Airbnb Reveals Lesser-Known Island As East Coast’s Trendiest Beach Escape

Is there ever a season when beaches aren’t at the forefront of our minds? Negative.

That’s certainly one of many reasons that sold me when moving from Austin to San Diego, pulling off a reverse “California exodus”.

But we’re not here to talk about the West Coast. Today, we’re going East to a charming hideaway among many in New England’s medley of coastal gems.

Airbnb just revealed the ‘top 10 trending beach destinations’ with a few huge surprises, and some are really grasping for straws by calling themselves “beachy” (ahem, Big Bear).

At Travel Off Path, we’re just as drawn to sun and sand as you are. In this case, we fully align with Airbnb’s revelation that Rhode Island’s slice of paradise is the East Coast’s new vacation hotspot.

Discover An Island Within An ‘Island’ That’s Not Really An Island

Ever wonder why many foreigners side-eye us Americans? It’s not just our off-putting political climate — it’s the fact we’re blatant liars!

Call it false advertising if you want — Rhode Island is not really an island, but you’ll let it slide once you visit America’s smallest state’s actual island, Block Island.

That’s a lot of “islands” for one sentence, but hey I’m an island boy just tryin’ to make it…

This lesser-known hideaway has become the East Coast’s trendiest beach escape, in particular the island’s only official town, New Shoreham, seeing a whopping 160% surge on Airbnb’s popular platform.

Boasting a quintessential lighthouse, common aquatic life sightings, tranquil shores, and of course, a variety of fresh batches of the “catch of the day” paired with local brews.

No matter if you cap off summer with a last-minute vacation or want to kick off fall with an idyllic weekend getaway, Block Island is a great option.

From now through September, temperatures fluctuate in the 70s, and October begins to see a drop-off with highs of 62, making for many blissful beach days until it’s time to pack a jacket.

Even then, Airbnb claims Block Island is ‘buzzing with summer energy’ during the off-season.

17 Miles Of Gorgeous Public Beaches

Let’s be honest — certain New England vacation spots don’t exactly exude a come one, come all warm welcome, and that’s why Block Island makes for a great alternative to those very places.

Home to 17 miles of public beaches, you don’t need to be a card-carrying member of an exclusive club and sipping cocktails with your pinky flapping in the wind to feel right at home here.

Anchored by the unmissable Spring House Hotel, Block Island’s most storied accommodation overlooks the beaches below the bluffs with sweeping views of the Atlantic.

It’s unquestionably Block Island’s top stay, and quite honestly, a bucket-list item for any New Englander.

The coast here is varied, and each specific beach offers a unique flair as some are more or less crowded, rocky, and cliff-backed than others, though many are isolated and seem untouched.

For a place dubbed “Bermuda of the North”, you know their scenic shores have to be pristine.

According to TripAdvisor, travelers ranked the following 3 Block Island beaches as their favorites:

• Mohegan Bluffs
• Mansion Beach
• Fred Benson Town Beach

As beautiful as beach days are here, don’t sleep on other ways to enjoy the island’s serene nature. There are ample trails for hiking and biking, plus other aquatic activities such as kayaking and sailing excursions.

How To Get Here

You might have ventured to guess by now that Block Island isn’t hard to reach, being located in America’s smallest state — and you’d be correct.

A popular way to get here is by hopping aboard the rightfully named Block Island Ferry departing from Point Judith, and cars are allowed if you prefer to drive around town.

There’s also seasonal service departing from Newport, arguably Rhode Island’s most popular coastal town, lined with astounding mansions and a delightful main strip.

Providence is the state’s only commercial airport, though many travelers opt to fly into Boston, close by, for more flight options.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.