Ballard's Beach
Ballard's Beach Resort on Block Island offers a lively beach party with live music, multiple bars, and clear waters. A vibrant destination for fun and...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Ballard's Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ballard's Beach Resort on Block Island offers a lively beach party with live music, multiple bars, and clear waters. A vibrant destination for fun and sun.
"It was a great day in the sun. The beach is nice and clean and has easy access to the water. "
🚗 Rent a Bike, Not a Moped
Explore Block Island like a local by renting a bicycle for a more scenic and relaxed way to see the island. :bicycle:
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen!
The sun can be intense on Block Island. Reapply sunscreen regularly to avoid sunburn. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Beach Party Vibe
Ballard's Beach
Experience a lively beach scene with multiple bars, live music, and a festive atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking fun and entertainment.
Crystal Clear Waters
Ballard's Beach
Enjoy the refreshing, clean, and clear ocean waters, ideal for swimming and cooling off on a warm day.
Live Music Performances
Ballard's Beach
Catch local bands and performers providing a soundtrack to your beach day, adding to the energetic ambiance.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Ballard's
Getting to Block Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Bike, Not a Moped
Explore Block Island like a local by renting a bicycle for a more scenic and relaxed way to see the island. :bicycle:
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen!
The sun can be intense on Block Island. Reapply sunscreen regularly to avoid sunburn. :sunwithface:
🍹 Order Drinks Early
During busy times, drink service can be slow. Order your beverages ahead of time to stay hydrated. :tropical_drink:
🏖️ Arrive Early for Space
To find a good spot on the sand, especially during peak season, aim to arrive earlier in the day. :beachwithumbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Bike, Not a Moped
Explore Block Island like a local by renting a bicycle for a more scenic and relaxed way to see the island. :bicycle:
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen!
The sun can be intense on Block Island. Reapply sunscreen regularly to avoid sunburn. :sunwithface:
🍹 Order Drinks Early
During busy times, drink service can be slow. Order your beverages ahead of time to stay hydrated. :tropical_drink:
🏖️ Arrive Early for Space
To find a good spot on the sand, especially during peak season, aim to arrive earlier in the day. :beachwithumbrella:
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
Check the schedule for live bands playing at Ballard's; it's a highlight for many visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ballard's Beach offers a lively, party-like atmosphere with live music and multiple bars, set against a backdrop of beautiful, clear waters. While many enjoy the energetic vibe and convenient amenities, some visitors find the beach overly crowded during peak times, with limited open sand and slow service.
"I visited Ballard’s Beach over seven years ago and remembered it as a spacious, relaxing spot where you could easily lay down a blanket or beach towel, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ocean. Unfortunately, my recent visit was disappointing.
The beach was extremely crowded, with cabanas and umbrellas set up by the facility taking up most of the space. There was hardly any open sand to simply spread out a towel and enjoy the day. We ended up renting a cabana, but even then, service was slow ordering drinks took a long time due to the overcapacity and what seemed like understaffing."
Vicky Tran
"We were here for 4th of July, it was really busy but they did a great job making sure everything was still clean. Helena was so great, she worked really hard."
Julia C.
"Beautiful beach."
Danson Cheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ballard's Beach is located on Block Island, RI. You'll need to take a ferry to Block Island from mainland ports like Point Judith, RI. Once on the island, Ballard's is a popular destination and easily accessible.
There are two main ferry services: Block Island Ferry and Interstate Navigation Company (The Block Island Ferry). It's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
While Ballard's Beach is a popular destination, parking on Block Island can be limited. Many visitors opt to rent bicycles or walk from the ferry terminal.
Yes, you can fly to Block Island via New England Airlines from Westerly State Airport in Rhode Island. This is a quicker but more expensive option.
Renting a bicycle is a popular and recommended way to explore the island and reach Ballard's Beach. Mopeds are also available but bicycles offer a more relaxed experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ballard's Beach itself is generally free to access. However, renting chairs, umbrellas, or cabanas will incur additional costs.
Ballard's Beach Resort typically operates seasonally, with hours extending from late spring through early fall. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their official channels closer to your visit.
During peak season and holidays, booking a cabana in advance is highly recommended due to high demand and limited availability.
While the beach is open to all ages, the bar and party atmosphere might be more geared towards adults. Always check specific venue policies if you have concerns.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted at Ballard's Beach Resort, as they have multiple bars and dining options available for purchase.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Ballard's offers restrooms, showers, beach chair and umbrella rentals, cabanas, multiple bars, and often live music.
While Ballard's has a lively party atmosphere, the beach itself is beautiful and can be enjoyed by families, especially during quieter times. Consider visiting earlier in the day.
You can find typical beach fare, including seafood like lobster rolls, as well as other casual dining options.
The water is generally clean and clear, making it suitable for swimming. Always be aware of ocean conditions and any posted advisories.
Ballard's is known for its energetic, party-like atmosphere, especially on weekends and holidays, with live music and a bustling crowd.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the vibrant beach scene, the clear blue water, and any live music performances. The late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour shots.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permits. It's best to check with Block Island authorities before flying a drone.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides a warm, golden glow.
The expansive beach, the lively bar areas, and the ocean views are all great subjects. Look for opportunities to capture the energy of the place.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. Consider shooting in aperture priority mode to control depth of field.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a cabana for a comfortable base, but be aware that it can get crowded. To make the most of it, pack plenty of sunscreen and snacks. While Ballard's has food and drink service, having your own provisions can be helpful. Exploring the rest of Block Island by bicycle offers plenty of other family-friendly activities and quieter beaches.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting to rent a bicycle instead of a moped or car can also be more budget-friendly for exploring the island.
🥂 Couples & Groups
Renting a cabana can provide a comfortable and private space for your group to relax and enjoy the day. Consider visiting during a weekend to fully immerse yourselves in the vibrant beach party scene. The combination of sun, sand, music, and drinks makes for a memorable outing. Don't forget to try some of the fresh seafood, like the lobster rolls, which are a local favorite.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ballard's Beach Experience: More Than Just Sand
While the beach offers beautiful, clear waters perfect for swimming, the presence of numerous cabanas and umbrellas can sometimes limit open sandy space, leading to a more crowded feel.
Despite the potential for crowds, many visitors appreciate the lively energy and the convenience of having food, drinks, and entertainment all in one place. The live music performances are a significant draw, adding to the festive ambiance and making it a memorable spot for a day trip or a longer stay on Block Island.
+1Navigating Block Island: Beyond Ballard's
Beyond the bustling beach resort, Block Island boasts dramatic cliffs, picturesque lighthouses, and numerous walking trails. The Mohegan Bluffs, with their breathtaking ocean views, are a must-see. Renting a bike also provides easy access to other beaches and points of interest, allowing you to discover hidden coves and quieter spots away from the main crowds.
For those looking for a different pace, exploring the quaint shops and restaurants in New Shoreham, the island's main town, is also a rewarding experience. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Block Island offers a diverse range of activities that complement a visit to Ballard's Beach.
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