Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Step off the ferry at Old Harbor and follow the salt-crusted crowds a quarter-mile south to where Ballards Beach Club has drawn revelers since 1946. The beach itself stretches wide and welcoming, framed by weathered shingled cottages and the kind of dune grass that scratches your calves on the walk down. Mornings belong to joggers and the occasional surfcaster, but by noon the transformation begins: umbrellas bloom in the sand, volleyball nets go taut, and the beachfront bar starts pouring Dark 'n' Stormys into plastic cups. What sets Ballards apart isn't the sand—fine and beige, pleasant but unremarkable—but the social choreography that unfolds each afternoon. College friends reunite over buckets of beer. Families claim their tables early, staking territory for the long haul. The house band or guest DJ takes the stage around four, and suddenly you're dancing in your swimsuit, salt drying on your shoulders, while the sun dips lower over the Atlantic. It's equal parts beach day and block party, with none of the velvet-rope pretense you'd find in the Hamptons. When the music fades and the last ferry horn echoes across the harbor, you'll linger just a bit longer. The tide pulls at your ankles. Someone's building a bonfire down the beach. Tomorrow you'll come back earlier, stay later, and understand exactly why islanders guard this stretch of coast so fiercely.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Ballards Beach.
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Ballard's Beach on Block Island generally offers calm, swimmable conditions during summer months, though it lacks lifeguards. The beach sits in a relatively protected area, making it safer than ocean-facing beaches. However, always check current conditions and weather forecasts before entering the water. Currents can strengthen during storms or high winds. The beach can get crowded during peak season, especially near Ballard's Beach Resort. If you're an inexperienced swimmer or visiting with children, stay close to shore and swim during calm weather conditions.
Peak season runs from late June through early September, when temperatures reach 70-80°F and the water is warmest. July and August offer the best beach weather but bring the largest crowds, especially during weekends and the island's special events. For a quieter experience with decent weather, visit in June or September. The beach is accessible year-round, but ferries run on limited schedules off-season, and most island amenities close after Columbus Day. Spring and fall offer solitude but cooler temperatures.
Ballard's Beach is accessible only via Block Island. Take a ferry from Point Judith (1 hour), Newport (2 hours), or New London, CT (seasonal). Once on the island, the beach is about a mile from Old Harbor ferry terminal. You can walk, bike, take a taxi, or rent a moped. Limited parking is available near Ballard's Beach Resort on Corn Neck Road. Many visitors rent bikes or walk from town, as Block Island is small and parking can be challenging during summer.
Ballard's Beach Resort dominates the beachfront, offering a full-service restaurant, multiple bars, and a lively atmosphere with live music during summer. They serve lunch and dinner with seafood-focused menus, tropical drinks, and a famous Sunday brunch. The resort also offers beach chair and umbrella rentals. Additional dining options are available in Old Harbor, about a mile away. Public restrooms are available. For lodging, numerous hotels, inns, and vacation rentals are scattered across Block Island, mostly within biking distance.
Ballard's Beach has earned its reputation as Block Island's premier party destination, thanks to Ballard's Beach Resort. The venue hosts daily live music throughout summer, attracting crowds who dance on the beach and enjoy the festive bar scene. Sunday afternoons are particularly popular, with brunch transforming into an all-day beach party. The atmosphere is energetic and social, drawing younger crowds and day-trippers seeking entertainment. While the scene is lively, families also frequent the beach, especially earlier in the day before the party atmosphere peaks.
