The best things to do in Burlington, Vermont: A complete four-season guide
Vermont’s largest city is considered small by most urbanites, but it’s got a healthy dose of big-city flair, at least by Vermont standards.
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain with gorgeous mountain views and spectacular sunsets, Burlington is home to the University of Vermont, the famous Church Street Marketplace, and about 42,000 residents.
There are so many things to do in Burlington, Vermont in every season.
It’s a solid destination for beer and coffee drinkers, foodies, and shoppers, and has been named the healthiest city in the United States many times over.
I spent every summer of my childhood in Burlington, swimming in Lake Champlain, wandering the Church Street Marketplace hoping to spend my allowance on something sparkly or tasty, and collecting cans and bottles to turn in for cash.
We also brought our kids to Burlington on weekends when they were growing up, and I’m happy to say that it is still as family-friendly as ever.
Burlington is one of the most beautiful cities in New England, and one of the few places in Vermont where you can spend a long weekend without running out of things to do.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Burlington in every season.
First: Getting Around Burlington
Burlington’s downtown is compact and walkable, which is one of its greatest assets. If you’re staying downtown, you can get to Church Street, the waterfront, most restaurants, and several breweries entirely on foot.
For exploring further afield, bike rentals are available at Local Motion on the Waterfront (right on the bike path). The Burlington Greenway connects the waterfront to parks and neighborhoods north and south of downtown, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to get around in the warmer months.
Parking downtown can be tricky, especially on summer weekends. The good news is that there are several parking garages with free, two-hour parking from Monday through Saturday, and entirely free parking on Sunday (metered parking is also free on Sunday).
This parking map will help you find downtown parking in Burlington, including metered, private lots, and municipal garages.
Things to Do on Burlington’s Waterfront
Lake Champlain is 125 miles long with more than 587 miles of shoreline, and it shapes the landscape and character of Burlington entirely.
Whether you’re biking the Greenway, searching for Champ, or watching the sun drop behind the Adirondacks, the waterfront is the heart of the Burlington experience.
Bike or Walk the Burlington Greenway
The Burlington Greenway just outside of the city.
If you’re looking for a way to get outside and enjoy the fabulous Vermont weather and spectacular mountain views, look no further than the Burlington Greenway, also known as the Burlington Bike Path.
I would argue that the Burlington Greenway is one of the prettiest paths in the country and one of the absolute best things to do in Burlington in the summer.
The paved trail runs along the water for eight miles, from Oakledge Park in the south (pictured above) to the Winooski River in the North. It connects several fantastic parks and recreation areas, including the Burlington Waterfront, North Beach, and Leddy Park.
In the summer, be sure to wear your bathing suit because you’ll have lots of opportunities to cool off in Lake Champlain, and if eight miles isn’t enough, you can continue north on the Island Line Trail into the Lake Champlain Islands and beyond.
If you don’t have a bike, the Burlington Bike Path is open to walkers and joggers. You can also rent a bike for an afternoon or a weekend.
Watch the Sunset from Oakledge Park
Photo by LunchboxLarry via Flickr
There are lots of amazing places to catch a Lake Champlain sunset, but I’m partial to Oakledge Park because it was within walking distance of my grandparents’ home when I was a kid.
Oakledge is the perfect spot for families to end the day; there’s a lovely playground, pavilions, tennis courts, walking trails, and access to the Burlington Bike Path.
Claim a spot on the red rocks jutting up from the lake and enjoy the views of the setting sun. Perhaps I’m a bit biased, but all my favorite sunsets have been right in this spot.
Embark on a Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain
There’s nothing like a Lake Champlain Sunset!
There’s no better way to enjoy Burlington than with a sunset cruise on Lake Champlain.
The Spirit of Ethan Allen departs from the Burlington Waterfront for sunset cruises on Friday and Saturday evenings through mid-October.
Sip a cocktail, order snacks, and watch the sun sink behind the Adirondack Mountains. If you can’t make the sunset cruise, check out the lunch or narrated cruises. If you happen to be in Burlington on July 3rd, be sure to book a spot on the fireworks cruise, which is a summer highlight.
