Settler's Rock
Historic marker at Block Island's northern tip, offering rugged coastal views and prime seal spotting opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Settler's Rock
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic marker at Block Island's northern tip, offering rugged coastal views and prime seal spotting opportunities.
"A beautiful natural beach, a bit rugged but worth the walk for the seals!"
🚲 Bike the Scenic Route
Biking to Settler's Rock from Old Harbor is a popular and scenic option. Enjoy the coastal views!
🦭 Keep an eye out for seals!
This area is known for seal sightings, especially in the water. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Settler's Rock Monument
Northernmost end of Corn Neck Road
Commemorates the original English settlers who landed in 1661. A brief but significant historical marker.
Seal Watching Spot
Near Settler's Rock
This natural beach area is a prime location for spotting seals in the water. A must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
North Lighthouse Proximity
Adjacent to Settler's Rock
Located right next to the parking area for the hike to North Lighthouse, making it a convenient stop before or after.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Settler's Rock
Getting to Settler's Rock
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Bike the Scenic Route
Biking to Settler's Rock from Old Harbor is a popular and scenic option. Enjoy the coastal views!
🦭 Keep an eye out for seals!
This area is known for seal sightings, especially in the water. Bring binoculars if you have them.
🪨 Be mindful of rocky terrain
The beach is quite rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and be cautious if walking near the water.
💧 Pack water and snacks
It's a bit of a journey, so come prepared with essentials, especially if visiting during peak season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Bike the Scenic Route
Biking to Settler's Rock from Old Harbor is a popular and scenic option. Enjoy the coastal views!
🦭 Keep an eye out for seals!
This area is known for seal sightings, especially in the water. Bring binoculars if you have them.
🪨 Be mindful of rocky terrain
The beach is quite rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and be cautious if walking near the water.
💧 Pack water and snacks
It's a bit of a journey, so come prepared with essentials, especially if visiting during peak season.
📸 Capture the coastal views
The 'serious water' and rugged coastline offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Settler's Rock for its historical significance and its prime location for seal watching and accessing North Lighthouse. The scenic bike ride to get there is often highlighted as a positive experience. However, some find the rocky terrain challenging and the distance from town a bit far, suggesting it might not be worth the trip for everyone.
"Settlers Rock is located right at the northernmost end of Corn Neck Road. It’s right next to the parking area where the start of the hike out to North Lighthouse. After you park your bike or car, you can spend a few minutes at Settlers Rock before starting on your hike. You probably won’t need more than a few minutes. The monument lists the names of the island’s original English settlers and marks the spot where they first landed in 1661. There isn’t much more information provided by the monument text itself. It’s definitely feasible to bike here from Old Harbor."
Andrew Zullo
"If you want to see seals recommended visiting here! It's a beautiful natural beach, a bit rugged but worth the walk"
Jake Anthony Stafford Brown
"It’s a long way from town and I didn’t think it was worth it. The beach is very rocky and I was afraid I would break an ankle. So I just looked at the rock and called a taxi to take me back to town."
Alan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Settler's Rock is located at the northernmost end of Corn Neck Road. You can bike or drive there from Old Harbor. Many visitors bike, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way. Taxis are also an option if you prefer not to bike the entire distance.
The bike ride from Old Harbor to Settler's Rock is considered a longer journey, but many find it well worth the effort for the views.
Yes, you can drive to Settler's Rock. There is a parking area near the monument and the start of the hike to North Lighthouse.
Biking is a very popular and recommended way to explore Block Island and reach Settler's Rock, offering flexibility and scenic views.
While there isn't direct public transport to Settler's Rock, taxis are available on the island and can take you to the location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Settler's Rock is a historical monument and natural area that is free to visit. No tickets are required for entry.
Settler's Rock is accessible at all times as it is an outdoor monument and natural landmark. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to visit Settler's Rock. It's a public landmark on Block Island.
Yes, Settler's Rock is accessible year-round. However, some amenities and services on Block Island may be limited during the off-season.
Visiting during daylight hours is best for appreciating the views and for safety, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding rocky beach. Off-season mornings offer a more tranquil experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Settler's Rock, you can see the monument commemorating the original settlers, enjoy the rugged coastal scenery, and potentially spot seals in the water. It's also the starting point for the hike to North Lighthouse.
The area around Settler's Rock is quite rocky, so sturdy footwear is essential if you plan to walk along the beach. The hike to North Lighthouse is also nearby.
Yes, Settler's Rock is a recommended spot for seal watching. Seals are often seen in the water near this natural beach area.
The terrain is described as a natural, rugged beach that is very rocky. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear to avoid injury.
Most visitors spend a few minutes at the monument itself, but you might want to allocate more time if you plan to walk the beach, look for seals, or hike to North Lighthouse.
📸 📸 Photography
The rugged coastline, the 'serious water,' and the monument itself offer great photo opportunities. If you're lucky, capturing seals in their natural habitat is a unique shot.
Absolutely. The dramatic coastal scenery and the vast ocean views make Settler's Rock an excellent location for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. However, the stark beauty of the rocky coast can be captured at any time of day.
Yes, this is a prime location for photographing seals. Patience may be required, but the chance to capture them in their environment is a significant draw for photographers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. If you're hoping to photograph seals, a telephoto lens would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider biking to Settler's Rock as a fun family activity, but be mindful of the distance from Old Harbor. Renting bikes with child seats or trailers might be necessary for younger children. Alternatively, driving or taking a taxi can make the journey more manageable. Packing plenty of snacks and water is crucial, as facilities are limited in this remote part of the island.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Biking to Settler's Rock is a highly recommended way to experience the island's coastal beauty. The ride along Corn Neck Road provides stunning views and a good workout. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for exploring the rocky shoreline and be prepared for the elements, especially if visiting during windy conditions.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Visiting during the golden hours (sunrise and sunset) will offer the most dramatic lighting. The rugged, rocky beach adds texture and character to your photos. Remember to wear sturdy shoes if you plan to get close to the water's edge for unique perspectives. The off-season can offer a more serene environment for capturing the raw beauty of this location without the crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Northern Tip: Settler's Rock and Beyond
Beyond the historical marker, the area around Settler's Rock is a natural beach known for its rugged beauty and, importantly, as a prime spot for seal watching. Visitors often report seeing seals in the water here, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts. However, it's crucial to note that the beach is very rocky, and caution is advised for those venturing onto it. Sturdy footwear is a must to navigate the terrain safely.
The journey to Settler's Rock is part of the experience. Many visitors choose to bike along Corn Neck Road, enjoying the expansive ocean views. While it's a longer ride from Old Harbor, the scenic route is often cited as a highlight. For those who prefer not to bike the entire way, taxis are available on the island. Visiting during the off-season can offer a more tranquil experience, away from the summer crowds, allowing for a more immersive appreciation of the natural surroundings.
Navigating Block Island: Transportation to Settler's Rock
For those who prefer not to undertake the longer bike ride, driving is also an option, with a parking area available near Settler's Rock and the North Lighthouse trailhead. This is a convenient choice for families or individuals who may find biking challenging. Taxis are also available on the island and can be a practical solution for reaching Settler's Rock, especially if you plan to return to town without biking the entire distance.
When planning your trip, consider the time of year. During the off-season, the roads are less crowded, making for a more relaxed journey. However, it's also important to note that some services might be limited during these times. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, ensure you have adequate water and snacks, as amenities can be sparse along Corn Neck Road.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit