There are plenty of places you can reach in under an hour from Westerly, but none feel quite as different as Block Island.
Just 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, it feels like another world. Mohegan Bluffs rise dramatically above the Atlantic. Two historic lighthouses watch over opposite ends of the island, and beaches stretch on without high-rise hotels or boardwalk attractions.
It’s one of the best day trips you can take from our New England bed and breakfast, and it’s easier to pull off than you might think.
The best part? You can do it all in a day. Here’s how to make it happen.
How to Get to Block Island
One of the things we love about staying in Westerly is that you have several easy ways to reach the island, depending on the kind of day you’re hoping for.
Take the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith
For most visitors, the ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett is the simplest choice. The terminal is about a 40-minute drive from the inn, and during the summer, there are frequent departures throughout the day.
You can choose between the Traditional Ferry, which takes about 55 minutes and can carry your car (with a reservation booked in advance), or the High-Speed Ferry, which gets you there in 30 minutes but is passenger-only. For a day trip, we recommend the High-Speed. Catch the first ferry out, take the last one back, and you’ll have a full day on the island.
Summer schedules typically run from early morning through evening, but departure times change seasonally, so check the Block Island Ferry website before you go.
Fly from Westerly State Airport
Another option that surprises many of our guests is that you don’t have to take the ferry at all.
New England Airlines offers year-round flights from Westerly State Airport, less than 10 minutes from Margin Street Inn, directly to Block Island. The flight takes only about 12 minutes, but the views are unforgettable. As you lift off, you’ll see the Pawcatuck River winding toward the coast, the beaches of Westerly and Watch Hill stretching below, and Block Island appearing on the horizon.
During the summer, flights leave every hour throughout the day, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the island before returning to the inn that evening.
We recommend reserving your seats in advance during the summer months. You can book directly with New England Airlines or call them at (401) 596-2460.
Bring Your Own Boat
If you’re traveling with your own boat, you can begin your trip right here. Our private docks on the Pawcatuck River mean you can head out to Block Island on your own schedule and dock at either of Block Island’s harbors. Just let us know in advance if you plan to bring your boat so we can make sure the docks are available.
Most boaters head for New Harbor, located on the island’s west side in Great Salt Pond. It’s the island’s primary boating destination, with three marinas, 90 town moorings, and a large 75-acre anchorage. Once you’re moored, it’s about a 15-minute walk or a quick taxi ride into Old Harbor and downtown.
If you’d rather dock in the heart of town, Old Harbor is located on the island’s east side and is protected by a breakwater. The town operates a small 30-slip marina just steps from shops, restaurants, and the Block Island Ferry terminal.
Both areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Get Around Block Island
Block Island is only about seven miles long, but the best sights are spread out enough that you’ll want wheels.
Rent a Bike
If you don’t have your car, the easiest option is to rent a bike or moped right when you step off the ferry from Island Bike & Moped in Old Harbor. They rent beach cruisers, mountain bikes, mopeds, and more. If you’re up for a little exercise, a bike is a great way to experience the island. Just keep in mind that Block Island is hillier than many first-time visitors expect, especially if you’re planning to ride out to Mohegan Bluffs or the North Light. Electric bikes have also become increasingly popular, giving you the freedom of a bicycle with a little extra help on the hills. No matter which option you choose, you’ll have the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and stop whenever a beach, overlook, or scenic trail catches your eye.
Take a Taxi
If you’d rather sit back and let someone else do the driving, several Block Island taxi companies like Monica’s Taxi and Tip Top Taxi offer island tours that take you to the major sights while sharing a bit of Block Island’s history along the way. You can often find them waiting at the ferry terminal, or you can schedule a ride in advance to ensure your ride is waiting for you.
Things to Do on Block Island
Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse
Mohegan Bluffs is the sight everyone comes for, and it truly lives up to the hype. The 200-foot clay cliffs drop straight to the Atlantic, and a wooden staircase takes you down to the beach below. The view from the top is stunning, but the view from the bottom, looking back up at those towering bluffs stretching in both directions, is even better. There are about 140 steps, so take your time on the way back up.
