block island one day trip

New England Wanderlust

Rhode Island , Summer  ·  April 6, 2022

17 Incredible Things To Do On A Block Island Day Trip (2024)

Sitting just 9 miles from mainland Rhode Island, Block Island is a gorgeous place to visit for a day trip that has amazing beaches, nature trails, a charming downtown, lighthouses, awesome food and a very relaxing atmosphere. I love Block Island for all of these reasons, but mostly because it just has such a unique vibe with some really cool things to do that you can’t find anywhere else, and most of it is free.

Having done both, I can say that a Block Island day trip, as well as a weekend getaway are wonderful trips to consider. In this post, I’m excited to focus on all the best things to do on Block Island for a day trip, and many of these things can also be used to plan a weekend itinerary to make your trip to Block Island worth it.

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Is Block Island Worth A Day Trip?

Block Island is most definitely worth a day trip. With ferry crossings only taking 30-60 minutes, it’s an enjoyable day trip to take from the Newport/Narragansett area. And with the island being relatively small, it’s very easy to see most of it in just one day. While there are lots of things to do on Block Island, you can really take your time and slow down for the day to soak up all the beautiful sights and scenery. 

I also think Block Island is one of the best beach towns in New England , so even if you’re just looking for a fun and unique beach day trip, it fits the bill perfectly – especially since all the beaches are free to visit!

17 Best Things To Do On Block Island During A Day Trip

While the island is small, you might not be able to do everything on this list, but you’ll be able to do most everything while on a Block Island day trip, especially if you have a car or rent a moped. So, if you’re looking for ideas on the very best things to do on Block Island, here are 13 incredible things to consider to make Block Island worth visiting.

1. Experience The Mohegan Bluffs

If you only do one thing on your day trip to Block Island, it should absolutely be the Mohegan Bluffs. These are featured on almost any postcard, stock image or website for Block Island, and are the most famous sight on the entire island. To get to Mohegan Bluffs, you’ll need to drive or bike 2 miles from downtown.

The views from the bluffs are absolutely incredible. Be sure to take some time from the top of the staircase, and admire the views from a distance, and then slowly make your way down to the beach to walk along the shore. The staircase is 141 steps long, so be prepared for a bit of a hike to get back up! There will be some light scrambling as you get to the end of the staircase close to the beach, but nothing that most people wouldn’t be able to handle.

The beach itself is a bit rocky, so it’s best to bring some water shoes, or sturdy sandals with you if you’re worried about hurting the bottoms of your feet. But the views of the cliffs from the beach below is absolutely worth the trek down the stairs!

If you drive, there is a small parking lot near the top of the staircase, but it can fill up fast on weekends in the summer. Some people will park along the road, which is also permitted.

2. Explore The Clayhead Trail & Maze (And The Secret Beach!)

Of all the trails to do on a Block Island day trip, this would be the one I would pick. This is a 3.5 mile loop trail that takes you through some of the prettiest scenery on the island, and should take you about 2.5-3 hours to complete.

The Clay Head Trail & Maze is about 3 miles from downtown, and to begin the trail, you’ll want to turn right on Clayhead Trail Road, and follow the dirt road until you reach the small parking area.

Once you’re on the trail, walk for about a quarter to a third of a mile, and you’ll reach an intersection. You’ll have the option to go right to visit a gorgeous beach (a local’s secret where almost no tourists or day trippers go!), or go left to walk along some beautiful bluffs for amazing views. Keep in mind that the beach is pretty rocky, so it’s not ideal for laying around or swimming, but the views are definitely worth it.

Once you reach the top of the trail, you’ll find yourself in The Maze, which is just a series of connected and unmarked paths, and you can choose where you want to go from there. To be honest, I’ve never veered off-course into The Maze, just because I don’t know where these trails lead, but if you’re feeling like an adventure, go for it!

Tip : Poison Ivy is very prevalent on this trail, so be sure to stay on the path. And if you’re allergic (like I am!) come prepared with special soap to wash it off, or better yet, wear sneakers with high socks or pants for this trail. I’ve never gotten it while on this trail, but I always come prepared just in case.

3. Enjoy The Atmosphere At Ballard’s Beach

Ballard’s Beach is a very quick 5-minute walk from the ferry, so if you’re looking to spend most of your Block Island day trip having a fun and exciting beach day, this is a great place to do that.

The beach is free to visit, and you’ll only have to pay if you’d like to rent any beach equipment like lounge chairs or umbrellas. There are even VIP Cabana rental options for larger groups or special occasions. Along the beach you’ll also find multiple Tiki Bars where you can order drinks, and you’ll also have Ballard’s Beach Restaurant on the grounds, where you can grab lunch, small bites or dinner. The restaurant staff will even deliver your food to your beach chairs.

Ballard’s Beach definitely has a party atmosphere, so if you’re looking for a quiet and serene experience, this is not the best place to spend your day. However, if you’re looking for a lively beach atmosphere with tons of amenities, live music and volleyball nets, this is one of the best things to do on Block Island. 

4. Relax At Mansion Beach

Contrary to Ballard’s Beach, Mansion Beach is where to go for a more relaxing beach day during your Block Island Day Trip. Usually less crowded, and known for its bigger waves and long stretch of pristine sandy shoreline, Mansion Beach can be found about 3 miles, or a 10-minute drive, from downtown. 

It’s good to note that there are no facilities at Mansion Beach, including bathrooms. You’ll want to come prepared with anything you’ll need for the day if you plan to spend some time here. Otherwise, as a quick stop, a walk along Mansion Beach is one of the best things to do on Block Island for a day trip. 

5. Hunt For Glass Orbs All Over The Island

Probably one of the coolest things to do in all of New England is the Glass Float Project. Each year, over 500 glass orbs, or floats, are handmade in nearby Wakefield, RI by a local artist named Eben Horton, as well as his wife, Jennifer and the team at his studio. Each glass float is dated and numbered, and hidden around Block Island by volunteers, sometimes called “Orbivores.” 

The floats are hidden on beaches and greenway trails, and are never placed in protected areas of the island such as sand dunes, so be sure not to walk on any forbidden areas to try and find one. Anyone is allowed to search and find them, including tourists and day trippers. If you’re lucky enough to find one during your Block Island day trip, be sure to register it by clicking here , so everyone knows how many have been found thus far in the season, and then you’re free to keep it as the ultimate Block Island souvenir. The hunt for all the floats doesn’t end until they’re all found and registered!

I’ve never found any during my stay, but it’s a goal of mine to find one someday. Wishing you the best of luck during your float hunt!

Hints : Floats are placed between the high tide lines and bluffs on beaches (so they don’t float away!) and not more than a few feet from trails. The floats are usually hidden around early to mid June, so if you come before then, you’ll likely not be able to hunt for any orbs, unless there are some leftover from the previous year.

6. Visit North Light

North Light is one of two lighthouses on the island, and one of the best things to do on a Block Island day trip. Close to the Clayhead Trail, the lighthouse is about 10 minutes from downtown by car, and has a good-sized parking lot. 

To get to the lighthouse, there is about a 1/2 mile walk along a beach involved, so plan your time accordingly. To get to the actual lighthouse, take Corn Neck Road all the way to the end. You’ll run right into a parking area by the water, right before a beach called Cow Cove. You’ll see the lighthouse in the distance, and from there, you’ll begin your walk along the beach to get to the lighthouse.

7. Explore Southeast Lighthouse & Museum

The other lighthouse on Block Island is Southeast Lighthouse, and is located on the other side of the island, close to Mohegan Bluffs. Also offering amazing views of the ocean, this lighthouse has been named a National Historic Landmark, and was built in 1873, but moved to avoid bluff erosion in 1993. 

The lighthouse has an attached museum and gift shop, and in the summer season, tours are given inside the museum, as well as up to the lighthouse tower. There is a fee to take the guided tours, but the lighthouse grounds are free to wander and explore. 

Tip : During the summer, the Southeast Light Delights Food Truck is nearby, offering lobster rolls, grilled cheese and lemonade. Check their Facebook and Instagram page for updates to see if they’ll be around during your Block Island day trip.

8. Explore The Island By Bike, Moped or Car

If you didn’t bring your car over on the ferry, but want flexibility to explore the island on your own time, renting a bike, moped or car is easy from downtown, and is one of the best things to do on Block Island to make your day trip worth it. Island Moped and Bike and Aldo’s Bikes & Moped’s both offer rentals that are less than a 5-minute walk from the ferry.

My very first trip to Block Island, my husband and I rented bikes, and I wasn’t quite prepared for how hilly the island is! Renting bikes was a wonderful experience, but keep in mind that it’ll be a workout. If you’re up for it, this is a great way to see the island. 

If you’re not up for all the hills during a bike ride, a moped is also a great option. The only thing to keep in mind with a moped rental is that many of the dirt roads don’t allow them, and most beaches and trail heads are at the end of dirt roads. You’ll need to park your moped along the side of the main road, and do a bit more walking in these cases. 

And lastly, Aldo’s has Jeeps available to rent for your Block Island day trip, which will allow you both flexibility and access to those dirt roads to get to all the beaches and nature trails. To keep things easy, it’s also an option to bring your own car on the ferry (see later in this post for more information on this option).

9. Walk Around Downtown And Visit The Shops

The downtown area along Main Street is one of the best things to do on Block Island for a day trip, and is also right where the ferries dock, making it really convenient for you to visit.

The downtown is small, but there are some really lovely shops, boutiques and restaurants that will make your day trip to Block Island worth it, and most of it is along the water for a really lovely way to spend your afternoon. See below for some of my favorite shops to visit on the island.

Best Block Island Shopping

If you’re looking to visit the best shops during your Block Island day trip, I’ve got you covered! Below is a list of shops not to missed during your visit:

Mary MacGill – Simple and stunning gemstone jewelry made on the island in an inspiring shop that also has some home goods, artwork and clothing. 

Glass Onion – An adorable little home goods boutique that also sells nice jewelry, apparel and gifts.

Block Island Trading Company – A great place for souvenirs that are nice quality, as well as gifts and unique finds.

Chapel Sweets – A must-stop if you’re looking for an old-fashioned candy shop!

Island Bound Bookstore – A small little bookshop that has a great selection, including fun beach reads and new releases.

You may also like: My post on the best New England gifts and souvenirs!

10. Go Bird Watching At The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

With over 120 acres of protected land, the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible destination to view over 70 species of migratory birds in the fall season, and an important destination for birds and all wildlife throughout the rest of the year. 

But even if bird-watching isn’t your thing, the Wildlife Refuge is a very peaceful place for nature walks, and strolls along the beach. The adjacent Sachem Pond is also a very scenic place to stop and admire the views. 

11. Sail The Open Waters

If you’re coming to Block Island with a group or family, chartering a sailboat might be something to consider! Through the Block Island Club , you can charter a sailboat and crew for a customized tour around the coast of Block Island. 

The Club encourages you to pack snacks and drinks for your sail, and taking in views of the bluffs from the water will offer an amazing and unforgettable perspective of Block Island. 

To book a charter, you just need to email them directly to get started. 

12. Kayak Through Salt Marshes With Pond & Beyond Kayak

Take an amazing guided eco kayak tour through the Great Salt Pond of Block Island with an island native, and get a chance to see an oyster farm and fiddler crab colony. Corrie, the owner of Pond & Beyond , has volunteered with the Block Island Conservancy and the Committee For The Great Salt Pond, and has won awards and recognition for her conservation efforts. With expert knowledge of the island’s ecosystem and navigating the waters, this is a truly amazing experience to have.

Pond & Beyond offers other guided tours as well, and also just rentals if you’re looking to do a self-guided tour. They also have a restroom on-site, and are able to store your extra backpacks and belongings while you kayak, making the whole experience as easy and stress-free as possible. 

13. Grab Lunch With A View At The Oar

For lunch with a cool atmosphere and an incredible view of the water, head over to The Oar . This is actually my favorite place for lunch on the entire island. The Oar is about a 30-minute walk or a 5 minute drive from downtown, and has amazing, casual-style food and cocktails.

Located inside the 1661 Inn, The Oar also has an awesome outdoor deck, much of which is covered for shade (so it’s a nice break from the sun on a hot day), and has an awesome view the Great Salt Pond and harbor. 

There is a large parking area if you arrive by moped, bike or car.

14. Have A Quiet Moment At The Sacred Labyrinth

Located about 10 minutes from downtown, and near the Clayhead Trail, this little spot is a lovely place for a meditative walk and reflective moment. The Sacred Labyrinth is a circular walking maze without dead-ends that’s meant to slow you down, and allow you to reflect and meditate while walking to the center. Once you reach the center, there’s a place to sit and enjoy the views of the ocean, as well as North Lighthouse and Sachem Pond. It’s a unique and fun thing to do on your Block Island day trip.

15. Walk To The Ocean View Pavillion

Located a short walk from downtown, a hidden little path will take you to the Ocean View Pavilion (and also connects you back down to Ballard’s Beach). The pavilion provides a quiet area to enjoy views of the water from atop a hill, and has some cool sculptures and a community garden. Once you’re up there, be sure to wander for a bit and see what you can find.

This isn’t the most exciting thing to do on the island, but I really enjoy it because it’s never crowded, and often end my Block Island day trip here before heading down to catch the ferry back. To find the trail, you’ll want to walk to Water Street, and go past Calaveras restaurant. It’ll be on your right, and Google Maps also has it marked.

16. Visit The 1661 Exotic Farm & Gardens

Located close to downtown on Spring Street, the 1661 Inn has a free garden and animal petting area , which is a great experience for the kids (or adults, no judgement!). At the animal petting area, they have a llama, camels, kangaroos, lemurs and even a zedonk, which is a zebra/donkey hybrid.

The gardens on the farm are absolutely beautiful, and one of the best things to do on Block Island to support the local sustainable living movement. Enjoy an hour or so walking through the orchards and flowers, and leave feeling connected to nature. The 1661 Inn also uses 95% of food waste throughout their property to use as compost for their gardens.

The Exotic Gardens and Animal Zoo is free for all, but there is a donation box, and all donations go toward their sustainable living efforts, so I highly encourage you to bring some cash for a donation if you’re able.

17. Walk The Breakwaters

There are a few breakwaters accessible from downtown that are fun to walk on. As you get off the ferry downtown, and begin to walk around, you’ll immediately see them. The easiest one to access is right in front of the Block Island Summer House. Look for a small staircase that leads down to the water, and begin your walk.

Another one is located right at Ballard’s Beach, and you can’t miss it once you arrive. This is also a nice little picture spot.

Be sure to have sturdy enough shoes to feel comfortable walking on the breakwater and exercise normal safety precautions.

Things To Do On Block Island At Night

If you decide that the island is just too amazing, and you must stay overnight (it happens!), then there are a few things I couldn’t include on the list for best things to do on a Block Island day trip, but are really cool things to do on the island in the evenings during longer stays. If you’re staying overnight or for a weekend, you can also consider these four options, which are some of the best things to do on Block Island around, or after, sunset.

1. Take A Ghost Tour Of The Island

Take a spooky walking tour with Block Island Ghost Tours because with so much history comes lots of opportunities for ghost stories! In the evenings, take guided walking, driving or even a haunted pub crawl throughout town to learn about the history and spooky lores of the island.

Tours can easily be made online via their website.

Click here to read my post on the best New England ghost tours!

2. Catch The Best Sunset On The Island At Dories Cove

You can see some gorgeous sunsets all over the island, but Dories Cove is regarded as the best sunset on Block Island by locals. This little cove is a secluded beach on the West side of the island, and can be rocky, so it’s not ideal for swimming. But it’s a perfect spot to end your day, and watch the sky fill with beautiful colors as the sun goes down.

3. Have A Beach Fire

Beach fires are allowed at any beach on Block Island with a permit, which you can get at the Police Department on the island. You must stay 25 feet from dunes, have your permit on you at all times, and be done by midnight. Other than that, you’re good to go! So grab some things to make s’mores, and head to the beach to settle in for a night of listening to waves by a crackling fire.

Tip : It’s imperative that you practice leave-no-trace during your beach fire, and be sure to carry everything out with you, including any wrappers or drink containers that may have fallen out of your bags or coolers.

4. Witness The Beautiful Bioluminescence At Great Salt Pond

You don’t have to go to the Maldives to experience the beautiful phenomenon that is bioluminescence, and you can see it right here on Block Island! The downside is that you do have to visit during the month of August when the comb jellies light up the Great Salt Pond. The good news is that if you can, or already planned to visit in August, this will be an unforgettable experience.

Pond & Beyond Kayaks also offers an amazing night time kayak tour during the bioluminescence. If this is something you’re interested in, keep an eye on their website and Instagram page, or reach out to Corrie directly to ask if that tour will be offered during your visit.

