Gorgeous beach
1 / 10

Fred Benson Town Beach Block Island

4.7
·281 reviews·New Shoreham, United States

Bustling oceanfront beach with clear waters, chair rentals, and easy access from the ferry terminal.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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Gorgeous beach

Fred Benson Town Beach Block Island

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bustling oceanfront beach with clear waters, chair rentals, and easy access from the ferry terminal.

4.7
(281 reviews)

"Really nice beach with super clear water that is easy to get to from the ferry."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike or Moped It!

Rent a bike or moped near the ferry for easy access to Fred Benson Town Beach and island exploration.

⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends

Weekends get busy! Get there early to find the best spots for your umbrella and chairs.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 281 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Fred Benson Town Beach

Enjoy exceptionally clear water, a rare treat for New England beaches, perfect for swimming and wading.

Convenient Access

Convenient Access

Near ferry terminal

Just a short walk or bike ride from the ferry, making it ideal for day-trippers and easy exploration.

Umbrella & Chair Rentals

Umbrella & Chair Rentals

Beachfront concessions

Rent umbrellas and chairs for a comfortable day soaking up the sun and ocean breeze.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry & Moped Essentials

Catch the 9 AM ferry from Point Judith for a quick escape to Block Island. Rent a moped early to match your ferry arrival and explore the island with ease. Book in advance during peak season!

Weekend Crowds & Algae

Fred Benson Town Beach gets busy on weekends, so arrive early to snag a good spot. Be aware that some visitors note algae on the shore, though water clarity is often praised.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A Hidden Gem Just Hours from Boston: Block Island Looking for a quick and unforgettable escape? Catch the 9:00 AM ferry from Point Judith to Block Island—a peaceful island getaway just an hour away. Step 1: Rent a Moped Once you arrive, grab an Early Bird moped rental (9 AM–12 PM) and set your pick-up for 10:00 AM to match the ferry schedule. It’s the perfect way to explore the island at your own ...
@kala_yonjan_tamang
11.2K likes • 224.4K views

🚲 Bike or Moped It!

Rent a bike or moped near the ferry for easy access to Fred Benson Town Beach and island exploration. TikTok

⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends

Weekends get busy! Get there early to find the best spots for your umbrella and chairs. Reddit

Best New England summer trips 🌊🦞🌿🥂 (SHARE with a bestie you’d go with!) If you’re looking for your next New England summer trip idea, you have to save this! Block Island Beach House is literally so dreamy and the perfect spot for your next New England summer getaway (I actually used to take day trips to Block Island as a kid. I’d walk past this hotel and dream I’d stay here one day!) Here’s what I...
@chantillysongs
959 likes • 76.9K views
“Fred Benson Beach, Block Island 2025” #watercolor #pleinair #illustration by #henryseneyee #blockisland #blockisland2025 #nycurbansketchers #urbansketchers #drawing #blockislandsketches #rhodeislandsketches #watercolorpainting
henryseneyee_draws
32 likes • 0 views

🚿 Rinse Off Easily

Convenient shower facilities are available, making it easy to clean up after a day at the beach. Reddit

💧 Water Clarity Surprise

Enjoy surprisingly clear water, a highlight for many visitors to this New England beach. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike or Moped It!

Rent a bike or moped near the ferry for easy access to Fred Benson Town Beach and island exploration. TikTok

⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends

Weekends get busy! Get there early to find the best spots for your umbrella and chairs. Reddit

🚿 Rinse Off Easily

Convenient shower facilities are available, making it easy to clean up after a day at the beach. Reddit

💧 Water Clarity Surprise

Enjoy surprisingly clear water, a highlight for many visitors to this New England beach. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(281 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Fred Benson Town Beach is a highly-rated spot on Block Island, praised for its exceptionally clear waters and convenient location near the ferry. Visitors appreciate the available amenities like rentals, restrooms, and food options, making it ideal for day trips and families. Some note weekend crowds and occasional algae on the shore, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"This is one of the best beaches in Block island. It’s around 15 min walk from the port. Better to go on bikes or car. They have ample parking and shower area. It has nice coast to walk or sit and relax and enjoy the views. This place gets busy on weekends be prepared to walk a bit to find the best spot to set up your umbrellas and chairs."

Pavan

"Beautiful beach we came here off-season and had a blast running around!"

Brian Parsons

"Really nice beach with super clear water that is easy to get to from the ferry. We were on the southern end out of the main area and loved it. The clarity of the water was very rare for New England. Would recommend for those doing day trips."

Chris P

What People Like

Clear water clarity
Easy ferry access
Convenient amenities

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds
Occasional shore algae

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fred Benson Town Beach is conveniently located about a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal on Block Island. Many visitors opt to rent bikes or mopeds upon arrival for easier access and to explore the rest of the island. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at Fred Benson Town Beach, which is helpful if you're arriving by car or prefer not to bike. Reddit

Absolutely! Fred Benson Town Beach is an excellent destination for day trips from the mainland, with easy ferry access and clear waters making it a worthwhile visit. Reddit

Renting a moped or a bike is highly recommended for exploring Block Island and reaching attractions like Fred Benson Town Beach. The ferry often has early bird specials for moped rentals. TikTok

While walking and biking are popular, Block Island does have a taxi service and seasonal bus routes that can help you get around if you don't rent a vehicle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entrance fee to access Fred Benson Town Beach itself. You pay for amenities like chair and umbrella rentals. Reddit

The beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak season, and rental services will have their own operating hours. Reddit

While beach access is free, booking ferry tickets and moped rentals in advance, especially for weekend trips, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. TikTok

Yes, Fred Benson Town Beach offers convenient access to restrooms and shower facilities, which are a great amenity after a day in the sun and sand. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own umbrellas and chairs to Fred Benson Town Beach. Rental options are also available on-site. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Fred Benson Town Beach offers umbrella and chair rentals, lifeguards during the season, fast-food eats, restrooms, and shower facilities. Reddit

Yes, the beach is known for its super clear water, making it a very pleasant spot for swimming and enjoying the ocean. Reddit

The sand at Fred Benson Town Beach is typical of a coastal beach, with some areas potentially having algae, especially on the shore. Reddit

Yes, with clear waters, lifeguards, and convenient facilities, Fred Benson Town Beach is a great option for families. Reddit

There are fast-food eateries available right at the beach, offering quick bites for visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the clear blue water, the coastline, and the beachgoers enjoying the sun. The late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour photography. Instagram

While the beach itself is the main attraction, the surrounding coastline and the iconic Block Island landscape provide picturesque backdrops for your photos. Instagram

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide warm, golden hour light perfect for dramatic shots. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone over any beach or public area. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and ocean. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance water and sky colors. Instagram

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