Block Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Located off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a hidden gem in the United States that offers visitors a unique and picturesque experience. With its pristine beaches, charming landscapes, and rich history, this island destination is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions on Block Island is its stunning coastline. Miles of sandy beaches provide the ideal setting for relaxing walks, sunbathing, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you prefer the bustling atmosphere of popular beaches like Crescent Beach or the tranquility of secluded spots like Mansion Beach, there is a beach for every taste on this island.

Aside from its beaches, Block Island is also known for its remarkable natural landscapes. The Mohegan Bluffs, towering cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the ocean, are a must-see for any visitor. Hiking trails wind through the island, leading to scenic spots such as Clay Head Preserve and Rodman's Hollow, where you can explore diverse ecosystems, spot migratory birds, and witness stunning sunsets.

History buffs will be delighted by the island's rich heritage. Block Island has a long and fascinating history dating back to the Native American tribes that once inhabited the land. The Southeast Lighthouse, a historic landmark perched atop Mohegan Bluffs, offers insight into the island's maritime past and provides panoramic views of the surroundings.

For those seeking a taste of local culture, the town of New Shoreham offers charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Sample delicious seafood dishes at one of the island's many seafood shacks or indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at one of the upscale restaurants.

Alternative names: Area: 9.73 mi²Elevation: 33 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°10'23"N, 71°33'33"W

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Rhode IslandUnited States

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Block Island Top Attractions

Block Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Block Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Southeast Lighthouse, Old Harbor Historic District, Block Island Historical Society, Beach Rose Bicycles Inc.. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

1875 beacon with a flashing green light
Southeast Lighthouse
Block Island Southeast Light is a lighthouse located on Mohegan Bluffs at the southeastern corner of Block Island, Rhode Island. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1997 as one of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses built in the United States in the 19th century.
41°10'21"N • 71°33'27"W
Old Harbor Historic District
The Old Harbor Historic District is an historic district in the resort community of New Shoreham on Block Island off the southern coast of Rhode Island. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Main Street, it includes Spring, High, and Water streets as well.
Museum
Block Island Historical Society
The Block Island Historical Society is a historical society which runs a museum at 18 Old Town Road and Ocean Avenue on Block Island in Rhode Island. The Block Island Historical Society Museum was founded in 1942. The museum is located within Woonsocket House, a large house built in 1871.

41°10'3"N • 71°33'23"W
Beach Rose Bicycles Inc.
Beach • Gear rental • Outdoor activities
Nature • Natural attraction • Cliff
Mohegan Bluffs
The Mohegan Bluffs are large clay cliffs about 150 feet high, located on the southern shore of Block Island. They got their name because the battle of the Niantic and the Mohegan took place here in the mid 16th century.
41°10'40"N • 71°34'18"W
Hygeia House
Hygeia House is a historic vacation home on Beach Avenue on Block Island. It is a 2-3 story wood-frame structure, four bays wide, with a mansard roof.
41°10'41"N • 71°34'14"W
US Weather Bureau Station
The U.S. Weather Bureau Station is an historic former weather station on Beach Avenue on Block Island, Rhode Island. It is a two-story wood-frame structure, three bays wide, with a flat roof surrounded by a low balustrade. There is a full-width porch across the front, supported by grouped columns.
41°11'24"N • 71°35'38"W
Peleg Champlin House
The Peleg Champlin House is an historic house on Rodman Pond Lane in western New Shoreham, on Block Island, in Rhode Island. It is a 1+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure, five bays wide, with a side-gable roof and a large central chimney.

Day trips

Block Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Block Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mystic Seaport (Mystic), The Breakers (Newport), Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton).

25 milesNW
Museum, Maritime museum
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Mystic Seaport, nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England attraction and a treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts. This expansive museum, often referred to as The Museum of America and the Sea, offers a unique glimpse into...
25 milesNE
Opulent, late-1800s Vanderbilt mansion
The Breakers, Newport
Nestled along the picturesque cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers stands as a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. This palatial mansion, completed in 1895, was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.
31 milesNW
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton
The Submarine Force Library and Museum, located in Groton, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the rich history and technological advancements of the United States submarine force. This unique museum is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy...
25 milesNE
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
The Elms, Newport
The Elms is a grandiose mansion nestled in the picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island. This palatial summer residence, completed in 1901, stands as a testament to the opulence and luxury that characterized America's Gilded Age.
17 milesSW
Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse, Montauk
Perched at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the Montauk Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel over the tumultuous waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Constructed in 1796 under the direction of President George Washington and authorized by the...

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Best Time To Visit Block Island

Learn when is the best time to travel to Block Island weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June and July. Most of it rains in March, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Block Island?

The top attractions to visit in Block Island are:

What is the best time to visit Block Island?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.