How To Spend The Day On Block Island – Suggested Itinerary

To make the most of your time, I’ve created a sample itinerary for you. This itinerary assumes that you will have either a car or moped to get around . If you plan to use a bike to get around, you’ll just need to adjust the timing a bit, since it takes longer to get everywhere on a bike versus a motorized vehicle. I also suggest you take an early ferry (8 or 9a) to the island, and a 6-7p ferry back so that you can really spend a full day here.

Morning : Arrive downtown at the ferry terminal, and head to pick-up your car, bike or moped (if renting). If you brought your car with you on the ferry, you can obviously skip this step. Head over to Mohegan Bluffs, and spend about an hour taking in the views, snapping some photos, and walking the beach.

Tip : If you need to get some breakfast before starting your day, Persephone’s Kitchen is a great option, and does online ordering if you wanted to schedule your order to be ready when you arrive. You can also swing by the Old Post Office Bagel Shop , which is in the same area, and grab some bagels to-go.

From the bluffs, walk over to the nearby Southeast Lighthouse, and spend 30-60 minutes there (depending on if you choose to visit the museum, or do a guided tour to the lighthouse tower).

Late Morning : Stop by the 1661 Exotic Gardens & Animals Zoo on your way back to town from the lighthouse. You’ll only need about 30-60 minutes here (closer to 30 if you just see the animals).

Lunch Time : Drive up to The Oar for lunch, which is about 5 minutes from the zoo.

Afternoon : Drive to Mansion Beach. Stop for about 30 minutes or so to enjoy a nice walk on the beach, and snap some photos. After Mansion Beach, head over to the Clayhead Trail for a scenic walk/hike. You can go as far as you’d like on the trail. The entire trail is about 3.5 miles, and usually takes 1.5-2 hours to complete. Or, you could just walk about halfway to get to the bluffs, take in the views, and backtrack through the trail back to your car.

Late Afternoon : Depending on time, you could stop at the Sacred Labyrinth, since it’s on the way to North Lighthouse. If you’re short on time, I would go straight to the lighthouse, and plan to spend about 60-90 minutes there, to account for the walk there and back.

After the lighthouse, drive about 10-15 minutes back downtown, and drop off your rental. Spend your remaining time exploring the shops downtown, and any sights you’d like to see (Ballard’s Beach is just a few steps from downtown).

Catch your ferry back to the mainland , and enjoy scrolling through your photos, and all the memories you’ve captured on your Block Island day trip!

Can You Drive To Block Island?

No, there is no bridge that connects Block Island to the mainland, so you have to take a ferry to get there. But that adds to the fun of visiting Block Island for a day trip!

How To Get To Block Island

To get to Block Island, you’ll take the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett, RI, which is only about 30 minutes from Newport, RI.

The Block Island Ferry offers two types of service: The Fast Passenger-Only ferry, and the Traditional Ferry, which will accommodate vehicles.

The Fast Ferry option will take 30 minutes to get from Point Judith to Block Island, and the Traditional Ferry option will take 1 hour.

There is also a Block Island Express Ferry from New London, CT, which takes about 1.5 hours to get to Block Island. This ferry does not have an option to bring your car to the island. 

How To Bring Your Car To Block Island

To bring your car with you to Block Island, you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time with Block Island Ferry by calling them directly. Vehicle reservations can’t be made online. When you call, be sure to have them book your passenger ticket, as well as your vehicle ticket . Both will be needed to board the ferry.

Parking At The Point Judith Ferry

There is no official ferry parking lot at Point Judith, but there are tons of lots on Great Island Road, where the ferry terminal is located. Most don’t take online reservations ahead of time, and it’s best to have at least $20 cash with you to pay to park for the day if leaving your car behind. 

I’ve also used SpotHero to pay for parking here ahead of time, and it works really well with an easy-to-use online reservations system.

All parking lots are easily walkable to the Point Judith ferry terminal. 

Should I Bring My Car Or Rent Transportation On Block Island For A Day Trip?

My personal preference is to bring my own car. It is expensive to bring your car on the ferry, and the ride will take an additional 30 minutes, but a car rental on the island will likely cost more in the end anyway. I’ve also rented bikes and a moped to explore the island, and enjoyed both, but prefer driving. That’s just my opinion, and I know people who would rather bike or moped.

If you would prefer to rent bikes or a moped for your Block Island day trip, this will be more cost-effective than bringing your own car to the island. Just be sure you’re aware that mopeds can’t get down the dirt roads to access some beaches and trails.

Best Way To Get Around Block Island

For a day trip to Block Island, the best way to get around is by car. Mopeds are also great, but you won’t be allowed to go down any dirt roads to lead to trailheads or beaches, so keep that mind. Mansion Beach is at the end of a long, dirt road, so with a moped, a lot more walking will be required to visit this beach.

Crescent Beach and Fred Benson Beach have easy parking along a main road, so a moped will easily work to visit these two beaches without any additional walking.

Biking is also a great way to get around the island since it’s pretty small, but keep in mind that the island is actually pretty hilly, and it’ll be a workout! There are some flat areas, but you’ll encounter a lot of hills. 

For those reasons, I always suggest having a car to make your day trip to Block Island worth it, and cover as much ground as you can while having time to go at a leisurely pace. 

Is There Uber or Rideshare On Block Island?

Uber and other rideshare services are not available on Block Island, but there are taxi companies that can get you around if needed. Rondo’s Taxi and Mermaid Cab are two great options available.

What Is There To Do On Block Island Without A Car?

Without a car, bike or moped on Block Island, you’ll be limited on what you can do. While the island is small, if you’re on Block Island for a day trip, you’ll spend most of your time walking rather than actual sightseeing. If you don’t have a car, or don’t wish to rent a car, moped or bike while on the island, you can use the local taxi services to get around.

Many of the taxi companies offer customized tours, which usually lasts between 1-2 hours, and costs between $50-$75 for two people. For this option, you’ll want to reach out to them directly by phone to arrange something, as most of them don’t have websites.

If that’s also not an option for you, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring downtown, and you could also opt to walk to Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse, which would be just under 2 miles one-way. You’ll still get a good feel of the island this way, but I highly suggest having some mode of transportation for the day to make your Block Island day trip worth it.

Free Things To Do On Block Island

One of the best things about Block Island is that most of the sights and attractions are free, which is a stark contrast to most New England summer destinations. If you come to the island with your car, you could spend the entire day here without paying money to see anything on this list. There are no parking fees for the lighthouses, beaches and nature trails, and no entrance fees to most sights and attractions. Below is a list of everything that is free to do on Block Island.

• All beaches and parks (including parking)
• Mohegan Bluffs (including parking)
• North and Southeast lighthouse grounds (there is a fee for a Southeast Light tour)
• Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
• The Sacred Labyrinth
• 1661 Exotic Gardens & Animals
• The Glass Float Project
• Exploring downtown
• Ocean View Pavilion

Best Time To Visit Block Island

The best time to visit is between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. It’s good to know that Block Island is very seasonal, and if you want to visit when all the shops and restaurants are open, you’ll want to visit between these weekends. If visiting outside of these weekends, you’ll run into a good amount of closures, but there will still be some restaurants and shops that are open. 

For this reason, you’ll run into the most crowds between July Fourth and Labor Day, and while parking spots will fill up fast, especially on weekends, I don’t find the island to feel as crowded as places like Newport, RI or Cape Cod. 

I’ve visited in late September, mid-May and peak summer time, and have found the island to be enjoyable each time. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, and don’t mind that certain places may not be open, the two weeks following Labor Day are awesome (a lot more places will start to close down toward the end of September). I’ve also been the weekend before Memorial Day, and things were just starting to open up, but the island was very quiet (a few places were still closed at this time, including The Oar and a few shops).

What Is Block Island Known For?

Block Island is known for its dramatic bluffs, gorgeous beaches and extensive ecosystem which includes the The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, a significant migratory stopping point for over 70 species of young birds, and the Great Salt Pond.

How Big Is Block Island?

Block Island is only about 7 miles long, and 3 miles wide, and the locals will refer to the shape of island as a pork chop.

How Long Does It Take To Go Around Block Island?

Without making any stops, you could drive around the island in about an hour. But of course, there are so many beautiful places to stop, so definitely plan for much longer than that to enjoy all the natural beauty of Block Island.

How Many Beaches Does Block Island Have?

Block Island has 15 beaches and over 17 miles of beautiful shoreline to explore. None of the beaches charge entrance or parking fees, so this is a great destination for summer beach days in New England.

Best Block Island Beaches

With so many options to choose from even on such a small island, it might feel overwhelming to choose what beaches you’d like to visit on your Block Island day trip. Here is a list of my favorites:

Mansion Beach – As mentioned, Mansion Beach has a long stretch of soft sand and beautiful turquoise waters. It also has a very calm and relaxed feel. There are no facilities at this beach.

Crescent Beach – One of the most popular beaches is Crescent Beach. It’s located just outside of downtown, and parking can be found along the road (remember, parking is free for all!). This beach is beautiful, and I really enjoy the walk through the sand dunes to get there from the street. There are no facilities at this beach.

Fred Benson Town Beach – Another popular beach right off Corn Neck Road, and bordering Crescent Beach is Fred Benson Town Beach. It’s equally as beautiful as Crescent Beach, but might be better for families with children, as there are facilities like bathrooms, changing rooms and a snack bar. This beach is also lifeguarded.

What To Pack For A Day Trip To Block Island

For a Block Island day trip, you’ll want to pack light enough that you don’t feel like you’re lugging around too many things all day, but also pack enough that you’ll be comfortable. Below is a list of some things you may want to consider bringing with you for the day.

• A small backpack or tote bag to carry everything (a backpack is better if you plan to rent a moped)
• Refillable water bottle (you can refill at Nicholas Ball Park in downtown!)
• Beach flip flops or sandals for walking on beaches (sturdy enough to walk on rocky shoreline)
• Extra set of clothes (including underwear) and a beach towel if you plan to go swimming at any of the beaches, and especially if you’re planning to spend the day at Ballard’s Beach.
• Driver’s license if you want to rent a moped, car or bike.
• Cash for parking at the ferry, or for a donation if you plan to visit 1661 Exotic Gardens & Animals.
• Binoculars if you want to go bird-watching.

My favorite towels for beach day trips (and in general!) are from Dock & Bay. They’re super lightweight, and take up way less space in your bag than a traditional beach towel. They also repel sand and dry super fast, which makes them perfect for day trips and travel. I would suggest the regular Large size, as opposed to the XL for day trips so that they take up even less space in your bag.

Click here to check out and buy these awesome Dock & Bay towels for your day trip!

Best Restaurants & Places To Eat On Block Island

While I do suggest The Oar as a great place for lunch, the island is full of wonderful places to eat. Below is a list of my suggestions on the best restaurants and places to eat on Block Island.

• Persephone’s Kitchen for coffee and breakfast (they do online ordering if you’d like to have it all ready when you arrive). They have an awesome acai bowl.
• Block Island Oyster Bar & Grille for a casual, but more upscale dining experience with a water view.
• Calaveras is awesome for tacos in a casual setting with a water view. I love their fish tacos.
• Dead Eye Dick’s is great for pub-style/seafood dishes, also with a water view.
• The Ice Cream Place has my favorite ice cream on the island!

Other posts you may find helpful:

• Best Things To Do In Westerly, RI & Watch Hill
• Summer In New England: Best Places To Go & Things To Do!
• Best New England Day Trips
• The Perfect 7 Day New England Road Trip
• The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To Visit
• Gorgeous New England Islands Worth Visiting
• Must-See Towns On The New England Coast

That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do On A Block Island Day Trip

Now that you know all the best things to do on Block Island, you’re ready to plan your own Block Island day trip! If you’re traveling around Rhode Island, this really is a special little place to visit, and a day trip to Block Island is definitely worth your time.

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Adventures in New England

A local's guide to savoring the history, culture, food and nature of the Northeast USA

Things to do on Block Island, Rhode Island

Living in Rhode Island, we visit Block Island at least once a summer. Block Island is a convenient day trip from Rhode Island, Connecticut, or New York, and you can get a completely different state of mind and atmosphere in only about an hour. Block Island is also small enough to explore thoroughly in a short amount of time. Read on to plan your Block Island trip. Whether you are looking for a party with the girls or a day with kids, I know it will give you great ideas for things to do on Block Island.

Table of Contents

What is Block Island?

How to get to block island, how to get to block island from rhode island, ferry from narragansett.

Getting to Block Island from Connecticut

You can get to Block Island from New London, Ct.

Ferry Service to Block Island from New York

Viking Ferry Service can take you from Montauk, NY, to Block Island.

Where Does the Ferry Bring You in Block Island?

Things to do on block island, visit manisses animal farm at the 1661 inn ..

Located on Spring Street, just a couple blocks to the left off the ferry up the hill past the statue of Rebecca, is a unique farm. It is right behind the 1661 Inn, which has beautiful gardens. This is a private collection of animals the owner wants to share with the world. Caged animals, such as lemurs, are directly after the parking lot.

Since you can buy feed cups, the animals come over to you. A big gated field contains a zeedonk with one eye, yaks, and goats. There are many birds around, in cages and free. Up the hill and through the gates are free-range alpacas. They were available for petting but seemed a little wary of our littlest and craziest children and kept looking like they were about to spit on us.

Take a Tour at North Light Fibers

See how alpaca hair is made into yarn. North Light Fibers also use bamboo, soy silk, and many other fibers in their thread and are located within Manisses Farm.

Explore how to book a tour here, which happens on weekdays at 10 am

Explore Block Island Beaches

Ballard’s beach club, mohegan bluffs.

Mohegan Bluffs is one of the prettiest places on the east coast. There is a gorgeous, rocky beach at the bottom of the limestone cliffs, but to access it you need to go up and down a very steep and lengthy set of stairs.

There are not food or bathrooms at this secluded but popular beach. Visitors cover the beach with stone cairns , which make the beach even prettier. This beach’s water is much rougher, so it is more suited for older children or adults. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Block Island’s Lighthouses

Explore a lighthouse or two.

Block Island Southeast Lighthouse

The Southeast Lighthouse is located only about a block from the Mohegan Bluffs. I highly recommend taking the tour up the lighthouse, especially to see the incredible Fresnel Lens.

Block Island North Lighthouse

How to Get Around Block Island

Do i need a car for my trip to block island.

Although the roads are crazy for pedestrians or bike riders, cabs are ubiquitous, and only the traditional ferry from Narragansett allows cars. It is more efficient to rely on cabs.

Take a Cab Around the Island

The roads around Block Island are very narrow and winding, and tourists drive crazy. When I am here, I walk around town or take one of the cabs that are readily available near the ferry dock. We used Rondo’s Cabs last time we visited (401-466-5550).

Ride a Bike around Block Island

Right as you get off the ferry, there are many bike rentals. The ride to the Southeast Lighthouse and Mohegan Bluffs is about 2 miles from town but is steep and busy with traffic.

The ride to the North Light is flatter but longer, about 4 miles, and it is also hectic.

Martha’s Vineyard is flatter if you want to bike with younger kids.

Where to Eat on Block Island

National hotel.

Our tradition is to eat dinner at the National Hotel , which overlooks the beach and the ferry. The view is impressive. Dinner isn’t too expensive, considering the view, and everything to eat is excellent.

I love their award-winning clam chowder, which lives up to that claim. It is perfectly seasoned with dill, just like I like it. It may be the best chowder evah (spoken in a Boston accent). The salads come in half sizes and are also delicious. The crab legs were perfectly cooked and sweet, which is hard to find on the left coast.

Set on the Boat Basin on the Great Salt Pond, this place has the famous Block Island Mudslide, made with real ice cream. They also serve seafood and sushi. In summer, the lines are long, but the kids can run around if you score a table on the lawn. The menu is smaller but worth it.

Block Island Accommodations

You can search here for the perfect Block Island hotel from Hotels.com . Since I live so close, I have never stayed.

Read on about more adventures in my little state in A Local’s Guide to Rhode Island or 24 Hours in Newport, Rhode Island , or any of my other Rhode Island posts . For more New England island exploring, read 47 Fabulous Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard.

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11 thoughts on “Things to do on Block Island, Rhode Island”

That sounds like a perfect day out, some lovely walks, sight-seeing, a relax on the beach and finally a lovely dinner at the National hotel. I adore seafood, so that crab sounds delicious. Great tip too to not take a car, why be stressed driving when you can jump in a cab or walk.

It sounds like we will need to plan a visit to Block Island if we ever spend some time in the area. Great to know that there are more than one way to get to the island. But that not all can be used with cars. I like the idea of heading over without a car and using a cab to get around the island. A lovely day trip.

