12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, a small island makes a summer-worthy day trip. Discover New England’s hidden coastal gem with our favorite stops to include during a Block Island day trip.

Good things come in small packages, or in this case, the country’s smallest town in the smallest state. For Block Island, that’s bragging rights. Often called the state’s unofficial “sixth region,” this lesser-known escape feels like a well-kept local secret that manages to offer a quintessential New England experience without the crowds of more famous (nearby) destinations. Block Island offers a refreshingly laid-back alternative to the more polished scenes of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket with weathered gray shingles, dramatic coastal bluffs, and windswept beaches.

What is Block Island known for?

Block Island was first inhabited by Native Americans and later established in 1661 by English settlers—a proud fact you’ll see everywhere. Over the years, it’s moved away from its mostly farming days into a tourist destination in the late 1800s as one of New England’s top summer destinations, and was even used as a conduit for alcohol during prohibition. In summer, the small island becomes a viable playground for tourists and summer escapes along the east coast without the elite price tag.

The entire island is home to a single town—New Shoreham—making it the smallest municipality in the smallest U.S. state, both by land area and population. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character, proving “bigger isn’t always better.” There are no cruise ships or packed harbors here—just quiet trails, iconic lighthouses, and sweeping views that seem to stretch forever. It’s an easy day trip that feels like a true getaway, a reminder that good things really do come in small packages.

With only roughly 1,000 year-round residents, the island operates at its own pace, with 25 mph speed limits, no traffic lights (just suggestion-like stop signs), and wooden street signs that seem transported from another era. Houses aren’t assigned traditional addresses but rather “fire numbers,” reflecting the volunteer-based fire and rescue services. The island’s small-town charm remains intact due to its historical preservation and prohibition of chain restaurants and stores. Nature takes center stage, and history still lingers in the salty air. Unlike its more commercialized cousins, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Block Island proudly maintains its status as what some affectionately call “the poor man’s Nantucket,” though there’s nothing impoverished about the experience. 

Our favorite things to do on Block Island

Exploring without a car

One of Block Island’s distinct pleasures is its accessibility without a vehicle. In fact, the island actively discourages car use. Visitors can easily rent bicycles or mopeds in town, or ambitious explorers can circle the entire island on foot in a day. But the best way is with the eight-mile bike tour around the island. Several paved roads weave throughout the island at only 25 miles per hour and where stop signs, no traffic lights, which feel more like a suggestion than the law, and quaint wooden street signs and lighthouses mark the way.

But car rentals and other transportation options are available.

History and houses

Block Island, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is teeming with historic landmarks and well-preserved local pieces of history that sustain the island’s unique charm. If you don’t have much time during your Block Island day trip, take the Old Harbor Walking Tour that requires no bike or car, just your two feet.

Explore the island’s unique history with 300 – 400 miles of historic man-made stone walls that crisscross the landscape visible in the three-foot stone walls that crisscross the landscape. Built hundreds of years ago to mark property lines rather than using fences, these walls have become part of the island’s distinctive character. Historic homes and cottages dot the interior of the island, while two well-preserved lighthouses watch over either end of the island’s 6,000 acres.

Southeast Light

Perched atop Mohegan Bluffs, the South Light resides on the island’s south end. Take the time to tour this Italian Gothic-style lighthouse and visit its new museum to learn more about the light’s history. On a clear day, the very distant shores of Montauk navigate your bearings. 

North Light

The historic North Lighthouse stands guard at the island’s northernmost point, at the end of Corn Neck Rd, and with a one-mile walk along its rocky beaches, you’ll reach the granite and iron lighthouse and Settler’s Rock—a monument inscribed with the names of the original English settlers from 1661. And if you’re lucky, spot the seals playing in the waters and sunning themselves on the rocks.

Nature preserved

Nature thrives on Block Island, with nearly half its land designated as conservation areas, wildlife refuges, and preserved greenways. 28 miles of trails wind through these protected spaces, offering hikers stunning views and peaceful solitude.

