From the towering Mohegan Bluffs to scenic bike rides and some of New England’s best surfing, Block Island has something for everyone.
By Dan Mathers
Twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island lies a hotbed for outdoor adventure that is truly unlike any other in the Northeast.
Block Island might only be seven miles long and three miles wide, but it is bursting with possibilities for anyone who loves the outdoors. With dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, pristine nature trails, and rolling waves, the island is an ideal getaway for anyone who enjoys hiking, biking, paddling, or surfing.
Here’s what to know to plan your ultimate Block Island outdoor adventure.
Biking | Paddling & Surfing | Hiking | Food & Drink | Lodging
Getting There
If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, well that makes getting to Block Island pretty easy. (And you’ll want to check out the Block Island article on our sister site, New England Boating!) But for the rest of us who aren’t captains of our own ship, we need to take the Block Island Ferry.
The Block Island Ferry features a traditional ferry available year-round out of Point Judith. It also has hi-speed ferries available seasonally out of both Point Judith and Newport.
Biking On Block Island
Outside of maybe mopeds, bikes are the most popular way to get around on Block Island. As an activity, if you only come to Block Island to bike, you won’t be disappointed. The island’s quiet roads and paths are ideal for biking, with rolling hills, expansive grassy fields, and stunning ocean views.
The most popular bike route on the island is the Block Island Self-Guided Bike Tour. This 7.5-mile loop stops at nine major sites at the southern end of the island. You can also explore the island’s north end, which adds 8.5 miles out to the iconic North Lighthouse, a historic iron and granite lighthouse built in 1867. Along the way you’ll pass stone walls, fields, and salt ponds.
The island offers visitors plenty of opportunities to rent bikes. Among the best is Beach Rose Bicycles, which is located just a half mile from the ferry dock and is on the way to some of the island’s most scenic areas.
Aldo’s Moped and Bikes has been on the island since the 1970s. They will pick you up anywhere on the island. Island Moped and Bikes features a large fleet of bikes.
Paddling And Surfing The Block
Given that Block Island is completely surrounded by water, it makes sense water sports are at the core of the island’s outdoor culture. Surfing is immensely popular on the island, and paddlers love exploring the miles of dramatic coastline.
Surfers can rent gear at several Block Island shops, and most also offer lessons for those trying to sport for the first time.
Diamond Blue Surf Shop offers surf lessons that are an hour and a half and include a board and wetsuit. Lessons start with beach training and cover surfing etiquette, technique, balance, and prepare surfers for over an hour on the water. If you want to explore the island using a stand-up paddleboard, they also rent paddleboards as well as surfboards and surf gear.
Fort Island Kayaks and SUPs does just what the name says: rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Their location also makes it convenient for paddlers to explore Great Salt Pond, a large harbor that used to be a freshwater pond until a channel was dug out in the 1870s. The pond’s sheltered, calm waters make it ideal for all skill levels.
Another rental option is Pond & Beyond Kayak Rentals (401-578-2773), which offers kayak rentals and guided kayak tours.
Hiking On Block Island
Hiking on the island is a different experience from elsewhere in New England, but just as enjoyable. Instead of mountain peaks and rugged forests, hikers on Block Island get dramatic ocean views and explore nature paths through grassy fields and along coastal areas where they can view interesting seabirds.
A must-see for any visitor to Block Island is Mohegan Bluffs. These 200-foot-tall clay cliffs offer jaw-dropping views over the Atlantic. Visitors can walk the 141 stairs down to the beach at the base of the cliff to enjoy one of the most secluded but beautiful beaches on the island. The climb back up can be challenging, but is well worth it.
Hikers will love exploring the Block Island Greenway, a network of more than 28 miles of walking trails that feature rolling hills, scenic views, and wildlife. Hikers will take paths that cut through meadows, wetlands, and bird-filled thickets.
Food And Drink
Block Island is the perfect place to be after a busy day of outdoor activities. From fancy resort dining to burgers and pub food, the island offers hungry visitors lots of options for food and drink.
Champlin’s Resort offers visitors a few options. The Landing features fresh local cuisine to go along with beautiful views of the Great Salt Pond. Guests can enjoy hand-crafted dishes such as New England clam chowder, fresh lobster rolls, steak frites, and more, paired with nautical-inspired cocktails. Also at Champlin’s, Blockamole provides a fun, tasty Mexican flare with flavorful dishes such as fish tacos and nachos.
The Oar is a popular restaurant at New Harbor Boat Basin. It’s an American restaurant featuring clam chowder, lobster rolls, burgers, and it also has a full sushi bar. Dead Eye Dick’s in New Harbor is open for lunch and dinner daily. Dead Eye’s eclectic menu offers fresh seafood, including their signature swordfish and lobster dishes.
For upscale dining, the Restaurant 1879 at the Atlantic has creative menus and an extensive wine list has been awarded accolades and received recognition from numerous publications including Bön Appétit, Travel and Leisure, Gourmet, Yankee, Wine Spectator, and more.
For something more down-to-earth, The Poor People’s Pub offers a wide menu with burgers, barbecue, local seafood, pizza, and more, all served on the sunny patio, shady porch, or cool air-conditioned dining room.
The Yellow Kittens Tavern has been an iconic island establishment since 1876 and is one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the area. It features Mexican food and a wide selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
Captain Nick’s is a seasonal tavern that features live music, drinks, and a snack shack that serves dinner and late night food.
Where To Stay On Block Island
There’s no camping on Block Island, but visitors will find lots of hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts to choose from.
Champlin’s Resort is a boutique hotel that boasts 42 guest rooms offering both waterfront and idyllic island views. The Atlantic Inn sits atop the highest point in Old Harbor offering stunning water views and fresh ocean breezes in addition to rooms and suites, each individually furnished with a blend of modern and vintage furniture.
The Block Island Beach House offers visitors low-key charm with the only beach-front hotel rooms on the island. Payne’s Harbor View Inn features private bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, satellite television, and beautiful antique furnishings.
The Darius Inn is a small, family-run inn that has six guest rooms upstairs and five pet-friendly suites on the first floor. It is walking distance from the ferry landing, in the heart of Old Harbor, and steps from the beach.
To learn more about exploring Block Island, visit BlockIslandInfo.com.
