During summertime in Rhode Island, many residents and visitors alike head down to Block Island to enjoy some fun in the sun and everything else that the island has to offer. Block Island is a seaside resort destination that can be found just twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island, and if you plan on coming here, you'll have to go by air or by sea. Once you arrive, plenty of fun things to do await you, including beachcombing. Even though summer is when most people take Block Island vacations, you can come here at any time of the year and enjoy a relaxing getaway. Spring offers blooming flowers and the chance to get back out into nature, while fall is known to feature the vibrant colors of the changing trees. While winter is arguably the worst time to visit Block Island, you can still take in scenic ocean views and enjoy the island's laid back atmosphere.

The Block Island beaches are among the best beaches in Rhode Island, and thousands of people flock to them in the summer. There are seventeen miles of beaches on Block Island, and they are ideal for a number of beach-related pursuits. Soft, white sand and mostly calm water conditions characterize most of the Block Island beaches, while others feature higher surf conditions and rather rocky beaches. Families with kids might prefer hanging out at either State Beach or Ballards Beach, as these are the only beaches on the island that feature on-duty lifeguards. State Beach also has a beach pavilion with beach rental equipment and food concessions. As for those who want to go surfing on Block Island vacations, the south side of the island is the place to go. It's on the south side that you will find Black Rock Beach, which is known for having higher surf conditions than the other Block Island beaches. Not far from the beach, the scenic Mohegan Bluffs area can be found. This area is an ideal place to do some seaside hiking.

Block Island on the whole is a great place to hike, as it offers good trails and lots of great places to stop and enjoy the views. Interestingly enough, should you be standing atop the Mohegan Bluffs on a clear day, you can see all the way to Montauk, New York. The Mohegan Trail, which leads to the Mohegan Bluffs, is among the more popular hiking trails on the island. Along the trail sits the Southeast Lighthouse, which was built in 1875. You can enjoy tours of the Southeast Lighthouse in the summer season, and the museum offers a close look at the lighthouse's original lens, among other things. Lighthouse buffs will be happy to know that the Southeast Lighthouse isn't the only lighthouse on Block Island. On the northern side, the North Lighthouse overlooks the sea at Sandy Point. Like the island's other lighthouse, the North Lighthouse, which dates back to 1884, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rhode Island Map

In addition to visiting lighthouses, hiking, and enjoying time on the beach, fishing and boating are among the many fun things to do in Block Island. There are a number of charter boat companies here that can get you out on the water and help you with all the necessary equipment for fishing. There are a few different marinas on Block Island, which helps to make sailing one of the more popular things to do on Block Island vacations. If you don't have your own watercraft, the marinas here rent various kinds, so you can choose accordingly. Should you prefer to leave the sailing up to someone else, sailing charters that feature a captain and crew can be booked. In addition to miles of beaches, Block Island also boasts hundreds of ponds, so you can always do a little kayaking or canoeing on them if you prefer.

It's definitely hard to get bored on Block Island vacations, and sometimes just kicking back and relaxing with a good book while you listen to the ocean in the background is what the doctor ordered. It's up to you how you spend your time here, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Block Island hotels and vacation rentals offer some attractive lodging options, though just be sure to book your stay here in advance during the busy summer season. Several popular events and festivals take place in the summer, and it's especially important that you book your stay in advance if you plan your visit around one of them. During the 4th of July celebrations, for instance, the island's population essentially triples. Rates go down at the Block Island hotels and vacation rentals outside of the summer months, so you can keep that in mind if you are looking for lodging deals.

As for getting to Block Island, you can hop on a plane in Westerly and get here in under 15 minutes. It's an hour-long ride from Point Judith if you take the traditional ferry, while the more expensive high-speed ferry takes just 35 minutes. During the summer months, another high-speed ferry transports travelers between Newport and Block Island. This same ferry also serves New London, Connecticut, and Montauk, New York.