Block Island sounds really relaxing! I would love to rent a bike if I ever visit, and $35 for a full beach set up doesn’t sound too bad either. You are lucky to live you so close!

I am definitely blessed to live in New England.

This seems like a great place to add to a trip I’ve been planning for a while around New England. I wanted to add one of the islands, as part of our road trip and this one seems perfect for that!

I learned a lot about Block Island in Rhode Island after reading your post. It definitely evokes curiosity in me about the place and would definitely like to visit it if an opportunity arises in the future. Nicely captured pictures.

Reading more of your posts really makes me want to visit New England in the summer! I love little beachy towns and islands and your pictures make it look so beautiful. Plus the seafood sounds so good!

The seafood is definitely some of the best in the world!

This looks like such a fun place! Rhode Island always has flown under my radar, but I think now I’m gonna think of ways to bring it into my next trip up to New England. Just gotta find the time to plan that one!

Do they have motorized wheel chairs for handicap?

Who are you referring to, Becky?

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Best Block Island Day Trip: 12 Fun Things to Do on Block Island

If you’re looking for a summer adventure that’s full of outdoor activities, beaches, and adorable shops, a day trip to Block Island is the perfect getaway.

Whether you want to go for the day or the weekend here are some of the best things to do on Block Island , especially with kids.

A 30-minute ferry ride from Rhode Island will transport you to this East Coast island gem that exudes storybook charm and the laid-back feeling of summer. A Block Island day trip definitely deserves a spot on your USA bucket list .

Best Time For a Day Trip to Block Island

The busiest time to plan a trip to Block Island is in the summer months of June, July, and August. The island is alive and everyone is having fun. During this time, it’s best to plan ahead and make reservations, including ferry tickets.

Highs are in the 70s, and lows are in the 60s from mid-June to mid-September. You can also expect some summer rain.

If you prefer to enjoy this beautiful island more peacefully, plan your trip in late Spring or early Fall. The weather is still nice, and it’s definitely more chill.

How to Get to Block Island

T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Providence, Rhode Island is the closest major airport to Block Island. It’s 42 miles from the ferry terminal in Pt. Judith .

The Block Island ferry in Point Judith has a fast 30-minute high-speed ferry or a one-hour traditional ferry that takes cars too. It’s a pleasant way to make the 12-mile trip offshore.

There are also ferries available from New London , Connecticut, Montauk , New York, and Downtown Newport. They take about an hour and fifteen minutes. Block Island has an airport too but most people opt to take the ferry.

Once you arrive, you’ll be centrally located in the Old Harbor Historic District to start your Block Island day trip. Across from the ferry landing, you can rent bikes or a moped to get around the island.

Check the Block Island ferry schedule and buy your Block Island ferry tickets here .

Best Things to do on Block Island for a Day Trip

1. One of the Best Block Island Things to Do is a Bicycle or Moped Tour

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive on Block Island is the charming Old Harbor Historic District. After a quick look around and maybe a bite to eat at Ballard’s Beach Resort, you’ll probably want to check out the rest of the island.

Island Moped and Bike Rental is right across the street from the ferry. Rent a scooter or a bike by the hour, day, or week. Helmets are included in your rental. If you are bringing the kids, they have trailers and baby seats.

Plus, cruising around on a bike or moped is one of the most fun things to do on Block Island. Everything is pretty close, so it’s the perfect mode of transport.

We were meeting friends who were staying on block island with a car but the guys still jumped at the chance to tour the island on motorcycles.

2. See Wildlife and Beautiful Views at the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 134-acre parcel of land and one of the most unique and beautiful places on the island. It’s a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to many different species of birds, including migratory songbirds.

This is a chance for you to see undeveloped New England coastal wetlands. It provides a haven for threatened species as well as an amazing variety of plant and animal life.

It’s about 4 miles from the ferry to the parking area at the end of Corn Neck Road. If you arrive early, you’ll probably see a lot of seals and other wildlife that seem to become scarce later in the day.

Bring shoes to comfortably walk along the rocky beach.

3. Walk to the North Light and Beyond

No visit to the island is complete without a stop at the Block Island North Light , one of the most iconic landmarks on the Island. Built in 1829, the North Lighthouse stands as a testament to the island’s rich maritime history. 

The lighthouse is open on weekends and daily in July and August. It offers stunning views of Block Island Sound.

Visitors can also enjoy a stroll along the nearby beach, taking in the fresh sea air and admiring the view. 

To get to the North Light, simply take a leisurely walk from the parking area for the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. It’s approximately 1/2 mile. Continue walking past the lighthouse where the water converges over the end to see the seals.

4. Explore Great Salt Pond by Kayak, SUP or Take a Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Block Island, why not consider kayaking or SUPing? Great Salt Pond is the perfect place to start, and there are plenty of tour options available. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the water. And who knows? You might even spot some wildlife!

Pond and Beyond Kayak has kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available to rent unless you are lucky enough to have brought an inflatable kayak with you.

They also offer tours for individuals and families during the day and at sunset. Probably the coolest thing they offer is a full moon tour that is kissed by moonlight.

5. Sailing on the Great Salt Pond

There’s nothing quite like spending time out on the water. Block Island Club offers charters by the hour for a leisurely afternoon cruise on the Great Salt Pond, which are great for a Block Island Day Trip itinerary.

There are also plenty of charter companies that offer longer and more adventurous options, such as round-island cruises and sunset sails.

So whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, Block Island is sure to offer a sailing experience that you’ll never forget.

6. Seafood and a Mudslide at The Oar is a Highlight on Your Block Island Day Trip

If you’re looking for a quintessential Block Island seafood restaurant, look no further than The Oar .

Always full of boaters, locals, and tourists who love the atmosphere, it’s a great place to get a lobster roll and sip on a famous Block Island Mudslide .

They serve lunch and dinner daily in a colorful, oar-clad dining room, on the covered deck, or at picnic tables and Adirondack chairs on the lawn. The sushi is excellent as well as the calamari and Mahi Mahi tacos.

The food is great, but the real star is the view of the Great Salt Pond. So enjoy your meal with a view and don’t miss the farm across the street with exotic animals like kangaroos, alpacas, and camels.

7. A Block Island Day Trip “Must See” is the 1661 Exotic Animal Farm & Gardens

It doesn’t get any better than the 1661 Exotic Animal Farm for fun things to do on Block Island.

In addition to kangaroos with babies in their pouches, you’ll also find camels, llamas, lemurs, and more. It’s thrilling for kids and adults alike.

Garden lovers will also appreciate the orchard and stunning array of colorful flowers. You’ll find this little slice of New England paradise right across from the 1661 Inn in Old Harbor.

8. Tour the Highest Lighthouse on the East Coast

The Southeast Lighthouse has the unique distinction of being the highest lighthouse on the East Coast at 200 feet. It’s perched above the Mohegan Bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It has been an important part of the island’s history for centuries and it offers stunning views. Impressively it was moved in 1993 back away from the edge of the bluff and more recently underwent a full renovation.

Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. Open daily during summer and weekends from Labor Day to October 10. Closed in winter. Docent Tour is $15 and kids under 9 are free with an adult.

9. Hike up Mohegan Bluffs for Stunning Ocean Views

One of the island’s most popular attractions is Mohegan Bluffs , a series of steep cliffs that offer panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can hike to the top of the bluffs or take the stairs down to one of the prettiest Block Island beaches below.

Either way, it’s a stunning sight. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to Montauk Point in New York. So whether you’re looking for a vigorous hike or just a place to relax and take in the scenery, Mohegan Bluffs is well worth a visit.

10. Go Fishing

For the angler looking to wet a line, Block Island is a prime destination from May through November. The island’s waters are home to a variety of fish, including striped bass, sea bass, bluefin tuna, fluke and more.

Cast your lines from shore or from a boat, and while daytime fishing can be productive, it’s typically best to fish at night. That’s when the big ones come out to play. 

So whatever your preference, Block Island is sure to have something for you. The island has several charter boats that can take you out for the day or night. Block Island Fishworks has a bait and tackle shop and charters along with kayak rentals.

11. Clamming in Cormorant Cove or Andy’s Way

Clamming on Block Island is a cherished pastime. It’s an adventure that offers up a nice bounty.

With a shellfishing license that you get in person from the Harbormaster (bring your ID), you can comb the shore of the Great Salt Pond in designated areas.

Among these, Andy’s Way and Cormorant Cove stand out as a favored locales, where clusters of clams abound. Digging is a fun pastime for adults and kids alike.

Comb through the first few inches of sand when it’s low tide and enjoy the thrill of discovery. Bring a bucket, a clamming rake, and don’t forget the shellfishing license.

12. Hiking on Block Island

One of the best Block Island activities is hiking. Block Island’s diverse hiking trails cater to all skill levels from a leisurely walk to an adrenaline-filled excursion.

The best Block Island hiking trails include Rodman’s Hollow offers a moderate 1-mile loop through woodlands and rolling hills.

“The Maze,” or Clay Head Trail , is an easy 3.5-mile trek across rugged terrain with rewarding coastal views.

The Greenway’s interconnected paths wind gently through the island’s interior, varying in length and difficulty with 30 miles of trails overall.

Ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes, these trails unveil Block Island’s natural splendor, showcasing its coastal bluffs, serene meadows, and lush woodlands.

Make sure to pack your day hiking essentials and check your body for ticks when you’re done.

Where to Stay on Block Island

Want to make a weekend of your trip to Block Island? We don’t blame you. Here are some cute places to stay overnight. These are all walking distance to town.

• Block Island Beach House (8.8) – With cute beachy decor, 31 rooms with private bathrooms, dining on a wrap around deck and a swimming pool, this is a charming spot to set up for the weekend.
• Neptune House (8.9) – great choice for families with an outdoor pool. All rooms equipped with a kitchen, dining area, seating area, and private bathroom. Choose from a studio, one or two bedroom apartment.
• Old Town Inn (9.6) – This small inn has 10 rooms with private bathrooms, and set on a gracious property with a tennis court. It’s a nice spot for couples and they offer a daily buffet breakfast. It’s also pet friendly.

If you just want to do a Block Island day trip and need a hotel near the Pt. Judith ferry or in Newport::

• The Break Hotel (9.3) – Bright coastal decor, spacious rooms, sea views, delicious complimentary breakfast and an outdoor pool in Narragansett by the ferry.
• Attwater Hotel (9.0) – Stylish, comfortable rooms, great location, attentive staff and delicious food. Great for couples or families.
• Pelham Court Hotel (9.4) – Condo hotel with fully equipped kitchens in a great location and pet friendly.

Final Thoughts About a Day Trip to Block Island

Block Island is a great place to visit for a day trip. There are plenty of things to do, and the island is small enough that you will find it easy to get around. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or a fun-filled adventure, Block Island is the perfect destination.

Save This List of Things to do on a Block Island Day Trip For Later? Pin it!

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I want to go to block island with you!!!

Maybe next summer we can meet there xx

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Good Luck Spending Only One Day on Block Island

So you're planning a day trip to Block Island? Good luck leaving at the end of the day.

BLOCK ISLAND, Rhode Island — The next morning’s fishing trip was effectively canceled when I found out there was a stately hotel across the harbor called The National . If my friends didn’t want to stay the night on the island, they shouldn’t have pointed out the perfect spot for me to indulge my love for both old hotels and making impulsive travel choices. Lucky for me, we happened to be on the deck at Ballard’s — a well-looked-after property in its own right — attending to an unobstructed view of the Atlantic, an absurdly large tray of chilled seafood, and several bottles of white wine. So, everyone was very amenable.

I’m sure it’s possible to successfully day trip Block Island. You just have to understand that your day trip may unexpectedly involve a night, then another day.

Block Island sits just off the coast of Rhode Island, southwest of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. It maintains a much more under-the-radar status than its neighbors, which is hard to imagine given the island's wide-open terrain, ranging coastline, and unpretentious charm.

Daily flights leave from Westerly. To fly, though, would be to miss out on a (as designated by me) New England institution: the Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry and its inexplicably delicious hot dog/bloody mary combination. By the time you’ve washed it down with a plastic cup of prosecco, you’re already there.

Ferrygoers empty out onto the promenade of New Shoreham, Block Island’s only township. Busy with T-shirt shops and ice cream parlors, it feels like an amalgam of every classic New England beach destination you’ve ever seen — exactly like Jaws , though only the good parts. This is where you’ll want to rent a bike, which is by far the easiest and most efficient way to explore the island.

Heading south, the road out of town winds through wide open fields, stretching past colonial homes and farmland. It’s almost all uphill, a fact I was unaware of before I agreed to tow a 50-pound Yeti full of tequila, ice, and beer behind my bike. The views along the southeastern coast of the island, coupled with a pleasantly unyielding sea breeze, make it hard to complain. The low-rolling hills are unassuming and bucolic, making it all the more dramatic when they eventually yield to the plunging Mohegan Bluffs.

A narrow dirt path brings you from the trailhead to the landing of a steep wooden staircase and a panorama of the island’s jagged shore. Deep aquamarine and turquoise water is juxtaposed against weather-beaten coves that are more reminiscent of Monterey, California, than New England. Once down the stairs, from the precarious, rocky beach — waves crashing below, and cliffs towering above — you can feel the immense wildness of the island spreading out in front of you.

We hiked up to our bikes, and started back toward New Shoreham — downhill, mercifully. The road basically dead ends at Ballard’s, just before town. It’s the perfect spot to rest your legs, and maybe ply your friends with crab and sauvignon blanc while you figure out how you’re going to extend your stay, if not spend the rest of your days, on Block Island. And it’s where we were when someone pointed out the inviting hotel across the water, whereupon I pointed out that we really didn’t need to go back to Connecticut just yet. 

If stately hotels or cozy inns aren’t convincing enough, the island’s pristine beaches, small family farms, and bountiful seafood options should lure your beach party into expanding their definition of day trip. As for those meetings or fishing trips you’d had planned for the next morning, well, they’ll still be there next week.

Where to Eat

Aldo’s serves rustic, homestyle Italian in an intimate setting.

Naturally, New England seafood staples abound on the island. Head to The Oar , Rebecca’s , or The Beachead for clam chowder, lobster, and a cold Narragansett.

Winfield’s and Eli’s serve inventive menus of seasonal, local ingredients.

Where to Stay

The National is indeed the grand dame of Block Island. Ocean-facing suites are air conditioned only by the sea breeze, which is more than adequate. Head to the back patio at dusk, where martinis are served around fire pits and a garden party kicks off the evening. For breakfast the next morning, a $10 stipend included with the room. Use it on lobster frittata.

Ballard’s is perfectly located, sprawled across a point on the outer edge of Old Harbor. Its well-appointed suites provide both beach access and air conditioning. On your way to the beach, grab a pitcher of daiquiris from one of the beachfront, thatch-roofed bars.

To round out the New England beach vibes, book a room at a B&B on the north side of the harbor: Blue Dory Inn , The Darius Inn , or one of several inns nestled into unbelievably picturesque environs in the countryside like  The 1661 , The Rose Farm Inn , and The Atlantic Inn .

What to See

Fred Benson Town Beach is situated just up the road from Old Harbor. For a slightly more secluded feel, head a bit further north to  Mansion Beach .

The Southeast Light is a stunning red brick lighthouse situated near the Mohegan Bluffs trailhead. It’s a National Historic Landmark, and the handful of shipwrecks laying off the BI coast speak to its strategic and historical significance.

Want even more reasons to stick around? Read Finding Summer Bliss on Block Island next.

A version of this article originally appeared on Chris Adair's blog and is reprinted here with permission.

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations
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• Rhode Island

What To Do To The Block Island Day Trip

Published: November 19, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Muire Ulloa

• Beaches & Islands
• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

If you’re looking for a picturesque and serene destination for a day trip, look no further than Block Island. Located off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island offers a charming escape from the bustle of everyday life. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it’s no wonder that this island is a popular getaway for both locals and tourists alike.

Getting to Block Island is a breeze, thanks to the regular ferry services that operate from various ports in Rhode Island. Whether you choose to embark on a leisurely cruise or take a high-speed ferry, the journey itself is an introduction to the beauty that awaits.

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll find yourself surrounded by idyllic landscapes, including sandy beaches, rolling hills, and beautiful coastal cliffs. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing day by the sea, Block Island has something for everyone.

During your visit, be sure to explore the Southeast Lighthouse, a historic landmark perched on the edge of Mohegan Bluffs. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean, and you can even take a guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history.

For those seeking sun and sand, Block Island boasts pristine beaches, such as Crescent Beach and Mansion Beach. Spend your day lounging on the soft sand, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

If you’re more inclined towards outdoor activities, you’ll find an abundance of hiking and biking trails that traverse the island’s picturesque landscapes. Explore the verdant meadows, enchanting forests, and breathtaking vistas as you embark on an adventure amidst nature.

