Skip Nantucket: This charming island has towering cliffs, hidden coves & one of New England’s prettiest coastlines

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Sydney Hargrove

 –  Junior Staff Writer

 ·  August 2, 2026

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The best beach in America for 2025 is actually in New York—just a scenic train journey from Manhattan to striking dunes and Gilded Age estates.

Upstate New York’s 19th-century waterfront village perfectly mirrors a European town — and its massive 12,000-person boat show returns this July

As sunny August weather settles in, adventure awaits. And don’t have to splurge on a trip to Nantucket to experience one of New England’s most breathtaking island escapes. 

Just off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is home to dramatic clay bluffs, secluded coves, pristine beaches, and postcard-worthy coastal scenery that feels worlds away from the bustle of NYC.

Accessible by ferry, this laid-back island is beloved for its towering Mohegan Bluffs, miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, historic lighthouses, charming downtown, and more than 17 miles of unspoiled coastline. 

Whether you’re hoping to spend the day beach hopping, exploring hidden nature trails, or simply soaking in spectacular ocean views, Block Island is the kind of summer getaway that’s well worth the journey.

What to know before you go

Block Island may be small, but it’s packed with coastal charm. 

Measuring just 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, the island is incredibly easy to explore by bike, e-bike, or moped—there’s no need to bring a car. In fact, most visitors leave their vehicles on the mainland and arrive as foot passengers, making getting around part of the adventure. 

More than 40% of the island is permanently protected, preserving its dramatic bluffs, secluded beaches, rolling green hills, and quiet nature trails. 

While summer weekends bring a lively atmosphere, a midweek visit offers a more relaxed experience with quieter beaches, shorter waits, and an even better chance to soak in the island’s laid-back New England charm.

The Best Things to See & Do: Coastal Bluffs to Historic Lighthouses

• 🌊 Mohegan Bluffs: Climb to the top of the island’s iconic 200-foot clay cliffs, then descend the famous 141-step staircase to a secluded beach below.
• 💡 Historic lighthouses: Visit the picturesque Southeast Light atop the bluffs and North Light, where you might even spot harbor seals along the shoreline.
• 🏖️ Beach-hop 17 miles of coastline: Spend the day exploring family-friendly Fred Benson Town Beach, scenic Crescent Beach, and the quieter Mansion Beach.
• 🥾 Clayhead Preserve & “The Maze”: Wander nearly 200 acres of protected trails through coastal bluffs and forests, ending at breathtaking Atlantic overlooks.
• ⚓ Old Harbor: Stroll charming boutiques and art galleries, indulge in fresh lobster rolls, and sip waterfront cocktails overlooking the marina.

How to Get to Block Island from NYC: Fast & Scenic Routes

Option A: Train + Fast Ferry (Easiest Route Without a Car)

1. Train: Board the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station directly to New London, Connecticut (approx. 2.5 hours).
2. Ferry: Walk across the street from the New London train station to the Block Island Express high-speed ferry terminal.
3. Arrival: The passenger ferry deposits you directly into downtown Old Harbor on Block Island in about 75 minutes.

Option B: The Montauk Shortcut (Via Long Island)

1. Drive / Jitney: Take the Long Island Expressway or the Hampton Jitney out to Montauk at the eastern tip of Long Island.
2. Ferry: Hop on the Viking Fleet Fast Ferry out of Montauk Harbor.
3. Arrival: Enjoy a scenic 75-minute high-speed ride across the water straight to Block Island.

Option C: Drive to Point Judith, Rhode Island (Most Ferry Options)

1. Drive: Take I-95 North to Galilee/Point Judith, RI (approx. 3.5 hours from NYC).
2. Ferry: Catch the Block Island Ferry—choose between the 30-minute High-Speed Passenger Catamaran or the 55-minute Traditional Car Ferry.