Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is a popular island destination in Rhode Island, set in Block Island Sound off the eastern end of Long Island and south of the Rhode Island mainland. Known for its beaches, dramatic bluffs, boating culture, historic lighthouses, and relaxed New England atmosphere, the island has long maintained strong recreational and maritime ties to eastern Long Island.
Accessible from Montauk by private boat and, in season, by scheduled ferry service, Block Island draws visitors seeking scenic coastline, outdoor recreation, seafood restaurants, harbor views, and a quieter coastal setting than many larger resort areas. The island is busiest during the summer months, when ferries, marinas, inns, and waterfront districts such as Old Harbor welcome large numbers of seasonal visitors from across the Northeast.
History
Long before European arrival, Block Island was home to the Manissean people, part of the broader Native history of southern New England. The island later took its English name from Dutch navigator Adriaen Block, who explored parts of the northeastern coast in the early 1600s.
Over time, the island developed around fishing, farming, hospitality, and maritime trade. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Block Island had become a well-known summer retreat for travelers from New York and New England seeking ocean air, beaches, and coastal scenery.
Geography & Setting
Block Island lies within Block Island Sound, between eastern Long Island and the Rhode Island mainland. The island features sandy beaches, rolling hills, freshwater ponds, protected open space, rocky shoreline areas, and dramatic Atlantic-facing bluffs.
Among the island’s best-known natural landmarks are the Mohegan Bluffs, a series of steep clay cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean along the southern shoreline. Other notable features include Crescent Beach, Great Salt Pond, Old Harbor, 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 compact size and slower pace make it especially popular for walking, cycling, and exploring coastal scenery. Trail conditions, swimming access, rental availability, and seasonal transportation options can vary, so it is wise to check ahead before visiting.
Boating & Maritime Culture
Boating is central to life on Block Island. During the warmer months, Great Salt Pond, Old Harbor, marinas, and mooring fields 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 productive Northeast fishing grounds for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, black sea bass, tuna, and other Atlantic species. Fishing seasons, size limits, and charter availability may change, so anglers should confirm current regulations and trip details in advance.
Lighthouses & Historic Landmarks
Historic lighthouses have guided mariners around Block Island for generations. The Southeast Lighthouse, set near the Mohegan Bluffs, is among the island’s most recognizable landmarks and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Block Island’s North Light, near Sandy Point at the island’s northern end, is another important maritime landmark closely tied to the island’s nautical history and coastal navigation routes. Access conditions near the refuge and shoreline can change with weather and season.
Block Island, Rhode 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, with additional seasonal service that may include Connecticut and eastern Long Island. Private boats also arrive regularly in Great Salt Pond and Old Harbor, and small aircraft can use Block Island State Airport. Ferry schedules, parking availability, baggage rules, and seasonal routes may change, so check ahead before traveling.
Snapshot – Block Island
| Location | Block Island Sound, south of mainland Rhode Island and east of Montauk |
|---|---|
| Nearest Long Island Area | Montauk |
| State | Rhode Island |
| Known For | Beaches, bluffs, boating, fishing, and historic lighthouses |
| Main Community | New Shoreham |
| Popular Activities | Boating, biking, hiking, fishing, sightseeing |
| Access | Ferry service, private boat, and Block Island State Airport |
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, seasonal travel links, and the region’s long-standing boating and fishing traditions.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking 🍓 Strawberry Picking 🎃 Pumpkin Picking 👻 Haunted Houses 🍂 Farm Festivals