Getting to Block Island

Getting to Block Island is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. The most popular way to reach the island is by ferry, with several ferry services operating from different ports in Rhode Island. You can choose from traditional ferries that offer a leisurely cruise or high-speed ferries for a quicker journey.

The Block Island Ferry is the main transportation provider, offering year-round service from Point Judith in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The ferry ride takes approximately one hour, and you’ll be treated to scenic views of the ocean along the way.

If you prefer to start your journey from Newport, Rhode Island, you can hop on the high-speed ferry operated by the Block Island Express. This ferry takes around 60 minutes to reach the island, allowing you to arrive in no time.

For those coming from Connecticut, the Cross Sound Ferry operates from New London to Block Island. The ferry ride takes approximately two hours, but the stunning coastal views make the journey worthwhile.

During the summer months, you may also find additional ferry services available from other nearby locations, such as Fall River, Massachusetts.

It’s important to plan your trip in advance and make reservations for the ferry, especially during the peak summer season. Reserving your tickets online or by phone will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Block Island.

If you prefer to travel by air, you can opt for a scenic flight from several airports in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or nearby Massachusetts. Block Island State Airport offers regular flights and charter services, making it a convenient option for those seeking a quicker way to reach the island.

Once you arrive on Block Island, there are various transportation options available to explore the island. You can choose to rent a bike, moped, or car to get around the island at your own pace. Additionally, there are taxis and a bus service that can take you to different destinations.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, the journey to Block Island is an integral part of the experience, offering stunning views and a sense of anticipation as you approach this charming island paradise.

Exploring Block Island

Once you step foot on Block Island, you’ll be greeted by a plethora of activities and attractions to explore. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this island has something for everyone.

One of the must-visit spots on Block Island is the Southeast Lighthouse. Perched on the edge of Mohegan Bluffs, this historic landmark offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. Take a guided tour and learn about the fascinating history of this iconic lighthouse, or simply enjoy the stunning vistas from its surrounding grounds.

If you’re craving some sun and sand, Block Island boasts beautiful beaches that are perfect for a day of relaxation. Crescent Beach, situated on the eastern side of the island, is a popular destination known for its soft sands and gentle waves. Grab a beach chair, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the refreshing waters. For a quieter and more secluded experience, head to Mansion Beach, located on the northern end of the island.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Block Island offers an array of hiking and biking trails that showcase its natural beauty. Set off on the Greenway Trails, which span over 28 miles and take you through stunning landscapes, including meadows, forests, and coastal areas. The trails are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover hidden gems along the way.

Water activities abound on Block Island, whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Rent a kayak and explore the island’s coastline, discovering hidden coves and spotting marine life. Stand-up paddleboarding is also a popular choice, providing a unique perspective of the island and a chance to exercise while enjoying the tranquility of the sea.

When it’s time to relax and refuel, Block Island offers a variety of dining options. From casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants with ocean views, you’ll find a range of culinary delights to satisfy your cravings. Indulge in fresh seafood, sample farm-to-table cuisine, or enjoy a leisurely picnic with local delicacies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the island’s charming town, New Shoreham, where you’ll find unique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Stroll along Water Street and browse for souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local artwork. Embrace the island’s laid-back vibe as you uncover hidden treasures and support local businesses.

Block Island is also rich in history and culture. Visit the Block Island Historical Society Museum to learn about the island’s fascinating past and discover artifacts that tell the story of its inhabitants. Explore the Mohegan Bluffs, a towering clay cliff formation that offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s geological history.

Finally, nature enthusiasts will delight in the diverse wildlife on Block Island. The island serves as a haven for various species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Keep an eye out for rare seabirds and migratory species as you explore the island’s beaches and meadows.

With its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, historical charm, and diverse wildlife, Block Island is a true gem waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a peaceful retreat, this island paradise is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Visit the Southeast Lighthouse

Located on the southeastern edge of Block Island, the Southeast Lighthouse is a historic landmark that should not be missed during your visit. This iconic structure offers not only a glimpse into the island’s maritime history but also stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Southeast Lighthouse was first constructed in 1875 to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing tall at 200 feet above sea level, this towering structure played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of sailors navigating the region.

Today, the lighthouse stands as a testament to Block Island’s rich maritime heritage and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about its history through guided tours. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the lighthouse, providing insights into its construction, operation, and the challenges faced by its keepers.

As you ascend the steps of the lighthouse, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views that await you at the top. From the observation deck, you can gaze out over the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, taking in the beauty of Block Island’s rugged coastline and the picturesque Mohegan Bluffs.

Aside from the lighthouse itself, the surrounding grounds are also worth exploring. The lush greenery and well-maintained gardens create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with a view. You may even stumble upon some local wildlife, including various species of birds and butterflies that call the area home.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, make sure to check the schedule for special events held at the Southeast Lighthouse. From sunset concerts to outdoor art exhibitions, these events add an extra layer of charm to your visit and provide unique photo opportunities.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight in the neighboring Keeper’s Cottage. This restored historic building offers a cozy and unique lodging option, allowing you to soak up the ambiance of the lighthouse well beyond the typical day trip.

Be sure to check the opening hours and availability of guided tours before your visit, as they may vary throughout the year. Keep in mind that there may also be a small admission fee to enter the lighthouse and access the observation deck.

Visiting the Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s maritime history and offers unparalleled views of the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience, this iconic structure is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Relax on Block Island’s Beaches

When it comes to relaxation and scenic beauty, Block Island’s beaches are second to none. With their pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, these stunning coastal retreats provide the perfect setting for a day of sun, sand, and serenity.

Crescent Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches, located on the eastern side of Block Island. This crescent-shaped beach offers a picturesque backdrop of dunes and rolling hills, creating a tranquil atmosphere for beachgoers. The soft, golden sands invite you to lay out a towel, soak up the sun, and bask in the cool ocean breeze.

Swim in the sparkling waters or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, feeling the gentle waves lapping at your feet. Crescent Beach also provides excellent conditions for boogie boarding and body surfing, making it a favorite spot for those seeking a bit of adventure in the water.

If you prefer a quieter and more secluded beach experience, make your way to Mansion Beach. Located on the northern part of the island, this hidden gem offers a sense of tranquility and privacy. Accessible via a scenic walk through a wooded path, Mansion Beach rewards visitors with a serene environment and breathtaking vistas.

With its soft sands and shimmering blue waters, Mansion Beach is an ideal spot for beachcombing, leisurely picnics, or simply unwinding and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Surrounded by lush vegetation and framed by towering bluffs, this beach offers a sense of seclusion that is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Block Island also boasts other beautiful beaches, such as Ballard’s Beach and Scotch Beach, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. Spend the day lounging, reading a book, or building sandcastles with loved ones. The beaches on Block Island cater to all, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family.

Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials, including sunscreen, beach towels, and hats, to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Remember to practice good beach etiquette by keeping the area clean and respecting the natural environment.

Before visiting the beaches, check the local weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly. If you’re unsure about swimming or water activities, look out for any posted signs or ask the lifeguards on duty for guidance.

Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun and work on your tan, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of the waves, Block Island’s beaches offer the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Hiking and Biking Trails

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Block Island offers a plethora of hiking and biking trails that showcase the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a leisurely bike rider, these trails provide a fantastic way to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and immerse yourself in its tranquil surroundings.

One of the most popular trails on Block Island is the Greenway Trails, a network of trails that spans over 28 miles and takes you through various scenic locations. These well-marked trails provide opportunities for hikers and bikers of all skill levels, allowing you to choose your own adventure.

Embark on the Clay Head Preserve trail, known for its stunning panoramic views of the island’s coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. As you make your way through the preserve, you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna, including wildflowers, migratory birds, and even the occasional deer.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, head to Rodman Hollow. This nature preserve offers a rugged and rocky trail that winds through thick vegetation and leads you to beautiful secluded beaches. Keep an eye out for the geological features and unique plant species along the way.

Biking enthusiasts will also find joy in exploring Block Island’s trails. Rent a bike and pedal your way through the scenic countryside, passing rolling hills, meadows, and picturesque farms. The island’s low traffic and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for biking adventures.

One popular biking route is the Mohegan Bluffs Loop. This loop takes you along the island’s southern coast, allowing you to admire the breathtaking views from atop the iconic bluffs. The loop then continues inland, passing by farmlands and quaint New England cottages.

For a more leisurely biking experience, cruise along Corn Neck Road, which runs parallel to the shoreline. This scenic route offers glimpses of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and stunning coastal landscapes. Take your time and soak in the beauty of Block Island as you pedal along.

Before embarking on any hiking or biking adventure, it’s important to be prepared. Wear proper footwear, bring plenty of water, and pack some snacks to fuel your journey. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also essential, especially during the warmer months.

Remember to respect the natural environment by staying on designated trails and leaving no trace behind. Keep an eye out for any wildlife and be cautious of any potential hazards, such as uneven terrain or potentially slippery surfaces.

Whether you choose to hike or bike, Block Island’s trails offer a delightful escape into nature. Explore the island’s diverse landscapes, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and revel in the serenity that surrounds you.

Water Activities

With its pristine coastline and crystal-clear waters, Block Island is a haven for water enthusiasts. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply taking a refreshing swim, the island offers a wide range of water activities to suit every interest and skill level.

One of the most popular water activities on Block Island is kayaking. Rent a kayak and embark on an adventure along the island’s picturesque coastline. Paddle through calm waters, exploring secluded coves and hidden beaches. Keep an eye out for marine life such as seals, ospreys, and even dolphins, which can often be spotted off the shores of Block Island.

If you prefer a more relaxed water activity, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Glide across the gentle waves, enjoying the serenity of the sea and the breathtaking views. Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to improve your balance and core strength while immersing yourself in the tranquility of Block Island’s coastal beauty.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, fishing is a popular activity on the island. From the shores, you can cast your line and try your luck at reeling in various fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, and flounder. Alternatively, charter a fishing boat and venture out into deeper waters for a chance to catch larger game fish.

If you’re passionate about scuba diving or snorkeling, Block Island’s underwater world will not disappoint. The island is surrounded by clear Atlantic waters teeming with marine life and beautiful underwater ecosystems. Dive beneath the surface and witness colorful fish, vibrant corals, and even the remnants of shipwrecks that dot the ocean floor.

For those who prefer a more leisurely water activity, swimming and sunbathing on Block Island’s beaches is a must. Crescent Beach and Mansion Beach, known for their soft sands and calm waters, provide the perfect oasis for a refreshing swim or a day of relaxation under the sun. Remember to follow beach safety guidelines and pay attention to any posted signs or lifeguard instructions.

If you’re up for a unique and thrilling experience, consider taking a surfing lesson on Block Island. The island’s surf breaks cater to both beginners and experienced surfers, offering the opportunity to catch a wave and feel the exhilaration of riding the surf. Experienced local instructors can guide you through the basics and help you catch your first wave.

Before engaging in any water activity, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Check weather conditions, wear appropriate safety gear, and be mindful of your own capabilities. If you’re new to a particular activity, consider taking a lesson or going with an experienced guide who can ensure your safety and provide valuable insights.

Block Island’s stunning coastal landscape and pristine waters make it an ideal playground for water lovers. From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to fishing and snorkeling, the island offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure on the water.

Shopping and Dining

Block Island offers a delightful shopping and dining scene, where you can indulge in the island’s local flavors and find unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit. From charming boutiques and art galleries to delectable restaurants and quaint cafes, the island has something to satisfy every palate and shopper’s desire.

Start your shopping adventure by exploring the town of New Shoreham, the main hub of activity on Block Island. Along Water Street, you’ll find an array of boutique shops and specialty stores offering a wide range of products. Browse through the shelves and discover handmade jewelry, local artwork, clothing, home decor, and other one-of-a-kind treasures.

If you’re a lover of art, make sure to visit the island’s art galleries. These spaces showcase the works of talented local artists and provide a glimpse into the island’s vibrant art scene. From paintings and sculptures to photography and crafts, you’ll find diverse and captivating creations that capture the essence of Block Island’s captivating beauty.

After a day of shopping, treat your taste buds to the island’s culinary delights. Block Island boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from casual beachside shacks serving up fresh seafood to upscale restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine with ocean views.

Indulge in the island’s seafood specialties, which include locally caught fish, lobster, and shellfish. Whether you prefer a classic New England lobster roll, a plate of succulent grilled fish, or a steaming bowl of clam chowder, the island’s restaurants have you covered.

For a more relaxed and casual dining experience, head to one of the laid-back cafes or charming bistros scattered across the island. Savor a flavorful cup of local coffee, enjoy freshly baked pastries, or dig into a hearty sandwich made with locally sourced ingredients.

Don’t forget to sample the island’s famous ice cream while strolling through the town. Replenish your energy with a scoop of homemade goodness in a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to innovative combinations that capture the essence of Block Island’s unique charm.

But the culinary adventure doesn’t end with seafood and ice cream. Block Island also boasts a burgeoning craft beer scene, with breweries offering a wide selection of locally brewed beers. Pop into one of the island’s breweries, enjoy a tasting flight, and savor the flavors of handcrafted brews made with care and passion.

As you explore Block Island’s shops and dine at its restaurants, remember to support local businesses and artisans. Many of the shops and dining establishments are family-owned, and their dedication to their craft is evident in the quality and uniqueness of their offerings.

Whether you’re looking for a gift to take back home or simply eager to explore the island’s culinary landscape, Block Island’s shopping and dining scene offers a delightful experience that combines local flavors, artistic creations, and the island’s unique ambiance.

Sightseeing and Historical Sites

Block Island is not only known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities but also for its rich history and fascinating landmarks. Explore the island’s historic sites and immerse yourself in its captivating stories and cultural heritage.

One iconic landmark that should not be missed is the Mohegan Bluffs. These towering clay cliffs offer a breathtaking sight as they rise over 150 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. As you stand at the top, take in the panoramic views and appreciate the geological history of the island.

For history buffs, a visit to the Block Island Historical Society Museum is a must. Located in the heart of New Shoreham, this museum offers a glimpse into the island’s past through its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and photographs. Learn about the island’s Native American history, early settlers, maritime heritage, and the fascinating stories of its residents.

While exploring the town, you’ll come across several historic buildings that have stood the test of time. The Old Harbor Historic District is home to beautifully restored 19th-century buildings that line Water Street. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the architecture, which reflects the island’s rich maritime history.

Make your way to the Great Salt Pond and visit the Southeast Lighthouse. Built in 1875, this iconic landmark served as a guiding light for sailors navigating the treacherous waters surrounding Block Island. Take a guided tour to learn about its construction, marvel at its architectural details, and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck.

Another historical site of interest is the Settler’s Rock. Located near the ferry landing in Old Harbor, this rock marks the landing spot of the island’s original settlers in 1661. While the rock itself may seem unassuming, it holds immense historical significance as it commemorates the island’s early beginnings.

For a taste of life in the past, visit the Nathan Mott Park, a restored historic village showcasing the island’s rural heritage. Take a step back in time as you explore the village’s collection of antique buildings, including a barn, schoolhouse, and windmill. The park offers a glimpse into the island’s agricultural past and the challenges faced by early settlers.

Block Island is also known for its numerous picturesque churches, some of which date back to the 18th century. Explore the island’s religious heritage and admire the unique architectural styles of these charming places of worship. Many of these churches still hold regular services and are part of the island’s vibrant community.

As you wander around Block Island, keep an eye out for historical markers that provide insight into the island’s past. These markers can be found at various locations and offer interesting anecdotes and historical context that enhance your exploration of the island.

Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Block Island as you visit its historical sites and landmarks. From lighthouses and museums to historic buildings and markers, the island’s rich cultural tapestry is waiting to be discovered.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities

Block Island is not only a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts but also a haven for wildlife. The island’s diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for a wide array of species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

One of the main attractions for wildlife watching on Block Island is the avian population. The island is a popular stopover for migratory birds, offering a fantastic opportunity to spot various species during their seasonal journeys. Keep an eye out for piping plovers, ospreys, herons, and other coastal and seabirds as you explore the island’s beaches, marshes, and nature preserves.

Head to Sachem Pond, the largest pond on Block Island, and you may be lucky enough to see egrets and swans gracefully gliding across the tranquil waters. The pond is also home to a variety of fish and amphibians, creating a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life.

Block Island’s coastal cliffs and rocky shores provide the perfect habitat for seals. During certain times of the year, particularly in the colder months, you can spot these charming marine mammals along the island’s rocky outcrops. Watch as they bask in the sun or swim gracefully through the waves, providing an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

One of the best ways to explore the island’s wildlife is by taking a guided nature tour. Knowledgeable guides will lead you to prime wildlife viewing spots, providing valuable insights into the behaviors and habitats of the island’s resident and migratory species. They will share their passion for the natural world and help you spot and identify the diverse wildlife that calls Block Island home.