Make the most of your Block Island day trip by visiting the island’s most spectacular viewpoint. Mohegan Bluffs, where over 140 steps lead from dramatic cliffs to a pristine beach. Marvel at the green hillsides that end abruptly at cliff edges before plunging into the Atlantic’s blue waters. Rodman’s Hollow is another must-see vista, especially in spring when white blooms of the Shadbush flowers fill the hillsides, creating what can only be described as a sea of popcorn. 

Beautiful beaches

A Block Island day trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the beach. Walk in any direction and you’ll find yourself on one of the public beaches on Block Island. 17 miles of free and open-to-the-public beaches, Block Island’s beaches are its biggest draw in the summer. Crescent Beach offers the longest stretch of shoreline, with four miles of white sand, while the Fred Benson Town Beach offers plenty of sand and surf, plus amenities like restrooms and lifeguards (in summer). And Cow Cove offers a more rugged beach experience with a one-mile scenic walk to the North Light, but no swimming.

Sampling seafood 

Droves of fishing boats lure in catches of the day that make for a booming seafood scene. And even if you aren’t a seafood lover, this is the place to try. Dining on Block Island focuses on fresh, local seafood, where servers at island restaurants are trained to tell you exactly where your catch was sourced. Island classics to try include a “Stuffy”—a fried crabcake of sorts—calamari, and the “Block Island Swordfish.” While the “Block Island swordfish” remains on menus as a nod to tradition when at one time it was fished from these shores (despite no longer being found near Block Island), other seafood specialties are locally caught, fresh every day. 

A must-try is at Block Island’s best-kept secret—The Barn at Spring House. Sitting across the road from the iconic Spring House Hotel, The Barn offers a casual yet elevated dining experience where seafood is served at its best. Prepared with a locally sourced menu—some of which comes directly from their farm—the Barn offers a true farm-to-table experience.

A good morning coffee from Odd Fellow’s Cafe is a great way to start the day. For a classic “home-style” lunch locals run to, post up at Ellen’s At The Airport. For your classic pub food like fish and chips, “Stuffys,” or fried cod, plus the state’s most popular drink, Mudslides, pull up a seat at McAloons. Rebecca’s Seafood is known for excellent takeout, and no visit is complete without sampling Payne’s Killer Donuts.

Where to stay on Block Island

While a Block Island day trip is certainly doable, complete the experience with a one-night stay. Block Island boasts the largest collection of Victorian buildings that have always functioned as inns, offering visitors historic accommodations with modern comforts. 

While the iconic Spring House Hotel draws the most visitors with its grassy lawns, ocean views, and Adirondack chairs with martinis in hand, its latest addition might just be the quiet escape you’re looking for. The adult-only Inn at Spring House rests just across the street, offering scenic island views from private balconies, elevated guest rooms with private baths, and plenty of quiet time. 

For longer stays, house rentals through local real estate agents are popular, though they often book a year in advance for prime summer months. Weekend accommodations require similar planning, though weekday hotel rooms may be available with just a few months’ notice.

Getting to Block Island

Transportation to Block Island offers options for every schedule: a one-hour traditional ferry ride (that takes cars as well), a faster 20-minute high-speed ferry trip, or a brief 13-minute flight on a small plane for those willing to pay a premium.

A case for the off-season

Though summer remains Block Island’s busiest season, each time of year offers a unique experience. Winter brings occasional snow that blankets the island, while the consistent ocean breeze keeps accumulation modest. Off-season visitors find a more solitary experience, with just two restaurants and limited accommodations open, as well as the island’s grocery and liquor stores, which are the only places open year-round. Though speaking to residents, many referred to the fall season of mid-September through October to be their favorite time on the island.

Discover more about a Block Island day trip here. * all images in this article are taken by Small Town Stops and are subject to copyright.