Fred Benson Town Beach Block Island
Bustling oceanfront beach with clear waters, chair rentals, and easy access from the ferry terminal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Fred Benson Town Beach Block Island
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bustling oceanfront beach with clear waters, chair rentals, and easy access from the ferry terminal.
"Really nice beach with super clear water that is easy to get to from the ferry."
🚲 Bike or Moped It!
Rent a bike or moped near the ferry for easy access to Fred Benson Town Beach and island exploration.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Weekends get busy! Get there early to find the best spots for your umbrella and chairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Fred Benson Town Beach
Enjoy exceptionally clear water, a rare treat for New England beaches, perfect for swimming and wading.
Convenient Access
Near ferry terminal
Just a short walk or bike ride from the ferry, making it ideal for day-trippers and easy exploration.
Umbrella & Chair Rentals
Beachfront concessions
Rent umbrellas and chairs for a comfortable day soaking up the sun and ocean breeze.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry & Moped Essentials
Weekend Crowds & Algae
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike or Moped It!
Rent a bike or moped near the ferry for easy access to Fred Benson Town Beach and island exploration.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Weekends get busy! Get there early to find the best spots for your umbrella and chairs.
🚿 Rinse Off Easily
Convenient shower facilities are available, making it easy to clean up after a day at the beach.
💧 Water Clarity Surprise
Enjoy surprisingly clear water, a highlight for many visitors to this New England beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike or Moped It!
Rent a bike or moped near the ferry for easy access to Fred Benson Town Beach and island exploration.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Weekends get busy! Get there early to find the best spots for your umbrella and chairs.
🚿 Rinse Off Easily
Convenient shower facilities are available, making it easy to clean up after a day at the beach.
💧 Water Clarity Surprise
Enjoy surprisingly clear water, a highlight for many visitors to this New England beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fred Benson Town Beach is a highly-rated spot on Block Island, praised for its exceptionally clear waters and convenient location near the ferry. Visitors appreciate the available amenities like rentals, restrooms, and food options, making it ideal for day trips and families. Some note weekend crowds and occasional algae on the shore, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"This is one of the best beaches in Block island. It’s around 15 min walk from the port. Better to go on bikes or car. They have ample parking and shower area. It has nice coast to walk or sit and relax and enjoy the views. This place gets busy on weekends be prepared to walk a bit to find the best spot to set up your umbrellas and chairs."
Pavan
"Beautiful beach we came here off-season and had a blast running around!"
Brian Parsons
"Really nice beach with super clear water that is easy to get to from the ferry. We were on the southern end out of the main area and loved it. The clarity of the water was very rare for New England. Would recommend for those doing day trips."
Chris P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fred Benson Town Beach is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal on Block Island. Many visitors opt to rent bikes or mopeds upon arrival for easier access and to explore the rest of the island.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Fred Benson Town Beach, which is helpful if you're arriving by car or prefer not to bike.
Absolutely! Fred Benson Town Beach is an excellent destination for day trips from the mainland, with easy ferry access and clear waters making it a worthwhile visit.
Renting a moped or a bike is highly recommended for exploring Block Island and reaching attractions like Fred Benson Town Beach. The ferry often has early bird specials for moped rentals.
While walking and biking are popular, Block Island does have a taxi service and seasonal bus routes that can help you get around if you don't rent a vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee to access Fred Benson Town Beach itself. You pay for amenities like chair and umbrella rentals.
The beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak season, and rental services will have their own operating hours.
While beach access is free, booking ferry tickets and moped rentals in advance, especially for weekend trips, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Yes, Fred Benson Town Beach offers convenient access to restrooms and shower facilities, which are a great amenity after a day in the sun and sand.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own umbrellas and chairs to Fred Benson Town Beach. Rental options are also available on-site.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Fred Benson Town Beach offers umbrella and chair rentals, lifeguards during the season, fast-food eats, restrooms, and shower facilities.
Yes, the beach is known for its super clear water, making it a very pleasant spot for swimming and enjoying the ocean.
The sand at Fred Benson Town Beach is typical of a coastal beach, with some areas potentially having algae, especially on the shore.
Yes, with clear waters, lifeguards, and convenient facilities, Fred Benson Town Beach is a great option for families.
There are fast-food eateries available right at the beach, offering quick bites for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the clear blue water, the coastline, and the beachgoers enjoying the sun. The late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour photography.
While the beach itself is the main attraction, the surrounding coastline and the iconic Block Island landscape provide picturesque backdrops for your photos.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide warm, golden hour light perfect for dramatic shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone over any beach or public area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and ocean. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance water and sky colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Day-Trippers
🚗 Car Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Block Island: The Ferry Experience
Upon arrival at the Block Island ferry terminal, you'll find yourself in close proximity to the main town and several key attractions, including Fred Benson Town Beach. This convenient location makes it easy for visitors to start their island adventure without extensive travel time. The ferry service is a vital link for both tourists and residents, and understanding its schedule and booking procedures is a crucial part of planning your visit.
Exploring the Island: Mopeds and Bikes
Biking is another excellent option, offering a more active way to experience the island's beauty. The relatively compact size of Block Island makes it manageable to explore by bike, and it's a great way to enjoy the fresh sea air. Both moped and bike rentals are readily available near the ferry terminal, but booking ahead, especially during peak season, is a wise strategy to ensure availability.
Beach Amenities and Visitor Experience
Beyond rentals and food, the availability of restrooms and shower facilities is frequently highlighted as a major benefit, allowing visitors to rinse off sand and saltwater before heading back or continuing their day.
Social
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