25 Best Things To Do On Block Island (2025)

It is a popular summer tourist destination. The main appeal of the area is its beautiful beaches and also its historic lighthouses.

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

There are so many activities you can do to enjoy your time spent on Block Island. It depends on what you prefer to do and if you are open minded, with enough time, you can try out absolutely everything. Here are some of the best things to do on Block Island.

 

25 of the Best Things To Do On Block Island.

1. Mohegan bluffs

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.

 

2. Para sailing

If you like parasailing or want to try it out, Block Island is the place. There is a well-known parasail boat on the island which is easy to find.

It is on the old harbor near Ballard’s inn. It is very safe and all the safety tips are told to you before you go out onto the water. Parasailing is a great way to see the beaches and the ocean and of course for the adrenaline rush you get when you are out there.

I urge you to try it and you will not be disappointed.

 

3. Boating

New harbor on Block Island has three large marinas and a huge anchorage for vessels. The water is usually beautiful and you can go out.

Old harbor on the east side of the island has a small marina but it is also open. You can go to whichever side and go out onto the water on a boat. It is not even that expensive.

You can feel the breeze and cool air on your face and remember what it feels like to be alive.

 

4. Horseback riding

Yes, horseback riding is part of the New England charm and it is available at Block Island. If you are looking for something fun to do or just an activity, Rustic Rides Farm is the place for you. They charge only 55 dollars per person which is quite affordable.

Do not turn down a chance to hangout and ride these majestic animals. You get to go on a tour ride around the island and if you have never ridden a horse before, then there are people to guide you. This is a 10/10 activity because horses are amazing.

 

5. Bird watching

I didn’t understand the appeal of bird watching for a while but it can also be a thrilling activity in its own sense.

Bird watching is best done in the fall because thousands of birds flock to the island’s shores around this time.

You can see a fair share of vagrants like sparrows and warblers and many other song birds. This is very easy to do too. All you need is a pair of binoculars, time on your hands and sunscreen because sometimes you stand out in the sun for long.

 

6. Kayaking

If you like kayaking, Block Island is a great place to do it. There are a couple of kayaking services that offer rentals and tours.

They offer instructions as well all at the right price. Some of the places you can go to include Pond and Beyond kayak and also Fort Island Kayaks and SUP rentals.

I recommend this because it is fun and also some form of exercise because you have to paddle yourself. You are also given life jackets for safety so why not?

 

7. Fishing

I’m sure we all know what fishing is. I wouldn’t call it fun although some people do but I will say that it is a great bonding activity and a great life skill to have.

I mean who knows when the apocalypse will happen and people are needed to fish? Anyway, there are many spots to go out for fishing like Coast guard beach.

But if you are going out by yourself, I hope you know how to use the fishing gear. If everything is set, I hope you have fun.

 

8. Southeast Lighthouse

Honestly, lighthouses are so beautiful and this is one of them. It is located 1.8 miles from town on Mohegan Trail.

It was built in 1873 and is considered a national Historic landmark. So, if you are wondering what to do, visit the light house.

Entrance to it is only 15 dollars and you will have guided access to it. You can also pay 20 dollars for the lighthouse and a museum tour as well.

It is closed during the winter though so the activity can only be done in the rest of the seasons.

 

9. North Lighthouse

Speaking of lighthouses, there is the North light house too. The lighthouse was built in 1867. It is located on Corn Neck Road in New Shoreham. Inside it there is a museum which showcases pieces of maritime history.

The cars cannot go all the way up to it so you have to walk for about 15 or 20 minutes to reach it. But it is worth it. It has typical New England architecture which makes it beautiful in its own way. I urge you to take a quick visit there.

 

10. Rodman’s Hollow

This is a glacial outwash plain with great panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is filled with native trees and shrubs that are worth seeing.

It is a great and safe place to experience the great outdoors. You can also hunt for glass floats and have good access to Black Rock beach from here. It is a great place to see at Block Island.

 

11. Historical society museum

The Block Island Historical Museum is located at Bridgegate Square on Old Town Road. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

It has exhibits that tell the story of the Manisses, the maritime history of the island and other exhibits that include printed maps, donated artifacts and other memorabilia.

They have scavenger hunts, educational programs and a museum shop. It is a fun and educational thing to do with friends or family on Block Island.

 

12. Beaches

Who doesn’t love beaches? Before you say anything, I know some people don’t and it’s okay. But hey, this is an island and it has so many of them.

You can just decide to go to the beach and take a walk or swim or just sit there and stare at the boats.

Some of the great beaches you can go to are Charlestown beach, Scotch beach, Frederick J Benson Town beach, Crescent beach and many others. It is an island after all.

 

13. 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 tiki bars available at the resort.

They have chairs and umbrellas for you to sit by the beach. So, book a spot here and the activities will just align before you.

 

14. Bar hoping

Yes, Block Island has an active night life too so don’t be surprised. There are so many beautiful bars you can go to here depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

If you want to go dancing and listen to loud music, go to Captain Nick’s Rock and Roll Bar. They have a good DJ and great music.

