Ballard’s Block Island, RI: Resort, Beach, and Things to Do
Ballard’s is the definition of summer in Rhode Island! Situated just off the southern coast of Rhode Island on Block Island, this stunning beach and resort is one of the best in the region.
Ballard’s property offers several amenities including a restaurant, inn, hotel, multiple bars, cabana services as well as public beach access to Ballard’s Beach. Whether you’re looking for a seaside getaway with drinks service or a family day on the beach, Ballard’s is a great choice for your summer vacation!
How to get to Ballard’s Beach and Resort
Ballard’s Resort and Beach is located on Block Island off the southwestern coast of Rhode Island. Block Island offers numerous miles of soft, sandy beaches and premier access to nature preserves and stunning landscapes.
Block Island is only accessible by ferry. You can take a ferry from Point Judith or Newport, Rhode Island, New London, Connecticut, or Long Island, NY. The trip will take approximately one hour depending on the speed of your vessel.
If you plan to bring your car along with you on your journey, make sure to reserve it in advance. Getting to Block Island may take a bit more effort but the miles of soft, sandy beaches and easy access to great seafood restaurants are worth it!
Need to rent a car upon your arrival to Block Island or when you fly into Providence? Click here to rent one!
Ballard’s Resort and Beach
With a historic inn and hotel, a quarter-mile-long private beach, an oceanfront restaurant, and daily live music, Ballard’s Beach Resort has become the premier beach destination on Block Island for visitors and locals to take a load off and enjoy everything that ocean living has to offer.
Stay Over at Ballard’s: Hotel and Inn
Ballard’s Resort and Beach offers guests an unforgettable island experience with its oceanside inn and hotel. Ballard’s Hotel features spacious rooms equipped with all the classic amenities like air conditioning for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy views of the harbor from their King Deluxe room balconies or relax by the waterfront in rocking chairs.
A variety of beach amenities are available for rent, including umbrellas and lounge chairs. Thirsty visitors can take advantage of complimentary ice water while dining at the resort’s open-air restaurants.
For a more intimate experience, Ballard’s Inn offers six rooms with beautiful ocean views perfect for waking up to a delicious breakfast menu. The inn is also within walking distance of all the local attractions and just moments away from the ferry.
Book your stay at Ballard’s and click here. Space is extremely limited!
Ballard’s Restaurants
Ballard’s Resort and Beach offers some of the best seafood on Block Island. Their signature restaurant offers a variety of food from burgers to lobster made over 13 ways! Enjoy a classic New England-style meal with their Maine Lobster Roll or dive into a plate of fresh calamari or raw oysters!
For those looking for a more casual and lively experience, the resort’s Tiki Bar features frozen daiquiris and martinis to pair with their delicious burgers. For an early start, Ballard’s offers breakfast options like eggs benedict or pancakes served with homemade jams.
Make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee seating at peak lunch/dinner hours!
Ballard’s Beach
Ballard’s Beach is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters – perfect for swimming or just lounging around. Ballard’s Beach is conveniently located only a five-minute walk from the ferry dock, so it’s easy to get to.
You don’t have to be a guest of Ballard’s Resort to have access to the beach. Enter through the restaurant for free beach access, and you will still have the ability to use the beachside food/drink service! You can also bring your own food and drinks to the beach, though you cannot bring your own alcohol. They will search your coolers so don’t try to sneak in any alcohol!
You can also rent cabanas with plush sofas, glass tables, luxurious daybeds, lounge chairs, hardwood floors, and cabana coolers for a bit more luxurious beach experience.
There are several amenities available at the beach including bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers onsite. Ballard’s Beach can be quite crowded in the summer months and is known for a rowdier crowd. Enjoy the live music, tiki bars, and stunning views! Dance the summer night away!
Special Events and Groups at Ballards
Block Island is the perfect destination for a wedding or special event. Ballard’s offers outdoor weddings and events with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can exchange your vows on their beachfront ceremony site, complete with a white arbor and seating area, or you can have your celebration in one of their indoor venues.
Ballard’s is also ideal for bachelorette or bachelor parties. Rent a cabana for a full-service VIP beach day, or grab a few lounge chairs and hit the waves. There is no better place to celebrate a special occasion!