While exploring the island’s hiking and biking trails, keep your eyes peeled for the smaller creatures that inhabit the island. From colorful butterflies fluttering through fields and forests to frogs and turtles basking in the sun, Block Island offers a fascinating array of wildlife to discover.

Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never disturb or approach animals in their natural habitats. Keep in mind that the island’s wildlife is protected, and it is important to follow any guidelines or restrictions in place to ensure the conservation of these precious species.

For bird enthusiasts, participating in one of the island’s bird-watching events or joining a guided birding tour can provide a truly immersive wildlife experience. These organized activities allow you to learn from experienced birders, share knowledge, and spot a wide variety of birds in different habitats on the island.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of the natural world, Block Island’s wildlife watching opportunities are abundant. Explore the island’s landscapes with a sense of awe and wonder as you encounter fascinating animals in their natural habitats.

Wrap-Up and Planning Your Next Trip

As your day trip to Block Island comes to an end, you may find yourself already dreaming of your next visit to this enchanting island. With its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and abundant outdoor activities, Block Island offers endless possibilities for exploration and relaxation.

Before leaving, take a moment to reflect on the memories you’ve made during your visit. Remember the stunning views from the Mohegan Bluffs, the soothing sound of the waves at Crescent Beach, the taste of fresh seafood at a local restaurant, and the feeling of adventure as you hiked or biked through the island’s scenic trails.

If you haven’t had the chance to explore all of the island’s attractions, don’t worry. Block Island has something for everyone, and your next trip can uncover even more of its hidden gems. Consider extending your stay or planning a longer vacation to fully immerse yourself in the island’s beauty and charm.

When planning your next trip to Block Island, keep in mind the activities and sites you didn’t have a chance to experience during your day trip. Perhaps you want to delve deeper into the island’s history by visiting more museums and historical sites. Alternatively, you may want to spend more time on the island’s pristine beaches or go on a wildlife watching tour to further explore its natural wonders.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family looking for an unforgettable vacation, Block Island offers a unique and fulfilling experience. From adventure seekers to relaxation enthusiasts, the island’s diverse attractions and activities cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.

As you plan your next trip, check the island’s calendar of events, as Block Island hosts various festivals, live music performances, and other local happenings throughout the year. Attending one of these events can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit and provide a deeper connection to the island’s vibrant community.

Remember to book accommodations in advance, especially during the summer months when the island attracts a larger number of visitors. Choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, charming inns, or beachfront resorts, depending on your preferences and budget.

Whether you’re returning to Block Island or exploring it for the first time, be sure to plan your activities, pack accordingly, and prepare for the adventure and relaxation that await you. Whether it’s hiking, biking, beachcombing, or simply unwinding amidst the island’s natural beauty, Block Island will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.

So, until your next visit, bid farewell to Block Island, but carry its beauty and tranquility in your heart, knowing that when you return, new adventures and experiences await you on this captivating island.

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21 Wonderful Things to Do on Block Island (2023)

From the Author : Our family has been taking week-long vacations on Block Island for 5+ years. We love this island and know it well. If you have any questions, we respond quickly to comments!

You’ll be surprised by just how many things there are to do on Block Island – especially for such a small piece of land (3-by-7 miles to be exact)!

Whether you’re staying the week with access to car, or just here on a day trip walking around, this guide has something for you. NOTE : All asterisked * activities below are within a 20 minute walk from the Ferry Landing in Old Harbor and can be experienced during a day trip!

Ok, with out further ado, here our favorite things to do on Block Island…

NOTICE // We try our best to keep the information in this guide as up to date as possible. If you notice anything has changed, please leave us comment down below.

LAST UPDATE :

1. Payne’s Donuts First Thing in the Morning (seasonal)

Payne’s Donuts is a 50 year Island tradition, and the perfect way to start your day.

Each morning at 7AM, their trailer take out window opens on Ocean Avenue.

If you enjoy hot, fresh donuts, you’re in for a treat. First come, first served – they stay open until they sell out.

Open daily in the summer.

Insider Tip:

This is a very popular spot and the line starts early!

2. An Afternoon at Mansion Beach

Block Island has 17 miles of beautiful beaches, and Mansion Beach is one of the best beaches on the the island.

Mansion Beach has it all – white soft sand, clear blue waters, and big waves.

From the moment you turn down Mansion Road you feel like you’ve escaped the normal hustle and bustle that takes place downtown.

This beach is located at the end of a dirt road. Bikes and cars are allowed, but no mopeds.

A plus to this beach is that it is generally less crowded due to its “off the beaten path” location.

No lifeguards on duty. Porta potty available on beach walkway.

3. A Night of Live Music at Captain Nick’s* (seasonal)

Captain Nick’s is located on Ocean Avenue, shortly after you drive through the Islands only four-way-stop.

If a night of dancing, good music, and fun cocktails is up your alley, this is your spot.

Although Captain Nick’s indoor venue is 21+, all ages can enjoy live entertainment on Sunday afternoons.

Ask the bartender to sparkle you if you’re up to have an extra “glow” that might carry into your next morning…

4. Outdoor Movie Night on Town Beach* (seasonal)

Town Beach (officially known as Fred Benson Town Beach) is located on Corn Neck Road – only a 20 minute walk from the ferry landing.

It’s a family friendly beach by day, and movie theatre by night (well on Tuesday nights at least).

During the summer months they play a movie every Tuesday night at the beach. It’s a free event for all age groups to come and enjoy.

Pack some snacks, beach chairs, and blankets and enjoy a movie under the stars. The movie lineup is posted on the Beaches Facebook page.

Past movies include: Little Rascals, A Bug’s Life, Ratatouille, Toy Story, Frozen, Finding Nemo, The Goonies, etc.

Alcohol is not permitted on this beach.

5. Visit a Lighthouse (or two!)

Block Island has two lighthouses – Southeast Lighthouse and Block Island North Light. The Southeast Lighthouse sits atop a 200 foot clay cliff known as Mohegan Bluffs.

During the summer months you can tour the tower, learn about historical Block Island shipwrecks, and browse the gift shop.

North Light stands 55 feet tall (3 feet taller than Southeast Lighthouse) on the northern part of the Island.

This lighthouse is a bit more difficult to access due to the 20 minute walk on a sandy beach once you arrive at the lighthouse parking lot.

The North Light lighthouse isn’t open to the public but you can learn more about it at North Light Interpretive Center (800 feet away).

This museum is open limited weekend hours from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and daily 10am-5pm in the summer.

6. Charter a Fishing Trip with Fishworks Block Island

Fishing off Block Island is a memory you won’t forget; I definitely won’t forget my first charter in 2020 thanks to Captain Chris from Block Island Fishworks .

Block Island Fishworks will be celebrating 20 years of business this summer, and it’s no surprise given their experience .

The local captain and guides know all the hot spots to keep your reel busy the moment you hit the water.

They have two boats and multiple charter offerings (small and large party pricing, 3/4/6/8 hour options) to best fit your needs, experience, and interests.

In addition to the charters, Block Island Fishworks offers rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) and a full service bait and tackle shop.

7. Bike or Moped Rentals from Aldo’s*

My favorite way to see the island is via bike or moped, and they are both popular modes of transportation on Block Island.

With that said, it’s important to note:

You aren’t able to ride down dirt roads on a moped. So if you are hoping to explore all the nooks and crannies the island has to offer a bike rental might be best for you.

However, the island has some hills which might make pedaling for the average joe a bit more challenging depending on your route/destination.

After a moped fatality in 2021, The New Shoreham Town Council adopted new restrictions which limits the hours of operation to between the hours of 10am-6pm as well as all moped renters need to watch an educational safety video and pass a proficiency test.

8. Enjoy Appetizers on the Lawn at Spring House Hotel*

The Spring House Hotel is the oldest hotel on the island. You’re guaranteed to experience authentic New England charm when visiting.

In front of the hotel there is a large rolling grass hill that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and it’s lined with white Adirondack chairs.

There is nothing better than ordering a drink and appetizer while taking in the ocean views.

My favorite: an Aperol Spritz and caprese salad!

The Adirondack chairs are first come, first served but if you are interested in a more formal dining experience on their porch or inside I would recommend making reservations.

9. Watch the Sunset from Grace’s Cove

This secluded beach is on the west side of the island, and provides a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean horizon.

Since it’s located furthest from town, you can usually expect to find the beach blissfully quiet.

You may find a couple sitting on a driftwood log, a few people walking the rocky beach, and occasionally a group of people surrounding a beach fire. 

It’s located down a small dirt road, so you won’t be able to access by moped.

10. Visit the Island Zedonk*

The Abrams Animal Farm is home to the Island Zedonk (half zebra/half donkey…yes, it’s a real thing!).

The farm can be found on Spring Street (behind Hotel Manisses), and even though it’s on the smaller side, it’s packed with interesting animals that you wouldn’t expect to see at a small farm on Block Island (yes, Kangaroos and Camels too!).

It is free to enjoy, but there is a donation box outside the building.

There is also a small store which sells yarn and other items that come from the animals on site.

11. Clamming in New Harbor

Clamming on Block Island is the perfect family outing, and a great way to create your own “farm to table” experience.

My favorite spot to do this is in New Harbor on Great Salt Pond .

This pond is on the western end of the island and is known for its diverse ecosystem.

In addition to the clams, there are plenty of fish, crabs, and even a number of tropical species.

The best way to access the pond is via Andy’s Way.

When you pull down the dirt road there is a small area for parking at the end (there is a bike rack here as well).

This access point brings you to a crescent of sandy beach that is often lined with kayaks.

Keep in mind that the sand path from the parking lot to the water is narrow which makes navigating a beach wagon a little more challenging. As always, dirt road = no mopeds.

If you want to go clamming, you’ll need a license! You can get one at the Harbor Master’s office, right behind The Oar.

12. Blvck Market on Water Street

I always hope for at least one gloomy weather day when I visit Block Island because that’s when my sister and I browse the shops of Old Harbor!

One of our favorites is Blvck Market.

This boutique is owned by island local, Sean Dugan (fun fact: his wife is a co-owner at The Darius Inn – THE best B&B).

In this store you’ll find t-shirts, skirts, dresses, towels, bathing suits, headbands, etc.

Dugan lives in Bali during the off-season and many of his pieces are made there.

Not only does everything have unique and fun designs, but the material is super soft too.

You’ll find locals and tourists alike repping this brand!

Other honorable mentions would be: Glass Onion, Lazy Fish, Diamond Blue Surf Shop, & Minnow 02807.

13. Indulge in an Ice Cream from The Ice Cream Place*

Ice cream and summer are one of my favorite duos but when you add vacation and Block Island to the mix it’s a must.

Block Island has a few solid options for ice cream, but my absolute favorite is The Ice Cream Place.

You get to enjoy the “old-fashioned” ice cream shop feel and smell as soon so you step inside .

They make homemade fudge sauce, whipped cream, and waffle cones that are to die for.

The only problem you may have is trying to decide–there is no shortage of flavors and toppings.

Don’t let a long line scare you away; it moves quickly and it’s worth the wait!

This is a cash only facility.

14. Order a Mudslide from The Oar

The Oar is always a repeat visit when I’m on the island. This place is perfect for food and drinks or just drinks.

They have a lot of outside lawn seating options (wooden chairs and picnic tables with umbrellas) as well as indoor “open air” seating.

I’ve found this to be a great restaurant for families because the outdoor lawn tables allow the kids to run around while you wait for your food.

They also have a few cornhole boards and bags set up for use.

As for the mudslides – this is a non-negotiable part of your order. Your waiter will ask three questions: 1. Top shelf? 2. Floater? 3. Whipped cream?

I’m usually a “yes, no, yes” but my husband would say “yes” to all three is the only correct answer!

As for the name—The Oar—you’ll notice many wooden oars hanging around the restaurant, inside and out.

Each oar has a memory written on them from visiting guests.

I always wondered how you get an oar put up on the wall, and I was surprised to find out all you have to do is drop one off at the front desk!

15. Breakfast at the Airport Cafe

UPDATE : The Airport Cafe closed at the end of 2022.

I’m a big fan of breakfast and my favorite sit-down breakfast spot on Block Island is Bethany’s Airport Diner.

It’s located at the island’s airport so you get prime viewing of all the action that takes place on the tarmac.

On a nice day, you have the option to enjoy breakfast from a picnic table outside – this is where you will have the best view of the arriving and departing planes.

The long-time owner, Bethany Coviello, has been running the diner since she was 28 years old.

It’s a local hangout but you’ll definitely see tourists here as well.

This is your traditional diner when it comes to menu items.

A fun added twist is a beer and wine menu and, most recently, a dinner menu that they are trying out a few nights a week.

16. Visit the Town Library*

Some claim this is the friendliest and most professional community library on the East Coast!

With every visit, I’m more and more impressed with what they offer – there is something here for all age groups.

Their website has an up-to-date calendar of all of their events.  They have everything from nature walks and storytelling to knitting and “film and soup” nights.

If you are looking for a good deal – don’t miss the basement level. There are books and games for only $1.

AC and free Wi-Fi

17. Hike Rodman’s Hollow

Rodman’s Hollow hiking trail is comprised of 230-acres of rolling hills, beautiful wild flowers, and panoramic views of the ocean.

As for difficulty level, it’s definitely on the easier end and well-suited for most people.

If you are up for an adventure, you are able to access Black’s Beach from this trail.

18. Devour Clam Cakes from Rebecca’s*

Rebecca’s Seafood is located on Water Street right across the street from the Old Harbor ferry landing.

This cash only facility is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they have quite the extensive menu.

There is a take-out window and outside eating area (picnic tables with umbrellas) as well as a small inside eating area with counter and table seating options.

I consider this to be the perfect “quick bite” stop.

My family goes to Rebecca’s for their clam cakes. They are served hot and fresh!

Make sure you ask for tartar sauce – they make their own on-site! (Keep in mind, the clam cakes are usually not offered until after 11:30am).

There is another location – Rebecca’s Beach – located on Fred Benson Town Beach. They serve lunch inside the Town Beach Pavilion.

Lobster roll on the beach? Yes, please!

19. Stroll the Island Farmers Market

The Block Island Farmers Market is open late June – early October.

It’s held on Saturdays at Legion Park from 9am-11:30am.

You can find anything from fresh baked goods and yummy drinks to photography and pottery.

My three favorite stops included a warm scone, freshly squeezed lemonade, and a bouquet of flowers.

Legion Park is a small peninsula of land surrounded by roads (no fence so keep this in mind if traveling with small children).

There are a few benches and some trees for shade if you plan on packing a blanket to people watch, enjoy some live music, or just relax.

The market is open rain or shine.

20. Take in All the Action at Payne’s Dock

A family owned operation for years which has become quite the Block Island landmark.

Payne’s Dock is located on the south side of Great Salt Pond in New Harbor.

The dock consists of 100 boat slips, Mahogany Shoals (awesome dockside bar), Rebecca’s Dockside Restaurant, and a store that sells sporting goods and beach supplies.

There is live music nightly in the summer that fits in perfectly with the laid back/casual vibe.

Keep in mind it’s cash only at the bar. You’ll find people of all ages, consisting of boaters who are docked at the marina, locals and tourists.

21. Join the Island’s Glass Float Hunt

Each summer, 550 handcrafted glass orbs (similar in size to an orange) are hidden around the island as part of an interactive art experience.

Everyone is encouraged to try and find one which you then get to keep.

The hunt starts in June and continues until all the orbs have been found. It’s important to note that they are not all put out at once.

More are added as the summer progresses.

The orbs are never put on private property, in the dunes, on the side of bluffs or further than a few feet from any trail.

If you find one you register it online. Then what? Finder’s keepers!

They only ask that you only keep one if you happen to find more throughout the year…

I haven’t been lucky enough to find an orb but I always keep an eye out hoping it will be my lucky year.

Block Island may be small, but there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Whether you’re a car-less “day tripper”, or a week-long “vacation goer”, you’ll have plenty to see and do.

What’s your favorite thing to do on Block Island? Leave me a comment below!

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16 Best Things To Do On Block Island

Block Island, located 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast, is a lesser-known vacation spot compared to celebrity-favored Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

However, visitors are captivated by its unique charm from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. The island offers beautiful beaches, breathtaking ocean views, extensive hiking trails, towering coastal cliffs, a rich history, and vibrant nightlife.

It also offers a distinctive atmosphere with unique attractions, most of which are free, and amazing food. Often described as a hidden gem, Block Island is among the top New England spots to visit during the summer.

