Block Island features 17 miles of beaches around the island. Below is a list of a few of them to explore: Ballards Beach - This beach is located right in town near most hotels and has a restaurant and outdoor bar. Ballard's has live music on most days as well. State Beach - On the east side of the island, State Beach is a great option with a parking lot, restrooms, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, and a snack bar. Scotch Beach - Just past State Beach, there are several access points and paths to the beach from the right side of the road where you can enjoy the view of ferries coming in and out of the harbor. Mohegan Bluffs - Located on the Southwest side of the island, getting to this beach requires a serious climb down stairs and rocks but is well worth the trek for the stunning cliff-side views. A full beach and parks map is also available here: https://www.blockislandinfo.com/plan-your-visit/maps/beaches-and-parks-map/
The Oar - A Block Island classic! Located at the Block Island Boat Basin in New Harbor, check out The Oar for casual food and drinks and cornhole on the lawn. A mudslide is a must! The Spring House - One of the best views on the island, the Veranda Menu at the Spring House is offered on the wraparound deck with more casual fare. You can also order drinks and sit outside on the Adirondack chairs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Beachead - Just off the main drag, we love this spot for a beach-side lunch and cocktails. The Hotel Manisses - On Spring Street, the Hotel Manisses offers fine dining options or you can sit at the downstairs bar for appetizers and cocktails (known for their flaming coffees). Los Gatitos - Part of Yellow Kittens, this is an island favorite for mini-mudslides, margs, nachos, and Mexican food. Also check out: Dead Eye Dick's, Beach Bar at Block Island House, Rebecca's, Old Post Office Bagel Shop, and Persephone's Kitchen for morning coffee.
Block Island does not play around when it comes to cocktails. Here are a few of our favorite spots to whoop it up: Mahogany Shoals - Located on Payne's Dock, Mahogany Shoals is a beloved no-frills bar with great drinks and even better music. Payne's is about a mile from downtown but worth the walk for the boating scene alone. Captain Nick's Rock-n-Roll Bar - An island classic, Captain Nick's has live music just about every day of the week during the high season. The bar is cash only with an ATM inside. Yellow Kittens - Just around the corner from Captain Nick's (and the location of our after party), Yellow Kittens turns into a lively bar at night with live music and strong drinks. The bar is cash only with an ATM inside. The Spring House - The bar on the veranda of the Spring House is an absolute favorite. The adirondack chairs on the lawn are full service, so can kick back and enjoy the view.
Block Island has over 28 miles of hiking trails to explore that are free and open to the public. Trail maps are available at the Chamber office in the Old Harbor right near the ferry and at the Nature Conservancy on High Street.
Biking is the best way to see the island! There are bike rentals downtown in the Old Harbor, in New Harbor by the boat basin, and at other locations around town. Mopeds are also available for rent if you've got a need for speed. The island is relatively small, but if you'd like the follow the self-guided bike tour, this tour map includes background information on each of the landmarks and vistas: https://www.blockislandinfo.com/plan-your-visit/maps/bike-tour-map/