Ten thousand years ago, glaciers pushed their way down the East Coast and left behind the rocks and soil that was to form this little paradise that we call home. The result was a cozy community (only around 900 people in the winter), a land of stunning vistas and a very fragile ecosystem that we have had the good fortune to preserve for all to share. Because of the particular forces of nature that went to work on Block Island, no other place on earth shares its geography, or its balance of species. Block Island is a rarity; it’s a place that moves at its own pace and is known for a relaxed casual way of life. Islanders speak of going to the mainland as going “off island” — an expression of the feeling that Block Island is its own entity, as unique as the North Light or the 250-foot bluffs. We want you to come here and shed your whole way of life for a while. Forget your agendas and your deadlines, lose your ambitions and your daily planner; sink into natural splendor, clean air and the clear night sky.
There’s a story about a visitor who went into a café on the island and asked some of the regulars where the beach was. Four of the patrons turned around and each pointed in a different direction. Well, they all got it right. Perhaps the real reason Block Island was put on this earth was to make sure everybody gets enough beach time. More than 365 freshwater ponds (from natural springs) and 17 miles of beaches invite you to jump in the surf, spend a lazy afternoon building a sandcastle or burying Dad in the sand. Indulge in the novel you’ve never finished, or just take a snooze. This island is ours and this island is yours. Enjoy it and be kind to it. Block Island enjoys the distinction of being named “One of the 12 Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere” by The Nature Conservancy. More than one-third of Block Island is conserved land and there has been an extensive effort to keep the island’s natural bounty and remarkable landscape preserved and intact.
When the 125-year old Southeast Lighthouse was in danger of toppling off the bluffs, funds were raised to move the lighthouse back to keep this antique structure for future generations to enjoy. The North Lighthouse was restored and opened to visitors as a Maritime Center during the summer months. The population rises from 900 to an estimated 12,000 people in the summer, and it is our visitors’ regard and respect for the island that insure this “Last Great Place” is maintained as a beautiful and natural habitat for all to enjoy. Here’s what you can do: If you ask a resident or a frequent visitor their favorite time of year here, they will probably answer spring or fall. While we love the summer on Block Island too, it’s only one of several seasons when the Island comes alive. The daffodils and shad blooms burst open in the spring, as do shops, restaurants, and inns. Before the crowds of summer arrive, visit in the spring where you can take advantage of the beaches, trails, and ponds at your leisure.
New England is famous for rich landscapes of blazing red and golden amber in the fall; Block Island is no exception. If you come to see the foliage, you’ll probably spy much more in the autumnal sky. Flocks of birds pass through during the fall and the spring because Block Island is a stop of the fabled Atlantic Flyway. With as many as 150 different species swooping in to say hello, the Island may have as many as several hundred thousand birds calling it home for two or three days at a time. Winter is for vigorous souls (including 900 year-round residents) who enjoy the crisp air and relish having deserted beaches. Pick your favorite season and come and enjoy some time on Block Island. Block Island has hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, guest houses and home rentals. Plan ahead with your reservations, but if you are a last minute traveler contact the Block Island Chamber of Commerce for assistance. Several of the hotels and lighthouses offer special wedding arrangements.
Several also have facilities to accommodate reunions, seminars, conferences, workshops and retreats. Taxi rates are based on a zone system and are posted inside each cab. Bicycles and mopeds must use the road and are subject to the same rules as autos. Mopeds may be used on paved roads only; driver license, helmets and eye protection is required. The beaches are free on Block Island. However, fires on the beach require a permit from the police dept issued day of, available at the New Shoreham Police Department, located at Ocean and Beach Avenues. Open Memorial Day through mid- June weekends only. Then daily 9 AM – 6 PM from mid-June through Labor Day. The Pavilion offers rentals of beach chairs, and umbrellas. Restrooms, showers and a Food Concession serving lunch and snacks are available. Only town beach with life-guards. Locations at the ferry landing in Old Harbor; next to the Hog Pen in New Harbor; and in the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion, which also has showers, rental chairs, food concession…
Bicycles, mopeds, automobiles, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, boogie boards, paddleboards, and kayaks. The legal drinking age in Rhode Island is 21. Drinking on public property is prohibited. Limited to Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups at a designated campsite; Dogs must be kept leashed at all times. If you are looking for an island or a bike map stop in the chamber office Nice sandy beach and crystal clear water. You can order food and drinks to be delivered to you on the beach or eat at their restaurant. They have a good size menu with options for everyone and the prices are reasonable. The staff on the beach and in the restaurant are very friendly and attentive. On certain days they offer... Block Island is a beautiful place, but so many daytrippers make the mistake of walking right off the ferry and going straight to Ballard's and its small crowded beach. It is a party beach and not representative of what makes Block Island so different from the mainland.
A much better decision, by far, for families is to walk up to... Ballard Beach has great white sand and clear, calm water for you to enjoy. Many people swimming, tanning or playing beach sports all day. In August, the crowd was mainly teen/college age. There is a full service restaurant (clothing required) and an outdoor licensed bar, both at a premium price. Try the Dell's frozen lemonade in a pineapple from the... Clean Beach, Clear Water, and nice place to go. No personal alcohol is allowed to be brought on the beach, but can be purchased from the Bikini clad waitress that delivers it to your beach chair. Food and drinks are on the expensive side.. My family used to love going to Ballards every year and enjoying the large restaurant, the friendly owners, and their lobster family-style. It's sad that this place has turned into such an unhealthy drinking scene. So many tourists and day-trippers head directly here right off the boat, spend the day getting drunk, and don't even get to see...
Ballards (Hotel and Restaurant) is very welcoming to day trippers and all who want to venture onto its little slice of sand heaven. You can rent chairs,umbrellas and even cabanas or bring your own. There is a beach bar and indoor/outdoor dining options. My drink was decently priced compared to other island spots. Nice restroom where you can change and... We were there Saturday. Beach was very party crowded. Not my type of beach. You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs, which are very pricey. The beach guard checks your cooler or bag, or if your cooler or bag have alcohol then you are not permitted to the property. Had a great day lying on the beach and drinking Del Shandys! They offer beach chairs and umbrellas for rent at a reasonable price. Outstanding waitstaff that comes right on the beach. Like being away on vacation for a day. Can't wait to go back and highly recommend. We have been coming to BI every year for a while now, and all I can say is someone obviously opened the flood gates to another element....