Just a few minutes away, Southeast Lighthouse sits on a sweeping lawn overlooking the ocean, and you can climb the tower during the summer for panoramic views. The light was actually moved back from the eroding cliff edge in 1993, an impressive engineering feat worth reading about while you’re there.
Explore the North End
The northern tip of Block Island has a completely different feel, quieter and more remote. Head up Corn Neck Road to Settler’s Rock, which marks the spot where the island’s first European settlers landed in 1661. From there, continue to North Light, a 1867 lighthouse at the very end of the island. You’ll park at the end of the road and walk about three-quarters of a mile along the beach to reach it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Montauk.
Wander Old Harbor
Old Harbor is the heart of Block Island, the village where the ferry lands and where you’ll find most of the island’s shops, restaurants, and ice cream. Spend some time wandering Water Street and the surrounding blocks. Browse the local boutiques, pick up a Block Island sweatshirt, grab an ice cream cone, and take in the harbor views.
Shop Local
No visit to Block Island is complete without browsing a few of the island’s local shops. Glass Onion is one of our favorites for coastal-inspired gifts, jewelry, home décor, and clothing. Block Island Trading Company has everything from island apparel and souvenirs to locally made goods, making it a great place to pick up something to remember your trip. And if your vibe is more eclectic, be sure to stop into Beachcomber, where you’ll find everything from clothing and handcrafted pottery to artwork, tote bags, jewelry, and other unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Take a Hike at Clay Head Preserve
If you’re up for a hike, Clay Head Preserve offers some of the best trails on the island. The Clay Head Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back that takes you along bluffs overlooking the ocean. The views are similar to Mohegan Bluffs but with fewer crowds.
Spend Time at the Beach
Block Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in New England, and they’re all free to visit.
Crescent Beach is the most accessible, stretching along the east side of the island just north of Old Harbor.
Mansion Beach is a local favorite on the southeast side, known for its soft sand and the ruins of an old estate visible from the shore.
Scotch Beach, tucked along the western shoreline of Great Salt Pond, is quieter and is a great spot for watching boats come and go.
PA Uploader, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where to Eat on Block Island
One of our favorite parts of any day trip is the food, and Block Island has plenty of great options. Here are some of our favorites:
If you’re catching an early ferry before breakfast is served at the inn (daily beginning at 8:30), Payne’s Killer Donuts is a delicious way to start your day on the island. And if you did fill up on Sarah’s homemade frittatas before you left, just grab some donuts for later, you’ll be glad you did. Persephone’s Kitchen is another beloved spot for breakfast or a quick bite. The breakfast sandwiches and bowls are excellent, and you can order ahead online to skip the line.
For lunch, it’s hard to beat The Oar, where tables overlook Great Salt Pond, and the seafood and sushi are just as good as the view. The Oar is one of the most popular lunch spots on the island, located at the Boat Basin on Great Salt Pond. Make sure to order their signature frozen Mudslide to cool down after a long day in the sun. If you’re looking for something quick before catching the ferry back, stop by Rebecca’s Seafood. Located just steps from the ferry landing, it’s a longtime island favorite for lobster rolls, chowder, fish tacos, and fresh seafood without the wait of a full-service restaurant.
If you’re staying through dinner, the Asian-inspired dishes at Eli’s are some of the best bites on the island. They don’t take reservations, so plan to arrive when they open at 6 PM or a little earlier. For something more upscale, the Barn at Spring House Restaurant and Atlantic Inn are both wonderful places to enjoy a delicious meal and end the day before heading back to the mainland.
End the Day Back in Westerly
By the time the ferry (or plane) brings you back to the mainland, you’ll have spent the day exploring dramatic coastlines, quiet beaches, historic lighthouses, and one of New England’s most distinctive islands.
It’s a full day of exploring, and you’ll return to the inn tired in the best way, ready to settle into the sunporch with a glass of wine and stories from your adventure.
Book your stay at Margin Street Inn and add Block Island to your itinerary. We’re happy to help you plan your trip and figure out the best way to spend your day.