17 Best Block Island Beaches 2025

The main appeal of the area is its beautiful beaches and also its historic lighthouses. The light houses are Block Island North light on the Northern Tip of the island and Block Island Southeast Light on the south eastern coast.

The island is also very popular for its July 4th celebrations including the annual Fourth of July parade and the fireworks.

So, many water activities can be done here like swimming, boating, biking, taking walks and much more. The island also has a museum, an animal farm, a gallery and a wildlife preserve.

I will say that getting the best beach is usually due to preferences and also what activities are you looking to do. The scenery plays part too. These are the 17 best Block Island beaches.

 

17 Best Block Island Beaches

1. Mohegan Bluffs

I need you to stay with me on this one. Mohegan Bluffs are located on Mohegan Trail, New Shoreham on Block Island.

They are large clay cliffs about 150 feet high on the Southern shore of Block Island. You need to climb over 100 steps to get to the top of the Bluffs.

Listen, the view from the hills is amazing. You see the beautiful shoreline from above and the beach down there too.

It is an amazing experience to have because of the adrenaline rush you get from going up the stairs and also seeing the stunning view from up there.

The beach below the bluffs is the best beach on Block Island. The area is about a quarter mile long and is a secluded area.

It usually has a few people which is great for someone who wants a quiet time on the beach. It has vigorous but nonviolent waves and warm water.

The air is fresh and the sounds are peaceful. You can also visit the South East Lighthouse along the way to the cliffs. You must go to Mohegan Bluffs for the best Block Island experience.

You get two in one: The amazing view from the hills and the beach itself.

 

2. Scotch beach

This is a great beach located along Corn neck Road on Block Island. It is a great beach for teens and young people in general.

It has long stretches of beautiful white sand where you can go and relax by the beach or take a walk or play in the sand.

Beach volleyball is usually played there and it is a fun activity to do with friends or family. You can swim too obviously because why waste a trip to the beach by not getting into the water. There are fewer rocks here and big waves so it is a great location for body surfing and boogie boarding.

It is therefore a safe beach even for younger teens to go by themselves as long as they can swim and stay out of trouble.

 

3. Ballard’s beach resort

Ballard’s beach resort is a great location to go for a relaxing day. It is located at 42 Water St, Block Island.

This one is a favourite because the beach comes with so many more amenities. The resort has a beach, restaurants, bars and a hotel.

You therefore have the best experience here. You can sit by the beach and enjoy the sunshine. You can order for drinks while there too from the several bars available at the resort.

They also have chairs and umbrellas which are not provided by some of the beaches making this one prevail over the others. I mean it is a whole resort.

There are restrooms, food services and rooms if you are tired and want to leave the beach. So, book a spot here and you will enjoy your block Island experience fully.

 

4. Frederick J Benson Town beach

This beach is located on Corn Neck Road, New Shoreham on Block Island. Of course, like the rest of the beaches, it has a relaxing vibe and is a great place to chill and feel the breeze or watch the waves.

You can swim too because it is a swimmable beach. The great thing about this one is that it is a very clean beach, has public bathrooms that are usually clean as well and life guards.

They also provide umbrella and chair rentals which some of the beaches on Block Island do not have.

They also have fast food eats on the beach. So, I will say that this is one of the most convenient and safe beaches on this list which makes it one of the best beaches in Block Island.

 

5. Mansion beach

It is located in New Shoreham on Mansion Road. This one has an interesting back story which is another reason why it is here aside from its obvious beauty.

There was a mansion on the property owned by Edward F. Searles but it burned down in the 1960s and was never rebuilt. Why? I don’t know. So back to the appeal of the beach itself. It has been said by some people that it is the most picturesque beach on Block Island.

I guess you will have to see it for yourself. It is somewhat secluded but of course usually has a number of people still because it is a public beach.

You can sit by the beach and relax while watching the waves or you can swim. There are many rocks in the water though so swimmers or people playing in the water have to be cautious.

It also has limited parking space so I hope you get there when there is a spot for you.

 

6. Coast Guard beach

This is a great spot located on Champlin road, New Shoreham on Block Island. It has limited parking space but it is easy to walk there from town.

It is a great place to just sit and look at the boats passing by or docking there. It is where most boats from the mainland come in.

It is usually a great place to go to with children who are fascinated by everything they see so boat watching can be a fun activity for them.

It is also a great place for fishing so if you like the activity, this is the New England beach for you.

It is beautiful with calm water. It is not a swimmable beach so remember that when you go. I definitely recommend it because it has lesser crowds so it is a good place to stare out at the ocean and think out loud or just do nothing but enjoy watching boats.

 

7. Crescent beach

This is a great beach in New Shoreham, Rhode Island. It is a beautiful beach which has been considered the best place for a beach fire.

While here, you can go swimming, play beach volley ball or simply sit back and relax and enjoy the view from the pier.

You can also take a walk along the shore. It is a lovely beach to hang out with friends and talk about just about anything.

It is one of those places that has a calming aura that is just there and you cannot even explain it. Anyway, if you are ever on Block Island, I urge you to visit Crescent beach.

It has nothing exceptional on it but it is one of my favourites. So, for a relaxing evening or if you want to watch the beautiful sunset, go here.

