Location

The Crescent Beach is situated on the eastern shore of the Block Island, east of the Great Salt Pond. The Block Island is part of the Washington County, situated south from the mainland in the state of Rhode Island, USA.

Historical significance

According to recorded history, Giovanni da Verrazzano, first sighted the island in 1524, and originally named it as Luisa. At a later date the Dutch claimed the island and it was named as the Adrian Block Island in the Dutch maps.

The island’s lighthouse was originally built in the year 1829 and was subsequently rebuilt several times as the lighthouse structure was damaged repeatedly by the ocean activity. The other important constructions on the island are the Old Harbor and the New Harbor. The Great Salt Pond was artificially connected to the ocean by a channel dug around the year 1895.

Tourist attractions

The beach is a long stretch of sand situated in the north south direction on the eastern coast. The area is sparsely populated and hence one may not find many visitors to the beach at any given time. This beach is not very popular and one may not come across many visitors here.

The beach can be a good place to enjoy the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, when the waves are small. As the Great Salt Pond has a harbor with many boats moored to the boat ramps and piers, one may find boats going past the beach. The shore can be explored by boats. People can also be seen enjoying themselves in their speed boats near here. Some of these boats may travel to the Old Harbor.

Swimming is another activity one may try here. Since most of the beach does not have human activity, those wishing to be alone at the beach can enjoy the beach. Fishing is another activity one may try at the Crescent Beach. One can stroll along the length of the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves breaking on the shore.

Some interesting places on this island are the Beacon Hill, the Veteran’s Park, Old Harbor, the Rodman’s Hollow Nature Reserve, the Sachem Pond, the Harbor Pond, and the Cormorant Cove.

Some other beaches near the Crescent Beach are the Ballards Beach, Scotch Beach, Pebbly Beach, Mansion Beach, and the Block Island State Beach.

Best period to visit

The month of July is the best suited month for visiting this beach.

Access

There are also some ferry services connecting the island with places like New London, Point Judith, and the Fishers Island. Besides these one may use the Block Island State Airport. From the airport one has to take the Center Rd., and travel east on the Old Town Rd. After crossing Ocean Ave., the road merges into the Corn Neck Rd. This road travels parallel along the beach for some distance.

Emergency services

For all emergencies including fire, police, and medical, dial 911.

Police service

Chief of Police, New Shoreham Police Department,
Box 307, Beach Avenue,
New Shoreham,
Rhode Island 02807.
Ph: (401) 466 – 3220.

Fire service

Fire Chief, Charlestown Fire Department,
2370, Matunuck Schoolhouse Rd.,
Charlestown, Rhode Island 02813.
Ph: (401) 364 – 9117.

Lifeguard services

The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.