Staying at a Block Island vacation rental is a completely different experience from booking a hotel room. You get space, a real kitchen, a front porch facing the ocean, and the feeling that the island is genuinely yours for a few days. It’s one of the most popular ways to visit, and one of the most in-demand, which means planning ahead is not optional.
Here’s everything you need to know to find the right Block Island beach house or vacation rental and have the best possible stay.
Why Vacation Rentals on Block Island Are So Popular
Block Island draws a deeply loyal crowd of repeat visitors, and rental stays are a big reason for that loyalty. Families love having multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and the freedom to come and go without the formality of a hotel. Couples escaping for a long weekend love the privacy and the feeling of living on the island rather than visiting it. Friend groups who rent together for four or five nights have been doing it for decades, and many of them book the same property year after year.
The island is compact, just about 11 square miles total, which means almost any rental puts you within biking or walking distance of beaches, restaurants, and the ferry landing. That accessibility is a huge part of what makes the rental experience feel so effortless.
Types of Rentals Available on Block Island
Beach Houses and Classic Cottages
The most sought-after properties are traditional New England beach houses and shingle-style cottages. Many are family-owned and have been passed down through generations, rented by the same guests summer after summer. They range from modest one-bedroom spots with just enough room for two to sprawling multi-family homes with wraparound porches and sweeping ocean views. The best ones book up months in advance, sometimes before the prior summer has ended.
Updated Vacation Homes
A growing number of renovated homes have entered the rental market over the past decade. These typically offer updated kitchens, high-speed wifi, and contemporary furnishings alongside the classic Block Island coastal charm. Great for travelers who want comfort and style without sacrificing the island atmosphere.
Condos and Apartments
Fewer in number but worth knowing about, particularly near Old Harbor. These work well for couples or solo travelers who want a central location and easy access to the village’s restaurants and shops without the maintenance of a larger house.
Block Island Airbnb: What to Know
Airbnb is active on Block Island and is one of the easiest platforms for browsing available properties. Search “Block Island” or “New Shoreham, Rhode Island” and filter by dates, group size, and amenities. Listings vary widely in quality, price, and accuracy of photos, so spend time reading the reviews carefully before booking. Look for superhosts with established track records and multiple verified stays.
VRBO is another solid option with strong Block Island inventory, particularly for weekly rentals. Some property owners list exclusively on VRBO rather than Airbnb, so checking both platforms gives you the fullest picture of what’s available.
What to Expect to Pay
Block Island vacation rentals are not cheap, and peak summer pricing reflects that. Weekly rentals for a decent beach house typically range from $3,000 to over $10,000 depending on size, location, and how close you are to a swimming beach. Weekends in July and August carry a significant premium.
Off-season pricing drops considerably. A September or early October visit can offer the same beautiful properties at a fraction of the summer rate, with the bonus of far fewer crowds and water that’s still warm enough to swim in through most of September.
Where to Search for Block Island Rentals
- Airbnb is the most popular starting point and typically has the widest selection
- VRBO is strong for weekly family rentals and often lists properties not found on Airbnb
- Block Island Tourism Council maintains a local lodging directory at blockislandinfo.com
- Local property managers such as Block Island Realty sometimes manage rental listings directly and are worth a quick Google search
Tips for Booking the Right Block Island Beach House
Book as early as you possibly can. Many families and friend groups secure their July and August rentals in January or February of the same year. Waiting until spring for a peak summer week is a gamble that rarely pays off in your favor.
Read the location carefully before booking. “Near the beach” on Block Island means something very specific. Use Google Maps to check whether the property is genuinely within walking distance of a swimming beach or simply has a water view from the upper deck.
Plan your grocery run before boarding the ferry. Food options on the island are limited and priced significantly higher than the mainland. Most rental guests do a big grocery shop before they leave, packing coolers with staples to avoid paying island prices for basics all week.
What to Do Once You’ve Arrived
Once you’re settled in, the island opens up beautifully. Rent bikes from the ferry landing and explore every road on the island. Pack a cooler and spend a morning at the beach before anyone else shows up. Make dinner reservations at one of the island’s excellent restaurants for at least one or two nights out. Watch the sunset from Mohegan Bluffs with a drink in hand.
If you’d rather stay in a hotel or inn, we’ve got that covered too. Check out our full where to stay on Block Island guide for a complete overview of every lodging type, or browse our Block Island hotels guide for the best hotel and inn options on the island.
