Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island, Rhode Island

Park your moped at Payne’s Overlook and pick your way down the dusty path to the cliff’s edge. Let someone take your picture in front of the magnificent 150-ft. bluffs, with the crashing surf beyond. Then trudge back to your moped and go noisily motoring off. Or you can walk to the bluffs and pick blackberries along the way. Then climb down the rickety wooden stairs to the beach that sprawls below. It’s a wonderful beach for exploring, with smooth, multi-colored pebbles, driftwood, beach glass, and starfish. Wet, gray clay oozes down the bluffs. Scoop some up and slather it on your skin and then stretch out on a smooth boulder while the sun bakes the mixture into your skin. Rinse off in the ocean. Stay on the beach to watch as the sun sets behind the bluffs. Build a little fire (but not without a permit from the local police station) and toast marshmallows. Let the kids build wild creations from stones and driftwood, and write their names in large loopy letters on the beach that’s now washed clean of footprints from the rising tide. When you finally climb back up to the overlook the moon is shining overhead and you realize you’re not hot and sweaty after all.

—Marilyn Terrell

Marilyn Terrell is a Traveler senior editorial researcher.