Dramatic 150-Foot Clay Cliffs and Preserved Land Make This Rhode Island Island a Naturalist’s Dream

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island feels frozen in time, with its old stone walls and two historic lighthouses rising above the waves. Just 13 miles off Rhode Island’s coast, this compact paradise packs in empty beaches, coastal bike trails, and cliffside views that rival anywhere in New England. Here’s your guide to the best things to do on Block Island.

Red Clay Cliffs Drop 200 Feet at Mohegan Bluffs

The striking red clay cliffs tower exactly 200 feet above the shoreline, with a staircase of 141 steps leading to the beach below.

Between the stairs and shoreline, tide pools form among large boulders, creating tiny ecosystems to explore.

The Bluffs stretch nearly three miles along the southern coast, so try different viewing spots for varied perspectives.

Want the best photos without climbing down?

Head to the viewing platform at the top. These cliffs got their name from a battle in 1590, making them a historical landmark for over 430 years.

1875 Southeast Lighthouse Moved 300 Feet Inland

This brick lighthouse reaches 52 feet into the sky and once used a first-order Fresnel lens that sailors could spot from 22 miles away.

The entire structure weighs around 2,000 tons and needed to be moved 300 feet inland in 1993, a $2 million project to save it from cliff erosion.

The keeper’s quarters house five rooms of maritime exhibits showing the history of 59 shipwrecks from the early 1800s.

Tower tours run from 10am–4pm daily between late June and Labor Day, with weekend hours during early summer and fall.

Thirty-Two Miles of Bike Trails Cross Island

Block Island boasts 32 miles of trails and paths ready for cycling adventures.

For a good workout, try the 7.5-mile loop around the southern half or the 3-mile northern lighthouse trail.

Island Moped and Bike on Water Street rents bicycles hourly ($15), half-day ($25), or full-day ($35).

The terrain changes from flat coastal paths to the steep hills of Mansion Road, with climbs up to 250 feet in elevation.

Spring Street works as the main cycling hub, connecting to all major trail networks across the island.

Granite North Light Needs 0.7 Mile Beach Walk

Built in 1867, this granite lighthouse reaches 55 feet tall—3 feet taller than its southern counterpart.

Visit the North Light Interpretive Center just 800 feet away, open daily 10am–5pm during summer.

Storms damaged the original structure repeatedly, leading to four rebuilds before the current 1867 version.

Getting there takes effort: park at the designated area and walk exactly 0.7 miles along a beach path lined with distinctive pink granite boulders.

Eastern Shore Features 2.5-Mile Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach extends 2.5 miles along the eastern shore, with different sections offering unique experiences.

Fred Benson Town Beach comes with amenities like chair and umbrella rentals for $15 daily.

Head to Mansion Beach, 3 miles from the ferry, for better body surfing conditions.

Scotch Beach sits between the two larger beaches, offering a more peaceful setting with natural dunes.

The entire 17-mile perimeter of Block Island has beaches, all free and open year-round.

Thirty Different Walking Trails Cover Varied Terrain

The island’s 32 distinct hiking paths cover more than 30 miles of varied landscapes.

For a challenge, try Clay Head Trail’s 3-mile loop with rough terrain and steep sections.

Nature lovers should explore Rodman’s Hollow, a 3.5-mile path through a 230-acre glacial depression filled with rare plants.

The trails reach up to 211 feet above sea level at Beacon Hill, providing panoramic views.

Hodge Property Trail offers a 1.25-mile route leading to Fresh Pond, the island’s largest freshwater body at 10 acres.

Old Harbor Shops Sell Island-Made Goods Since 1949

The Glass Onion on Water Street specializes in home accessories and vintage nautical items dating back to the 1800s.

For authentic souvenirs, visit Block Island Trading Company at 1 Water Street, running continuously since 1949. Drop by Goose & Garden Nursery to pick up locally grown native buds for your garden.

Twice weekly farmers’ markets happen Wednesday at Legion Park and Saturday behind the Historical Society, offering island-produced goods including sea salt harvested from local waters.

Eateries Serve Fresh Catch From the Bay

The National, established in 1888, makes traditional lobster rolls using meat from locally caught 1.5-pound lobsters.

Since 1947, Dead Eye Dick’s in New Harbor has served their special calamari with banana peppers. The 1661 Inn (founded 1953) uses ingredients grown in their garden just steps from your table.

The Oar, running since 1967, mixes famous mudslide cocktails with locally distilled vodka and offers deck seating for 120 people looking out over Great Salt Pond.

Secret Coves Call Upon Boating Enthusiasts

Rodman’s Hollow, a secret cove tucked away on the island’s southern coast is perfect for anchoring and enjoying some quiet time.

Hop aboard a rental from Block Island Boat Basin—expect around $200 for a half-day skiff rental, or splurge on a luxury yacht for $1,000+.

Explore serene Crescent Beach, or anchor near the dramatic Southeast Lighthouse for iconic photo ops.

For adventure, cruise over to Great Salt Pond, a hot spot for watersports. If you’re into fishing, try your luck off the North Light.

Explore Spots for Uninterrupted Night Skies

Head to Mohegan Bluffs, where the island’s rugged coastline and lack of light pollution makes it ideal for spotting shooting stars.

For the best stargazing here, head to the bluff’s eastern edge near the Mohegan Memorial.

Block Island Nature Conservancy offers occasional night tours, where local experts point out constellations and nocturnal wildlife.

You can join Block Island Astronomy’s stargazing events, which offer telescopes and expert insight into celestial wonders.

Take a Wildlife Tour & Pet Some Seals

One of the best places to see these adorable marine mammals is Coast Guard Beach.

Located on the island’s western shore, this beach is known for its large population of harbor seals, especially during the winter and early spring months.

Tours typically depart from the Block Island Boat Basin, offering a close-up view of gray seals in their natural habitat.

Another popular spot for seal sightings is Salt Pond. While it’s more known for birdwatching, seals often visit here, especially when the tide is right.

One Pond Exists For Every Day Of The Year

Block Island contains exactly 365 freshwater and saltwater ponds—matching the days in a year. Great Salt Pond spans 190 acres and drops to 25 feet deep at its center.

Bird watchers flock to Sachem Pond near the North Lighthouse, where over 70 species have been spotted.

Trim’s Pond in the center connects to Great Salt Pond through a narrow channel that kayakers can navigate during high tide, creating a 4-mile water trail.

Andy’s Way features a special shallow-water dock built specifically for launching paddleboards.

4th of July Transforms Into Red, White, & Blue

Block Island’s Fourth of July Parade is organized by the Double Enders Committee.

The festivities kick off on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk while the parade takes place 11 a.m. on July 4th, starting at The Oar and concluding at the Statue of Rebecca in Old Harbor.

The parade route meanders through picturesque streets, including West Side Road, Ocean Avenue, Dodge Street, and Water Street.

The 2025 theme, “Block Island Lore and Legends,” invites participants to draw inspiration from the island’s rich history and folklore.

You are encouraged to arrive at The Oar by 9 a.m. to line up their floats.

Visiting Block Island in 2025

Island taxi tours cost $35 per person for a 75-minute trip around the entire island.

For a bird’s-eye view, HeliBlock charges $99 per person for 15-minute aerial tours showing both lighthouses and the complete coastline.

By water, the Block Island Ferry runs special sunset cruises circling the island for $28 during peak season.

Walking history tours start from the Chamber of Commerce at 10am Tuesdays and Thursdays, covering 1.5 miles of historic sites in Old Harbor during a 90-minute walk.