Massachusetts resident here – I’ve been to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard a bunch of times, but I’ve never been to Block Island. I’m thinking of taking the family there on a day trip sometime this month, just for something different.
Good idea? Bad idea? Anything there that I definitely shouldn’t miss? Anything that I shouldn’t bother with? Do I need to bring the car or bikes, or is there plenty to do within walking distance of the ferry terminal?
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
I have not been but I went to school in Boston and a fair amount of kids went there to relax and stuff. Sounded like it was a pretty chill place to kind of get away from it all and just ease the mind if you need to.
I went for a weekend about 8 or 9 years ago. I was in my mid-20s and it was a lot of fun.
It’s a pretty good party place if that’s what you’re into. It’s pretty small and pretty packed with restaurants and bars from what I remember. I’d say it’s definitely a college getaway type place.
I spent a night at (I think) Captain Nick’s tavern watching a friend play music.
I’ve only been there once – remember it as a pretty low-key place. Some decent bike riding, but it was November so any tourist attractions that might have existed were pretty much shut down for the season.
One caveat is that the boat ride to Block Island can be notoriously rough.
Cruised there just last summer. Moored in the new harbor.
There is nothing to do there. That’s the charm. (Maybe younger folks are able to find parties, I wouldn’t know. The striper fishing is first-rate.)
My family goes to Block Isand every year…In February. When there is really nothing to do and only about 1 restaurant open. It is tradition, although no one knows why… I have fond memories of it though, including breakfast at the little airport diner. We always go looking for No-Bottom Pond, too - whose location changes every year 
Anyway, in the summer, there is much more to do. You can ride bikes (or rent mopeds) and go to the beach, hike, and go on boat rides. That is about it. It has a charming feel though, a bit more rural than Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
My grandfather (on the other side of the family) once said when you have been there once you never need to go back. Ha! 
Go, ride bicycles (I’ve always brought my own but I imagine there are rentals), eat a picnic lunch overlooking the ocean. It’s pretty crowded in town, but once you’re away it’s not too populated–similar to biking from Provincetown to Race Point.