Things to do!
If you have time to explore the island, here are a few of our favorite places and things to do.
Getting around the island
Below are some helpful links which can point you in the direction of bike, moped and car rental companies as well as fishing charters, kayak rentals and horseback rides:
For the beach bro/barbie
Block island features 17 miles of beaches around the island. The beaches on the east side of the island tend to me more sandy and calm while the South and West sides of the island's beaches may be more of an adventure! We've listed some of our favorite beaches below:
Scotch Beach is located on the east side of the island. Head down Corn Neck road from town - you will pass State Beach on your right, about 100 yards down look for cars parked on the right side of the road. There are several beach access points (we prefer the third one down) and paths down to the beach. Enjoy views of the ferries coming in and out of the harbor. This beach is not guarded and does not offer public restrooms.
State Beach is a great option for families or those not traveling with beach gear. State Beach is just before Scotch Beach - it has a parking lot, restrooms, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, and a snack bar. State Beach is a guarded beach.
Mohegan Bluffs is located on the Southwest side of the island. You shouldn't bring much when going to the Bluffs as getting onto the beach requires a serious climb down stairs and rocks. As such, it's not uncommon for this beach to be underpopulated and makes it well worth the trek.
Coastguard Beach borders the Great Salt Pond and the Atlantic ocean. Take West Side Road to Champlin Road and follow it to the very end. This beach is great for watching the boats come in and out of the Great Salt Pond where most of the marinas and moorings are.
Ballards Beach is a past employer of Maggie's. This beach is located right in town near most hotels. It also has a restaurant and outside bar with live music on most days.
For the foodie (or bar rat)....
Here are just a few of our favorite places to eat and drink
The Oar - by far our favorite place on the island. A boater's bar located at the Block Island Boat Basin in New Harbor. The Oar offers casual food and drinks. We highly recommend the sweet sriracha wings and a mudslide (out of the machine!) or dark 'n stormy while enjoying a game of cornhole on the lawn.
Trader Vik's - located at the end of the dock at Champlin's Marina. Great after-beach spot for a banana mudslide - take it up to the roofdeck and enjoy beautiful views of Block Island and the great salt pond.
Mahogany Shoals - a cozy little bar at the end of Payne's Dock featuring Walter McDonough - an Irish folksinger from Galway. Be warned that Walter has a tendency to mock people calling out requests for faux-irish pop tunes like Danny Boy. Walter is real deal Irish and his music is as authentic as the man himself. Walter plays from Wednesday - Sunday starting around 10pm.
Elis - a great dinner spot located right in town on Chapel Street. The restaurant is small but well worth the wait!
The Atlantic Inn - located on High Street - a short cab ride or walk from town. The Atlantic has a great lawn with views of the island - relax on the Adirondack chairs and enjoy tapas and cocktails. A formal menu is offered in the dining room.
The Hotel Manisses - located on Spring Street (short walk from the ferry). The Manisses offers fine dining options or you can sit at the downstairs bar for appetizers and cocktails. The Manisses is also known for their flaming coffees.
The Spring House has one of the best views on the island (and a great martini). The Veranda menu is offered outside on the wrap around deck and consists of more casual fare. You can also order drinks and sit outside on the Adirondack chairs overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
The National Hotel is located right on Water street and steps from the ferry.. Great casual fare and lively atmosphere - live music is played inside the bar most nights.
Yellow Kittens is a great island bar located on Corn Neck Road - they usually have live music Friday and Saturday nights and there is a strong chance we end up here post-wedding.
Captain Nicks is a lively bar that typically has live bands on Fridays and Saturdays located near the four way stop across from the Block Island Grocery Store.
For the outdoorsman....
Mohegan Bluffs are large clay cliffs about 150 feet high located on the Southeast point of the island (an incredible view). Take in the sights from the top or get your FitBit on and climb the stairs down to the beach. Swimming is allowed at Mohegan Bluffs though the water tends to be rough on this side of the island and the beach is rocky.
North and Southeast Lighthouses. Northeast light is located at the northern-most tip of the island. Southeast light is located near Mohegan Bluffs. Both offer beautiful views of the island.
Rodman's Hollow is a large depression on the southern end of Block Island formed at the end of the last period of glaciation in New England, around 22,000 years ago, when glacial meltwater eroded the southern end of the island and flowed over seventy miles to the sea. The area offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the island. To get there, walk down Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road. In a quarter mile, you'll see a wooden gate and turnstyle - 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 and 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.
The Labyrinth of Block Island is located off Corn Neck Road, just past West Beach Road or the transfer station. Marked by a wooden staircase and sign, this garden like maze is on private property though open for Block Island visitors to enjoy. The property overlooks both ocean, Sachem Pond and Block Island's magnificent north lighthouse.
The Hotel Manisses Animal Farm (great for the kids) - located just behind the Manisses and up the hill, the farm offers a wide array of exotic animals including kangaroos, camels, and a zedonk (yes, it's as weird as it sounds).