Block Island - Where You Are Never Far From a Beach

Block Island, of the southern coast of the State of Rhode Island, is a little less than 10 square miles in area. It is not very heavily populated, nor is it very developed. But this little place is not lacking when it comes to history or vacation activities. A little less than half of the entire island is designated for conservation, meaning that there are beautiful hiking trails, protected beaches, and lots of birds and other wildlife residing in the picturesque landscapes.

The island has some rough shores on the Atlantic side that are perfect for hiking and watching the sunset, although they are not always safe for swimming. Don't worry, a relaxing beach vacation can certainly be had on the island; just stick to the beaches along the Block Island Sound, the body of water that separates Block Island from the mainland of Rhode Island.

Whether you are an amateur photographer or more serious about your hobby, make sure to pack your camera when you go to Block Island. Two spectacular locations for taking photos are the historic lighthouses that can be found there. The Block Island Southeast Light and the North Light will capture your lens. The North Light is especially picturesque since the northern tip of the island is a natural spot with little development, meaning it is a haven for seabirds and other birds making their migration along the Atlantic Flyway.

Sailing is a major pastime on Block Island, so if you are interested in boating, it is worth planning your trip around the annual summer event called Race Week. This one week long sailing race is host to yachts of different classes, competing to circle the island the fastest, and the event is an important part of Block Island's boating culture.

Since Block Island is on the East Coast of the United States, it's a given that the first inhabitants were Native Americans, specifically the Niantic and Narragansett tribes. But European explorers spotted the island as early as 1524, and the first settlers landed at Cow Cove, which gets its name because cows that the settlers brought with them on the ships had to swim ashore at this spot. The names of the first settlers are inscribed on Settler's Rock, a popular site.

If you are interested in surfing, head to Black Rock Beach on the island's south side. Or try Coastguard beach if you prefer strolling along the sands and fishing. For a little more lively entertainment right on the sand, try Ballard's Beach, where you can order a drink in between games of volleyball while listening to live music at the Ballard's Restaurant and Inn.

On Block Island, you can hike, bike and go horseback riding. Try Rodman's Hollow for that last outdoor activity. But for a more unique way to spend a day, strap on your diving gear and check out the U-853. This wrecked U-boat that lies a few miles of the east coast of the island is great for exploring, but beware of rip tides, as they can be quite dangerous.

After all that activity, you may want to retreat to drier land for some shopping, or a day at the spa or salon. And once you've had your fill of sightseeing and adventure, wander into some of the island's lovely art galleries before heading out for dinner. Most of the nightlife and dining venues are casual, so you will never feel under-dressed. But you can always treat yourself to some fine dining - the island has it all, despite its small size.