Block Island

Block Island is located just south of the mainland of Rhode Island. Its red-brick Southeast Lighthouse, built in the 1800s, stands above the stunning clay cliffs of Mohegan Bluffs, with a rocky beach below. Crescent Beach, on the east coast, is a beautiful sandy beach. North Lighthouse, built in 1867, and Sachem Pond, home to gulls and swallows, are located on the island's northern tip. The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge attracts migratory songbirds. Block Island, located only about 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, is an appealing blend of gorgeous beaches, breathtaking vistas, 250-foot-high cliffs plummeting into the ocean, over 32 miles of scenic hiking trails, rich history, and a vibrant nightlife.

The island is about 3 by 7 miles in size, but it contains over 50 boutiques and artisanal shops, as well as various art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and attractive cafes. Visitors can go bike riding, horseback riding, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and sailing in addition to relaxing on the beach. The island is famous for its iconic red-brick Southeast Lighthouse, built in the 1800s and located above the towering cliffs of Mohegan Bluffs. The 1867 North Lighthouse and Sachem Pond, a birdwatcher's paradise with swarms of gulls and swallows, are located on the island's northern tip. The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge preserves the island's migrating songbirds, which arrive every year.

Location: New England, United States
Best time to visit: between May and October
Ranking: #14 Best Weekend Getaways in New England
Website: www.new-shoreham.com