Despite being a small island, Block Island has a relatively long coastline with a lot of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Abundant wildlife, including many species of migratory birds, can be found around the island itself and the local waters, and there are two impressive historic lighthouses to admire on Block Island's beaches as well.
Cow Cove
Cow Cove is one of the best beaches of Block Island for several reasons, with the most notable reason of all being the scenery and views.
This beach is home to the North Light lighthouse and other landmarks like Settler's Rock, which features the names of the English settlers who first landed and lived here way back in the 17th century.
The lighthouse itself was built in the 19th century but is still a very historic and fascinating location, with a little museum opening up on weekends through the summer.
You'll also find the Sachem Pond Wildlife Refuge at the northern end of Cow Cove, home to many species of migratory birds.
Charlestown Beach
Over on the western shore, Charlestown Beach is one of the best beaches on Block Island for watching the sunset.
It's a family-friendly beach, with soft, comfortable sands and shallow waters, providing ideal conditions for picnics, paddling, romantic strolls, beach games, and more. It's also located near the New Harbor, so it's a nice spot to sit and watch the various sea traffic sailing in and out of the island. The waters can get quite choppy away from the shore, however, so it's okay to dip your toes here but full swimming isn't recommended.
Baby Beach
Over on the eastern shore of Block Island, Baby Beach is hugely popular with the locals but almost unknown to many tourists due to its secluded location.
With very gentle waters that are just right for youngsters to swim and splash around in, Baby Beach is an excellent spot for families to come and spend the day.
As the name implies, even babies can have fun on this beach as the waters are so gentle.
This beach doesn't have its own parking area, so you may have to drive around the local streets in search of a spot, but since it never gets too crowded, parking shouldn't be too difficult. Baby Beach Map
Surf Beach
Not far from the Block Island Visitor's Center, Surf Beach is one of the first places many tourists come.
It's over on the eastern side of the island and was named after the local Block Island Beach House which used to be called the Surf Hotel. Despite the name, Surf Beach is better-suited for snorkeling than surfing, with lots of marine life spotted in the waters around this area.
Lots of unique rock formations are just waiting to be explored, with crabs, starfish, and more hiding away beneath the waves. Surf Beach Map
Black Rock
If you're coming to Block Island looking to ride the waves, Black Rock is the place to be.
This is the best surfing beach on Block Island, with very big waves and choppy conditions that are just right for experienced surfers.
The beach is named after a huge black rock at the far end and is closely linked with Vaill Beach, which is another good surfing spot.
If you're not interested in heading out on the waves, this is still a pretty, secluded little beach that offers breathtaking views, especially in the evenings as the sun starts to set. Black Rock Map
Mohegan Bluffs
If you ask a Block Island resident for a list of their favorite spots on the island, there's a good chance that Mohegan Bluffs will be one of the first places they mention.
Down on the southern side of Block Island, this beach is best-known for the 200-foot tall cliffs that line it.
Visitors will need to walk down over 100 steps to gain access to the little stretch of sand, but it's worth the trip simply to turn around and look up at the cliffs.
The beach also has a lot of history behind it, with the Mohegan Bluffs being named after a battle that took place in the late 16th century. Mohegan Bluffs Map
