If your weekend daydream keeps drifting out to sea, you’re not alone. The Block Island ferry from Connecticut makes it remarkably easy to trade traffic noise for gulls and salt spray, and it pairs neatly with a slate of coastal things to do in CT this weekend. With a little planning, you can weave a ferry ride, beach time, and small-town food adventures into a two-day loop that feels longer than it is. I’ve been making this trip in different seasons for years, sometimes with a bike, sometimes with kids and a stroller, sometimes just to walk until my legs tire out and my mind clears. It always works.
What follows is a practical, field-tested guide that connects the dots: how to reach the ferry from CT, when to go, what to bring, what to do on Block Island once you arrive, and how to tie it together with a strong Connecticut itinerary on either side. Along the way I’ll note seasonal details, price ranges, and tiny choices that add up to a better weekend.
Where the Block Island Ferry Fits in a Connecticut Weekend
The main ferry to Block Island leaves from Point Judith in Narragansett, Rhode Island, which sits roughly 75 to 95 minutes from southeastern Connecticut if traffic cooperates, and closer to two hours from central CT. There’s also a summer-only high-speed ferry from Newport, but for Connecticut drivers, Point Judith is the workhorse.
The reason the trip meshes so well with a Connecticut weekend is the geography. You can wake up along the Connecticut shoreline, grab coffee in Mystic or Old Saybrook, slide across the border, and be standing on the ferry deck mid-morning. A few hours on Block Island can feel like a full reset, yet you still return in time to catch sunset back in Mystic or Niantic. If you start early, a day trip is easy. If you prefer a slower pace, book one night on either end: Friday in Connecticut, Saturday on Block Island, or vice versa.
Ferry Options, Schedules, and What They Really Mean
At Point Judith, you’ll choose between the traditional ferry and the high-speed option. The traditional ferry takes about an hour, costs less, and accepts vehicles with reservations. The high-speed ferry cuts the crossing to approximately 35 minutes, costs more per person, and is foot-passenger only.
My rule of thumb: if you’re making a quick day trip, the high-speed ferry buys you extra time on the island, which is valuable. If you’re staying overnight and carrying more gear, the traditional ferry feels calmer and less rushed. For families or cyclists, both work, but the traditional ferry’s open deck and broader schedule often make loading strollers or bikes simpler.
Book ahead in summer, especially Fridays through Sundays and holiday periods. You may still find walk-on tickets day-of, but you lose control over your timing. That flexibility can be expensive when you planned to beat the afternoon wind and chop.
Driving and Parking: The Friction Points to Smooth Out
From I-95 in CT, you’ll peel off east of Westerly and follow surface roads to Point Judith. Without traffic, the last 30 minutes are easy. With traffic, a short stretch can balloon, especially on sunny Saturdays after 9 a.m. Leave early, and consider a coffee stop before the Rhode Island state line to bank time.
Parking at Point Judith is straightforward if you arrive before mid-morning. Several paid lots cluster within a short walk of the terminal. Expect to pay a daily rate that varies by season and proximity. I keep a backup lot in mind because the closer lots fill fast on prime weekends. If you’re traveling with kids, pack light enough to carry comfortably from the far lot.
If you plan to bring a car on the ferry, secure reservations weeks in advance at peak times. The island’s lanes are narrow, and summer traffic can bunch up. You can live happily without a car on Block Island, especially if you rent bikes or rely on cabs. I only bring a vehicle when traveling with elderly relatives or when my itinerary requires hauling beach gear and a cooler for multiple families.
What to Bring on the Ferry, What to Leave Behind
Rhode Island Sound can switch moods quickly. The morning crossing might be glassy, and the afternoon return carries short, steep chop. Even if the forecast looks tame, pack a light shell and a midlayer. Sunglasses and a hat are essential, as is sunscreen you’ll actually reapply. Toss in a reusable water bottle and a small snack for the deck, even if you plan to buy something onboard.
