While out in the Hamptons this past weekend for the ARF walk, we decided to take a day trip from Montauk over to Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island. We had heard the island was very dog friendly and we were not disappointed! Block Island is a smaller and more dog-friendly version of Martha’s Vineyard!
Sitting by the beach on Block Island
Getting There
We took the 75-minute Viking Fleet ferry from Montauk to the New Harbor area. The roundtrip fee is $80 per person and leashed dogs are welcome. Parking is available across the street from the dock for $10 per day. (This was a passenger-only trip.) Other ferry options from Rhode Island and Connecticut arrive in the downtown Old Harbor area where most of the shops and restaurants are located. The Block Island Ferry is pet friendly with leashed dogs welcome. If you plan to bring your car, vehicle reservations are required. From the Montauk Viking Fleet ferry stop in the New Harbor, it’s about a 30-minute walk into town. Taxi cabs were near the marina and were dog friendly. We paid less than $15 for a taxi into town.
What To Do
Block Island is truly dog friendly! As one of the residents told us, “Everyone knows Block Island is a doggy paradise!” All of the restaurants we checked out welcomed the dogs on their outdoor patios, beaches had few dog restrictions, and we were welcome in all of the shops. (Many shops close for the season mid October and reopen in May.) The West Beach, part of a bird sanctuary, is not dog friendly. The 3 by 7 mile island is lined by 17 miles of beaches! There are also 32 miles of hiking trails. But beware of the ticks!
Loving the fresh air!
Where to Stay
We were on Block Island for the day and had plenty of time to shop, eat, and check out one of the beaches. We would love to stay a few days longer and fully explore the island! We found a list of dog-friendly accommodations on the Block Island Family Vacation web site. We were also advised to call the Block Island Chamber of Commerce for updates on dog-friendly listings – 1-800-383-2474. (Many of the hotels require a minimum nights stay.) We stayed in Riverhead at the Holiday Inn Express and then drove to Montauk for the ferry.
We can’t wait to go back next year!
the pup diary 
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