Ballard’s Reviews
Hear it from the guest themselves! There is a reason crowds keep coming back to Ballards year after year for a classic summer party!
“We went on a Tuesday with a group of 8 and we’re able to be seated right away. First of all, what a great environment! …music, ocean/beach views…what more could you want! This is definitely a crowd-pleaser of a location and the perfect place to take out-of-town family to give them the New England beach summer experience.”– LocalTraveler16 via TripAdvisor
“We decided to go to Ballards for lunch and then realized we could rent loungers and an umbrella and have service on the beach. AMAZING. What a beautiful day. Leigh was great waiter and was ready and willing to serve every time we raised our flag. This truly made it a vacation.”– Deborah via TripAdvisor
“One of the best beaches on the island. Sand is soft, not rocky. Clear water with decent waves. Had lunch (burgers) and drinks on the beach. Our server Rachel was outstanding. Not sure how they can maintain such a great attitude running in that heat! One of our favorite places to go on BI.“- Kim, TripAdvisor
“If you want to eat ON the beach, literally sitting in a beach chair while the staff comes around to your chair then this is your place! Ask for a little flag from the wait staff to plant in the sand and raise it up the pole when you need something.
Great lobster rolls and delicious cocktails. When it gets hot just take a dip in the ocean. Mid-week summer is much less crowded than on weekends.” – Jocelyn, TripAdvisor
Beyond Ballard’s: Exploring Block Island
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and serene atmosphere, there are plenty of other beaches on Block Island to explore. From Crescent Beach to Mansion Beach, you can find everything from picturesque trails with stunning Atlantic views to quiet sand coves perfect for taking a dip. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax in the sun, Block Island has something for everyone.
Things to Do on Block Island
Take a ferry from Point Judith to Block Island, a charming island located 9 miles south of Rhode Island. Technically the beach town is called North Shoreham but is known as Block Island colloquially. It offers secluded beaches, gorgeous cliffs, and delicious seafood.
Like other New England beach town islands, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Block Island is extremely bike friendly. It has a 13-mile loop where you can bike around the island, try the snack shacks, and get some fresh lemonade. Head north to Crescent Beach, and soak up the sun with the summer beachgoers.
Besides beaches and biking, the real highlights of Block Island are the Southeast Light, and Mohegan Bluffs. Southeast Light, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1875 and sits atop the cliffs and overlooks the ocean and offshore wind farm. The Mohegan Bluffs are a must-see as the cliffs have a drop of 200 feet directly down to the ocean!
Where to Stay on Block Island?
Besides Ballard’s Inn and Hotel, there is plenty of other quaint lodgings with great beach access. Here are some of my top suggestions:
Best Luxury Pick: Sullivan’s House. Click here to book.
The Sullivan House on Block Island is a gorgeous 5-star accommodation. Located just steps away from the Ford Benson Town Beach, this 1904 built hotel offers family rooms, a garden and private parking for its guests as well as a terrace and bar. The hotel is conveniently located near Mosquito Beach and Scotch Beach – only 0.4 miles away!
Best Budget Pick: Rose Farm Inn. Click here to book.
Rose Farm Inn is located in the heart of New Shoreham, less than a mile away from popular attractions such as Southeast Lighthouse and Ferd Benson Town Beach. Guests can relax in any of the rooms that feature a cozy seating area and en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Best Beachfront Pick: Block Island Beach House. Click here to book.
Block Island Beach House is conveniently located minutes from the ferry on Block Island. The rooms come with private bathrooms and select options offer views of the Atlantic Ocean. On-site is a restaurant, bar, wraparound terrace, and waterfront deck for guests to enjoy. The Block Island State Airport and Block Island North Lighthouse are only a few miles away.
Frequent Asked Questions: Ballard’s and Block Island
Is Block Island worth it?
Block Island is absolutely worth it! Block Island is a beautiful haven for beachgoers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is the perfect place to go for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventure-filled vacation. The island offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, miles of secluded beaches, and plenty of activities such as biking, kayaking, fishing and more.
Can I do Block Island on a day trip?
You can absolutely do Block Island in a day! Most of the ferries take less than an hour, and the island is quite small. Rent a moped or car to access most of the island and explore the beaches.