Shoes matter. Flip-flops are fine on the island, but wear shoes with decent grip for the boat and the bluffs. An extra pair of socks turns a foggy morning into a comfortable one. If you’re renting bikes on Block Island, bring a small seat pack or cinch-top bag to keep your phone, wallet, and keys organized, plus a simple cable lock if the rental doesn’t include one.
For families, consider a collapsible stroller with real wheels rather than travel-size casters. The island’s dirt roads and boardwalk edges can bully small wheels. If you have a kid who naps reliably, time your return sail to their nap window. The hum of the ferry helps.
Timing Your Trip: The Quiet Hours Nobody Mentions
The island has rhythms. If you catch one of the first two ferries on a summer Saturday, you arrive into a gentle morning. Bike paths are open, bakeries still have scones, and beach parking lots, if you brought a car, still have spots. By midday, the harbor stirs and lunch lines lengthen. The late afternoon softens again when the day-trippers leave.
On shoulder-season weekends, especially May and late September into October, you earn a quieter island and easier logistics. Some shops keep shortened hours, but the essentials remain open. Early October can be magic if you like cool sun and empty trails, and water temps sometimes stay swimmable from late August through mid-September.
Wind is the underrated variable. A steady southwest breeze is normal, but when it gusts into the mid-twenties, biking turns into a workout, and bluff edges feel exposed. Check the marine forecast. If wind spikes, plan sheltered routes on the island’s interior roads.
A First-Timer’s Loop on Block Island
I often point first-timers to a half-day loop that covers the island’s signature highlights without rushing. On arrival at Old Harbor, rent bikes a short walk from the pier or grab a taxi if you prefer to walk and hop. Ride south toward Mohegan Bluffs. The road rolls, and traffic speeds are low, but keep right and ride single file around blind curves. You’ll know you’re close when the lighthouse comes into view.
Park the bikes, walk to the overlook, and take the stairs down to the beach if conditions feel good for you. The descent and ascent add up to a real climb, so assess your group’s comfort. On foggy days, accept the mood as a gift. Mist can blur the edges of the sea and turn the bluffs into a painting. On clear days, the blue runs all the way to the horizon.
From there, head toward Southeast Light. The lighthouse grounds offer views and a little history, and the wind on the point keeps you alert. If you’re ready for lunch, ride back to town, or angle north to find a casual spot near the Great Salt Pond. The island caters to simple appetites: seafood rolls, clam cakes, chowder, and sandwiches that taste better when you arrive dusty from the road.
After lunch, aim for the North Light and the nature preserve. The last bit is a walk over pebbles and sand. Seal sightings cluster in the cooler months, and the sky seems to open wider here. If time runs tight, skip the far north and detour instead to a protected cove for a swim. The island’s beaches each have a personality. Scotch, Mansion, and Crescent compete for favorites, and locals will argue the merits, which is how it should be.
If you’re day-tripping, keep one eye on the ferry schedule and pace your afternoon accordingly. A relaxed return beats a last-minute sprint down the pier.
Food and Drink: Small Choices That Elevate the Day
People get precious about lobster rolls and chowder, and they’re right. Still, remember that the context matters. A roll eaten on a bench outside, with the smell of sunscreen and sea salt in your hair, often outshines the prettiest indoor plate. I’ve had good luck following two simple rules. First, if the line seems to move steadily and the staff looks organized, join it. Second, if the kitchen is busy but not chaotic, ask the person at the counter what they’re proud of that day. Specials usually indicate fresh product clearing at its best.
Coffee fuels the morning miles. On weekends in high season, arrive earlier than you think. If bakeries sell out, pivot to a corner market for a breakfast sandwich you can carry to the harbor. On shoulder-season Saturdays, hours can be unpredictable. Call or check the shop’s social feed before promising your crew a stop.
For drinks, the harborside bars fill up mid-afternoon. There’s joy in joining the crowd, but I also like to carry a small picnic to a quiet patch of grass near the water and nurse a single canned beer while the boats bob. Keep it Leave No Trace clean. The island’s more peaceful corners rely on all of us doing our part.
