Location

The Mansion Beach is situated on the eastern shore of the Block Island, south from the Clayhead Swamp. The Block Island territory is on the southern Washington County Region situated south from the mainland, and is a part of 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 illustrated as Adrian Block Island in the Dutch maps of those times.

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 oceanic activity. The other important places 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 time 1895. This channel allows boats to use the harbor in the pond.

Tourist attractions

The beach is a long and narrow stretch of sand situated in the north south direction on the eastern coast. The Mansion Beach and the Crescent Beach are situated close together. The area west of the beach is sparsely populated and hence one may not find many visitors at the beach at any given time. This beach is not very popular and one may not come across many visitors. As there are few visitors to the beach, there are no public facilities. Some parts of the beach are submerged in shallow water.

The beach is a good place to enjoy the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, when these waves are small. The Great Salt Pond that lies west from the beach has a harbor with facilities for mooring many boats. There are many ramps and piers to be found here. One may find boats going past the beach occasionally. The shore can be explored by boats. People also like to enjoy the calm waters with their speed boats. Some of these boats travel between the Old Harbor and the New Harbor that is situated south of the beach.

Swimming is another activity one may try here. The beach may attract many visitors, hence those visiting the beach may find the quietness attractive if they like solitude. Fishing is another way of enjoying the beach and the waves. One can stroll along the length of the beach and enjoy the sound as the waves break repeatedly on the shore.

Some interesting places on this island are the Beacon Hill, Veteran’s Park, the Old Harbor, Rodman’s Hollow Nature Reserve, Sachem Pond, Harbor Pond, and the Cormorant Cove.
Some other beaches near the Mansion Beach are the Ballards Beach, Scotch Beach, Pebbly Beach, Crescent Beach, and the Block Island State Beach.

Best period to visit

The month of July is considered as the best suited month for visiting the 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 northeast on the Beach Ave. This avenue merges into the Corn Neck Rd., that runs parallel to the beach. One then has to exit onto the Mansion Rd., and travel east towards the beach. The road does not lead directly to the beach but is connected by a rough dirt track with the beach.

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 service

The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.