Block Island, RI has always seemed a fairy land to me: A mystical rock suspended just out of reach, moated by ocean waves. During the four college years I lived in Rhode Island, friends would periodically take weekend trips to the island, returning sun-smooched and salty, euphoric grins on their faces. I always yearned to go, but somehow just never organized myself to find the ferry.
When would I at last get to see this famed island? Why, during my Maternity Leave from teaching, of course! What better way check out Block Island than a 15-hour day trip with a three-month-old baby? (You’re going to have to trust me that an infant was along on this trip — it took all my energy to snap these photos of the island’s abundant natural beauty, so the little lady and I remained behind the camera. If you want to see her, here she is in a ridiculous purple star suit.)
To get to Block Island, one hops aboard either a private boat (alas, I did not have one lying around for nautical escapades), or a number of ferry options departing from Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Long Island, NY. We opted for the high speed Block Island Ferry from Point Judith, RI. Warning: “High Speed” is basically warp speed. Hold on like crazy if you choose to stand on the roof deck for the 30-minute ride! (The return trip we were much more comfortable in the windowed indoor seating area, thank you very much.)
The ferry docked, and we’d made it to Block Island at last! Our first stop was mere steps from the port: a luscious lobster roll lunch at the restaurant of the National Hotel (click for more info), home of the heavenly oceanfront balcony pictured above.
The restaurant at the National Hotel also has a tantalizing option: DOUBLE LOBSTER on your lobster roll. Now, given the choice between Single Lobster and Double Lobster in YOUR roll, what would you do??? Here is my answer, pictured below. I want a T-Shirt that says, “Double Lobsta 4EVA.”
Full of double lobster, we piled into a taxi and chugged off to take in the Southeast Lighthouse: a Block Island landmark so astounding both inside and out that I will have a whole new article dedicated only to that. (Subscribe to my monthly newsletter if you don’t want to miss it!) Until then, however, just gaze at the stately angles of the building, and how it harmonizes with the sea, sky, and lawn.
Next, we drove around the island for a rapid tour (a day trip can crunch time!), spotting idyllic swimming beaches, bike paths, cozy rental houses and hotels, and celebrity mansions that shall remain nameless. “Block Island is what Martha’s Vineyard was before it became overbuilt!” I overheard. “Beautifully wild.”
Speaking of wild, our final stop was a hike through the Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve: 25 acres of wild beauty connecting to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Hodge Property is so gorgeous that every other picture in this article is from there. I couldn’t stop cooing and photographing! Dizzy from the pretty, we headed back down to the ferry and began the journey home to Boston, wishing we could have stayed longer. Have you been to Block Island? If so, do share your experiences!
Where to stay on Block Island, and why:
Though a day trip to the island is possible, I HIGHLY recommend staying at least one night (if not way more) to avoid the longing we felt after such a quick visit. To help your accommodation search, here are easy links to the top hotels on Block Island, Block Island house rentals on VRBO, and vacation rentals on HomeAway. Happy travels!
We were guests of Visit Rhode Island, but all double lobster choices and opinions are my own. FYI, some links above are affiliates that provide a small commission to support this site at no cost to you. Merci!
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fendi says
Nice blog!
Nisha says
What a lovely sunny place it is! Loved that vintage looking light house. Beautiful! :)
Hannah says
Wait you did this all with a baby, IMPRESSIVE…… also.your pictures are amazing!!
Carly Moore says
I’m that person who would book this little trip just for the double lobster on the lobster roll lol. Great photos!
The London Mum says
I’m SO impressed you managed to do all that with a 3 month old- total life goals there!
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
Block Island looks like a lovely place to get away from the city. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos!
Vasu Devan says
Nice place this. That’s a beautiful vintage looking light house,
Jenna says
Oh wow, that lobster roll looks amazing!! That photo just made me super hungry! :) I’ve never heard about Block Island, but I’d love to check it out. The lighthouse and scenery looks really pretty!
mark wyld says
The lobster roll is something that must be very American/Canadian. Being from Australia its not something we ever see on the menu over here more likely to see roast beef and gravy rolls. Looks like a nice place to visit.
Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers says
It looks lovely but I have to admit, I might go just for the double lobster roll!
Claire says
Wow you got some excellent pictures! That lobster roll looks amazing.
Stefan says
That double lobster sandwich!!! :) Love posts like this – this is the sort of blog post you learn about those hidden gems you wouldn’t otherwise know about. Have pinned to my favourite Travel Tips board.
Erica says
Wow this seems like a truly beautiful short getaway. And why would anyone opt for single lobster when you can have double?! Double lobster 4eva indeed!
Chetan says
What a scenic view it is, really lovely to be out there.
Lille, seems you enjoyed every moment, with that white clouds superb ;-)
Keep Posting
Cheers
Mark Eichenlaub says
Wow! Love it Lillie. You must have a heck of a camera. Great photos!
Jessie Voigts says
sooo beautiful! and oh, that lighthouse…
Amelie88 says
I think I went to Block Island as a kid but I don’t remember any of it because I was so young. I do remember Shelter Island more vividly. It’s a lot like Block Island–peaceful, lush, and there is also a nature preserve to hike, Mashomack. Not exactly undeveloped but way less crazy than Martha’s Vineyard which I thought was overrated when I visited a few years ago. It’s located right between the North and South Fork of Long Island. It’s a bit of a pain for you to get you since you live in MA because it would involve two ferries–one to cross the Long Island Sound (I think you can get to it from New London, CT) and then the 5 minute ferry ride to Shelter Island from Greenport, NY. But ever since my parents discovered this island back in the 90s, it has been their go to getaway in the area and if they could, they’d buy a house there (in fact they are going for a few days in August). I worked on the island for a summer in 2008 at a Methodist summer camp. Highly suggest you check it out at some point. :)
Lillie says
Ooh, I’d heard of Shelter Island but this rave review is new to me. Must check it out sometime!