At a Glance: Block Island

 

The appealingly old-fashioned BLOCK ISLAND FERRY departs from Point Judith—a 25-minute drive from Newport—and deposits passengers on Crescent Beach in an hour’s time. (Its less charming high-speed sister ship does the same in 30 minutes.) 401-783-7996, blockislandferry.com.

On the island, the 10-room PAYNE’S HARBOR VIEW INN overlooks the ocean, while the HOTEL MANISSES has rooms named after local shipwrecks and a working farm out back. 401-466-5758, paynesharborviewinn.com; 401-466-2421, blockislandresorts.com.  

Rent or bring a bike to explore the MOHEGAN BLUFFS, NATURE CONSERVANCY, and the island’s two lighthouses. 401-466-2029, oldharborbikeshop.com; 401-466-3111, biconservancy.org.

Weary adventurers rest their legs at a table heaped with seafood at WINFIELD’S or REBECCA’S, where lobsters and fish are plucked from boats less than two blocks away. 401-466-5856, winfieldsrestaurant.net; 401-466-5411.

Smart vacationers hit the island in the early (May–June) or late (September–October) season for the thinnest crowds and best deals.