For something more intimate, consider a sail with Whistling Man Schooner Company.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to feel the wind in your hair for a couple of hours, an immersive sail aboard a classic sailing sloop is the perfect respite from the bustle of the city.
You can book a public cruise with 6-10 other guests or opt for a private charter, perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or birthdays. Choose from morning, daytime, or sunset sails.
Look for Champ, Lake Champlain’s Lovable Lake Monster
Champ makes a rare on-land appearance near the Burlington waterfront!
If you’ve ever spent time in Burlington, you have undoubtedly heard about Champ, who has been making appearances in Lake Champlain for two hundred years.
Champ is said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster, and hundreds of people have spotted him since the first sighting in 1819. Historians think Champ is probably a garfish, but he has also been described as an enormous serpent with silvery scales.
Whether Champ makes his home in Lake Champlain or exists only in our imaginations, he is officially protected by both Vermont and New York, and is the official mascot of Vermont’s only minor league baseball team.
No matter where you are on Lake Champlain, keep an eye out and keep your camera at the ready.
Learn About Lake Champlain at the ECHO Center
The Echo Center on Lake Champlain.
The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is part museum and part playground, with loads of exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities for kids and adults.
It is home to more than 70 species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, and hosts thought-provoking exhibitions that change frequently. ECHO stands for Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunities for Stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. It’s located on the waterfront and is the perfect family excursion on a rainy day.
Experience Downtown Burlington
Burlington’s downtown is very walkable and fun to explore on foot.
Church Street is the obvious anchor, but the surrounding blocks are full of independent restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and locally owned stores worth wandering into. Plan to spend at least an afternoon here. Here’s what we like to get up to when we’re in downtown Burlington.
Explore the Church Street Marketplace
A summer day on Church Street in Burlington.
Church Street is a pedestrian-only, open-air shopping experience and the hub of Burlington. It features independently owned boutiques, some bigger chain stores, fabulous coffee shops, eclectic dining with outdoor seating, and a whole lot of people.
There are musicians, street performers, happy dogs, and kids with ice cream cones. Church Street is the place to go when you want a latte, a diamond necklace, a new outfit, or a burrito.
It’s good for an afternoon of people-watching or an excuse to spend all your money. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who wants the Burlington experience.
Grab the Best French Fries at Beansie’s Bus
Beansie’s Bus in Burlington. Photo credit
Yes, I’m biased, but I’ve also been enjoying the French fries from Beansie’s Bus for more than 40 years!
Beansie’s first opened in 1944 and has been faithfully feeding Burlingtonians for 75 years. The Beansie’s Bus family is aimed at keeping the summer tradition alive for current and future generations.
Grab a burger and fries, let your kids play at the Battery Park playground, and take in the awesome views over Lake Champlain.
Catch a show at the Flynn Center in Burlington
The Flynn Center in Burlington is housed in a 1930s Art Deco theater on Main Street.
It’s a fun venue to catch world-class musical performances, Broadway shows, and comedians. If you’re planning a trip to Burlington, Vermont, you owe it to yourself to check out the calendar of events at the Flynn Center.
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, put on by the Flynn each year, is one of the largest annual events in Vermont, featuring world-class musicians across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. This 10-day event is renowned for welcoming up-and-coming artists and established musicians.
Sip Your Way Through the Burlington Beer Trail
Pizza and beer at Queen City Brewing in Burlington.
Vermont has more craft breweries per capita than any other US state, and Burlington is one of the best spots to explore them. Because Burlington is such a walkable city, many breweries are within walking or biking distance of each other, and many are dog-friendly, too.
A few highlights: Burlington Beer Company in the South End is known for its eclectic food menu and creative seasonal beers. Queen City Brewery, across town, stands out for its authentic German-style offerings. Zero Gravity is perennially busy and worth the wait. Foam Brewers on the waterfront is perfect for a post-bike-ride pint. And the Vermont Pub and Brewery has been a downtown institution since 1988.
For a full guide to Burlington’s best breweries, including addresses, hours, and what to order, check out our complete Burlington breweries guide. Want someone else to do the driving? Check out this Burlington Brewery Tour for an insider look at Burlington’s craft brewery scene.
