Block Island is a small island 13 miles out in the Atlantic, which changes how you pack in two specific ways: there’s no quick run to a big box store if you forget something, and the weather can shift from beach hot to windy and cool in the same afternoon. Pack for that reality and you’ll be comfortable all trip. Pack like you’re going to a resort and you’ll spend your first morning hunting for sunscreen at island prices.
Here’s the complete, no nonsense Block Island packing list, including the island specific items most first timers forget.
The Golden Rule: Pack Layers
The single most important thing to understand about Block Island weather: it’s an ocean climate. Mornings can be foggy and cool, afternoons hot and bright, and evenings breezy enough for a sweatshirt, all in one day. The wind almost always has an edge to it near the water.
So the base of your packing strategy is layers you can add and shed: a t shirt, a light long sleeve or flannel, and a windbreaker or fleece for evenings. Check current Block Island weather averages for your dates, then pack one notch warmer than you think for the evenings.
The Essentials
Clothing
- T shirts and tank tops for warm days
- A couple of light long sleeve layers
- A windbreaker or light rain jacket (the wind off the water is real)
- A fleece or hoodie for cool evenings
- Shorts and/or a sundress
- One slightly nicer outfit if you’re planning a dinner out. Block Island is casual, but a few spots are dressier
- Swimsuits (bring two so one can dry)
- A wide brimmed hat or cap
- Sunglasses
Footwear, which matters more than people expect:
- Comfortable walking/biking shoes or sneakers. You’ll be on a bike or on foot most of the time
- Flip flops or sandals for the beach
- Water shoes if you plan to explore rocky shorelines or go snorkeling. Much of the coast isn’t soft sand
Beach & Outdoor Gear
- Beach towels (some rentals and hotels don’t supply them for the beach)
- Reef safe sunscreen. Buy it before you arrive. Island prices are high and selection is limited
- A reusable water bottle
- A small daypack or beach bag
- A light blanket for sunset on the bluffs
- Bug spray (useful for evenings and trail walks)
- A dry bag if you’re kayaking or paddleboarding
The Island Specific Things People Forget
This is the part generic packing lists miss. On Block Island specifically:
- Cash. Some smaller vendors, beach concessions, and taxis prefer it. Don’t rely entirely on cards.
- Any prescriptions or specialty toiletries. The island has limited pharmacy options and no big box stores. Bring what you need.
- A motion sickness remedy if you’re prone to it. The ferry crossing can be choppy on a windy day.
- A portable phone charger. You’ll be out exploring all day, far from an outlet.
- A printed or downloaded map and ferry confirmation. Cell service can be spotty in parts of the island, so don’t count on pulling things up on the fly. (Bookmark our Block Island map guide.)
- Your bike helmet, if you have a favorite. Rentals provide them, but some riders prefer their own.
- A reservation list. Restaurants, the ferry, and your hotel all book up in summer; keep your confirmations handy.
Packing for the Day Trip vs. the Long Weekend
If you’re coming for the day, pack light and smart: swimsuit under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, cash, a layer for the ferry home, and good walking shoes. You want to step off the boat and start exploring, not haul luggage. See our day trip guide.
If you’re flying instead of ferrying, pack extra light. The small planes have tight baggage limits. (More in flying to Block Island.)
If you’re staying a few nights, you’ve got room for more, but the layering rule still rules. See where to stay to match your packing to your lodging. A campsite needs very different gear than a Victorian hotel.
Seasonal Add Ons
- Spring/Fall: add a warmer jacket, long pants, and a knit hat for evenings. The wind bites earlier and later in the season.
- Peak Summer: double up on sun protection and swimwear; you’ll live in it.
- Bringing the dog? See bringing your dog to Block Island for the leash, waste bags, and beach rule essentials.
The Printable Short List
Layers, windbreaker, swimsuits (x2), walking shoes, sandals, water shoes, hat, sunglasses, reef safe sunscreen, beach towel, reusable water bottle, daypack, cash, prescriptions, portable charger, motion sickness remedy, downloaded map and confirmations.
Pack that, and Block Island won’t catch you off guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear on Block Island?
Casual, layered clothing built for an ocean climate: t shirts and shorts for the day, a windbreaker and fleece for breezy evenings, and comfortable shoes for biking and walking. A few restaurants are slightly dressier, so pack one nicer outfit.
Do I need to bring beach towels to Block Island?
Often, yes. Many rentals and hotels don’t provide beach specific towels, so bring your own.
Should I bring cash to Block Island?
Yes. While cards are widely accepted, some smaller vendors, beach concessions, and taxis prefer cash.
What do people forget to pack for Block Island?
The common misses are sunscreen (expensive on island), cash, prescriptions, a portable charger, motion sickness medication, and a downloaded map for areas with weak cell service.
What shoes should I pack for Block Island?
Comfortable sneakers or biking shoes for getting around, sandals for the beach, and water shoes for the island’s rocky shorelines.
