Block Island, Rhode Island
About block island
Sailors recognize Block Island for its renowned biennial sailing regatta, hosted by the Storm Trysail Club. This prestigious event draws a diverse mix of participants, from amateur sailors to elite professional crews. The race typically takes place in June and spans several days, featuring a mix of buoy racing, which involves navigating around markers, and distance races that challenge sailors to cover longer stretches of open water. The competition is known for its challenging conditions, with varying winds, tides, and currents around Block Island making the races both exciting and unpredictable.
In addition to the intense competition on the water, Block Island Race Week is also celebrated for its vibrant Après-racing scene.
This small island, situated about 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, is only reachable by boat. If you’re not traveling on your own vessel, you can access the island via ferry from Point Judith, Newport, New London, Orient Point, and Montauk. Make sure to see the iconic Southeast Lighthouse, constructed in 1875 and the island’s most well-known landmark!
Getting There
Block Island does not have a commercial airport, they have a small airport with flights provided by New England Airlines. You can also take the ferry to Block Island. There are both traditional and high-speed ferries.
Block Island Ferry to and from Point Judith and Newport.
Go Block Island Ferry to and from New London, CT, and Orient Point, NY.
Viking Fleet Ferry to and from Montauk, NY. Ferry runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
Explore by bike
Block Island is relatively small, making it easy to explore by bicycle. Renting a bike is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around the island, allowing you to discover its scenic landscapes, sandy beaches, and historic sites at your own pace.
Local Seafood
Block Island is known for its fresh seafood, and indulging in local cuisine is a must. Visit one of the island’s seafood shacks or restaurants to savor delicious lobster rolls, clam chowder, or locally caught fish.
Mohegan Bluffs
The Mohegan Bluffs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and are a must-see on Block Island. Check out the Mohegan Bluffs Trail.
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
Marinas/boat ramps
Marine stores
Sails/Rigging
Boat Services
Fuel
Boat Storage
LAUNDRY SERVICES
moped/bike rentals
HARDWARE STORES
Grocery stores
RESTAURANTS
Craving fresh oysters on the half shell and an ice-cold espresso martini- Block Island Oyster Bar and Grill is the perfect spot! Located in the Hotel Manisses, the Island’s gorgeous newly designed Victorian-style Hotel, Block Island Oyster Bar offers extraordinarily fresh seafood in a spectacular environment. Their innovative menu features Block Island-harvested oysters and the freshest locally sourced seafood and produce available. Local menu favorites include their Raw Bar, (oysters!), the Miso Glazed Cod, and the perfectly grilled Whole Sea Bass.
They feature a stunningly beautiful outdoor garden patio to dine amongst the foliage, fountain, and pretty white lights- or dine inside, in the welcoming and comfortable dining room that offers huge windows from which you can still enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Known for exceptional service, as well as its incredible craft cocktails, Block Island Oyster Bar is a wonderful spot for excellent fresh food in a beautiful and unique environment.
Address: 251 Spring St, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Phone: (401)402-9225
Prices: $$$
Situated right on the water at the Boat Basin in New Harbor, The Oar is a Block Island institution. Overlooking the Great Salt Pond, The Oar offers a large outdoor dining area with spectacular views, as well as an interesting indoor dining room covered in oars. Known for casual American fare, with excellent seafood, lobster rolls, and burgers, as well as a newly added sushi menu, The Oar is an excellent spot for a leisurely lunch with a view, or an excellent dinner and cocktail with the team or family.
Address: 221 Jobs Hl Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Phone: (401)466-8820
Prices: $$$
Open May through September, Dead Eye Dicks offers an eclectic menu of super fresh seafood and coastal New England cuisine. Known for their signature lobster and swordfish dishes, locals rave about their extensive Raw Bar and their consistently excellent Lobster Rolls. Dead Eye Dicks overlooks New Harbor, so the views from the covered back porch are gorgeous, and the sunsets are next level! Enjoy lunch or dinner out on the patio with friends and a craft beer or cocktail, or dine inside in the casual coastal New England-style dining room or bar- an excellent spot for an excellent meal in a beautiful and casual environment.
Local Tip: Not the best spot for vegans or vegetarians- they offer only one vegetarian option- but still great for a drink on the porch!
Address: 218 Ocean Avenue, New Harbor, Block Island, RI 02807
Phone: (401)466-2654
Prices: $$$
Located steps from the ferry docks, Mohegan Restaurant & Bar is a casual alehouse that offers excellent seafood, steaks, and upscale pub-style food. Focused on locally sourced ingredients, Mohegan is known for its fabulous New England-style clam chowder and its super fresh and crisp fish and chips. There is a cute outdoor patio with unobstructed ocean views, as well as a casual and comfortable indoor dining area. Mohegan’s features live music every weekend, and is a great spot for those with dietary restrictions- they offer plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options!
Address: 213 Water St, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Phone: (401)466-5911
Prices: $$$
SIGHTS
Every odd year (yes, they’re all odd!) the Storm Trysail Yacht Club hosts Block Island Race Week. BIRW features five days of race activities both on and off the water. Racing includes Around the Buoys, Distance, and the famous, “Around the Island Race.” In addition to all of the after-race activities, there are many social events and parties, as well as plenty of areas from which to watch the on-the-water racing action.
Located along the east side of the island, Crescent Beach stretches from Old Harbor, (where the ferries dock) to Clay Head. Known for soft white sand and gentle surf, Crescent Beach is a favorite spot for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of Block Island. This peaceful stretch of beach connects Surf Beach and Baby Beach to the south with Scotch Beach and Mansion Beach to the north.
Fred Benson Town Beach is located in the middle of Crescent Beach and is easily located by its large beach pavilion. This is the most family-friendly beach on the island as it offers a concession stand with a full snack bar, beach rentals such as chairs, cabanas, umbrellas, and boogie boards, as well as lifeguards, showers, and restroom facilities. The walk from the car parking area to the beach is short and convenient, making this one of the most popular beaches in town.
Located on the southernmost tip of Block Island, about 1.8 miles from town and atop Mohegan Bluff, sits Southeast Lighthouse, the lighthouse with the highest elevation in New England. The lighthouse was created by a local businessman and State Representative after a steady number of shipwrecks occurred around the island’s shores. It was built in 1873 and was then moved to its current location in 1993. The lighthouse features distinctive architecture as well as stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and its museum to learn about its maritime history over the years, and equally enjoy the remarkable vantage point from which to appreciate the island’s natural beauty.