What is Block Island known for?
Block Island is known for its breathtaking beaches, scenic bluffs and cliffs, and secluded nature. It is considered one of the best beach towns in New England. The Southeast Light, a National Historic Landmark built in 1875, is a must-see while you’re there. There are also delicious seafood restaurants, amazing sunsets, and plenty of outdoor activities like biking and kayaking on the island.
Do you have to pay to go to Ballard’s Beach?
No, Ballard’s Beach is free to the public but you can choose to utilize the services at Ballard’s Resort for extra costs. You can rent umbrellas/chairs or utilize the beachside service at Ballard’s resort where they will bring you drinks to your beach towel! There are also no lifeguards on duty so please swim with caution. Ballard’s Beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of room to spread out and relax in the sun!
Can you bring food to Ballards Block Island?
Yes! While Ballard’s is known for their beachside food/drink service and delicious array of seafood choices, you can also bring your own food or beverages. Please note that coolers will be searched as no outside alcohol is allowed.
Is Ballard’s open year-round?
No, Ballard’s is open from mid May to mid September. Check their facebook page for accurate seasonal dates. During the winter months, the beach is closed and activities are limited due to colder weather. Despite this, Block Island is still a great place to visit during the off-season with plenty of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, cozy restaurants and more!
When is the best time to visit Block Island?
Block Island is a summer destination that offers breathtaking views, secluded nature, and plenty of outdoor activities. From Mid-June to Labor Day, it is the peak season for visiting Block Island and taking advantage of all that it has to offer.
However, if you are looking for fewer crowds, May or September may be the best times to visit Ballard’s Beach and the rest of Block Island. Just be aware that the winter season is rough and many businesses close, as well as fewer ferry options available.
Block Island Beaches
If you are looking for additional beaches besides Ballard’s Beach, there are plenty to choose from that offer a more adventurous and peaceful experience.
Charleston Beach
Charleston Beach on Block Island is a rocky paradise for beachcombers, photographers, and snorkelers. Located on the western side of the island near New Harbor South, this untouched beach is perfect for enjoying sunsets and exploring marine life around its pebble shores.
The sand isn’t as soft as other beaches in Rhode Island, so be sure to bring your swim shoes if you plan to wade in the water. You can reach the beach by bike or car on Champlin Road past Champlin’s Marina, but there are no facilities nearby so be sure to pack a picnic lunch!
Mohegan Bluffs Beach
Mohegan Bluffs Beach is the perfect spot for those seeking an adventurous beach day. The Mohegan Bluffs are 150-foot tall cliffs offering stunning views of the ocean that can even extend to Long Island on clear days!
Make sure to take the trail to the historic South East Lighthouse and climb down the 141 steps to reach Mohegan Bluffs Beach. The beach is a bit rocky, but the seclusion of the waves makes it a welcome retreat. Dogs are also allowed on this beach, so bring your furry friend along for an unforgettable day!
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is the perfect spot for beachgoers looking to soak up some sun and enjoy a more relaxed day. With its beautiful soft white sand, gentle waves, and stunning views of the ocean, Crescent Beach offers an unforgettable experience. Not only can you lounge around the shoreline or take a dip in the ocean, but there are also plenty of amenities to make it an even more enjoyable day.
At the Bensen Pavilion – located in the middle of Crescent Beach – visitors can find umbrellas, chairs, cabanas, and boogie board rentals as well as showers/changing facilities and snack shacks. Plus, dogs are always welcome on this beach! Just make sure to arrive early if you want to secure a spot in the lifeguard-monitored area.
Conclusion
For visitors looking for a unique and unforgettable beach experience, Ballard’s Resort on Block Island is the perfect destination. With its wide variety of activities that range from beach lounging, and volleyball, to beachside drinks, Ballard’s is a perfect summer destination for a lively summer day!
If you are seeking a more tranquil beach experience, explore the rest of Block Island! From the secluded Mohegan Bluffs Beach to the vibrant Crescent Beach, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches. For a real adventure, make sure to head up to the North Light for breathtaking views of Block Island – and don’t forget your camera! Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Rhode Island is an ideal destination for a fun summer day.