If you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway or summer vacation on Block Island, let us tell you some of the best things to do. Things that you’ll absolutely enjoy doing and want to keep doing. Here are our 16 Best Things To Do On Block Island list:

Table of Contents

How to get to block island.

Before we tell you what to do, let us tell you how you can reach Block Island.

There are a few good ways to reach Block Island. You have the option of taking a boat or a plane. However, the popular choice among people who travel frequently to this Island is the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith on Rhode Island, which gets you there in just 30 minutes.

If you’re thinking of bringing your car on the ferry, it’s important to reserve a spot well in advance. Ferry bookings for the upcoming season open in early January, and the coveted weekend slots get booked fast.

So, if you’re planning a day or weekend trip to Block Island, consider leaving your car behind. Walking, biking, and swimming are the best ways to explore the Island. And if you wonder if a car is necessary for Block Island, the simple answer is – not at all! The Island is only 3×7 miles .

Top Things To Do On Block Island

1. mansion beach – spend a perfect and calm afternoon.

In contrast to the bustling vibe of Ballard’s Beach, Mansion Beach offers a rather calm island experience for those who prefer some quiet time.

Commonly less populated, this beach is renowned for its larger waves and an expansive stretch of barely touched sandy coast. Located just 3 miles or a brief 10-minute drive from the town center, it offers a serene escape.

However, let us tell you one important thing. Unlike Ballard’s Beach and other popular beaches, Mansion Beach lacks amenities, including restrooms. If you’re planning an extended stay, it’s advisable to bring all essentials.

For those on a tight schedule, a leisurely stroll along Mansion Beach or a quick dip in the ocean remains a top recommendation for a day trip to Block Island. However, if you’re planning a longer trip, you may just get to experience all the goods this beach has to offer.

2. Ballard’s – Best Entertainment Outdoors

A stone’s throw away from the Old Harbor ferry landing, Ballard’s stands as a premier spot on Block Island. For many new and repeat visitors, it’s often the first destination they visit during their island day trip, and sometimes even end with it.

Ballard’s offers an all-inclusive beach experience, ensuring guests have everything for an entertaining day outdoors. Their private beach boasts amenities like lounge chairs, umbrella rentals, tiki bars, and beach volleyball.

Add to that the daily live music and dedicated waitress service, ensuring you can relax, eat, and drink without moving an inch from your sandy perch.

Indulge in their signature beverages, served in a carved-out pineapple, offering a tropical vibe right here in the Northeast. And if you’re tempted to extend your stay, Ballard’s also features a comfortable hotel. For those looking for a unique experience, private beach bonfires are available upon request.

3. Dori’s Cove – Best For Sunset

If you love sunsets, you’ll love Block Island. There are several spots where you can sit and watch stunning sunsets. However, if you want to experience the best of them all, ask locals. They’ll point you towards Dori’s Cove.

In fact, this place holds a special place in the hearts of locals as the prime sunset-viewing location.

Nestled on the island’s west side, this quaint cove offers a sense of solitude. While its rocky terrain might not be the best for a swim, it’s undeniably the perfect backdrop to end your beautiful day.

As dusk approaches, the horizon comes alive with an intriguing palette of colors, offering a visual treat as the sun bids farewell.

4. Grace’s Cove – Second Best For Sunset

Tucked away on the island’s west side, this hidden gem of a beach offers an unparalleled view of the sun setting over the vast ocean expanse.

Its distance from the town center ensures a relaxed atmosphere, often undisturbed by large crowds.

It’s not uncommon to spot a duo seated on a piece of driftwood, individuals strolling along the rocky shores, or a small gathering basking in the warmth of a beach bonfire.

The beach is accessible via a narrow dirt path, making it unsuitable for mopeds, further preserving its peaceful charm.

5. Orb Hunting – Most Unique Activity On The Island

One of the most unique and interesting things you can do on Block Island or throughout New England is find the glass orbs. Every year, over 500 exquisite glass orbs, also known as floats, are crafted in Wakefield, RI, as a Glass Float Project.

This artistic endeavor is led by local artist Eben Horton, along with his wife, Jennifer, and their dedicated studio team.

These glass orbs or treasures are then hidden throughout Block Island by devoted volunteers, often referred to as “Orbivores.” They’re strategically placed on beaches and greenway trails, ensuring they don’t disturb the island’s protected areas like sand dunes. So, while on the hunt, it’s essential to respect the island’s natural habitats.

The best part? Everyone, from locals to tourists, is encouraged to join the hunt. If luck favors you and you discover one of these glass marvels during your visit to Block Island, you’ll notice a date and a number carved onto it. As a matter of fact, each glass orb carries a number and date.

When you find an ord, You can register your findings. This is important as it helps keep track of the number of floats found during the season. Once registered, the float is yours to cherish as a special Block Island memento. The entertainment-filled search continues until every single float is discovered and logged.

While we’ve yet to find a float during our visits, we’re quite committed to finding one in the future. But we hope that you find one during yours.

6. Sail To The Block Island

If you’re planning a trip to Block Island with friends or family and are taking a plane or boat to reach there, think again. Why take the boring way when you can have so much fun by chartering a sailboat?

You can have a really good view and tour of the Island’s coast, offered by none other than the hand-picked crew.

The Club warmly suggests bringing along your favorite snacks and beverages to sweeten your sailing experience. Imagine savoring these treats while soaking in the breathtaking views of the bluffs from the vantage point of the water – it promises to be a memory you’ll cherish.

To set sail on this unique adventure, simply reach out to the Club via email, and they’ll guide you through the booking process.

7. Sleep On The Ocean

If staying in homes on land is too boring for you, how about spending a week living on the waters with full facilities? CharterKai’s Catamaran Quest is a unique South African luxury expedition catamaran, custom-made and measuring 57′ x 27′.

This boat sails an impressive 8,000 miles annually between the Caribbean and New England. During the winter, Quest offers week-long all-inclusive sailing trips in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live on a catamaran, here’s a rare chance to experience boat life.

It’s a unique opportunity to stay on the water and wake up to the gentle rocking of the waves, with great ocean views all around. Watch sunrise or sunsets, take the boat from remotest of beaches to the most crowded.

8. Payne’s Donut For Breakfast

Payne’s Donut is a 50-year-old shop and has become a morning staple for most of the islanders. They open their take-out windows at 7 AM every morning, greeting everyone with their delicious smell of freshly made donuts and coffee.

It is a totally exquisite experience and often fills people with excitement. However, make sure you arrive early, as their donuts sell out really fast, and whoever comes first gets served first.

9. The Incredible Mohegan Bluff

If you’re on a one-day trip to Block Island, consider making a stop at the Mohegan Bluffs. This place is quite famous and is a representation of the island. It is so famous that you’ll find images of this bluff on postcard stock images and more. Mohegan Bluffs is only a couple of miles away from downtown, and no matter where you are on the island, accessing this bluff is quite easy.

The panoramic views from the bluffs are truly breathtaking. Spend some time taking in the scenery from the top of the 141-step staircase before slowly descending to the beach to walk along the shoreline. Be ready for a bit of a climb on your way back up, and anticipate some speeding towards the staircase’s end near the beach. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on this island to spend some quality time.

10. Lighthouse/ and The Museum

North Light, one of the island’s two lighthouses, stands as one of the major attractions for a day trip to Block Island. Situated near the Clayhead Trail and a mere 10-minute drive from downtown, it features plenty of parking space.

To reach the northern lighthouse, you’ll have to take a half-mile walk along the beach, so make sure you arrive here on time to witness the lighthouse in its full glory.

To find it, follow Corn Neck Road to its end, leading you to a parking spot by the water just before Cow Cove Beach. Once there, you can see the lighthouse in the distance. At this point, your walk will start to reach it at the far end.

Block Island’s other beacon, Southeast Lighthouse , lives on the opposite side of the island, near Mohegan Bluffs. It offers stunning oceanfront views and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. The lighthouse was constructed in 1873, but it was relocated in 1993 to prevent bluff erosion.

When you reach this lighthouse, you’ll find a Museum attached with a small gift shop. If you visit this spot during the summer, you might find a food truck serving delicious seafood. However, roaming the lighthouse grounds remains complimentary.

11. Find The Secret Beach At Clayhead Trail and Maze

If you’re on a several-day vacation to Block Island but want to spend a whole day exploring something in particular, the Clay Head Trail & Maze should top your list. This 3.5-mile loop trail offers some of the island’s most stunning scenery and typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

The Clayhead Trail is situated about 3 miles from downtown and can be accessible by turning right onto Clayhead Trail Road and following the dirt path to a small parking area.

It takes around 400-500 meters of walk to reach a crossroad. You can either choose to go left, towards a gorgeous bluff, or to the right, where a secluded beach is waiting. This beach is only known amongst the locals, and not many tourists know its whereabouts.

Do not swim near this beach as it is quite rocky, however, you can sit here for hours, taking in the breathtaking views.

The second best part, subjective given your preference, is waiting for you at the trail’s end. You’ll find a maze-like network of paths, often unmarked, giving you the opportunity to explore various areas. You never know where you’ll end up taking the road less travelled.

12. Kayaking The Great Salt Pond of Block Island

The Great Salt Pond holds the distinction of being Block Island’s only estuary, boasting a unique history. Originally a freshwater pond, it transformed into a tidal salt pond in the 1870s when a channel connecting it to Block Island Sound was excavated.

Exploring the pond by kayak or paddleboard is among the top activities on Block Island. Pond & Beyond Kayak promotes this adventure by offering both rentals and guided tours.

Embarking on their “Eco-Tour,” you’ll navigate around the pond, gaining insights into the surrounding ecosystem. The two-hour journey features visits to an oyster farm, sightings of a fiddler crab colony, and much more. Additional unique experiences include tours under the full moon, at sunset, and at sunrise for the early birds.

This is also a good spot to watch the Beautiful Bioluminescence show in the dark. However, the said phenomenon only takes place around August.

13. Enjoy Fulfilling Lunch With Stunning View At The Oar

If you are looking for a dining experience featuring a relaxed ambience and stunning waterfront views, make your way to The Oar. It is one of the best Block Island restaurants . Situated within the 1661 Inn, The Oar is a mere 5-minute drive or a pleasant 30-minute walk from downtown, offering lovely casual cuisine and refreshing cocktails.

The Oar is an excellent spot for both dining and sipping on cocktails. They offer plenty of outdoor seating on the lawn, complete with wooden chairs, picnic tables, and shaded umbrellas.

Additionally, they have an indoor seating area that feels breezy and open. The spot is made for all, whether you’re coming with friends or family.

There’s a big lawn where children can play, and sitting arrangements allow everyone to enjoy their meals in the open. For added entertainment, they’ve set up a few cornhole games for guests to enjoy. Their salad with chicken is quite popular and we must say, for a good a reason.

When at the venue, go to the Sushi bar, where you’ll find a wide range of sushi rolls waiting to be eaten. Also, when munching down, ask for their speciality drink, Mudslide, and say Yes 3 times!

14. Go On Breakwater Walks

There are multiple breakwaters that are easily accessible from downtown, and you’ll spot them as soon as you get off the ferry and start exploring. The most convenient one is situated in front of the Block Island Summer House. Just look for a small staircase leading down to the water to begin your walk.

Another famous breakwater is located at Ballard’s Beach, and it is hard to miss once you arrive at the beach. It also serves as a pretty good spot for photography.

Make sure you wear sturdy shoes for a comfortable walk on the breakwater and stick to standard safety measures.

15. Go For The Spooky Night Tour

If you’re not afraid of ghosts and ghost stories, then one of the most exciting things to do at Block Island is to take a night tour of the island.

The island’s rich history sets the stage for countless ghost stories! The tour is organized locally in the evening, where a guide takes you on a walk, drive and through a haunted pub tour.

Most of the stories are intertwined with the island’s history, adding more eerie and spooky elements to the lore and the tour.

16. Sway On Live Music At Captain Nick’s

Captain Nick’s Rock-n-Roll bar is conveniently located on Ocean Avenue, just after passing through the only four-way-stop on the island.

If you fancy great music, lip smacking cocktails, and a night of dancing then this is just the perfect spot for you.

Captain Nick’s one of the very few places that always seems full, making it one of the few places that actually reaches its capacity on some busy nights.

If you have never been to this place before, let us tell you something. There are two stages for live music. During the day, the smaller outdoor stage is typically used, while the larger indoor stage takes the spotlight at night.

The indoor area is only accessible to those who are 21 and over. However, on Sunday afternoons, people of all ages can come still enjoy the live music.

Remember you carry your some ID card with you as often many get carded trying to get in. Also, this place is cash only!

Block Island is a fairly small region surrounded by water, and yet it offers way more. You can do many more things on this island than listed in this blog.

We enjoyed doing many of the things we mentioned above, and that’s why we recommend you indulge in a couple of them.

It doesn’t matter how you arrive at this island or for how long, you will find something interesting regardless. We recommend you spend at least 2-3 days enjoying as many things as you can and then return with loads of good memories.

I've been travelling for quite some time now and have explored most of the United States. After having written numerous post on my adventure for others, I finally decided to have something of my own.

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Getting to Block Island

The easiest and most popular way to travel to Block Island is by ferry. We took the ferry from Port Judith to Block Island and purchased same-day return tickets. The slow ferry takes about 55 minutes to reach the island and the fast ferry takes half the time. We chose the slow ferry to save money and really enjoyed the ride! The ferry gives you the option to bring your car or bike on board. For one day in Block Island there is no reason to bring you car, but we recommend bringing a bike or renting one on the island.

There is a small airport on Block Island and there are scheduled flights daily between Block Island and Westerly, RI. This 12 minute flight will set you back $99 for a round trip ticket.

Getting Around Block Island

We are always looking for ways to stay active while on vacation. Biking around Block Island was the perfect combination of exercise and being tourists. There are a few bike rental spots on the island and you should be able to negotiate your rental to about $20 per day.

An alternative and fun option to renting bikes is to rent mopeds. Since Block Islands is only 6 miles wide you will be able to see most of the island pretty quickly on mopeds. You may even be able to negotiate to rent a moped for an hour or two and then trade it in for a bike for the rest of the day. Though watch out for wobbly tourists driving a moped for the first time!

Things to Do on Block Island

There are a few main spots that you need to experience when you visit Block Island.

North Light

This lighthouse is located at the tip of the island. You will need to park your bike about a half mile away and walk along the beach to reach this lighthouse. There are so many seagulls near the north lighthouse. The lighthouse was closed during our visit, but there was a few memorials for 9/11 and for a plane that was lost flying to the island.

Southeast Light

Located on the other side of the island, this lighthouse is located just off the road. There are plenty of bike racks to park your bike. One of the good things about being on an island is that there are no bike locks, but you don’t need to worry about your bike not being there when you get back to it. Coming from a city, it felt strange to leave your bike unlocked, but we had no problems! The south lighthouse is located on a ridge and the ocean is far below.

Mohegan Cliffs

Right around the corner from the south lighthouse are the Mohegan Cliffs. These are the cliffs that can be seen from the south lighthouse grounds. You can walk down a steep wooden staircase to reach the rocky beach. This is a great place to explore the rocks and and relax and enjoy the views that Block Island is all about!

What to Eat and Drink on Block Island

Lobster rolls.

Fresh, warm, and buttery lobster rolls are delicious. There is nothing more rewarding for biking around Block Island than the perfect lobster roll lunch. This is a pricey lunch of course, but we do not regret it at all.

Mohegan Cafe & Brewery

There is only one brewery on Block Island, so of course we had to check it out! This brewery has a casual atmosphere and 2 or 3 of their own beers on draft. We only had drinks, but the food looked good too!

There are a few competing ice cream shops on Block Island. The Ice Cream Place was our choice! Cookie dough ice cream smothered in peanut butter – yum! You can find the ice cream shops among the many quaint seaside stores in New Shoreham. We loved wandering in and out of the shops in search of the perfect magnet to add to our magnet collection.

Enjoy your time exploring Block Island! Check out another blog post itinerary for hiking Acadia National Park in one day . 

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One Comment

Sounds like a really fun day! I love how you describe everything – very easy to envision the island.

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Hiking , Rhode Island , United States · April 1, 2022

How to Visit Block Island, Rhode Island (including tips for visiting in the off-season)

Block Island is a unique island off the coast of Rhode Island. We had never heard of Block Island before and stumbled upon it while scouring Google Maps. We were happily surprised at what we found on Block Island while exploring it all ways that we could. The beaches at Block Island are some of the prettiest beaches on the east coast of the United States. Block Island is a magical island with a lot to offer in terms of a peaceful beach getaway. 

How to get to Block Island

To get to Block Island, most people take a ferry. Depending on the time of year, there are several locations that the boats leave from throughout the day. 

