifeguards and the surf can be strong.

The bluffs are named for a 1590 battle in which the local Niantic tribe, native to the island, drove a raiding party of Mohegan warriors to the cliff’s edge. There’s a small interpretive marker near the staircase that explains the history.

5. Rodman’s Hollow

Rodman’s Hollow is a 230-acre nature preserve in the southwest corner of Block Island, and it was the very first piece of land protected by the Block Island Conservancy back in 1972. It set the precedent that has led to nearly half of the island being conserved.

Geologically, the hollow is a glacial outwash basin, which is a fancy way of saying it looks like a giant green bowl carved into the landscape. A short network of trails winds through the preserve, including one that leads down to the ocean at Black Rock Beach. Expect rolling hills, wildflowers in the summer, and absolutely no development.

This is one of the best spots on the island for hiking, birdwatching, or just experiencing what Block Island looked like before any of it was settled. Go early in the morning for the best chance at solitude and wildlife sightings.

6. Crescent Beach and State Beach

Crescent Beach is the longest stretch of sand on Block Island, running for about three miles along the eastern side of the island. The middle section, known as State Beach (or Fred Benson Town Beach), is the main lifeguarded swimming beach and the most family-friendly spot on the island.

State Beach has a pavilion with restrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar, and beach chair and umbrella rentals. Parking is available right at the pavilion, and it’s an easy walk or bike ride from town. The water is typically calm enough for kids and the sand is soft and clean.

If you’re looking for a quieter stretch, just walk north or south from the main pavilion and the crowds thin out quickly. Scotch Beach, just to the north, is a popular spot for younger crowds, while Mansion Beach, even farther up, is one of the most beautiful and least crowded sections of the entire island.

7. North Light (Block Island North Lighthouse)

On the opposite end of the island, at the very tip of Sandy Point, sits the North Light. Reaching it is half the fun, you’ll need to park at the trailhead and walk roughly a mile through soft sand and beach grass to get there.

The lighthouse itself is a handsome granite structure built in 1867. It now houses a small maritime museum that’s typically open during the summer season. The walk out is also one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences on the island; Sandy Point is a major nesting area for piping plovers and you’ll often see seals offshore in cooler months.

Bring water, sunscreen, and shoes you don’t mind getting sandy. Sections of the beach can be closed in the early summer to protect nesting birds, so always check signage when you arrive.

8. Settler’s Rock and Sachem Pond

Near the trailhead for the North Light, you’ll find Settler’s Rock, a stone monument commemorating the original 16 European settlers who arrived on Block Island in 1661. It’s a quick stop, but a meaningful one for anyone interested in the island’s history.

Right next to the monument is Sachem Pond, a freshwater pond that’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers. Swans, herons, and egrets are common, and the pond is part of a critical migratory bird flyway. There’s a small parking area and a short, easy path that loops around part of the pond.

If you’ve made the trip up to Sandy Point for the lighthouse anyway, this is a natural add-on stop that takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes.

Planning Tip: If you have two days on the island, I recommend planning a “South Island” day and a “North Island” day, always starting and ending mid-island near Old Harbor for the best logistics.

9. The Greenway and Clay Head Trail

The Greenway is a network of walking trails that connects several of the island’s preserves and runs roughly through the center of Block Island. The Clay Head Trail, on the northeast side, is the most popular section and offers a fantastic mix of ocean views and inland scenery.

Within the Clay Head area, you’ll find a section locally known as “The Maze,” a confusing but charming network of small footpaths that crisscross the bluffs. There’s no map for The Maze, and that’s part of the experience, wander as long as you’d like and follow whichever path looks most interesting. Eventually you’ll loop back to where you started.

The trail is mostly flat and very accessible, and it’s a great option if you want a low-key way to spend a couple of hours away from the busier beaches. Wear long pants if you’re sensitive to ticks; this is New England, after all.

10. New Harbor and the Great Salt Pond

While Old Harbor faces the Atlantic, New Harbor on the western side of the island faces the Great Salt Pond, a large, sheltered body of water that’s a popular anchorage for visiting boats. In the summer, the pond fills with sailboats and the marinas buzz with activity.

Even if you’re not arriving by boat, New Harbor is worth a visit. There are restaurants, a few shops, and rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and small sailboats. The protected water is ideal for beginners and a much calmer experience than the open ocean.

