Block Island Offers Affordable New England Day Trip via $20 Ferry
Block Island, a small island off the Rhode Island mainland, has been highlighted as a favored and affordable New England day-trip destination. A round-trip ferry ticket to the island costs approximately $20.60, making it an accessible option for travelers seeking a coastal escape. The island is known for its seafood, beaches, and relaxing atmosphere, attracting visitors from various New England states and New York.
Block Island, located less than 20 miles off the Rhode Island mainland, is recognized as a popular destination for a New England day trip. The island offers an accessible and budget-friendly getaway, with round-trip ferry tickets priced around $20.60 for an adult from Point Judith, Rhode Island.
Ferry services provide an hour-long journey from Point Judith. During the summer, daily ferries also depart from four other ports across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. The ferry features a full-service bar offering snacks and beverages for the ride.
Upon arrival, visitors disembark onto Water Street, the island's main thoroughfare, which provides access to shops, dining establishments, and opportunities to see local animals. The island's "main strip" concentrates essential amenities within a few roads. Notable attractions include 1661 Farm and Gardens, home to various animals such as ducks, geese, kangaroos, llamas, and emus.
Block Island boasts diverse culinary options. Dining recommendations include Persephone's Kitchen for breakfast and lunch, The Oar for sushi and its signature Mudslide, and The Surf at Block Island Beach House for waterfront views. Other establishments like the Atlantic Inn offer a more upscale dining experience, while Yellow Kittens serves Mexican cuisine and Aldo's Bakery provides sweet treats.
Getting around the island is primarily done by walking, as there are no ride-sharing services like Uber available. Bikes and mopeds can be rented for those seeking faster transportation. Major sights such as the Mohegan Bluffs and the Southeast Lighthouse are approximately a 2-mile walk from the ferry dock.
The Mohegan Bluffs feature large clay cliffs with expansive views. Visitors can descend 141 steps from the bluffs to a secluded beach suitable for swimming, adding another dimension to the island's natural attractions.
(Source: Business Insider)

