This Charming Rhode Island Town Is Quietly Now a Top 10 U.S. Beach Destination — Famous For Its Lighthouses, Seal Spotting & Quiet Shores

While yes we are a New York City page, our friends over at Boston Uncovered have been influencing us heavy this summer with all the [gorgeous New England beach getaways](https://secretnyc.co/best-coastal-towns-in-new-england/) they have to offer. From the lobster roll paradise of [Nantucket](https://secretnyc.co/nantucket-massachusetts/) to Chatham, MA with the country’s best waterfront restaurant, we seriously can’t recommend a trip out there enough! But now there’s even another spot gaining some limelight, and that’s New Shoreham, Rhode Island or “Block Island .” Recently named a top 10 trending U.S. beach destination by Airbnb, searches for this laid-back island have surged nearly 160% compared to last year . And once you see it, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. Perched just off the coast of Rhode Island, New Shoreham is the smallest town in the smallest state , but it delivers *huge* on coastal charm. With 17 miles of free public beaches — no private clubs or gated sands here — it offers a rare blend of postcard-perfect scenery and the kind of simple pleasures that never go out of style: birds, beaches, and bikes . Unlike many resort towns, Block Island has no pretentiousness. The vibe is casual, welcoming, and refreshingly authentic . Summer hums with energy, but the shoulder seasons stay wonderfully sleepy — the perfect balance for those who want lively beach days and peaceful sunsets . Nearly half of the island is preserved open space , making it a haven for outdoor lovers. Here’s why it’s a must-visit before summer fades: * Mohegan Bluffs: Towering 200-foot cliffs with jaw-dropping Atlantic views . Descend 141 wooden steps to a secluded, boulder-dotted beach — one of the most dramatic spots in New England. * Quiet, pristine beaches: Lounge on the peaceful sands of Mansion Beach , wander the wild stretches of Coast Guard Beach , or bring the whole crew to family-friendly Fred Benson Town Beach . * Biking & exploring: Rent a bike or moped to cruise dune-lined roads, past shimmering ponds and postcard-worthy lighthouses. * Lighthouses & wildlife: Visit the cliffside Southeast Lighthouse and the remote North Lighthouse , where you might spot seals lounging on the rocks. Birdwatchers will find some of the best coastal habitats in the Northeast. * Quirky encounters: Yes, you can meet camels, kangaroos, yaks, and alpacas at the 1661 Farm & Garden — a hit with kids and the young at heart. * Local eats: Dockside seafood shacks like The Oar and Dead Eye Dick’s are summer staples, while Payne’s Donuts is a Block Island legend. New Shoreham, RI is truly the summer grand finale ------------------------------------------------- With its laid-back atmosphere, 365 freshwater ponds (one for every day of the year), and skies that go deep violet at sunset, Block Island feels like stepping into a slower, sweeter version of summer. Stargazing here is spectacular thanks to the island’s dark skies — the perfect nightcap after a day of sand and sea. Airbnb may have just spotlighted it, but locals have long known: this is the kind of place that gets under your skin and calls you back year after year. And with the season’s final warm weeks ahead, now’s the time to answer that call. How to get there from NYC and planning your trip ------------------------------------------------ Getting to Block Island is half the fun. From NYC, you can take a train or drive to Point Judith, Rhode Island , where the year-round ferry departs . While summer is peak season, September is one of the island’s best-kept secrets — the weather stays warm, the ocean is still swimmable, and the crowds thin out. By October, things quiet down dramatically, making it a serene spot for leaf peeping along the bluffs. Source: https://secretnyc.co/top-10-trending-beach-destination-airbnb-2025-new-shoreham-rhode-island/