For many visitors, Block Island begins with a ferry ride.
For boaters, it often begins with a chartplotter.
But for those who know the island best, the real adventure starts when you arrive at Great Salt Pond.
Widely considered one of the most iconic boating destinations in the Northeast, Great Salt Pond serves as the heart of Block Island's summer activity. It's where boaters gather, families begin their island vacations, anglers prepare for offshore trips, and visitors discover the unique character that has made Block Island a favorite destination for generations.
The beauty of staying at Champlin's Marina & Resort is that many of the island's best experiences are just minutes away. Whether you're arriving by boat or ferry, Great Salt Pond provides direct access to some of Block Island's most memorable adventures.
Here are our favorite day trips, excursions, and experiences around Great Salt Pond, ranked.
#10: Clay Head Preserve
Block Island is known for its beaches, but some of its most impressive scenery is found inland.
Often called "The Maze" by locals, Clay Head Preserve offers a network of trails that wind through forests, meadows, and coastal overlooks before revealing spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It's one of the island's quieter attractions, making it perfect for visitors looking to escape the summer crowds for an afternoon.
Why it made the list:
- Unique coastal landscapes
- Excellent hiking opportunities
- Incredible ocean views
- Less crowded than many island attractions
#9: Rodman's Hollow
Few places showcase the natural beauty of Block Island quite like Rodman's Hollow.
This protected nature preserve features rolling hills, dramatic coastal terrain, and miles of walking trails that provide a completely different perspective of the island.
Visitors often describe it as feeling worlds away from the marina despite being only a short drive from Great Salt Pond.
For nature lovers, it's one of the island's most rewarding destinations.
#8: Southeast Lighthouse
Perched atop the Mohegan Bluffs, the Southeast Lighthouse remains one of Block Island's most recognizable landmarks.
Built in 1875, the lighthouse has guided vessels through these waters for generations while becoming one of the island's most photographed locations.
The views alone are worth the trip.
Standing above the bluffs, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Atlantic while gaining a deeper appreciation for the maritime history that continues to define Block Island today.
#7: Crescent Beach
Not every adventure needs an itinerary.
Sometimes the perfect day involves nothing more than a beach chair, a towel, and a stretch of sand.
Crescent Beach consistently ranks among the most popular beaches on Block Island thanks to its wide shoreline, easy accessibility, and family-friendly atmosphere.
For visitors staying at Champlin's Marina & Resort, it's one of the easiest ways to spend a relaxing summer afternoon.
#6: Old Harbor
Most visitors arrive through Old Harbor, but many never take the time to fully explore it.
That would be a mistake.
Old Harbor offers a mix of shopping, restaurants, local businesses, and classic New England charm that feels distinctly Block Island. Walking through the district provides a glimpse into the island's culture while offering opportunities to discover local favorites.
For first-time visitors, spending a few hours exploring Old Harbor is practically a rite of passage.
#5: A Sunset Cruise Around Great Salt Pond
Some of the best views on Block Island aren't found on land.
As evening approaches, Great Salt Pond transforms into one of the most beautiful waterfront settings in New England. Boats return to their slips, the harbor takes on a golden glow, and the atmosphere slows to a peaceful rhythm.
Whether you're aboard your own vessel or joining friends for an evening cruise, sunset on Great Salt Pond remains one of the quintessential Block Island experiences.
Why it ranks so highly:
- Spectacular harbor views
- Incredible photography opportunities
- A uniquely Block Island experience
#4: Fishing the Waters Around Block Island
Block Island has earned a reputation as one of the premier fishing destinations on the East Coast.
Anglers travel from throughout the Northeast to target striped bass, bluefish, fluke, sea bass, tuna, and a variety of other species found in the waters surrounding the island.
The nearby ledges, reefs, and rips create productive fishing grounds that attract both recreational fishermen and tournament competitors throughout the season.
For many visitors, a fishing trip is the primary reason they return year after year.
#3: Exploring the Great Salt Pond by Kayak or Paddleboard
Sometimes slowing down provides the best perspective.
Kayaking or paddleboarding through Great Salt Pond allows visitors to experience the harbor in a completely different way. Quiet coves, waterfront homes, marshlands, and scenic shoreline become accessible at your own pace.
Unlike larger boating excursions, paddling allows you to appreciate the smaller details that often go unnoticed from a distance.
It's peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly memorable.
#2: The Mohegan Bluffs
If there's one place every visitor should experience, it's the Mohegan Bluffs.
Towering nearly 200 feet above the ocean, the bluffs provide some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in New England. The staircase leading to the beach below has become one of Block Island's most iconic experiences, while the views from the top remain unforgettable.
The combination of towering cliffs, crashing waves, and open ocean creates a setting that feels unlike anywhere else in Rhode Island.
Few destinations capture the power and beauty of the Atlantic quite like the Mohegan Bluffs.
#1: Spending the Day at Champlin's Marina & Resort
It may sound biased, but hear us out.
The best adventure around Great Salt Pond often doesn't require leaving it.
Located directly on the pond, Champlin's Marina & Resort places guests at the center of Block Island's boating culture and summer energy. Waterfront dining, marina activity, harbor views, entertainment, and direct access to many of the island's best attractions combine to create an experience that feels uniquely Block Island.
The marina itself becomes part of the vacation.
Spend the morning watching boats arrive from across New England. Explore the island throughout the day. Return to the waterfront for dinner, entertainment, and sunset views over Great Salt Pond.
Many visitors arrive planning to use Champlin's as a launching point for adventure.
They quickly discover it's one of the destinations worth enjoying on its own.
Why Great Salt Pond Is the Heart of the Block Island Experience
Every destination has a place where everything seems to come together.
On Block Island, that place is Great Salt Pond.
It connects visitors to boating, fishing, beaches, outdoor recreation, dining, and some of the island's most iconic scenery. Whether you're exploring the bluffs, spending the day on the water, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply watching the harbor from the dock, nearly every memorable Block Island experience begins here.
Planning a Block Island Adventure?
Book directly through Champlin's Marina & Resort to receive our guaranteed lowest available rates and discover why Great Salt Pond remains one of the most beloved boating destinations in New England.