The place is frequented by many people so you can possibly make friends there too. If you want a quieter place where the music is not the main character, go to Yellow Kittens Tavern or Mahogany Shoals.

There is Club Soda too which has great bar games. They are all great places with good drinks and food too. If you can, try out a couple of them.

 

15. Walking

This is the best and simplest thing to do anytime wherever you are. So, if you are in Block Island and you are bored, take a walk.

You can take a walk through town or at the beach. It is great because it gives you time to think and you also burn a few calories while at it.

So, get up and walk. You also get to fully take in the beauty of the island in detail when you walk.

 

16. Biking

Block Island is a great biking destination with intriguing sites everywhere you turn. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent bikes on the island.

You should definitely check out the Self-Guided bike tour which consists of 12 stops each positioned at an island highlight.

Each spot has circular signposts with QR codes in the center. You can shoot the QR code on your phone to access videos that tell you what you are looking at.

Some stops include the Mohegan Bluffs, Southeast Lighthouse, Water Street, Painted Rock, Rodman’s Hollow and others. It is definitely something to try out to experience the beauty of the island.

 

17. Galleries

As an art lover, I know that these galleries are great with beautiful art pieces and exhibitions. You should definitely visit the galleries in town.

They have paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography and so much more. Have you really seen a place without being part of its Arts scene?

You can try out Jessie Edwards’s studio for beautiful sculptures and paintings, Malcolm Greenaway Gallery for great photographs and Spring Street gallery for good art pieces as well.

 

18. Block island Arts & Crafts Guild Fair

Speaking of art, you should definitely go to the Block Island Arts and Crafts Guild fair. It is an outdoor open-air market.

It started in the early 1980s when local artists begun displaying and selling their art. Experience art in all forms at this fair. You can get beautiful Block Island themed paintings and photography, pottery and ceramics, stained glass, wall art and so much more.

The place has some really great artists and you should support them and encourage them to keep creating exceptional art.

 

19. Snorkeling

There are various spots you can go to for snorkeling at Block Island. You can get the needed gear from certain shops in town like the Bubbles Dive Center, Priority Fishing Charters, Captain Joe, Dive on It Scuba and others.

They also take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling. They give you the best tips too so I urge you to try out snorkeling for a fun experience at the island.

 

20. Swimming

Swimming is so relaxing and fun to do. Guess what? You can do a lot of that at Block Island. There are numerous beaches you can go to like Scotch beach, Frederick J Benson Town beach which I absolutely recommend because it is clean, has public restrooms and life guards as well. They provide umbrella and chair rentals too.

These ones are usually crowded though so if you’re looking for some privacy or peace and quiet while out for a swim, the beach below the Mohegan Bluffs is the best place to go. It has fewer people.

 

21. Spa

There are so many amazing spas on Block Island that are as good as the best in the country. If you want a massage, a manicure/ pedicure or a yoga studio, you can try out some of the wellness spas on the island.

Some of the good ones are Koru Eco Spa, Clayhead Salon Go! The Calm Company Block Island. Try them out and you will be pampered and therefore fully enjoy your vacation at Block Island.

 

22. Hiking

Well, some of us are active travelers and a hike is a great way to get those muscles moving. There are so many trails you can try out in Block Island.

Some great trails include the Rodman’s Hollow Trail, the Clay Head Trail, the North Lighthouse Trail, the Mohegan Bluffs Trail, the Southeast Lighthouse Trail, and the Meadow Hill Trail.

Some places even offer hand-curated trail maps and reviews by some other nature lovers. You can definitely go for a fun thrilling hike while at Block Island.

 

23. Brunch

Is it really vacation if you don’t brunch with friends? You can definitely go for brunch on Block Island.

Some great spots to go to include Odd Fellows Café which is located on Water Street, Coffee and Cocktails located on Dodge Street, the Harbor Grill and Orchid Lounge located on Water Street too. You can definitely go all out with amazing meals and drinks.

 

24. Beach combing

This is a fun and free activity you can do at the beach. Block Island has a couple of beaches where you can go and collect sea shells from as a souvenir.

You can go to Vaill beach which is a 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.

You can also go to West beach to look for glass floats. This can be something fun to do and it will keep you entertained for a while.

 

25. Block Island wildlife refuge

This is a nature preserve in New Shoreham, Block Island. It is a great place to go to for lovers of nature.

It is mainly upland except for some other beach habitat like Sandy point and West beach. It protects endangered species of plants and animals like the American burying beetle which is an endangered species, the song birds that visit the Island every year before continuing their journey. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty and purity of nature here.

Block Island is one of those places that have raw beauty and pure serenity that you do not find in so many places these days.

It is a popular summer tourist destination so there is quite a crowd around that time of the year. There are however so many places to go to if you want to think or enjoy some alone time.

The beaches are beautiful with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mohegan Bluffs are gorgeous and the restaurants have good food. So, there you go, enjoy all the activities on this list and so much more.