Sail Away to Block Island: The Ferry Ride That Starts Your SummeR
There’s something quietly thrilling about stepping onto a ferry bound for Block Island. There are no TSA lines, no terminal hustle. Just salt air, open sky, and the pull of real adventure—the kind that begins on the water. And with the Block Island Ferry, the journey is part of the destination. Whether you’re planning a day trip with the kids or chasing a weekend escape, this is how you sail away into the season. The moment the dock fades from view, something shifts. You’re not just going to Block Island—you’re stepping into a different rhythm. And once you arrive? Free beaches. Ocean trails. Historic lighthouses. Local bites. It’s all packed into one unforgettable place just off the coast—but a world away from everything else. Summer’s calling—and the best way to answer is already boarding.
There’s no quicker, easier, or more scenic way to reach Block Island than the ferry that bears its name. Departing daily from Point Judith—and seasonally from Newport—ferries run often enough to suit early risers, daytrippers, and those who prefer to linger through golden hour.
The traditional ferry takes just under an hour, while the high-speed option gets you dockside in 30 minutes flat. Both promise a relaxed, scenic journey with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, air conditioning, snacks, and cocktails including a local favorite: Block Island Ferry’s legendary Bloody Mary.
Bring the car, the stroller, the sunscreen—whatever your day requires. With online tickets, digital boarding passes, and text alerts for weather updates, planning’s a breeze.
Traveling light? Packing the whole crew? Either way, this is the ride that kicks the season off right. And keep an eye on the schedule: new fare deals and family-friendly pricing are coming on board—making that escape more affordable than ever.
Family Travel Made Easy:
Why Block Island Works
for All Ages
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Families traveling with kids know: the fewer moving parts, the better. Block Island doesn’t complicate things. It just works—for everyone. Step off the ferry at Old Harbor and you’re practically beachfront already. Crescent Beach is right there: wide open, gently lapping, soft underfoot. No tickets. No shuttle. No chaos. Just an unspoiled stretch where kids run, dig, splash, and forget about tablets or TV screens. It’s the kind of place that gets lodged in your memory—where beach days become family stories and bedtime comes blissfully early.
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Your Escape Starts at the Dock
A Couples’ Getaway on Block Island:
Walk, Wander, Unwind
For couples looking to trade notifications for nature, your island escape starts the moment the ferry pulls away from the mainland. Drink in hand, wind in your hair, or just watching the sea slide past—whatever your angle, the real world begins to fade. It sneaks up on you: the stillness, the realization that you haven’t checked your phone in a while. Conversations stretch out. Time loosens its grip. You’re not rushing anymore. You’re already somewhere else.
Block Island reveals itself gradually, like a slow-burning romance. Start at Mohegan Bluffs, 150 feet above the Atlantic. The view doesn’t ask politely—it floods your senses. Wind, water, sky, and horizon all crashing together in one wide, cinematic sweep. From there, trace the coastline to the red-brick Southeast Lighthouse, a quiet sentinel with history in its bones. Or head north to the peaceful edge of North Light, where two bodies of water meet and time takes a breath.
Old Harbor moves at the speed of a good vacation: slowly, with style. Browse salt-kissed shops, hop on a vintage cruiser, or drop your bags at the Spring House Hotel—built in 1852 and still the grande dame of island stays. The wraparound porch is where afternoon plans dissolve. Ocean views, glass of rosé in hand; suddenly three hours have slipped by without permission. When dinner calls, choose lobster rolls with your feet in the sand, or clinked glasses over flickering candles. It’s all within reach—and everything else can wait.
And the best part? You can be there before lunch and home by sunset—or stay as long as the island keeps its hold on you.
By Ryann Swift on June 1, 2025
But there’s more than just shoreline. Explore the island’s coastal roads and nature trails—by bike or on foot. Wander through Rodman’s Hollow, where the paths twist through wildflower fields and end in ocean views. Stop for an ice cream in town, or visit the island’s exotic animal farm for a low-key adventure. Getting around is easy, with plenty of rental shops near the harbor and taxis available if little legs get tired. And if you’re bringing your own vehicle, the traditional ferry has you covered—just reserve early.
Leave the Mainland Behind
From beach time with the kids to a quiet weekend for two, Block Island makes space for what matters. And the Block Island Ferry is how you get there—without the stress, without the scramble, and with every option covered. With summer schedules in full swing and lower fares on the horizon, now’s the time to plan that day trip, weekend, or long-overdue escape. Step aboard, and let Block Island do the rest.
The second you pull away from the dock, you’re already on vacation. This is how summer starts—breezy, effortless, and waiting just offshore. All you have to do is sail away.
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Plan Your Escape
No overthinking. No overpacking. That’s the beauty of a Block Island trip: it’s easy to plan and even easier to enjoy. With frequent ferries from Point Judith and high-speed service from Newport launching June 21, you can choose your timing, your pace, and your version of the perfect day. The route’s already set. The island’s waiting. All you have to do is show up.
Head out early for a full day in the sun, or sail back late after dinner by the shore. Bringing a car? Reserve ahead of time. Traveling light? Walk on with ease. E-tickets can be scanned straight from your phone, and real-time text alerts keep you updated if the weather shifts.
With easy access from Providence, Boston, and beyond, the hardest part is choosing when to go. Because once you’re on board, the road behind you turns to open water. What’s ahead is whatever you want it to be.
No overthinking. No overpacking. That’s the beauty of a Block Island trip: it’s easy to plan and even easier to enjoy. With frequent ferries from Point Judith and high-speed service from Newport launching June 21, you can choose your timing, your pace, and your version of the perfect day. The route’s already set. The island’s waiting. All you have to do is show up.
Head out early for a full day in the sun, or sail back late after dinner by the shore. Bringing a car? Reserve ahead of time. Traveling light? Walk on with ease. E-tickets can be scanned straight from your phone, and real-time text alerts keep you updated if the weather shifts.
With easy access from Providence, Boston, and beyond, the hardest part is choosing when to go. Because once you’re on board, the road behind you turns to open water. What’s ahead is whatever you want it to be.
