10 Best Things to Do in New Shoreham

The Mohegan Bluffs are towering cliffs that overlook the water, with a pristine beach on the bottom offering fun in the sun and picturesque views in equal measure. The cliffs are easy to access from the road, but you'll have to walk down a set of 141 steps to reach the beach.

Whether you're at the cliffs or down at the beach, the view of the Atlantic is one of the most heralded in all of Rhode Island. You can find this destination on the southeastern edge of the island just a few minutes’ drive from city centre.

The North Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that dates to the mid-19th century and features a museum on its ground floor. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is remarkably well-preserved for its age. Despite the lighthouse’s age, you'll find that it is fairly modern in its functioning.

A wind generator and solar panels provide most of the building's power. You can see it all for yourself at the northern tip of the island about 2 miles from city centre.

The Southeast Lighthouse is known for its impressive architecture, as the red-brick construction features intricate corners and shapes you wouldn't normally see in 19th-century American buildings. While admiring the craftsmanship is an experience of its own, you'll also find a small museum at the tower's base.

Within the lighthouse museum, you'll find a small yet impressive collection of artefacts showcasing the maritime history of the area as well as the history of the lighthouse itself. You'll find this historical landmark on the southern coast of the island a short drive from city centre.

1661 Farm and Gardens is home to a small family of exotic and domestic animals that live together on the hillside, and you're free to visit with these creatures. You'll find a wide variety of animals here including sheep, donkeys, goats, and ducks.

The more exotic animals at this farm are particularly impressive. You'll find kangaroos, lemurs, llamas, and even a few camels. You can meet them all near Spring Pond just a short walk south from the Old Harbour Historic District.

Mansion Beach is a stunning beach featuring rocks and golden sands where you can enjoy beachcombing and body surfing in addition to simple relaxation in the sun. Compared with other beaches around the island, Mansion Beach tends to be a bit less crowded, so it's useful for travellers who are looking for some peace and quiet.

The name of the beach comes from the mansion that used to be here, but it burned down decades ago, and there are no plans for rebuilding it. You can find this beach north of city centre on the eastern coast of the island.

The Clay Head Nature Trail is a scenic hiking trail that offers access to a beach, picturesque vistas, and a maze at the end for you to explore. About a third of a mile down the trail, you'll find a beach that tends to be fairly deserted, so you can relax here without having to worry about crowds. The top of the trail is the most acclaimed section thanks to the maze.

This maze is a collection of interconnected paths that let you explore the surrounding nature as much as you’d like. Songbirds frequent the maze as well during the fall. You'll find this trail a few miles north of city centre near the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The Great Salt Pond is an iconic part of New Shoreham and Block Island where you can enjoy aquatic activities like boating in addition to a bustling marina. The pond is fairly busy throughout the year, but you'll still find plenty of opportunities to take a boat out into the waters to explore or go fishing.

The marina around the lake is quite inviting as well, as you'll find numerous seafood restaurants and several museums showcasing the history of the area. You'll find this massive pond northwest of the city centre area.

The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge & Sachem Pond comprises 46 acres of protected land that features rolling dunes and sandy beaches that you're free to explore. While there's no trail system in the preserved area, you'll find that the terrain is easily traversable by foot. Birding is quite popular here, as you'll find a wide variety of birds flocking to the refuge each fall including sparrows and warblers.

Sachem Pond itself is quite inviting as well, offering 105 acres of water to explore. You'll find this refuge on the northern edge of the island a few miles from city centre.