Staying Overnight on Block Island vs. Sleeping in Connecticut
Overnights shift the entire experience. If you stay on the island, you get the bookends: early morning walks on empty beach and long, pink sunsets that you can watch without watching the clock. Lodging ranges from historic inns to modern rentals. Book early for summer weekends and expect two-night minimums. In shoulder season you can sometimes snag a one-night stay.
If you anchor in Connecticut instead, you gain variety. You can wake in Mystic, split your day between Olde Mistick Village and the seaport, then drive to the ferry for a late-morning sailing. On your return, grab dinner in Stonington Borough or Niantic. Sunday becomes a Connecticut day, which opens a rich list of things to do in CT this weekend, from hiking to gallery-hopping, without another long drive.
Pairing the Ferry with Classic Connecticut Weekend Moves
The question I hear most is how to structure the rest of the weekend once the ferry piece is set. It depends on your base of operations, but three pairings work every time.
- Early Mystic, midday ferry, sunset in Stonington: Start with coffee at a quiet bakery near the river, walk the drawbridge and side streets before the crowds, then head east. After the island, split small plates at a Stonington wine bar and watch the harbor settle down. Niantic morning, ferry dash, Old Saybrook evening: Stroll the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, browse a local bookstore, get breakfast sandwiches, and go. After the island, roll back for dinner on Main Street in Old Saybrook. The train station area gives you a classic New England feel without the rush. Hike and sail: Hit a short hike at Bluff Point State Park in Groton or Barn Island in Stonington at sunrise, then ferry. Your legs will thank you for the stretch, and you earn your chowder.
These loops also solve the perennial “what else can we do” question that pops up in every group text about things to do in CT this weekend. The trick is to avoid packing in too much. Give yourself one anchor activity per half day and leave room for detours.
Seasonality, Weather, and Why Flexibility Wins
Summer is obvious, but it’s not your only window. Late May can offer startlingly clear days with fewer people. September often delivers warm water, crisp mornings, and easy parking. October brings migrating birds and peaceful beaches, though some services taper.
Fog creates a different trip. I’ve had days where the island felt like a memory, all grays and muted sounds. If that happens, switch from ridge views to interior paths and ponds. The Great Salt Pond edges and Rodman’s Hollow hold their own in low visibility. If the wind kicks up, choose lee-side beaches and keep your time on cliff edges conservative. The ferry runs in plenty of weather, but a truly rough day can feel long for those prone to motion sickness. Pack a remedy you trust.
Safety, Courtesy, and the Small Island Reality
Block Island lives on a human scale. That charm depends on everyone acting like a good guest. Yield to pedestrians. If you’re on a bike, call out politely before passing and dismount where requested. On narrow roads, cars and bikes find a rhythm when both parties anticipate the other. Don’t lock bikes to fragile fencing or dune posts. The landscape is resilient but not invincible.
On beaches, obey flags and local guidance. Rip currents are real. Keep an eye on kids, even in mellow surf. Trash belongs in your bi ferry new london bag until you find a bin. These sound like small reminders, but they compound. They keep the place you came to love worth returning to.
Making the Money Work
Costs add up fast when you roll parking, ferry tickets, bike rentals, lunch, and a round of drinks. A realistic range for a day trip for two lands somewhere between the cost of a modest dinner out and a concert night, depending on your choices. Save by bringing your own water and snacks, renting bikes for half-days rather than full if your timing is tight, and sharing plates at lunch. If you’re staying overnight, compare inn rates with apartment-style rentals, then factor in ferry schedules. A slightly earlier ferry home can save a surprising amount on lodging.
A Practical Weekend Blueprint
If you like structure with enough slack to breathe, this simple two-day plan keeps the focus on the ferry while honoring the local rhythm.
- Saturday: Start in CT. Coffee and a short walk in Mystic or Niantic by 8 a.m. Drive to Point Judith for a late-morning high-speed ferry. On the island, ride to Mohegan Bluffs, lunch near town, and choose either a north light walk or a beach swim. Ferry back late afternoon. Dinner in Stonington Borough. Sunday: Keep it a Connecticut day. Brunch in Old Saybrook or Essex. If the weather is kind, rent kayaks on the Connecticut River or walk a riverside preserve. If it’s breezy or gray, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum or an art gallery in Lyme. Head home feeling like you slipped away to two places in one weekend.