In the off season, the only location that the ferry leaves from is Point Judith, Rhode Island. The ferry that leaves from Point Judith in the off season is the slower ferry that takes around 1 hour to reach Block Island. In the winter and off season, it travels less to and from the island, so make sure to look at the ferry schedule online. The Block Island Ferry from Point Judith can also take vehicles. If you plan on taking your car, I describe the process below in depth. It is advisable that you purchase ferry tickets in advance to ensure your spot on the ferry. 

In the summer, there are multiple ferries leaving from various locations. The ferries are much more frequent in the summer. The main ports of departure for Block Island are Point Judith and Newport, Rhode Island. For more information on the summer schedule and all of your options, visit the Block Island Ferry website .

If taking the ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island and not taking your car, you will need to park your car in Point Judith for the entirety of your trip. There are several different parking lots in the area, but not all are open in the off-season. The one lot that was open during the off-season was the lot directly across from the ferry loading area with a giant yellow and blue sign advertising parking. To park in this lot, you can pay for parking from your phone and get immediate confirmation. The going rate for parking as of 2022 in most parking lots is 10 dollars on weekdays and 15 dollars on weekends.

How to get around Block Island

To see everything around the island, you will probably need some mode of transportation if you want to see most of the things included in the blog post here. You can drive your car onto the island to get to different places, however, keep in mind that parking areas at most of the things to see on the island are very very small. 

You can take your car to Block Island on the ferry leaving from Port Judith Rhode Island. Reservations to bring your car must be made in advance. In 2022, it costs around 80 to 100 dollars (price depends on the size of your car) round trip to bring your car on the ferry. You cannot ride in your car during the ferry ride, you must also purchase passenger tickets for everyone in your party. As of 2022, passenger tickets cost around $12 one way. 

If you would like to drive around the island, but don’t like the idea of bringing your own car, you can rent a car on the island. The prices to rent a car on the island are pretty pricey, even if just renting the car for a few hours. Be sure to make a car rental reservation online prior to your trip. Some companies offering car rentals on the island include Old Harbour Bike and Moped Rentals and Block Island Bike and Car Rental. Also, depending on the time of year you are visiting, the rental companies may or may not be open, so be sure to check before arrival. 

On the island, there are several rental companies that rent out mopeds. What is open really depends on the time of year you are visiting. Mopeds are a fun way to get around the island, but can be dangerous if you’re not really experienced. They are cheaper to rent than cars, but much more expensive than bicycles. Some companies that rent out mopeds on Block Island are Old Harbour Bike and Moped Rentals, Island Moped and Bike, and Aldo’s Mopeds Inc. 

Bicycle is one other way that you can get around Block Island. This is the way that we chose for several reasons. It is the cheapest way to get around the island and also it allows you to see more of the island while in between stops. The island is very bike friendly with bike racks anywhere you would like to stop. Going by bike was definitely enjoyable and let us see many parts of the island that we wouldn’t have been able to see by only walking. We rented our bicycle from Old Harbour Bike and Moped Rentals and they were great. Some other companies on the island that rent out bicycles include Island Moped and Bike and Aldo’s Mopeds Inc.  

Where to Stay on Block Island

Many people do a day trip to Block Island, but I recommend staying overnight on the island so you can experience it with less crowds and also see both sunrise and sunset from the island. The experience of staying overnight on the island allows you to see more of the island. We stayed at The 1661 which we absolutely loved. They were very hospitable and the rooms were really clean. There was complimentary breakfast and a view of the ocean from our bedroom window. They have many different rooms with various views. I totally recommend staying there during your time on the island. Some other well known places to stay on the island include Block Island Beach House, Avonlea Jewel of the Sea, and The National. 

If you decide to not stay overnight, my advice would be to leave for Block Island on the first boat of the morning. This will allow you to see Block Island with less crowds and be the first to some of the beaches.  

Places to Go on Block Island  

Mohegan cliffs.

The Mohegan Cliffs are what drew us to visiting Block Island. The cliffs are nothing like anything we have seen on the east coast. Tall cliffs rise up from the ocean and tower over the rocky beach below. Blue waves crash onto a rocky beach. It is the bluest water we have seen on the east coast, especially in the north.  

To get to the bottom of the cliffs, there is a long staircase with around 150 steps to get to the bottom and then you have to climb over some rocks to get down to the water. There is a rope to help you get down to the beach from the bottom of the steps. You can walk along the rocky beach in either direction, just be careful of the rising tides, which at high tide come up quite close to the bottom of the cliffs. We sat on a big rock and had a picnic watching the waves roll in. 

If you look way out in the distance, you will see giant windmills in the ocean. These windmills are part of the first offshore commercial wind farm in America. 

South East Lighthouse

South East Lighthouse is located very close to the parking area for Mohegan Cliffs. From the viewpoint at the South East Lighthouse, you can see part of the Mohegan Cliffs. In the summer, the lighthouse is open for viewing. An interesting fact about this lighthouse is that it actually had to be moved from its original location because it was too close to the cliffs which erode very quickly. 

Vail Beach is located in the southern part of the island, to the west of Mohegan Cliffs. I preferred Vail Beach as it was less crowded and we had the entire beach to ourselves. The cliffs around Vail Beach are a little shorter than the cliffs at the Mohegan Cliffs beach, but the beach area is a little wider. We walked up and down the rocky beach. 

The parking area for Vail Beach is very small, but there is a large bike rack available. There are no steps down to the beach, but a short muddy trail. Do note that a short piece of the road that goes to Vail Beach is inaccessible by mopeds if that is your mode of transportation. 

Painted Rock

Painted Rock is something we overheard a Block Island local talking about while on the boat over. Painted Rock is a large rock along the road that is painted by people of the island for various occasions. While we were there, it was painted blue and yellow, but you could see evidence of many different painting coats before. To see the Painted Rock and its latest painting, see it at the sharp turn in the road where Lakeside Dr and Mohegan Trail meet. You will pass this rock if turning to go to Vail Beach or Black Rock Beach. 

Black Rock Beach

Black Rock Beach is west of Vail Beach along the coast. If you continue out the dirt road that goes to Vail Beach, Black Rock Road,  at the end of the road, you will reach the parking area for Black Rock Beach. As you can imagine due to the name, there are black-appearing rocks on the shore of Black Rock Beach. 

Grace Cove and Coast Guard Lighthouse

On the west side of the island, there are various coves where the water tends to be calmer and the beaches are made more of sand (rather than the rocks of the southern coast). The beaches on this side of the island looked significantly different than the beaches on the south side of the island. There are large sand dunes with plants growing through the sand. The waves were calm and the water very blue. Grace Cove is less accessed than some of the other coves in the area. If you walk along the beach from the entrance of Grace Cove, you will reach Charleston Beach which is quite isolated and a great beach to have some solitude. 

There is not really much (if any) parking for cars at Grace Cove. There is room to park bikes if you are riding your bike to the cove. 

While down by Grace Cove, you can see the Coast Guard Lighthouse. However, it is a lighthouse that you really can’t visit up close due to it being currently used by the Coast Guard. 

New Shoreham and Old Harbor

New Shoreham is the town on Block Island and it is super cute. Most boats that arrive to Block Island arrive in the port at New Shoreham. New Shoreham is where most of the hotels, restaurants, and shops are located. There is one main street that has mostly everything that you could need during your stay. In the summer, all of the shops and restaurants are open to accommodate visitors. 

If you visit in the off-season like we did, keep in mind that most of the shops and restaurants will NOT be open during your stay. Our hotel gave us a list of places that may be open during our stay. The grocery store on the island is open year round if for some reason you need any amenities or snacks (we had to pick up some motion-sickness medicine for the ferry ride back). 

Fred Benson Town Beach and Crescent Beach

The beaches closest to the town of New Shoreham are the Fred Benson Town Beach and Crescent Beach. You can access the town beach from the main street. Crescent Beach is a little more north and can be accessed by taking the road out of town that heads to the northern part of the island (there is only one road that heads this direction). There are little wooden stairs and boardwalks that cross over the dunes to access the beach. The beaches here are sandy with little blue waves. 

Cow Cove and Settlers’ Rock

Cow Cove is in the northern part of the island. To access Cow Cove, park at the National Wildlife Refuge parking and enter the beach there. The part of the beach closest to the parking lot is Cow Cove. The beach here is a mixture of rock and sand, but is peaceful and quiet. Settlers’ Rock is at the entrance of the beach here and was placed in 1911 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of settlement on the island. 

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (and the seals)

The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the things on the island that surprised me the most. I wasn’t expecting much from the wildlife refuge, but it was so peaceful and beautiful. We walked along the beach and watched many seagulls flying and running around. There are sand dunes within the wildlife area that are protected from humans and it is advised that you only walk on established paths. We walked through the sand dune paths near the very tip of the island. This part of the island is the northernmost part of the island and you can see the tip of the island that comes to a very pointy sand bar where large waves collide. 

The very best part of the wildlife refuge was while at the top of the island, we got to see a large group of seals, sunning themselves in the bright sun along the shore. There were many grouped together sleeping, but also some younger seals playing in the water and going from water to shore. Apparently, they live here for much of the winter months. As signs in the area say, be sure to stay at least 50 yards away so as to not disturb them. 

We rode our bikes to the very north of the island to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. There is a parking area there. 

North Lighthouse

North Lighthouse is within the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge and is close to the very northernmost part of the island. Even though it was not open to go inside, it was nice to walk around and see the historic lighthouse. Many seagulls were flying and sitting all around the lighthouse when we were there, so if you are scared of birds, this might not be the place for you. 

Itinerary for a weekend on Block Island

-Take the first ferry of the day to Block Island

-Upon arriving to the island, rent your mode of transportation (or skip this if you brought your car to the island) 

-pick up a picnic lunch from New Shoreham (or skip this if you were prepared and packed something from home!)

-head to the southern part of the island

-Stop 1: Southeast Lighthouse

-Stop 2: Mohegan Cliffs (eat your picnic lunch here!)

-Stop 3: Painted Rock

-Stop 4: Vail Beach

-Stop 5: Black Rock Beach

-head to the western side of the island

-Stop 6: Grace Cove and Coast Guard Lighthouse 

-Check into your hotel and freshen up before dinner

-Have dinner in New Shoreham (we went to McAloon’s and I had an amazing salmon BLT)

-Watch sunset and head back to your hotel

-Grab breakfast in the morning (if your hotel doesn’t have breakfast, Odd Fellows Cafe has some great options)

-head up to the north part of the island in the morning before the crowds come

-Stop 1: Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (don’t forget to look for seals on your walk!)

-Stop 2: Cow Cove and Settlers’ Rock

-Stop 3: North Lighthouse

-head back to the main part of the island

-Stop 4: Fred Benson Town Beach and Crescent Beach  

-Grab lunch in New Shoreham

-Return your method of transportation (if applicable)

-Take an afternoon ferry back to the mainland 

Tips for your Visit to Block Island

Here are some tips that I wish we had known before planning our trip to Block Island

If you are going in the off-season, make sure that things are open 

In the off-season, most restaurants and stores are closed. This was something that we didn’t realize when planning our trip. On Google, it showed that stores and restaurants were open, but in reality, almost nothing was open. We were so thankful that our hotel was able to give us a list of the restaurants that were open during our stay. That being said, don’t plan on someplace being open or being open at strange hours. For example, we were planning on renting bikes for the weekend, and although various places said they were open online, only one bike rental shop was open and it was their first weekend of the year and only renting out a small number of things. We really lucked out that they were open, but just make sure you have options before making plans and be flexible with your plans. 

Bring stuff you may need from the mainland

If there is anything you think you may need while on the island, it is a good idea to bring it along or bring extra with you. There is a grocery store on the island, but it is very expensive (some of the most expensive Oreos I have ever seen). We had planned on getting stuff for a picnic lunch and ended up spending a ton of money on bread, peanut butter, and jelly for sandwiches. In hindsight, I wish we had brought picnic food or snacks with us to the island, rather than buying it on the island. 

Prepare for the ferry ride

We have rode ferries various times in the past, but the ferry to Block Island was much more turbulent than we thought. We also made the mistake of sitting at the front of the boat (which we learned the hard way has the most movement). We recommend bringing Dramamine or Bonine motion-sickness medicine and sitting closer to the back of the boat to prevent getting seasick on the hour-long ferry ride. We took the slow ferry and still got seasick. If you plan on taking the faster boat in the summer, there is usually even more movement with the fast boats, so just something to keep in mind when choosing the way you get to the island. 

I hope this guide helps you to plan your trip to Block Island!

Let me know any comments or questions you may have in the comments below!

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A Day On Block Island: Exploring Rhode Island's Most Iconic Vacation Spot

Block Island might be just under seven miles in length, but there's plenty to see in one day on this secluded patch of shoreline.

As the country's smallest state, Rhode Island has its quirks. There's plenty to see here but it's not a place that most outside of New England are very familiar with. While its most prominent features, such as The Breakers , have brought plenty of attention to its rocky shores, there's another landmark that's equally as curious: Block Island.

This island can only be reached by boat and most rely on the ferry as their mode of transportation. The real question, however, is this: Is Block Island worth it? And, even more so, is it the kind of place that can be explored in one day trip? In short, the answer to both is yes - and this is how.

Related: Which Rhode Island Beach You Should Visit, Based On Your Favorite Beach Activity

Block Island: An Introduction

To spend the day on Block Island is to immerse oneself in the nature that Rhode Island is so well known for. The island itself consists of little more than seven miles to explore in full, and it's easily reachable by the mainland, as well as the neighboring states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Its beaches are flawless with crystal-clear water surrounding, and the cliffside echoes New York's Montauk in their sheer beauty.

Hi-Speed Ferries To Block Island

• Narragansett or Newport, RI Ferry
• Fall River, MA Ferry
• New London, CT Ferry
• Viking Ferry Service from Montauk, NY

The ferries will bring passengers right to the ferry port in the center of town (New Shoreham).

What To See In One Day On Block Island

There's plenty to fill a day on Block Island and while some would recommend spending a full two days to see it all, it's not entirely necessary.

Explore Block Island's Beaches

Understandably, one of the biggest draws of Block Island is its pristine beaches. With many to choose from (it is an island surrounded by sand and ocean, after all), there are some beaches that edge out the competition.

• Ballard's Beach Club. For convenience and for those where spending money to enjoy the landscape is not an issue, Ballard's Beach Club is a must. Those visiting this beach won't need to worry about packing their own food or drinks for the day, as their full-service facility offers it all. Guests to the beach also have access to cabana-like setups for $35, as well as bathroom and shower access for $2. It's family-friendly and a great place for kids, especially if the adults are looking to spend a majority of time enjoying a sunny day on the sand.
• Mohegan Bluffs. This beach can be described in two words: simple and stunning. Even those who aren't entirely familiar with Block Island have likely heard whisperings of the beauty of Mohegan Bluffs, thanks to its untouched nature. There are no umbrella and lounge setups here, but the trade-off in luxury is worth it for the striking beauty of this shoreline. The beach itself is located at the base of the limestone cliffs behind it, and there are no public bathrooms or showers, but it's worth the trip for a few hours of serenity. As opposed to the calm waves of Ballard's, the surf at Mohegan Bluffs is rougher, making it more appropriate for an older crowd.

Visit The Island's Historic Lighthouses

No New England island would be complete with a lighthouse , and Block Island happens to have two that are open to visitors. These are located at both the north and south ends of the island and were used to direct incoming ships from the Atlantic.

• Block Island North Lighthouse. Although visitors are not permitted to ascend the stairs to the actual light in the North Lighthouse, they are privy to the museum on the first floor. For a fee, guests will be able to learn the history of this lighthouse, and strolling the beach on which it sits is free.
• Block Island South Lighthouse. Visitors are permitted to enter this lighthouse's tower, and they'll be treated to an up-close look at its Fresnel Lens. The lighthouse itself is located a (very) short walk from the Mohegan Bluffs beach, so it's worth seeing both of these at the same time.

Dining On Block Island

Block Island has a truly impressive variety of restaurants, food trucks, and quick stops for its small size. Some favorites of the locals are The Oar , The National , Eli's , Finn's , Atlantic Inn , Froozies (vegetarian), and The Beachead . For a full list of Block Island restaurants, see here .

Things To Note About Block Island

While there's plenty to do, there are also some things that visitors should be aware of before visiting.

• As passengers step off the ferry, they'll see numerous options for bike rentals. Those who wish to bike the island are better off doing so during the off-season when the roads are less congested.
• Anyone planning to drive on Block Island must take the Narragansett ferry, and should be prepared to use caution on its winding roads.
• New Shoreham is an incredibly walkable town, and visitors have the option to rely on a local cab service for any destinations on the outskirts.

