From the Author: Our family has been taking week-long vacations on Block Island for 6+ years. We love this island and know it well. If you have any questions, we respond quickly to comments!
There is only one real choice when it comes to Block Island hotels directly on the beach – and that’s The Block Island Beach House (“The Surf” location).
There are a few other accommodations (Resorts, Inns and B&Bs) in close proximity to the beach (walking distance), which I will also cover below.
But regardless of where you end up staying on the island, you’ll always be just a short walk/drive away from some of the best beaches Block Island has to offer!
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:
Editors Roundup
Best for Direct Beach Access: Block Island Beach House (Check Availability)
Best for Pets: Blue Dory Inn (Check Availability)
Best for Food & Drinks: Ballard’s Beach Resort (Check Availability)
Best for Sunsets: Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea (Check Availability)
1. Block Island Beach House (“The Surf”)
NOTE: The Block Island Beach House has two locations: “The Surf” and “The Gables”. The Surf is located directly on the beach. The Gables has a pool and is located just a short 3 minute walk away from The Surf (on the same street). Whether you stay at The Surf, or The Gables, you’ll get access to BOTH the beach and the pool!
Hotel Information:
Beach Information:
The Surf is located directly on Crescent Beach!
There are 40 chase lounges and umbrellas available to guests on a first-come-first-served basis.
Beach towels are also included.
2. Ballard’s Beach Resort
Hotel Information:
NOTE: Ballard’s Beach Resort is “oceanfront”, it’s not technically on the beach itself. That said, Ballard’s Beach is just a minute walk away.
Beach Information:
Ballard’s Resort is just steps away from the quarter-mile-long Ballard’s Beach! You can reserve cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and even a private beach fire!
There’s also a Tiki Bar right on Ballard’s Beach that serves amazing frozen drinks.
And if you’re traveling with kids during the summer months, there is a life guard on duty.
Keep in mind that this beach can get quite crowded – after-all, it’s only a short 5 minute walk from the Ferry (lot’s a day-trippers).
Insider Tip:
If you have any interest in using Ballard’s cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, etc. BOOK AHEAD! They sell out all the time.
You can reserve them here.
3. Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea
NOTE: The Avonlea is more of a Bed & Breakfast than a hotel, but it is as close to the beach as it gets!
Hotel Information:
Beach Information:
Located a 30 second walk from Crescent Beach (just steps off the back porch!).
Complimentary beach chairs and towels available.
4. Blue Dory Inn
NOTE: The Blue Dory Inn is located directly behind the Avonlea. Both properties are owned and operated by the same company.
Hotel Information:
Beach Information:
Located a 60 second walk from Crescent Beach (there is a path from the back door that leads right down to the water!).
There are complimentary beach chairs and towels available as well.
Insider Tip:
A hose is available on the south side of the Blue Dory to wash your feet (and dog!) when coming off Crescent beach.
Final Word
If you’re looking to visit Block Island AND stay on (or nearly on) the beach, “The Surf” at the Block Island Beach house and Ballard’s Beach Resort are the two best options.
But if you’re willing to branch out a bit and try an Inn or Bed & Breakfast, the Avonlea and Blue Dory Inn are both excellent choices as well.
The good news? Block Island is small (9.73 sq miles in total)! So no matter where you end up staying, you’ll always be just a short walk or drive to a great beach.