This blueprint flexes for families. Swap the bikes for a beach play morning and a short lighthouse visit. Build in a nap during the crossing. If your group includes both early risers and late sleepers, use coffee runs and harbor walks as buffer time while everyone else gets moving.
If You’re Traveling With Kids
I’ve done this trip with toddlers who collect rocks and tweens who race bikes. The island works for both, as long as you size the day to their attention. For very young kids, keep the bike distances short or rely on a stroller and taxis. Focus on beaches with gentle entries and bathrooms within a short walk. Bring a compact beach tent for shade and wind. Time your ferry segments to align with snacks and naps, and carry a spare set of clothes. Sand happens.
Older kids love the lighthouse climbs and the secret feel of tucked-away coves. Give them responsibility for a small map, even if you use your phone for the real navigation. The ferry becomes part of the adventure. Point out the buoys and the lobster pots. Count sailboats on the horizon. If you invite them into the day’s structure, they buy in.
If You’re Bringing Bikes from Connecticut
You can bring your own bikes on the ferry or rent on the island. Bringing your own makes sense if you have specific fit needs or if you’re planning a longer, hillier route. Arrive early at the terminal to manage the loading calmly, and have your straps and quick releases sorted before you reach the ramp. On the island, carry a small toolkit, a tube, and a compact pump. Sun plus salt can dry out a chain; a tiny vial of lube goes a long way on multi-day stays.
Rental bikes are easy and perfectly suited for the island’s rolling terrain. Helmets are generally available, but if you’re particular about fit, bring your own. E-bikes reduce the sting on windy days, yet still require attention to speed on blind curves. Slow down near pedestrians.
A Quiet Word on Expectations
Block Island is beautiful, and the ferry ride from CT adds ceremony to the journey. Yet the perfect day is rarely flawless. You may miss a ferry by minutes. A line plan your trip to Block Island ferry New London CT might stretch past your patience. Fog can swallow a view you came to see. Give yourself one private goal that doesn’t depend on weather or crowds: a long walk at sunrise, a swim even if the water goosebumps your skin, a quiet cone of soft serve on a stoop. Hitting that one goal makes everything else feel like bonus.
The Connecticut Side: Extra Ideas for This Weekend
When the ferry piece is set, the question of things to do in CT this weekend often sparks debate. Keep the choices simple and regionally tight to avoid car time.
If you’re near Mystic, the Seaport’s historic vessels and working shipyard reward repeat visits, and the small side exhibits change enough to surprise you. Down the road, Stonington Borough’s compact streets and harbor views make for a short, satisfying stroll. In Niantic, the boardwalk gives you a straight shot of sea air, and the town’s shops have a neighborly feel. Old Saybrook balances the river and the sound, with restaurants that can handle sandy feet if you’re coming straight off the beach.
If weather pushes you indoors, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme turns an hour or two into an artful pause. Breweries along the shoreline offer easy stops for a pint and a pretzel, and many have outdoor seating where kids can wiggle without disturbing anyone. Small, local theaters often stage weekend shows, and same-day tickets are easier to find outside the deepest summer rush.
Final Notes for a Trip That Feels Effortless
You don’t need to overengineer this. Set your ferry, block out a few hours on the island that match your group’s energy, and frame the weekend with one morning and one evening in Connecticut that you’ll look forward to. Check the forecast and the ferry schedule the day before you go. Charge phones, pack sunscreen you like using, and wear shoes that let you clamber up a dune without thinking about it.
The beauty of this plan lies in its lightness. You leave a Connecticut harbor town, cross a band of water that always looks wider from the deck, and step into a place that runs on slower time. A few hours later, you come back carrying the same tote bag but somehow lighter. That’s a good trade for any weekend.
Location: 2 Ferry St,New London, CT 06320,United States Phone number: 18604444624