Burlington in the Summer
Summer in Burlington is something special, with farmers’ markets, waterfront concerts, swimming in Lake Champlain, and some of the best restaurant patios in Vermont.
For a full guide to summer in Burlington, including our favorite festivals, swimming spots, and outdoor activities, check out our complete summer in Burlington guide. Here are a few highlights:
Visit the Burlington Farmers Market
The Burlington Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm on Pine Street. It’s big, busy, and absolutely worth it, with artisanal salumi, made-from-scratch marshmallows, Gulf of Maine seafood, gourmet mushrooms, and locally grown cranberries. Don’t miss it.
Enjoy a Summer Festival
Summer is short in Vermont, and Burlington takes its outdoor festivals seriously. A few favorites:
South End Get Down runs every Friday evening in Burlington’s South End starting in May, celebrating community with live music, craft vendors, and food trucks.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in early June features five days of free outdoor music throughout town, plus ticketed headliners.
Vermont Brewers Festival brings two days of Vermont’s best craft beers and culinary offerings to the Burlington waterfront in mid-July.
The Festival of Fools in August celebrates street performers and buskers on the Church Street Marketplace.
Burlington in the Fall
Church Street in the Fall.
Located in the Champlain Valley, Burlington experiences fall a bit later than in the Green Mountains, generally mid- to late-October. Enjoy the fall colors along the Burlington Greenway, at Oakledge Park, or at Red Rocks Park in South Burlington.
Shelburne Farms, just north of Burlington, features miles of gorgeous hiking trails, a farm store, and a herd of friendly cows.
Day Trips for Fall Foliage from Burlington
The Lake Champlain Islands are a fabulous fall destination; quieter than summer, with gorgeous water views and farm stands still operating into October.
Stowe is about 45 minutes east and is one of Vermont’s most iconic fall destinations.
I’d also suggest exploring the mountain scenery around Richmond, Huntington, Jericho, and Bolton. So many small towns, back roads, and gorgeous views.
Fall Events Near Burlington
Looking to celebrate the fall foliage with a festival or special event in Burlington? Here are some ideas:
- South End Art Hop, September 11-13, 2026: A free, family-friendly festival in Burlington’s South End, complete with art exhibitions, studio tours, food trucks, live music, and a fashion show.
- Great Point North, September 18-20, 2026, on the Burlington Waterfront: Three days of live music featuring Grace Potter, Dark Star Orchestra, and more.
- Oktoberfest Vermont, September 18-19, 2026: Two days of music, craft beer, games, and weird competitions on Pine Street in Burlington.
Burlington in the Winter
Winter in front of the Flynn on Main Street.
Winter in Burlington gets a bad rap, but if you embrace the season rather than fight it, it’s actually a wonderful time to visit.
The crowds thin out, lodging prices drop, and the city takes on a quieter, cozier character that’s hard to find in the summer months.
Church Street is strung with lights, with a giant Christmas tree at one end; the Flynn has a full calendar; and there’s nearly always something happening on the waterfront or in the neighborhoods. Pack your warmest layers and lean into it.
Go Cross-Country Skiing or Ice Skating
The Intervale grooms three miles of trails for both classic and skate skiing. It’s totally free, and dogs are permitted. Another option is to ski on the side of the Burlington Greenway. The middle is often plowed for walkers, but there is usually plenty of room for classic skis on the path’s edge.
If you are new to cross-country skiing, I recommend starting at Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, where you can rent skis, take a lesson, and enjoy more than 35 km of groomed trails.
Ice skating is another great way to get outside in Burlington. I grew up ice skating at the indoor rink at Leddy Park, but the six outdoor rinks in Burlington are a great free alternative if you have your own skates.
Holiday Shopping and Winter Festivals
Vermonters love the winter holidays, and Burlington’s Church Street comes alive with twinkling lights and local shopping in December.
The season kicks off on the Friday after Thanksgiving with the Tree Lighting and Santa Parade. There are carolers, window shoppers, and of course, the 100,000 twinkling lights, around town and on the 30+ foot tree.