 

8. Dorry’s Cove beach

This is a small black sand beach with amazing sunset views of Long Island. It is located on Dorries Cove Road, New Shoreham on Block Island.

It is uncrowded and is a great place for loners. The waters are usually very calm and peaceful so it is a good place to relax and stare out at the waves. It is a good place to have a picnic.

It is a great spot for swimming and is also quite popular with snorkelers. If you are interested in any of the activities mentioned and you do not like people very much, Dorry’s Cove is the place for you.

 

9. Narragansett town beach

This is a great public beach on Block Island located on Boston Neck Road, Narragansett on Block Island. The beach is usually open seven days a week.

It charges 12 dollars per person per day and is not transferrable. I would even pay that and more for this beach because it is amazing.

It has beautiful waters and a very clean beach usually. It is located in the middle of town and also has a wide parking area so you do not have to be worried about where you will leave your car.

The beach has food places, clean bathrooms, a first aid office and also a surfing area. Convenience and proper facilities definitely make this one of the best beaches on Block Island. You are safe and well taken care of on Narragansett Town Beach so don’t hold back on going there.

 

10. West beach

This beach is located on West Beach Road, New Shoreham on Block Island. The beach is on the northern side of the Island. It has quite the traffic because so many people know about it and are interested.

The area is part of a bird sanctuary so no dogs are allowed on the premises. You can however go for a walk along its beautiful shore.

It is convenient for people who go there by car because there is a parking area at the end of West beach Road. It has the best beach walk on the island.

 

11. Vaill beach

Vaill beach is a gorgeous white sand beach found near the Bluffs at the bottom of Snake Hollow.

It is secluded and you can access it by a small path at the bend in Snake Hole Road across from the Painted Rock.

It is a good place for surfing and beach combing. If you are quite the discoverer or explorer, go to Vaill beach. It is a swimmable beach but you have to be careful because it is very rocky.

It is one of the best places to view the sunset which is so much more beautiful. It has a good view of the Block Island Windfarm Turbines.

One of my favourite things about the beach is easy access. You also get to see the crazy messages people write on the Painted Rock.

Overall, it is a beautiful beach that does not get enough recognition for its beauty.

 

12. Charleston beach

This is a long beach stretching from the inlet to New Harbor South along the Western shore of Block Island. It is very narrow and rough compared to the smoother and finer beaches on the island. You can access the beach by car or bike.

There is ample parking space for bikes at the beach. It has fewer people which is a great thing for people who want to take a peaceful walk along a beach shore or if you want to think.

It has coarse sand, stones and pebbles so you can also go beach combing at this one. You must be wondering why a beach with rough terrain is on this list.

It is on here because it has fewer crowds which is great for someone who wants a quiet peaceful time at the beach. If you want anything along those lines, Charleston beach is there for you.

 

13. Kid beach

This is a great beach front at the south end of Crescent beach. It is named kid beach because it is a great place for children.

It is known for its shallow waters so kids can safely play in the water with adult supervision of course. They can play freely in the sand as well.

It is a great place to go to as a family with small children because it is much safer than the other beaches on the island.

It is also very close to town which is also great for people travelling with children since it is quicker to go back into town. Definitely the best beach for kids on Block Island.

 

14. Black Rock beach

This beach gets its name from the very large black rock at the short line. It is next to Vaill beach so they share parking space.

It is limited space so if you come by car, you cannot drive all the way down to the beach. It is located along Black Rock Road on Block Island.

It is the best surfing spot on the island if you find the perfect waves. It is not a good beach for swimming because the surf can be very rough here.

 

15. Charlestown beach

It is located on West Side Road & Champlin Road, Block Island. It is secluded and not frequented by people which makes it a good contemplation and thinking place.

It is a great spot for a sunset picnic. It is also an excellent spot for fishing. You can also just sit and watch the boats sail in and out of New Harbor.

There is no parking space so it is better to walk there. It is not a good place for swimming but that is not all a beach is for.

You can go and take a walk in its beautiful fine white sand and enjoy the view because it is an exceptional beach for lovers of some nit of isolation, this is your place.

It is also a great spot for a beach proposal. Visit Charleston Beach if you are ever on Block Island.

 

16. Surf beach

It is found at the south end of Crescent beach. It was named after the Surf Hotel which is right above it. It is a great location for snorkeling.

You can also check out the sea life while there like crabs and starfish. You can also look for shells on this one for people who like souvenirs or keepsakes.

It is shallow as long as one doesn’t go too far out which makes it a good place for children. It is also close to town.

 

17. Pebbly beach

This beach is located on Spring Street, new Shoreham on Block Island. It is an uncrowded beach that is a great place to visit both in the summer and the winter.

It has great appeal in the winter because of the seals that tend to come to the shore on this beach. They arrive in November and move back north in April.

It is a very rocky beach which is probably why it is called pebbly. The stones on the beach are beautiful and colorful.

You can take a walk here or just sit by the rocks but you have to be very careful because the rocks can be slippery.

And there we go. The 17 best Block Island beaches where you can go to swim and play beach volley ball or stare at the boats coming on and going off the island.

You can also go fishing at some beaches or do whatever it might be that you look for at a beach. This list has it all within the limits of Block Island. You cannot fail to try out at least one of them.