Next: Dock-To-Table: Guide To Newport, Rhode Island's Best Waterfront Eats

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Friday, september 11, 2020, a day trip to block island.

Block Island is a popular getaway well known by New England natives.  The island is shaped like a pork chop and is 7 miles long and 3 miles wide.  Rhode Island claims the land that sits in Block Island Sound, nine miles off its coast in the Atlantic Ocean.  Like the Cape, the Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Block was formed from glacial deposits as the glaciers receded during the last ice age.  

If you are looking to get away from home, if you are looking to feel far away without the hassle or a plane ride, Block Island is it.  A one hour jaunt on the high-speed ferries from several New England ports transports you to a charming Island that feels a lot like Bermuda.  

I've spent a week on the island, I've gone out for a  weekend (here is a weekend guide ), and I've gone over just for the day.  Today we are talking about the latter, Block Island in a Day - a guide to seeing the highlights with a round trip same day ferry ticket.  It is perfect for anyone short on time or someone who wants to see Block on a budget because lodging on the island can be pretty pricey.   

To make the most of the day, you need to take the first ferry out and plan to take one of the last ferries back.  We caught the 9am ferry out of Point Judith and we were on the island by 10am.  We decided on the 5pm ferry back, arriving in Point Judith by 6pm in time to wind down and make dinner before ending the day. 

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Adventures in New England

A local's guide to savoring the history, culture, food and nature of the Northeast USA

Things to do on Block Island, Rhode Island

Living in Rhode Island, we visit Block Island at least once a summer. Block Island is a convenient day trip from Rhode Island, Connecticut, or New York, and you can get a completely different state of mind and atmosphere in only about an hour. Block Island is also small enough to explore thoroughly in a short amount of time. Read on to plan your Block Island trip. Whether you are looking for a party with the girls or a day with kids, I know it will give you great ideas for things to do on Block Island.

Table of Contents

What is Block Island?

How to get to block island, how to get to block island from rhode island, ferry from narragansett.

Getting to Block Island from Connecticut

You can get to Block Island from New London, Ct.

Ferry Service to Block Island from New York

Viking Ferry Service can take you from Montauk, NY, to Block Island.

Where Does the Ferry Bring You in Block Island?

Things to do on block island, visit manisses animal farm at the 1661 inn ..

Located on Spring Street, just a couple blocks to the left off the ferry up the hill past the statue of Rebecca, is a unique farm. It is right behind the 1661 Inn, which has beautiful gardens. This is a private collection of animals the owner wants to share with the world. Caged animals, such as lemurs, are directly after the parking lot.

Since you can buy feed cups, the animals come over to you. A big gated field contains a zeedonk with one eye, yaks, and goats. There are many birds around, in cages and free. Up the hill and through the gates are free-range alpacas. They were available for petting but seemed a little wary of our littlest and craziest children and kept looking like they were about to spit on us.

Take a Tour at North Light Fibers

See how alpaca hair is made into yarn. North Light Fibers also use bamboo, soy silk, and many other fibers in their thread and are located within Manisses Farm.

Explore how to book a tour here, which happens on weekdays at 10 am

Explore Block Island Beaches

Ballard’s beach club, mohegan bluffs.

Mohegan Bluffs is one of the prettiest places on the east coast. There is a gorgeous, rocky beach at the bottom of the limestone cliffs, but to access it you need to go up and down a very steep and lengthy set of stairs.

There are not food or bathrooms at this secluded but popular beach. Visitors cover the beach with stone cairns , which make the beach even prettier. This beach’s water is much rougher, so it is more suited for older children or adults. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Block Island’s Lighthouses

Explore a lighthouse or two.

Block Island Southeast Lighthouse

The Southeast Lighthouse is located only about a block from the Mohegan Bluffs. I highly recommend taking the tour up the lighthouse, especially to see the incredible Fresnel Lens.

Block Island North Lighthouse

How to Get Around Block Island

Do i need a car for my trip to block island.

Although the roads are crazy for pedestrians or bike riders, cabs are ubiquitous, and only the traditional ferry from Narragansett allows cars. It is more efficient to rely on cabs.

Take a Cab Around the Island

The roads around Block Island are very narrow and winding, and tourists drive crazy. When I am here, I walk around town or take one of the cabs that are readily available near the ferry dock. We used Rondo’s Cabs last time we visited (401-466-5550).

Ride a Bike around Block Island

Right as you get off the ferry, there are many bike rentals. The ride to the Southeast Lighthouse and Mohegan Bluffs is about 2 miles from town but is steep and busy with traffic.

The ride to the North Light is flatter but longer, about 4 miles, and it is also hectic.

Martha’s Vineyard is flatter if you want to bike with younger kids.

Where to Eat on Block Island

National hotel.

Our tradition is to eat dinner at the National Hotel , which overlooks the beach and the ferry. The view is impressive. Dinner isn’t too expensive, considering the view, and everything to eat is excellent.

I love their award-winning clam chowder, which lives up to that claim. It is perfectly seasoned with dill, just like I like it. It may be the best chowder evah (spoken in a Boston accent). The salads come in half sizes and are also delicious. The crab legs were perfectly cooked and sweet, which is hard to find on the left coast.

Set on the Boat Basin on the Great Salt Pond, this place has the famous Block Island Mudslide, made with real ice cream. They also serve seafood and sushi. In summer, the lines are long, but the kids can run around if you score a table on the lawn. The menu is smaller but worth it.

Block Island Accommodations

You can search here for the perfect Block Island hotel from Hotels.com . Since I live so close, I have never stayed.

Read on about more adventures in my little state in A Local’s Guide to Rhode Island or 24 Hours in Newport, Rhode Island , or any of my other Rhode Island posts . For more New England island exploring, read 47 Fabulous Things to do in Martha’s Vineyard.

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11 thoughts on “Things to do on Block Island, Rhode Island”

That sounds like a perfect day out, some lovely walks, sight-seeing, a relax on the beach and finally a lovely dinner at the National hotel. I adore seafood, so that crab sounds delicious. Great tip too to not take a car, why be stressed driving when you can jump in a cab or walk.

It sounds like we will need to plan a visit to Block Island if we ever spend some time in the area. Great to know that there are more than one way to get to the island. But that not all can be used with cars. I like the idea of heading over without a car and using a cab to get around the island. A lovely day trip.

Block Island sounds really relaxing! I would love to rent a bike if I ever visit, and $35 for a full beach set up doesn’t sound too bad either. You are lucky to live you so close!

I am definitely blessed to live in New England.

This seems like a great place to add to a trip I’ve been planning for a while around New England. I wanted to add one of the islands, as part of our road trip and this one seems perfect for that!

I learned a lot about Block Island in Rhode Island after reading your post. It definitely evokes curiosity in me about the place and would definitely like to visit it if an opportunity arises in the future. Nicely captured pictures.

Reading more of your posts really makes me want to visit New England in the summer! I love little beachy towns and islands and your pictures make it look so beautiful. Plus the seafood sounds so good!

The seafood is definitely some of the best in the world!

This looks like such a fun place! Rhode Island always has flown under my radar, but I think now I’m gonna think of ways to bring it into my next trip up to New England. Just gotta find the time to plan that one!

Do they have motorized wheel chairs for handicap?

Who are you referring to, Becky?

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There is so much to learn about Block Island and so many ways to learn about it from locals!  Tours of Block Island are one of the most popular ways to get around the island.  Guided tours are offered by land (Taxi and Bike Tours), air (Helicopter Tours) and sea (Kayak tours, Harbor tours).

Taxi Tours:

Sure, you can read guide books, study maps, download apps and review online travel blogs. But the best way to learn the most about Block Island in the least amount of time is to take in the sights with a narrated taxi tour. And since there are no tour bus or trolley companies on the island, a taxi tour is the way to go.

In just about an hour’s time, you can travel the entire island, from the granite North Light overseeing the Block Island Wildlife Refuge at our northernmost point to the stunning Mohegan Bluffs, rising 150 feet above the sea below.

Many of the drivers are long-time island residents, so you’ll learn the all about the island of today and yesterday, while getting the inside track on where the locals like to eat, drink, shop, fish and enjoy sun and surf.

Most Block Island taxis fit between 8 and 11 people, so no worries about the whole gang fitting in if you’re with a group. Just head down to the Taxi Stand at Old Harbor to grab a cab, or you can call a taxi to pick you up wherever you’re staying.  Links to Taxi's below.

Bike Tours:

Enjoy seeing the island on 2 wheels!  Go at your own pace on the Self Guided tour or get a guide!  Links to both below.

Helicopter Tours:

Seeing Block Island from above is a magical experience.  Tours depart from the Island's only airport, on Center Road. 

Water Tours:

Guided Kayak tours are available in Great Salt Pond, the Block Island Maritime Institute runs a Harbor Tour (from a boat) in the Summer Season, and some Charter boats offer tours as well.  Links below.

Things to Do

Attractions, sports & recreation, arts & theater, health & wellness.

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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• Moscow Travel and City Excursions

Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Walking tours Transportation is not included
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 18:00
• Tours by car Transportation by private car/minivan is included

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday not available

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 17:00

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 17:00

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was here that Donskoi celebrated his victory over...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 18:00

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 Sunday 11:00 - 18:00

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday not available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 19:00

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 12:00 - 19:00

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00 Thursday 14:00 - 21:00

Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

Moscow City Tours

Our Moscow day excursions can be organized on foot or with transport. All of our excursions are led by an experienced guide, specializing in the subject matter of the tour. Excursions are privately run and can be booked for 1 traveler all the way up to large groups of travelers. We run our Moscow city tours in every season. This is because travel to Moscow is excellent in any season. In the summer take a stroll through  Gorky Park  or take a riverboat tour along the Moskva River. In the winter, see Moscow’s winter wonderland of ice and snow and then settle in for a cozy lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of borsht. In winter, spring and fall, you can beat the crowds at all of Moscow’s main attractions and museums. Regardless of when you come, Express to Russia will make sure that your trip is one of your best vacations ever.

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Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Home » Travel Guides » Russia » 15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

Moscow, the sprawling Russian capital, is a city that’s both full of history and contemporary culture.

This is the centre of the Russian world, a city that armies have invaded, where nations have clashed and where revolutions have played out through the centuries.

It’s a city on the fringe of Europe, but a place that is very much at the heart of European history and politics, and for visitors, it can be a complex and enthralling destination to visit.

As much as there is to see and to do in the city itself, there is just as much to experience on day trips from Moscow too.

While Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country, and many of the better-known cities such as St Petersburg or Volgograd are hundreds and hundreds of miles away, there are many more unknown and unusual destinations to visit within a few hours’ drive of the capital.

Immerse yourself in the Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields and the lavish estates of the former Russian nobility. There are rural villages, grand Orthodox Monasteries and the chance to see Russian life outside of the city first-hand.

Here are the best day trips from Moscow.

Located just an hour north of the Moscow city centre, Korolev is an area that is almost a suburb of the expansive capital, but has retained its own unique identity. During the Soviet era, this was one of the most important industrial areas in the country, because this was the base for Soviet Space Exploration.

During World War II, the factories here produced anti-tank guns that helped keep the Soviet Union in the fight. After Germany was defeated, the factories and research centres began to focus on space.

The city became a ‘Science City’ as skilled workers from across the Union came here to settle and to launch the space programme. It became one of the more affluent areas in the country, and today, that distinction can still be seen on the streets and in the buildings.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, Korolev remained the headquarters of Russian space travel and still hosts Russian Mission Control.

2. Borodino

A two-hour drive to the west of Moscow is the battlefield of Borodino. This is a place that is revered in Russian history, and which perhaps should be much more well-known in wider European history too, because this is where the infamous French General Napolean Bonaparte fought the Russians during his invasion in 1812.

Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went on to capture Moscow, this was the beginning of the end for Napolean, as he went on to be ravaged by the Russian Winter and was forced to retreat soon after.

Just outside the small village of Borodino is the green and grassy field where the battle was fought. On top of a substantial hill is a lasting monument to the important event.

Located to the south-east of Moscow is the city of Kolomna, which in comparison to the Russian capital is very much a small-town escape.

This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region and there is a long and intriguing history to be discovered in the museums and monasteries.

Interestingly, the city was off-limits for much its tenure under the Soviet Union, because it was the site of important weapons factories. It was only in 1994 that the city was opened up and even now it is still very much unknown to tourists.

Kolomna makes for a great day trip, and you can explore the restored medieval walls, and the city’s very own Kremlin, a huge fortress which dates back to the 16th century.

4. Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is as little as an hour’s drive away from Moscow city centre, and the small town makes for a pleasant break from the capital.

Zvenigorod is an old and historic place, with a history dating back almost a thousand years.

There are some beautiful monasteries to visit as well as the unusual Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can sample and explore this aspect of the local culinary culture.

Zvenigorod was also a town where the world-renowned Anton Checkov once lived, and you can visit a museum here that’s dedicated to his life.

5. Sergiyev Posad

North of the capital is the city of Sergiyev Posad, which is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in the surrounding region.

You will find this as a suggested stop on most travel itineraries to Moscow, and many tour companies include this as part of their excursions around the city because this city is home to the famous Trinity Lavra of St Sergius.

This is a huge Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, and continues to be run by monks who look after the revered tomb of St Sergius, who was laid to rest here.

It’s an important pilgrimage place for Orthodox Christians and an important stop for tourists.

6. Kubinka Tank Museum

Outside Moscow, you can find an unusual museum which will give you a truly ‘Russian’ experience.

The Kubinka Tank Museum was once the location of a Red Army tank testing ground. Now, it’s been turned into a huge museum that showcases every conceivable type of armoured vehicle.

7. Arkhangelskoye Estate

The Arkhangelskoye Estate was built on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th century when it was constructed by a Rusian aristocratic family.

For over a century, it was the domain of the nobility, until of course, the Russian Revolution and the advent of Communism swept the family that owned the estate out of the country.

The estate was opened to the public by the Communists and turned into a museum, which it remains today.

Restoration work after the fall of the Soviet Union saved the Arkhangelskoye Estate from falling into disrepair and kept the grounds and the grand palace as a lavish example of pre-Revolution Russia.

8. Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is found a few hours to the north of Moscow and makes for a long day trip from the city. It’s worth the journey to experience one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Yaroslavl is found on the banks of the River Volga and has been a historically important city throughout Russian history. The city has even been the capital of the country at various points.

You can explore the many museums and monasteries to learn more about this intriguing destination.

9. Rostov Veliky

Just south of Yaroslavl is the small but culturally rich town of Rostov Veliky.

This is another important site in Russian history, as the town can date its origins back to early Slavic settlement around Moscow.

Lake Nero is a beautiful and expansive lake near the town, fringed on one side by an ancient fortress, giving Rostov Veliky a wonderful atmosphere to experience.

10. Vladimir

Two hours east of Moscow is another historic Russian city that is very much on the regional tourist trail.

It makes for a great day trip from the capital because Vladimir dates back to the 12th century and is full of Russian history and culture.

This was one of the first Russian capitals and it still contains many beautiful medieval buildings that are hundreds of years old.

The small town of Suzdal is just a few kilometres north of the city of Vladimir.

The town is part of a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the historic sites from both Suzdal and Vladimir.

The town was founded in medieval times and also acted for a time as an early capital for Russian kingdoms in the region.

Klin is a fairly unassuming town to the north-west of Moscow, but it’s worth visiting to see one particular sight, the house of Tchaikovsky.

The famous 19th-century composer spent his final days here and wrote his very last piece of work in the house in Klin. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

It’s a grand estate and an interesting insight into pre-Soviet, Russian culture.

13. Melikova

A short trip past the Moscow suburbs will bring you to another famous estate, the house of renowned Russian writer and playwright Anton Checkov.

By the town of Checkov, which was renamed in his honour, the museum of Melikova will take you on a journey through his life and indeed, what the lives of many of his contemporary fellow Russians would have been like too.

14. Gorki Leninskie

On the southern edge of Moscow is Gorki Leniniskie.

This grand estate was once the realm of Russian nobles, but after the Russian Revolution it was personally taken over by Vladimir Lenin who turned it into his own home.

He spent much of his last years here, and after his death, the estate became a shrine to his life and legacy.

Today it still remains an interesting museum, and is still in many ways a shrine to communism.

15. Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park is a huge area of protected land that is found right on the edge of Moscow and is even surrounded on several sides by suburbs of the city.

It’s unusual to find such a large national park so close to a capital and it’s easy to spend the day exploring this veritable wilderness of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife.

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow:

• Sergiyev Posad
• Kubinka Tank Museum
• Arkhangelskoye Estate
• Rostov Veliky
• Gorki Leninskie
• Losiny Ostrov National Park

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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