Block Island
Block Island is a popular island destination located off the northeastern tip of Long Island in Block Island Sound, known for its beaches, dramatic coastal bluffs, boating culture, historic lighthouses, and relaxed New England atmosphere. Although part of Rhode Island, the island has long maintained strong connections to eastern Long Island through fishing, boating, tourism, and maritime travel.
Located roughly 12 miles from Montauk, Block Island attracts visitors seeking scenic coastline, outdoor recreation, seafood restaurants, ocean views, and a quieter coastal environment than many larger resort destinations. The island is especially active during the summer season when ferries, marinas, inns, and waterfront areas fill with seasonal visitors from throughout the Northeast.
History
Block Island was originally inhabited by Native American communities long before European explorers arrived in the region. The island was later named after Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, who explored portions of the northeastern coastline during the early 1600s.
Over time, the island developed around fishing, farming, boating, and maritime trade. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Block Island had become a well-known summer resort destination for travelers from New York and New England seeking ocean air, beaches, and coastal scenery.
Geography & Setting
Block Island is located within Block Island Sound, between eastern Long Island and the Rhode Island mainland. The island features sandy beaches, rolling hills, freshwater ponds, rocky shoreline areas, and dramatic Atlantic-facing bluffs.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the Mohegan Bluffs, a series of steep clay cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean along the southern shoreline. Other natural features include Crescent Beach, Great Salt Pond, Rodman’s Hollow, and the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Recreation & Things To Do
Visitors to Block Island enjoy a wide variety of outdoor and waterfront activities, including:
- Beachgoing and swimming
- Boating and sailing
- Sport fishing and charter excursions
- Biking and scenic rides
- Hiking and nature trails
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Lighthouse sightseeing
- Wildlife viewing and photography
The island’s relatively small size and slower pace make it especially popular for walking, cycling, and exploring coastal scenery.
Boating & Maritime Culture
Boating is central to life on Block Island. During the warmer months, marinas and harbor areas fill with sailboats, yachts, fishing vessels, and recreational boaters arriving from Long Island, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
The waters surrounding the island are widely regarded as some of the Northeast’s best fishing grounds for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, black sea bass, tuna, and other Atlantic species.
Lighthouses & Historic Landmarks
Historic lighthouses have guided mariners around Block Island for generations. The Southeast Lighthouse, located near the Mohegan Bluffs, is among the island’s most recognizable landmarks and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The North Lighthouse near the northern tip of the island is another important maritime landmark associated with the island’s nautical history and coastal navigation routes.
Vicinity of the Island
Nearby Areas & Access
Block Island is located near several well-known coastal destinations and waterways associated with eastern Long Island and southern New England, including:
Most visitors reach the island by ferry from Rhode Island or Connecticut, though many recreational boaters travel directly from eastern Long Island during the summer boating season.
Snapshot – Block Island
| Location | Block Island Sound, off the coast of Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Nearest Long Island Area | Montauk |
| State | Rhode Island |
| Known For | Beaches, boating, fishing, bluffs, and lighthouses |
| Main Community | New Shoreham |
| Popular Activities | Boating, biking, hiking, fishing, sightseeing |
| Access | Ferry service, private boat, and small aircraft |
Block Island remains one of the Northeast’s most recognizable island destinations, combining scenic coastline, maritime history, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Although part of Rhode Island, the island continues to share strong geographic and recreational ties with eastern Long Island through the waters of Block Island Sound and the region’s long-standing boating and fishing traditions.
