Hannah | August 2026
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Dylan, Oella and I traveled to Rhode Island from August 5–9, 2026 for a big family celebration for Dylan’s grandma’s 90th birthday. “GG,” as the family calls her, has four kids, nine grandkids and five great-grandkids, and all but two family members were able to make it! We had a big beach house full of family for a few days, and it was so much fun having almost everyone together in one place.
Neither Dylan nor I had spent time exploring Rhode Island before, so we were excited to check it out! We knew it was a small state and heard great things about Block Island from friends, so I was especially looking forward to seeing it for myself.
We went into the trip with basically no expectations and left completely blown away by Rhode Island. Between the rocky coastline, turquoise water, beautiful beaches and little coastal towns, there were moments that reminded me of Europe, a tropical island and classic New England all wrapped into one.
By the time we left, we were already talking about coming back. We loved it enough that I would happily make Rhode Island another summer vacation next year!
Our 4-Day Rhode Island Itinerary
- August 5 — Travel Day: Drive from Maryland to Narragansett + settle into the beach house
- August 6 — Day 1: Block Island + Southeast Lighthouse + Mohegan Bluffs
- August 7 — Day 2: Scarborough State Beach + family beach house day
- August 8 — Day 3: Conanicut Island + Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe + Fort Wetherill State Park + 90th birthday celebration
- August 9 — Travel Day: Sunrise + drive home
Travel Day: Maryland to Narragansett
We left Maryland on August 5 and started the drive to Narragansett, Rhode Island. What should have been a much more manageable road trip ended up taking us around nine hours between traffic and plenty of stops for food, bathroom breaks and taking care of 18-month-old Oella along the way.
By the time we finally made it to Rhode Island, we were more than ready to get out of the car! We settled into the beach house, caught up with family and called it a night knowing we had an early morning ahead of us for our trip to Block Island.
Day 1: Block Island Day Trip
We booked the 8 a.m. ferry to Block Island, which might sound a little ambitious with a baby, but we actually chose the early departure on purpose. We’ve learned that Oella usually doesn’t sleep very well her first night somewhere new in her Pack ’n Play and tends to wake up earlier than usual. Instead of fighting it, we figured we might as well take advantage of the early morning and get a head start on our day.
The ferry wasn’t empty, but it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded either. The top deck filled up, but the lower deck was only about a quarter full. Before we even left the harbor, we spotted a seal in the water, which was such a fun surprise to start the morning!
Oella fell asleep while Dylan and I relaxed and eventually put on sunscreen before getting off the ferry. We brought our jogging stroller on the ferry with us, and we were permitted to either bring it up to the upper decks or leave it down below. I can’t say whether that’s because the ferry wasn’t full or if that’s always the case, but we appreciated being able to bring it with us nonetheless.
Walking to Southeast Lighthouse & Mohegan Bluffs
Once we got off the ferry, we weaved our way through the crowd and found a spot where we could park the stroller for a minute while we figured out where we wanted to go. We noticed scooter and bike rentals nearby, but Dylan and I agreed that we were totally fine walking.
The harbor was still covered in fog when we arrived, which gave the whole morning such a cool, misty feel. We spotted a street sign pointing toward Mohegan Bluffs and started walking in that direction.
It ended up being about a 30-minute walk from the harbor to Southeast Lighthouse, and our jogging stroller was perfect for the road and any uneven terrain we came across along the way.
Southeast Lighthouse
We checked out Southeast Lighthouse and the cliff overlook. We didn’t check out the visitor center or climb to the top of the lighthouse because we were pressed for time, and the fog completely blocked the view. There was a wooden sign pointing us toward Mohegan Bluffs, so we made our way over.
Mohegan Bluffs
There is a small overlook once you arrive if you are unable to make it down the wooden stairs. We left our jogger at the top and took it one step at a time!
Once we made it to the bottom of the stairs, there was a little landing space for viewers to take photos and an opening to trek to the beach. There were about 10–15 feet of rock scrambling to get down to the beach, and it was a little sketchy at some points, so know your limits before you go.
Once our toes hit the sand, we settled in to enjoy the beach.
Since we arrived so early and it was so foggy, the beach was pretty empty when we got there. By the time we started to leave, it was filling up more. Something to note: it was definitely not a beach we felt like we could safely swim in because it was so rocky.
