Block Island Retreat
Get a taste of laid-back island living this summer with a getaway to Block Island. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, historic hotels, charming B&Bs, pristine beaches, and greenways. Whether you’re looking for a family getaway, friends getaway, or romantic getaway, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the Block.
FAMILY FUN
Children of all ages will love a day at the beach, and Block Island’s beaches are beautiful. Other must-see spots are 1661 Farm & Gardens, where you can visit with camels, llamas, lemurs, and more, all an easy walk from the ferry. You can explore some of the thirty miles of hiking trails known as greenway walking trails and enjoy acres of gorgeous scenery. You can find trail maps at the Chamber of Commerce office in the Visitor’s Center by the ferry landing.
NATURE EXPERIENCES
Beaches and nature walks are great for everyone, not just families. Block Island has so many different ways to commune with nature, you can explore to your heart’s content. Mohegan Bluffs is an unparalleled vista, 200 feet above the ocean, features 141 steps leading down to a beautiful, secluded beach.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 46-acres of sandy beaches and rolling dunes and is adjacent to Sachem Pond. It’s a hotspot for birding, as Block Island is one of the most important migratory habitats on the East Coast. Next, you can walk the trails of Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre glacial outwash basin on the southwest part of the island. You’ll be treated to great views of the Atlantic Ocean, native trees and shrubs, and can take trails leading to Fresh Pond and Black Rock Beach. For more nature trails and panoramic views, visit the Lewis-Dickens Farm Wildlife Refuge. This 120-acre spot gives a glimpse of farming history, as well as easy hiking through coastal meadows that affords birdwatching opportunities for raptors, falcons, and more.
ACTIVITY & ADVENTURE
Rustic Rides Horse Farm offers guided horseback riding along the trails and beaches, which is a truly unique way to take in the beauty of Block Island. Or you can rent bikes from Beach Rose Bicycles or Old Harbor Bike Shop and enjoy the beautiful scenery and interesting island information on the Block Island Bicycle Tour. You can scan the QR codes along the route that stops at nine major sights at the southern end of the island. And if you’re looking for a longer ride, you can add an additional 8.5 miles to see even more of the island’s beautiful landscape.
For some fun on the water, you can rent kayaks at Pond and Beyond and take one of their guided kayak tours, or Fort Island Kayaks for paddleboards and pedalboards as well. You can go parasailing with Block Island Parasailing and Watersports, and rent surfboards and stand-up paddleboards and take lessons from Diamondblue Surf Shop.
MORE FUN
While on the island, you can take a Block Island Ghost Tour, visit a farmers’ market, and hit the local shops. And make sure to keep your eyes out for the famous Block Island Glass Floats!