Your Perfect Block Island Weekend Getaway Itinerary
There’s an undeniable charm that overcomes you when you visit Block Island—a place where time slows just enough for you to notice the way the sea glitters at sunrise and how the salty air settles into your skin like a second layer. A weekend here is a return to something simpler, something untouched, where the Atlantic’s rhythm dictates the day and the sky opens in colors you swear you’ve never seen before. If you’re ready to escape the ordinary and sink into island life, this is how to spend the perfect weekend when you visit Block Island.
Friday: Arrival & the First Taste of Island Life
As your ferry carves through the waves and Old Harbor emerges on the horizon, you’ll feel it—the shift, the letting go. The docks buzz with the hum of bikes rolling off ramps, beach bags slung over shoulders, and the scent of the ocean wrapped around everything. Welcome to Block Island.
Drop your bags at your hotel, whether it’s a charming seaside inn or a historic landmark with rocking chairs waiting on the porch. No rush. The island’s pace is yours now.
Your first stop when you visit Block Island? A drink by the water.
Head to The National Hotel’s porch, where you can sip a cold cocktail while the last ferry of the day pulls in. The view is spectacular, the people-watching even better. As the sun begins its slow descent, wander to Eli’s for dinner—an intimate spot tucked away from the main thoroughfare, serving up seafood so fresh you’ll taste the ocean in every bite. A glass of crisp white wine, a plate of seared scallops, and suddenly, the week you left behind feels miles away.
Saturday: Coastal Adventures & Seaside Bliss
Wake early enough to catch the sunrise at Mohegan Bluffs. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, their rugged beauty made softer by the morning light. Descend the wooden staircase to the hidden beach below, where the waves tumble onto smooth stones, and let the sound of the surf settle into you. If there’s a moment when Block Island truly takes hold of your heart, it’s here.
Afterward, grab a coffee from Persephone’s Kitchen, a tiny café where the scent of fresh-baked pastries drifts through the open door. Sit for a while. Sip slowly. Let the morning unfold.
The best way to see the island is by bike, so rent one and set off on the winding coastal roads. Ride past rolling meadows where the wind moves through tall grass, past white picket fences framing houses that look as if they belong in a novel. Stop at Mansion Beach, where the waves crash just a little harder and the sand stretches long and inviting.
Lunch is at Ballard’s, a Block Island staple known for its live music and famous mudslides. Sit by the water, let the sun warm your shoulders, and order the lobster roll. Trust me.
By late afternoon, the beach is calling. Whether it’s a sun-soaked lounge at Crescent Beach or a quiet retreat to Baby Beach, the ocean is always the right answer. Wade into the waves, dive under, float—this is the heartbeat of island life.
As evening approaches, freshen up for dinner at The Surf. Oceanfront dining, the sound of the tide rolling in, and a meal that feels like a celebration of summer itself. Clink glasses to the kind of night that only exists on an island like this—where laughter is carried on the breeze and the sea is always within sight.
Sunday: Slow Mornings & Last Looks
Sundays on Block Island are slow in the best way. A final walk along the beach, the feel of sand still between your toes, and the scent of salt lingering in your hair.
Breakfast at The Barn is a must. Tucked away and effortlessly charming, it’s the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and conversation. The cinnamon sugar-dusted French toast? Pure heaven.
If time allows, make one last stop at North Lighthouse. The walk along the sandy path, the waves lapping against the shore—it’s a fitting farewell to a weekend that feels more like a dream than reality.
And then, just like that, it’s time to go. The ferry waits, ready to take you back to the mainland, but a part of you stays behind. Because when you visit Block Island, you don’t just pass through—you carry it with you, in sun-kissed skin, in wind-tangled hair, in the quiet knowing that you’ll be back. And next time? You’ll stay just a little longer.
