Block Island

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Travel Guide · April 2026

🦋

Family Travel Guide

Block Island

RI · New England Islands

No cars needed, dramatic cliffs, and the best beach in Rhode Island — 1.5 hours from New Haven

SummerEarly Fall Ages 2–16 2.5 hr drive

🚗 1.5 hrs drive to Point Judith · 1 hr ferry to Block Island · No passport required

GrandkidsGuide Block Island, RI

Overview

Block Island is one of the most underrated family destinations in New England — 40% of the land is preserved as wildlife refuge, the beaches are spectacular, and the pace is so slow that grandparents immediately decompress. The Mohegan Bluffs are Rhode Island's most dramatic natural feature. The island is small enough to bike in a day. You can leave the car in Point Judith and take the ferry — the island manages just fine without it.

Why Grandparents Love It

✓ Almost no car traffic — the island is quiet, the roads are narrow, and you can walk or bike everywhere safely

✓ Everything is within 3 miles of the ferry dock — you genuinely do not need a car

✓ Block Island's pace is slower than anywhere else in New England — it forces everyone to decompress

Highlights

 → Mohegan Bluffs: 200-foot clay sea cliffs stretching two miles along the south coast — the most dramatic view in Rhode Island 

 → 40% of the island is protected conservation land — the blueberry bushes, walking trails, and wildlife are extraordinary in late summer 

 → Crescent Beach: a 3-mile long, clean, calm swimming beach a short bike ride from the ferry dock 

 → The Southeast Lighthouse: a red brick Victorian lighthouse perched dramatically at the top of the Mohegan Bluffs 

Top Free Pick

🌟 Start Here

Mohegan Bluffs Walk

Walk or bike to the South End of the island and descend the wooden stairs to the base of 200-foot clay cliffs stretching east along the coast. The Southeast Lighthouse sits at the top. The view from the bluff-top path is the best on the island. Free to access — just get there.

Free · All ages (stairs to beach for ages 5+)

GrandkidsGuide Block Island · Activities

Top Activities

Crescent Beach

A 3-mile long beach on the east coast of the island with calm, clear Atlantic water and a long flat sand bar at low tide. Fred Benson Town Beach in the center has lifeguards, restrooms, and a snack bar. The beach extends in both directions with increasingly fewer people.

Free · Parking at Fred Benson $20/day (or bike) ⏱ Half day All ages

Grandparent note: Bike from the ferry dock to Crescent Beach in 10 minutes on flat roads. The snack bar at Fred Benson has excellent lobster rolls. Arrive by 9am in July for the most pleasant stretch.

Island Bike Tour

Block Island is 7 square miles — you can bike the whole perimeter road in 2–3 hours. Rent bikes at multiple shops near the ferry dock. The road to Mohegan Bluffs, through the conservation lands, and back along Corn Neck Road is the classic loop. Mostly flat with one moderate hill at the south end.

Bike rental $20–30/day at island shops ⏱ 2–4 hours for the loop Ages 5+ (younger on tag-alongs)

Grandparent note: The island has excellent bike rental shops right at the dock. The flat Corn Neck Road section (north) is the easiest for grandkids — it leads directly to the sandy beaches at the north end.

GrandkidsGuide Block Island · Activities, cont.

More Activities

Freshwater Pond Fishing & Walking

Block Island has 365 freshwater ponds — one for every day of the year, locals say. Rodman's Hollow (a glacial ravine) and the Greenway trail system connect many of them through Conservation Trust land. Bass and bluegill fishing from the pond banks is free and easy with a simple rod.

Free (RI fishing license for adults) · Fishing gear at island tackle shops ⏱ 1–3 hours All ages for walking · Ages 5+ for fishing

Grandparent note: Rodman's Hollow is the most dramatic landscape on the island — a 230-acre glacial bowl with berry bushes, birds, and wildflowers. The main trail is easy and flat. Kids pick blueberries in August.

Southeast Lighthouse

A striking 1875 red brick lighthouse perched directly above the Mohegan Bluffs, recently restored to pristine condition. Guided tours of the interior and the lighthouse lamp. The view from the bluff edge beside the lighthouse is the signature Block Island photo.

Grounds free · Interior tour $10/adult · $5 under 12 ⏱ 1 hour All ages

Grandparent note: The lighthouse is 3 miles from the ferry dock — a straightforward bike ride or quick taxi. The stairs down the bluffs to the beach below are steep (140+ steps) but not required to enjoy the view.

Where to Stay

The National Hotel

Historic Hotel · $250–450/night

A Victorian hotel on the harbor since 1888 — wrap-around porch, ferry views, the heart of Block Island life

Spring House Hotel

Inn · $200–400/night

On a hill above Old Harbor with sweeping views — quieter than the National, beautiful lawns for grandkids

Vacation Rental (VRBO)

Cottage · $250–500/night

Best for 3+ nights — kitchen saves money, more space, the right way to experience island life

Where to Eat

Ballard's Beach Resort

Casual Beach · $$

Massive outdoor deck right on the sand, live music, fried seafood — the Block Island institution

The Oar (New Harbor)

Seafood · $$

On the Great Salt Pond harbor, best lobster rolls on the island, boats tie up outside

Aldo's Bakery & Restaurant

Breakfast/Bakery · $

Block Island's best morning spot — excellent muffins, egg sandwiches, and fresh bread since 1986

GrandkidsGuide Block Island · Tips & Itinerary

Grandparent Tips

Take the ferry from Point Judith as a foot passenger with bikes — much simpler than bringing the car (car reservations fill months ahead)

Book lodging 3–4 months ahead for July and August — the island has limited capacity

July and August are peak; September is spectacular — smaller crowds, warm water, brilliant light

Bring a small wheeled cart for hauling beach gear from the rental — the ferry unloading walk is longer than it looks

Block Island has no chain stores or fast food — cash is useful at the smaller shops and bike rentals

The island has excellent cell service (Verizon best) — no need to worry about staying connected

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 — Ferry & Old Harbor

• Drive to Point Judith (1.5 hrs), ferry to Block Island (1 hr)

• Rent bikes at the dock, check in

• Afternoon: Crescent Beach swim

• Evening: Ballard's for dinner and live music

Day 2 — Bluffs & Ponds

• Morning: Bike to Mohegan Bluffs via southeast lighthouse

• Midday: Rodman's Hollow walk and blueberry picking (August)

• Afternoon: North end beaches at Corn Neck Road

• Evening: The Oar at New Harbor for lobster rolls

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