Crescent Beach
This is the colloquial name for the long
crescent of sand stretching northward
several miles from Old Harbor on Block
Island's eastern shore. It's more popularly
divided into several sections named Kid
Beach, Fred Benson Town Beach, Scotch
Beach and Mansion Beach (see below).
Kid Beach
At the very southern end of Fred
Benson Town Beach, Kid Beach is
only a short stroll from Old Harbor, with
gentle waves, an easy slope, and moderate
water temperatures: perfect for little
kids.
Ballard's Beach
Just south of Old Harbor, behind
Ballard's Restaurant, Ballard's Beach has
drinks served by restaurant staff, organized
games like beach volleyball, and a lively
crowd of regulars.
Fred Benson Town Beach
The most popular beach on Block
Island has fine white sand, gentle
surf, all beach services, lifeguards, and
is walking and biking distance from Old
Harbor. More...
Scotch Beach
The northward extension of Fred
Benson Town Beach is farther from the
services, but quieter and more popular with
tranquil couples and small families.
Mansion Beach
Even farther north than Scotch Beach, Mansion
Beach is good for getting away from the crowds
while still enjoying the fine sand and other
beauties of Block Island's eastern shore.
Vail Beach
Reached by a narrow ankle-breaker path
through Snake Hollow, Vail Beach is
rocky,sandy, surfy and never crowded. More...
Black Rock Beach
Reached by rough trail through
Rodman's Hollow, this beach is named for
a sinister black rock offshore, covered
by water, that is a deadly danger to ships.
Backed by cliffs, the beach is rocky and
surfy, for adventurers only.
Dorry's Cove Beach
On Block Island's western shore,
Dorry's Cove is a small dark-sand beach
reached via Dorrys' Cove Road. Good for swimmers,
snorkelers and picnickers.
Charlestown Beach
This long beach on Block Island's
western shore has no services, but lots
of sand
and no crowds. If you like fishing from
shore, this is the place for you. More...
Coast Guard Station Beach
At the northern end of Charlestown
Beach, this fine sand beach borders the inlet
to New Harbor next to the decommissioned
Coast Guard station. (See Charlestown
Beach for more.)
West Beach
This is a walker's beach. Those
wanting a fine nature walk start from the
western end of West Beach Road
(where there's parking) and head north to North
Light and Settlers Rock near the northern tip of Block
Island.
