offers majestic views of the mainland coast and nearby north
light. This is not a place for swimming because of a strong
riptide; and the beach is used as a nesting area by many rare
birds.
2. Mansion Beach is at the end of a dirt road with the same
name. The island's biggest home once sat like a jewel on a hill
overlooking Jerry's Point. Fire destroyed the home, and it was
not rebuilt. however, the beach fits its name by being block
island's grandest.
3. Scotch Beach is a quarter mile north of Fred benson
Town beach and part of Crescent beach. Scotch is a sandbox
for big kids, the favorite beach of the island summer workers.
For those who enjoy a hotly contested game of volleyball,
this is the place to go to challenge the locals. There is a small
parking lot just west of the beach.
4. Fred Benson Town Beach is home to block island's
fully equipped bathhouse. once called State beach, it is now
operated by the town. Town beach is staffed with lifeguards
in summer and the pavilion offers showers, lockers, food and
rental items. it is a segment of a beach known collectively as
Crescent beach.
5. Baby Beach, though not its official name, is a well-shel-
tered beachfront at the south end of Crescent beach where
children can play in shallow waters, catch small crabs, find
mussels, wrestle with seaweed and maybe find a sand dollar
or starfish. Adults can wade out for a swim in deeper waters.
its location close to town may be the primary reason that so
many adults bring their little ones here in summer.
6. Ballard's Beach is the other beach staffed with life-
guards in the summer. This deep-sand beach, located on the
south side of the old harbor breakwater and behind ballard's
restaurant, is a popular choice for volleyball, swimming and
sunbathing.
7. Mohegan Bluffs beachfront can be found at the foot of
the steps that descend from the Mohegan bluffs. The beach is
a favorite of surfers.
8. Vaill Beach is a large beach at the bottom of a hollow.
You'll find the path to the beach at the bend in Snake hole
road. At the base of the trail, turn left; Vaill begins past 50
rough, and rocks line the shallows, so swimmers should
exercise caution. The sand on this south-shore beach can be
patchy, depending on previous weather conditions, but typi-
cally you'll find some deep sands. hike westward and you'll
feel like you've discovered a rocky paradise.
9. Black Rock is a gorgeous setting. There are beaches and
a series of coves at the base of the cliffs. Sandy stretches are
hard to find and swimming is difficult. This area is named after
a large, dark rock in about 15 feet of water that has been the
demise of many ships. You'll want to walk or bike there.
10. Mosquito Beach, or "dinghy beach," across from
Scotch beach provides a place for boaters in new harbor to
leave their dinghies or rafts. The spot off Corn neck road also
offers majestic views of the Great Salt Pond and a perfect
photo backdrop.
11. Andy's Way is at the end of a dirt road bearing the same
name. The beach on the Great Salt Pond provides a place to
pull up a dinghy or take a stroll. To the north is beane Point, a
u.S. Fish and Wildlife property that many rare birds call home.
Andy's Way is also the premier clamming spot on the island.
12. West Beach presents a truly different experience. The
beach here is lightly trafficked, has gentle surf and offers
perhaps the island's best beach walk. To the north is an un-
developed stretch backed by dunes that leads the way to the
north light.
13. Coast Guard Beach at the end of Champlin road re-
ceives its name from the nearby former Coast Guard Station.
not a location for swimming, the beach is a favorite of families
clamming, fishermen looking to hook fish and boat lovers
watching the sailboats and yachts pull into new harbor.
14. Charlestown Beach is a popular beach with the fisher-
men, especially along the jetty at its north end. For beachgo-
ers, the jetty is a challenging walk. The beach is typically
uncrowded and peaceful. From here you can watch sail and
power boats enter new harbor, and view the grounds of the
former Coast Guard Station, which is now town-owned.
15a. Grace's, 15b. Dorry's and 15c. Cooneymus
Coves are secluded beaches on the west side of the island.
They are all great places for a nap or sunset gazing. The water
is usually calm, and hikes in either direction from each of
them are challenging.