Popular Locations

Mohegan Bluffs

Some people say the beach at the base of the 200-foot tall Mohegan Bluffs is the most beautiful on the island, harboring a secluded, if rocky, place to swim and surf. It’s a bit of a climb to get there, however, with a set of 141 steps leading down to the sand. Make the effort and the payoff is spectacular, with clay cliffs that offer one of the most dramatic views of the Atlantic in all of Rhode Island, and a vista that can extend all the way to Montauk on the tip of Long Island. The steps are easy to find – there’s a plaque at the Bluff overlook, commemorating the history of the bluffs (Mohegan Bluffs got their name from a Native American battle dating to 1590, where 40 members of a Mohegan raiding party were said to have been driven off the cliffs to their deaths by the Manisseans, the victorious natives of the island)

Southeast Lighthouse

An architecturally distinctive gem that sits atop Mohegan Bluffs, Southeast Light is one of the two lights on the island, and the easiest to access. It’s grounds offer amazing views out over the Atlantic, including the island’s best perspective on the new Block Island Windfarm located three miles offshore. Built in 1875, the lighthouse has a 52-foot brick and granite tower, and has been named a National Historic Landmark. A big boulder close to the Mohegan Bluffs marks its original location; it was moved 300 feet inland in 1993 due to the erosion of its original perch.

North Lighthouse and The Point

If you appreciate great scenery, this is one of the island’s best bets, with pretty coastal views and the historic North Light. Located where Corn Neck Road ends, the area includes Settler’s Rock, which you’ll encounter right next to the parking lot – it’s a monument inscribed with the names of the original English families who settled on the island in 1661. Leave your car or bike in the small lot near the Rock, and you can hike about half a mile across the shoreline to the pretty lighthouse you’ll see in the distance; North Light is an iconic granite and iron lighthouse that dates from 1867. (The lighthouse is home to a museum that is open weekends from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday. Call (401) 466-3213 for more information and to confirm hours.)

Beaches

Town Beach

Great beach only a short walk from town. Nice views of town and a large part of the island. You can watch ferries go by and life guards are on duty.

"Named Coastal Living’s “Best Beach for Families,” Fred Benson has everything young kids (and their parents) could want -- a wide white sand beach with low surf, a lifeguard, and ice cream. The main draw here is the beach pavilion, which offers showers and restrooms, a changing room with lockers, and a concession stand for the all-important snacks. (You can also rent chairs, umbrellas, cabanas and boogie boards.) Just a mile from town, the beach features easy parking and a short car-to-beach walk, making it among the island’s most popular (and populated.) Large beach pavilion makes Fred Benson Beach easy to locate."

Ballard's Beach

Closest beach to center of town. Bar close by!

"Ballard's Is A Premier Beach Party Destination with daily live music, beach volleyball, tiki bars, oceanfront dining and full service on our beach! At Ballard's, we offer more than just a day in the sun on our private beach where there is never a cover charge. Bask in the sun and take in the view while enjoying craft cocktails, wine and beer from our tiki bars and delight your palate with some of the best food in New England at our oceanfront restaurant and on our beach."

Mansion Beach

Fairly far from town (will want to take a taxi, car, or bike). Quiet and picturesque.

"Mansion Beach was originally home to an actual mansion – the large, elegant home of Edward F. Searles, which burned down in the 1960s and was never rebuilt. Even without the mansion, however, the beach is one of the island’s most picturesque. Mansion Beach marks the north end of what’s known as Crescent Beach, and is generally less crowded. It also has bigger waves than the areas around Fred Benson Town Beach, making it good for body surfing and beach combing. To get there, travel about three miles down Corn Neck Road, and look for a dirt road on the right with a Mansion Beach Road sign. Follow it to the end, and you’ll find a large parking area, built around the foundation of the old mansion, with a short path the beach. No mopeds are allowed on the dirt road."

Other Outdoor Activities

Rodman's Hollow

If you’re looking for a relatively easy walk through a variety of natural settings – from wooded to open, from towering bluffs to a pristine beach – Rodman’s Hollow is a can’t miss place. Rodman’s Hollow is a glorious 230-acre glacial outwash plain with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to Black Rock Beach, filled with native trees and shrubs lining a path that varies from flat to steep. It’s a great place to hunt for glass floats – the 550 handcrafted numbered orbs that have been hidden around the island as part of an interactive art experience known as the Glass Float Project. To get to Rodman’s Hollow, walk down Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road. In a quarter mile, you’ll see a wooden gate and turnstile that’s the entrance to the trail. When you get to the split, go left to walk the bottom of the hollow and to get to another trail leading to Fresh Pond. Or take a right to go up a knoll and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic vista. The trails come together again to return to Black Rock Road. If you turn left and continue down the road, you’ll find another trail that takes you all the way to secluded Black Rock Beach.

Hiking Trails

Clay Head Preserve

The Clay Head Preserve traverses some of the most spectacular scenery on the eastern seaboard. The trail runs east toward the ocean about one-third of a mile. Soon you will reach an intersection in the trail. If you turn right, you will end up on the beach. Turn left and the trail winds up above the clay bluffs for which this area was named. At the top of the incline, follow the trail along the bluff. Periodically you will see trails on your left heading away from the ocean; this part of Clay Head is known as the maze. These intertwining trails are unmarked and are perfect for hours of wandering when you want to enjoy the outdoors.

Directions: Look for a post marker on the right side of Corn Neck Road about two miles from town. Turn right down the dirt road and drive about one-third mile to a parking area and see the Clay Head sign.

Block Island Nature Conservancy

Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. There are approximately 25 miles of walking and hiking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge. See website for overview of trails, directions, and resources.

Other Block Island Greenway Trails

Block Island has 25 miles of trails of easy-to-moderate walks. Find maps at the Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center at the Block Island Ferry. The Nature Conservancy at 352 High Street has maps for the Greenway Trails.

Fresh Swamp Preserve

Fresh Swamp Preserve is fields and shrub meadow surrounding a pond.

Hodge Family Preserve

25 acres off Corn Neck Road and connected to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Nathan Mott Park and Turnip Farm

This is a hilly hike with great views to the west and south.

Food and Sweets

Persephone's Kitchen

Great little cafe with nice coffee and sandwiches.

Old Harbor View

Close to the ferry and overpriced, but it's got great hot lobster rolls!

Three Sisters

Known for their sandwiches and nice eating area out back. Small little house.

National Hotel

Good place to sit and relax. Nice food for any time of day.

Eli's

Fancier place for couples. Show up for dinner a little bit early!

Poor People's Pub

Pub scene with good eats.

The Ice Cream Place

Get an ice cream sundae with hot fudge. Or a scoop of ice cream with hot fudge. Or just a pint of hot fudge. ;)

Payne's Donuts

Payne’s Donuts is a Block Island staple. People literally wait in line to get one of Carol Payne’s killer donuts. It is located just outside of the New Harbor Payne’s Dock. If you’re not docked at Payne’s or Champlin’s Marinas, it is just a short walk or cab ride from town. Your taste glands will do a dance of thanks and believe us, you’ll be in line again immediately after you get a taste of your first Payne’s Donut. They say it’s the Block Island water that makes ’em taste so good. You be the judge.

Blocks of Fudge

Great place for candy, sweets, and of course Fudge! Located on the corner of Chapel Street and Weldon's Way!