Barkin’ & Roamin' on Block Island, Rhode Island
- Luie Boone
- Jun 11
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 24
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
If you’re planning a vacation with your pup, Block Island, Rhode Island is the kind of destination that serves up excitement your buddy will drool buckets over.
The adventure begins before you even reach the island. Hopping aboard the Block Island Ferry is part of the fun. And, yes, your dog rides for free! Both the traditional and high-speed ferries welcome four-legged passengers with open arms. Whether your pup prefers lounging in a cozy indoor spot or feeling the sea breeze on the open deck, the ferry offers a relaxing, scenic start to your getaway. Just don’t forget the essentials: a leash, water bowl, and waste bags that will keep your travel buddy happy.
The ferry docks in Old Harbor, which is located in New Shoreham—the island’s only town. In fact, New Shoreham isn’t just the heart of Block Island; it’s also the smallest town in the smallest state in the U.S. How cool is that? This laid-back coastal town covers the whole island and perfectly captures the relaxed, dog-loving spirit that you’ll feel throughout your stay.
Once you arrive, there are wide-open fields, rolling hills, peaceful woodlands, quiet ponds, and sandy beaches. With all different types of terrain, Block Island is packed with adventures for every kind of pup. Whether your dog is a playful swimmer, a curious sniffer, or a dedicated beach napper, there’s something there that’ll make their tail go into overdrive!
You’ll find miles of trails to explore, offering a mix of shady forests, breezy paths, and sweeping coastal views. The island’s natural beauty is second to none, with scenic routes that feel like a dream walk for both you and your dog.
After a walk, the island’s pooch-friendly beaches make the perfect next stop. Your furry companion can trot beside you at the water’s edge, sniff the salty sea breeze, and maybe even dip a paw or two in the surf. And if your pup’s in the mood for more splashing than strolling, there are calm, freshwater spots nearby where they can cool off with a refreshing swim.
When it’s time to refuel, Block Island doesn’t disappoint. Many of the local cafés and restaurants offer dog-friendly patios, complete with water bowls and friendly staff who treat furry guests like VIPs.
Be sure to take your time exploring, as there are hidden corners, quiet coves, and scenic overlooks just waiting to be discovered. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the glass floats (also known as hand-blown orbs) that are hidden around the trails by local artist Eben Horton. Luie Boone is always up for a treasure hunt!
From beach days to sunset strolls, Block Island offers something rare: a vacation as perfect for your dog as it is for you!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Block Island, Rhode Island. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Oar Naut on Sunset Hill
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 8 beds and 2 baths.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
It features the following amenities:
Front deck with dining and seating
Back deck with gorgeous ambient lighting after dark
BBQ grill
Outdoor shower
19-min walk to the beach (Luie Boone loves a good walk, especially when it brings him to a beach where he can dip his paws in the water and roll around in the sand!)
Walkable to town
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I haven’t stepped paw on Block Island before, but my tail’s already wagging thinking about it. From what I’ve sniffed out, it sounds like a total dog dream. The house they picked? It's huge, with four bedrooms! That means more spots to nap, explore and sneak onto beds. I’m eyeing the king bedroom with skylight views of the bluffs, but there’s also a twin room upstairs. I think that one would be perfect for post-beach snoozes. The main floor has a queen bedroom, an open kitchen, dining, and living area. That's plenty of space to spin in circles, while begging for snacks. Downstairs, there are bunk beds for hide-and-seek. There's also a mudroom for paw wipes. Outside, there's a front deck for dinner lounging and a back deck that glows at night. It'll be the ideal spot for stargazing and ear rubs. We can even walk to town. Like I've said before, I love walks. Walks mean new smells, ocean air, and maybe meeting a dog buddy or two. Honestly, it all sounds paws-itively perfect!
Paws Venture Here
Mohegan Bluffs
Mohegan Bluffs rises approximately 200 feet above the sea and stretches on for nearly three miles. It provides you with unforgettable views and photo opportunities. Luie Boone knows his humans will snap a bunch of photos! There is a staircase to make the ascent and descent easier for humans and canines alike.
Clayhead Trail
Clayhead Trail provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail takes you and your pup through beautiful terrain, including beachside cliffs, forested areas, and marshlands. See that rock in the picture? Luie Boon is gonna plop his rump on it!
Hula Charters
Your pooch is welcome to join you on a charter from Hula Charters, as you fish using some of the latest and best equipment... or just sit back and relax as you take in the view. That's what Luie Boone is going to do, because he doesn't have disposable thumbs or know how to fish!
Scotch Beach
With big waves and very few rocks, Scotch Beach is a great beach for body surfing and boogie boarding. Luie Boone doesn't know one thing about boogie boarding, but he'll give it a shot!
Mansion Beach
This beach was originally home to an actual mansion, which sadly burned down in the 1960s and was never rebuilt. Even without the mansion, the beach is one of the island’s most picturesque ones! Your pup will love venturing here, as it is generally less crowded beach.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand along the island's east coast. Enjoy swimming and picnicking here with your pal!
Dories Cove
It’s confirmed, says Luie Boone. You can’t leave Block Island without catching an unbelievable sunset from Dories Cove with your dog.
Poor People's Pub
This is a friendly neighborhood pub, which serves burgers, BBQ, local seafood, pizza, and more. You can sit on their sunny patio, shady porch, or in a cool air-conditioned dining room. Only outdoor seating welcomes Fido.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Block Island, Rhode Island
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
When my humans mentioned vacationing to Block Island, my tail started wagging at just the thought. I imagined them packing my leash, a stash of treats, and, of course, my favorite buddy—Roger the Otter. In my mind, we drove to the ferry, and at first, it seemed like a grand adventure. But then the engine kicked on. It was loud, like a giant vacuum cleaner. The boat was packed with humans, bags, and strollers. I got booped by a backpack and scolded by a seagull. Rude. Then the floor started moving. What the heck! I thought I was just dizzy from excitement, but nope, the whole boat was rocking! An hour-long ferry ride? That’s basically a lifetime in dog minutes. I pictured myself trying to nap, but barking pups, crashing waves, and those mysterious human announcements made it tough. Once we arrived, though, I knew Block Island would be a total dog haven, with its sandy beaches to dig in at, trails full of new smells, and even a crab I could stare at for a solid 45 minutes. So if you're a pup planning a ferry adventure, here’s what I’d suggest: bring a blanket and your favorite stuffie, stick to the outside deck, and avoid the busiest travel times. And remember, the best place to be is always right next to your human—they’re soft, warm, and always smell like home. Would I ride the ferry if I ever got the chance? Probably, but only if Roger the Otter gets his own seat too, because he’s not great at sharing.
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