Fly in to Block Island for a Vacation Full of Fun and Relaxation
RI—If you’re looking for a fly-in island vacation, consider Block Island in Rhode Island. The island encompasses nearly 10 square miles. Its year-round population is 1,410, but it balloons to between 10,000 and 20,000 during the summer months. Visitors can arrive by plane and boat to view the amazing beaches and enjoy the walking trails, self-guided tours, and various attractions. Let’s take a look at what makes Block Island a travel destination for pilots and their families.
Arrive By Plane or Boat
Visitors to the island can take a ferry from the mainland or fly into Block Island Airport (BID). BID contains one 2,500-foot runway that’s 100 feet wide. Runway 10/28 is paved and in good condition. The state of Rhode Island publicly owns it. Pilots can contact Providence Approach and Departure on 125.75. The CTAF is 123.0, and Clearance Delivery is on 120.1. The airport averages 53 operations a day. Seventy-seven percent of those operations are air taxis. Nineteen percent is general aviation, and 3 percent is local general aviation. There are three single-engine airplanes and one multi-engine airplane based on the field. Pilots and passengers entering the airport can access bike and moped rentals, taxis, and Wi-Fi.
Visitors can also take a ferry to the island. The most preferable ferry might be the Block Island Ferry. This ferry operates from Point Judith, RI, and can transport vehicles. Other ferries include the Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry, Block Island Express, and Viking Fast Ferry.
Pick the Perfect Place to Stay
If you plan to visit Block Island for longer than a day trip, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of places to stay. One of the most popular places to stay is the 1661 Inn, which is located on the grounds of the 1661 Farm and Gardens. The Inn offers a plethora of amenities and ocean views. The property also includes the Anchor House, Dodge Cottage, and the Hendrickson House. Other places to stay include the Atlantic Inn, Ballard’s Inn, and the Block Island Beach House. It’s important to note that most hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and inns don’t use third-party booking sites. This means the best way to book a room is to call the venue.
Enjoy the Beaches
One of the best reasons to visit Block Island is for its 17 miles of beaches. Adventurers and people looking for solitude will love the coastal beaches due to their winding paths, lighthouses, and bluffs. A few of the favorite beaches include Crescent Beach, Baby Beach, and Surf Beach. However, the island has many other beaches, including Charlestown Beach, Mansion Beach, Andy’s Way, Scotch Beach, and the Mohegan Bluffs. It’s recommended that visitors rent a moped or bike to make traversing the beaches easier.
See the Sights
Block Island is full of fun and historical sites. If you’re interested in history, your first stop might be the Block Island Historical Society in Bridgegate Square. Visitors can also visit the Block Island Marine Institute, the North Light Lighthouse on Corn Neck Road, the Southeast Lighthouse Foundation on Mohegan Trail, and the Farmer’s Market at Legion Park.
Outdoor Adventures
There are plenty of outdoor activities on Block Island. Visitors can go parasailing at Block Island Parasail. They can head over to Block Island Fishworks for bait and tackle, fishing advice, and even to find a charter boat captain for a day on the water. Bikes can be rented at Beach Rose Bicycles. Bikes and mopeds can be rented at Island Moped and Bikes, and kayaks can be rented at Fort Island Kayaks and SUP.
Block Island offers plenty of hiking and walking trails if hiking is more your speed. Great places to hike and walk include Rodman’s Hollow, which can be found on the southwest part of the island. This hiking and walking area encompasses 230 acres. Hikers can also enjoy Clay Head Preserve, which offers fantastic views of the northeastern shore. Next, there’s the Block Island Greenway Preserve, which is a 5.6-mile moderately rugged trail. Lastly, visitors can take a trip to the Hodge Preserve, which is 25 acres and directly connects to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Glass Float Scavenger Hunt
Across Block Island, glass floats can be found. This is an art installation and scavenger hunt created by Eben Horton. It’s officially called the Glass Float Project, and the floats are modeled after those found on Japanese fishing nets. Visitors to the island may find Eben’s floats between the months of June and October. The floats are typically found in the greenways, on trails, and on the beaches. It’s important to note that the floats are never placed inside dunes or on bluffs.
A trip to Block Island is fun for the whole family. Fly your plane into the Block Island Airport, park on the tarmac, and have fun exploring the island on foot or via a bike or moped. Charter a fishing trip and explore the beaches. You might even find a hand-blown glass orb as a souvenir.