Mansion Beach
Block Island, RI
Named for the Victorian era mansion that once stood above it and burned decades ago, leaving only the foundation stones as a landmark. It takes a ferry to get here at all, then a walk down a sandy path, which keeps it feeling like the island's own beach rather than a mainland day trip.
Feels like the island's own beach thanks to the ferry ride and the walk in, just know there's no shade and no facilities once you're there.
How we score beachesThere is no shade and no facilities at the beach itself, so pack accordingly for the walk in.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach year-round.
Block Island's exposed position means a slightly shorter, cooler season than the mainland, with water not really settling into the upper 60s until August. Fall arrives early out here, so September already feels more like an off season walk than a swim.
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