When it comes to island getaways in New England, Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard are two of the most popular destinations. Both offer miles of stunning beaches, charming towns, and plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. But which one should you choose for your next vacation? In this guide, we’ll compare Block Island vs. Martha’s Vineyard to help you make the best decision.
Introduction to Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard
Before diving into the details of each island, let’s start with a quick introduction to Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard.
Block Island is a small island located about 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. It’s known for its picturesque beaches, rugged coastline, and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the island by bike or on foot, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Martha’s Vineyard, on the other hand, is a larger island located off the coast of Massachusetts, south of Cape Cod. It’s a popular summer destination for its charming towns, picturesque beaches, and historic landmarks. The island is divided into six towns, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Island Size and Accessibility
One of the biggest differences between Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard is their size. Block Island is much smaller, with a total area of about 7 square miles, while Martha’s Vineyard is much larger, with a total area of about 100 square miles. This means that Martha’s Vineyard has more towns, attractions, and activities to explore.
In terms of accessibility, both islands are only accessible by ferry. Block Island has a ferry service that departs from Point Judith in Rhode Island, while Martha’s Vineyard has multiple ferry services that depart from various locations, including Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and New York.
Block Island is closer to the mainland, with a ferry ride of about an hour, while Martha’s Vineyard is farther, with ferry rides ranging from 35 minutes to 3 hours depending on the departure location.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities: Block Island vs. Martha’s Vineyard
Both Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard are known for their stunning beaches and outdoor activities.
Block Island has 17 miles of beaches, including popular spots like Crescent Beach, Ballard’s Beach, and Mansion Beach. The island is also home to Mohegan Bluffs, a scenic cliffside area that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
In terms of outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy hiking on the island’s many trails, kayaking in the Great Salt Pond, and fishing for striped bass and bluefish.
Martha’s Vineyard has over 100 beaches, ranging from secluded coves to popular spots like South Beach and State Beach. The island also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, golfing, and fishing.
Visitors can explore the island’s many nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries, or take a guided kayak tour of the island’s waterways.
Town and Culture
Both Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard have charming towns with unique cultures and attractions.
Block Island has one main town, New Shoreham, which is known for its quaint shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. Visitors can take a walking tour of the town to learn about its history and landmarks, or explore the island’s many art galleries and museums. The island also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a seafood festival and a kite festival.
Martha’s Vineyard has six towns, each with its own character and attractions. Edgartown is known for its historic architecture and upscale shops and restaurants, while Oak Bluffs is known for its colorful gingerbread cottages and lively nightlife. Vineyard Haven is the island
‘s main commercial center, while Aquinnah is home to the famous Gay Head Lighthouse and stunning clay cliffs. Visitors can also explore the island’s many art galleries, museums, and cultural events, such as the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
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Travel Talk and Tripadvisor Reviews: Block Island vs. Martha’s Vineyard
When planning a trip to Block Island or Martha’s Vineyard, it’s helpful to consult travel resources like Travel Talk and Tripadvisor. These online forums and review sites allow visitors to share their experiences and recommendations, helping others plan their own trips.
According to Travel Talk forums, both Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard are highly recommended for their scenic beauty, charming towns, and outdoor activities. Some visitors prefer the laid-back atmosphere of Block Island, while others enjoy the larger size and variety of attractions on Martha’s Vineyard.
On Tripadvisor, both islands receive high ratings from visitors. Block Island is praised for its quiet beaches, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere. Martha’s Vineyard is praised for its diverse towns, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities. Visitors also note that both islands can be expensive, especially during peak season, and recommend booking accommodations and activities in advance.
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Is Block Island worth visiting?
Yes, Block Island is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful and unique destination that offers stunning beaches, scenic views, charming towns, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Block Island is known for its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing island getaway.
What is better Nantucket or Block Island?
This is a subjective question and depends on personal preference. Nantucket and Block Island both offer beautiful beaches, charming towns, and outdoor activities. However, Nantucket is larger and offers more variety in terms of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Block Island is quieter and more secluded, making it a great choice for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing island experience.
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Is Block Island near Martha’s Vineyard?
Block Island is not near Martha’s Vineyard, although both islands are located off the coast of New England. Block Island is located off the coast of Rhode Island, while Martha’s Vineyard is located off the coast of Massachusetts.
Why is Martha’s Vineyard so famous?
Martha’s Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming towns, and cultural attractions. The island has long been a popular vacation destination for celebrities and politicians, and is known for its upscale restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Martha’s Vineyard is also known for its historical significance, including its role in the whaling industry and its connection to African American history. Additionally, the island has been featured in several movies and TV shows, adding to its fame and popularity.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard comes down to personal preference. Block Island offers a quieter, more secluded island experience, while Martha’s Vineyard offers more towns and attractions to explore. Both islands offer stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and charming towns, making them ideal destinations for a New England island getaway.
Whether you choose Block Island or Martha’s Vineyard, be sure to consult travel resources like Travel Talk and Tripadvisor for recommendations and tips. And don’t forget to book accommodations and activities in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Happy travels!