If you want to spot the boating culture of Block Island in full swing, walk the docks at Champlin’s or the Block Island Boat Basin in the late afternoon as boats are tying up for the night.

11. The Oar and Ballard’s Beach

The Oar is a casual waterfront restaurant on the Great Salt Pond known for its incredible collection of more than 3,000 hand-painted oars hanging from the ceiling and walls. Visiting boaters paint their boat names on oars and donate them to the restaurant, a tradition that’s been going on for decades.

The food is solid, classic New England fare (think fried clams, lobster rolls, and burgers), but really it’s about the views and the atmosphere. Sunset on the deck overlooking the pond is hard to beat.

On the opposite side of the island, Ballard’s Beach is a lively beach club right next to the ferry terminal in Old Harbor. It’s a sprawling, party-style beach with rented chairs and umbrellas, a giant restaurant and bar, live music, and frozen drinks. It’s not for everyone, it can get rowdy in peak season, but if you’re looking for a fun afternoon scene, it’s iconic.

12. Block Island Glass Float Project

One of the most charming things on Block Island is the Glass Float Project, a community art initiative in which more than 500 hand-blown glass orbs are hidden around the island each year. If you find one, you get to keep it.

Each float is signed and numbered by the local artist, Eben Horton, who started the project in 2012. The orbs are hidden in beach grass, tucked behind rocks, or nestled along trails. Never buried, and always somewhere safe and respectful of the environment.

The hunt is just as much fun as the find. It gets families and friends out exploring corners of the island they might otherwise skip. Even if you don’t find one, you’ll discover spots you wouldn’t have otherwise seen. Check the project’s website for hints during your visit.

13. Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Great Salt Pond

The Great Salt Pond is the perfect place to get out on the water without dealing with ocean swells or strong currents. Several rental outfits in New Harbor offer kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and even small sailboats by the hour or by the day.

The pond is large enough that you can spend hours exploring its coves, watching the boat traffic, and paddling close to shore for a different perspective on the island. It’s also one of the most peaceful ways to catch a sunset, with the western sky lighting up over the water.

If you have kids or are a first-time paddler, this is a much safer choice than trying to launch on the ocean side. Wind can pick up in the afternoons, so morning or early evening is usually the calmest time to head out.

14. Block Island Historical Society Museum

For a low-key rainy-day activity (or just a break from the sun), the Block Island Historical Society Museum is a charming small museum that walks you through the island’s full history, from its Niantic origins through the European settlers, the Victorian tourism boom, and modern day.

The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1870s farmhouse and contains artifacts, photographs, ship models, and exhibits on shipwrecks, fishing, and island life. It’s not huge, but it’s well curated, and you’ll come away with a better appreciation for what makes Block Island feel so distinct from the mainland.

Admission is modest and the volunteer docents are usually full of stories. If you have an hour to spare and you’re already in town, it’s well worth a look.

15. Sunset Drinks and Dinner on the Water

No trip to Block Island is complete without at least one proper sunset on the water. The island is small enough that you can be on the western side for sunset and back in your hotel within 15 minutes, which makes this an easy nightly ritual.

Some of the best spots to catch sunset with a drink in hand:

• The Oar: Sunset views over the Great Salt Pond, plus those iconic painted oars overhead.
• Spring House Hotel: A grand Victorian hotel with a sprawling lawn and Adirondack chairs facing the ocean. Order a drink and post up.
• The Atlantic Inn: Hilltop location with arguably the best panoramic sunset view on the entire island.
• Dead Eye Dick’s: Casual waterfront dining at New Harbor, great for a sunset dinner.
• Ballard’s: If you want loud and fun, this is your spot.

Plan ahead in peak season, since the best tables fill up early. Many places take reservations, but the most casual spots are first-come, first-served.

Conclusion - Most Memorable Things to Do in Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island is one of those rare New England spots that feels like it exists in its own pocket of time. Between the cliffs, the lighthouses, the rolling green hills, and the sleepy Victorian town center, it’s the kind of place you visit once and end up planning to return to every summer.

Hit these top 15 things to do in Block Island, Rhode Island, and you’ll come away with a real sense of why locals and repeat visitors are so protective of this little island. Use the subscribe form below to get notified as I post additional content on New England!