The cliffs were surreal, covered in cairns and rubble. There seemed to be more to explore if you weren’t confined to the abilities of an 18-month-old, but we felt our time at the beach was over and it was time to climb the stairs again (all 141 steps).
The walk back to the downtown Block Island area was easy, and it was warming up on the island. We returned to town sweaty and ready for lunch!
Downtown Block Island + Ferry Home
Arriving back at the harbor, we almost didn’t recognize the place! Over the course of a few hours, the fog had lifted and the harbor had transformed into a turquoise-water island paradise. We grabbed breakfast and smoothies at Odd Fellows Café before boarding the ferry back to Point Judith at 12 p.m. The boat ride was so relaxing on the way home that Dylan, Oella and I all fell asleep! It was nearly empty, so the ride was quiet as well. We arrived back at our Airbnb around 1:30 p.m. and relaxed with family for the rest of the day.
Day 2: Scarborough State Beach
We were thrilled to wake up on Friday and head to the beach! We’ve learned to take at least one day to slow down and enjoy the beach, and that is exactly what we did. We spent the morning at Scarborough State Beach swimming, boogie boarding, playing in the sand and laying low. The beach was full but not overly crowded, we didn’t feel like we were on top of other beachgoers. Around noon, half of our crew headed to the snack shack while Dylan, Oella and I headed back to the Airbnb for her nap.
Once we arrived back at the Airbnb, Dylan and his two brothers went into full dinner-prep mode. They promised to make an Italian dinner for the group that night and had grocery shopping to do! As they shopped, I prepped the kitchen. We delighted in an evening of pasta, puzzles and family time, ending the night with ice cream.
Day 3: Conanicut Island + 90th Birthday Celebration
After a very busy few days, we woke up and took it a little slower in the morning before embarking on our next adventure. After breakfast with the cousins, Dylan, Oella and I drove to Conanicut Island.
Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe
With Dylan needing some coffee and me wanting a snack for Oella, we stopped at Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe. We liked the laid-back atmosphere, grabbed what we needed and kept moving toward the park.
Fort Wetherill State Park
We continued to Fort Wetherill State Park and were really blown away by the scenery. As someone who has been lucky enough to spend time in Cinque Terre on the Mediterranean Sea, I felt as if, for a moment, I were back there. The rocky coast and turquoise water were so beautiful that I found myself envious of those spending a beach day there.
We left the parking lot to explore different walking areas nearby to take in the view. Oella kept asking to go near the water, so I brought her down to the shoreline and we loved watching the sailboats and sea birds.
While exploring, we came across an abandoned area covered in graffiti. It was interesting to walk through and see all of the different artwork, but we had mixed feelings about seeing so much graffiti in such a beautiful state park. Once we finished exploring, we packed up and drove back to our rental house.
90th Birthday Celebration
Saturday evening, the family ordered a big seafood boil from Ocean Catch in Wakefield and celebrated GG’s 90th birthday! We played games, shared memories, ate, drank and enjoyed each other’s company for a few hours before wrapping the night with berry cobbler.
Sunrise + Drive Home
Dylan and I packed the car the night before the drive home and set our alarm for 5:20 a.m. (oof). We wanted to catch the sunrise and make it out early to beat the traffic to hopefully make better time than we did on our way up.
The sun rose at 5:48 a.m. and we watched it rise over the ocean before jumping back in the car and driving home. It was worth it.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
A few items Dylan and I traveled with and LOVED, plus a few things we wish we had brought, are listed and linked below:
- We used her Toniebox in the car on the drive up and back, before naps and bed and during playtime. We cannot recommend it enough! We brought these tonies as well: Tigger, Pooh and the farm set.
- The beach tent we used and loved. Shade is a must for our family, especially when we’re spending several hours at the beach.
- We also recommend the Pack ‘n Play we travel with. It doesn’t come with sheets, so I’ve linked the ones we use here as well.
- One thing I wish we’d brought was a beach wagon. I’m looking at this one because it works with our current stroller and infant car seat, but we haven’t personally tried it yet.
- Sleep in the Airbnb was made possible by bringing our portable sound machine. I cannot travel without it!
- Since we had room in the car, we also brought a box fan in case our room was warm and for some extra white noise at night.
Would We Visit Rhode Island Again?
We had an amazing trip and cannot wait to return. I literally told my family and friends I want to go back for a visit next summer. It was unique, breathtaking and tons of fun. I would go back in a heartbeat—there is PLENTY more to explore!
Han & Dyl Trip Rating: 8.5/10