Block Island

Understand

New England has always been one of America's many summer destinations of choice. Every year couples and families flock to the coast looking for seafood, sun, and a strip of sandy beach to call their own. They stay in bed and breakfasts on Martha's Vineyard, rent houses in Cape Cod, and stretch out on Narragansett beaches. Block Island has become a new destination for those embarking on their annual summer exodus. Located 12 mi off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island has become one of the most appealing New England summer hotspots. This newfound popularity is due in large part to Block Island's easygoing, low-key atmosphere, which benefits from miles of beautiful beaches, numerous bars and restaurants, and consummate natural beauty.

Get in

By ferry

• In summer there is also seasonal, passenger-only ferry service between Montauk, New York and Block Island.

By plane

• Cape Air, 660 Barnstable Rd. Hyannis, Massachusetts, +1-866-228-1621. Provides seasonal service.
• New England Airlines, 56 Airport Rd, Westerly, Rhode Island, +1-800-243-2460. Flights between Westerly and Block Island.

Get around

Most areas of Block Island are easily within walking distance of each other but there are plenty of other modes of transportation. If you prefer to travel by car you can flag down a taxi or rent one on the island. For a nominal charge, the visitor may bring a bicycle on ferries that serve the island. Bicycles and Mopeds are also available to rent and are so convenient that you may rent one as soon as you walk off the ferry. The "traditional" ferry from Point Judith, RI is the only ferry that takes cars. (For rates and schedule,Interstate Navigation.)

By taxi

• Block Island Taxi, Phone: +1 401 466-2562
• McAloon's Taxi, Phone: +1 401 741-1410
• Mig's Rig, Phone: +1 401 480-0493

Bicycle moped and car rental services

• Aldo's Mopeds and Bikes, Phone: +1 401 466-5018
• Beach Rose Bicycles, Phone: +1 401 466-5925
• Block Island Bike & Car Rental, Phone: +1 401 466-2297
• Island Moped & Bike Rental, Phone: +1 401 466-2700
• Moped Man Bike Rentals, Water St. Phone: +1 401 466-544

Stay safe

Block Island is by and large a very safe locale, but as with any place there are certain precautions you can and should take to stay out of harm's way. Far and away the most common causes of injury on Block Island are careless bicycle and moped riders. If you plan on renting bikes or mopeds, make sure that you wear your helmets, follow the rules of the road, and absolutely do not drink while operating them. Otherwise, just be aware that other vacationers might not follow these guidelines, and stay alert when on main roads. When on the beach it's wise to wear sunscreen and exercise care when swimming; Block Island's waters are usually calm, but riptides are not unheard of and swimmers have been known to come across the occasional jellyfish. The only real crime that takes places on the island almost always stems from tourists who have had a bit too much to drink: there are instances of drunk and disorderly conduct every week, accompanied by infrequent bar fights and some petty theft. Thankfully, this is restricted almost entirely to the late night bar scene and major holidays. As long you or your fellow vacationers don't get mixed up in any drunken shenanigans, there shouldn't be a problem.

Go next

There is a ferry service that leaves Block Island and goes to Point Judith every day of the week and throughout the year. There is also a ferry that travels to New London, Connecticut every Monday through Sunday but only operates between the dates July 1 and September 6. For more information see the get in section.