In December, enjoy holiday sales, a giant menorah, visits with Santa, and lots of holiday cheer. Then, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Burlington with Highlight, a celebration of music, art, and fireworks throughout downtown Burlington.
Burlington in the Spring
Spring comes slowly to Burlington, and Vermonters greet every mild day like a long-lost friend. The farmers market returns to Pine Street, the Greenway fills up with joggers and cyclists shaking off a long winter, and the Intervale bursts with migrating birds and the first signs of green.
It’s not the flashiest time to visit, but there’s something quite lovely about Burlington in the spring, especially if you time your trip around maple season or catch one of the early outdoor events that signal summer is finally on its way.
Maple Season Day Trips
Photo credit: Shelburne Sugarworks
Late March is maple sugaring season in Vermont, and Burlington makes a great base for exploring nearby sugar houses. Head to Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne for live music, demonstrations, and sweet treats.
Shelburne Sugarworks offers handcrafted maple ice cream, tours of the sugarhouse, and a year-round outdoor center with trails for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
The Farmers Market Returns
Burlington’s outdoor farmers market returns to Pine Street in early spring, and the reopening after a long Vermont winter is cause for celebration.
Birding near Burlington
A Scarlet Tanger near Burlington.
Burlington and the surrounding Champlain Valley are a genuine destination for birders, with an extraordinary range of habitats packed into a small area.
Here are a few spots worth seeking out:
The Intervale and Ethan Allen Homestead together offer 900 acres of meadows, wetlands, and river corridor along the Winooski, with more than 160 species recorded on eBird. Bald Eagles, Baltimore Orioles, Pileated Woodpeckers, and a remarkable variety of warblers are all possible.
The connected Ethan Allen Homestead adds marsh boardwalks and riverside trails, making for a lovely walk along the Winooski River.
Colchester Pond Natural Area is a reliable spot for waterfowl, warblers, and raptors on a two-mile trail through 693 acres of forest and meadow. Bald Eagles, Buffleheads, and Hooded Mergansers are all regular visitors. I featured the hike around Colchester Pond in AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont (I’d be so grateful if you’d add it to your bookshelf).
Delta Park in Colchester tops Vermont’s eBird checklist with 251 species recorded, making it the best single birding spot in the state. Spring and fall migration brings warblers, shorebirds, and waterfowl in impressive numbers to the lakeside marshes and the Island Line Trail.
Outdoor Activities In and Around Burlington
Burlington takes its outdoor recreation seriously, with an abundance of green spaces, trails, parks, and gardens throughout the city. We’ve already discussed riding or walking on the Burlington Greenway, but here are some other ideas.
Easy Hikes Near Burlington
Oakledge Park in the winter.
From Red Rocks Park in South Burlington to Shelburne Farms and Niquette Bay State Park, there are enough easy trails within 30 minutes of Burlington to keep you blissfully wandering for many happy days.
For our full guide, including difficulty levels, distances, and dog policies, check out our guide to easy hikes near Burlington.
Camping Near Burlington
Bike camping at North Beach in Burlington.
Did you know that you can camp at North Beach in Burlington? It’s a convenient and affordable way to stay in the city, and it’s right on the Burlington Greenway (an easy ride from downtown). North Beach is one of our favorite spots to swim in Burlington.
The campground, while not exactly a wilderness experience, is clean with great views. It has 137 sites on 45 acres and is managed by the City of Burlington.
If you don’t mind being outside of the city a bit, check out Button Bay State Park in Vergennes, about an hour south of the city.
The park has a great family vibe, gorgeous Lake Champlain views, a pool with a lifeguard, and access to some of the best swimming on the lake at nearby Kingsland Bay State Park. Read more in our guide to camping near Burlington.
Paddling on Lake Champlain
Rent a kayak or paddleboard at PaddleSurf Champlain, with summer locations at both Oakledge Park and North Beach. Rent for an hour or a half a day, take a lesson, or book a guided tour. Open between 11 am and 6 pm daily in the summer.
Featured Read: AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont
Written by Tara Schatz and Jen Lamphere Roberts, this fully revised guide includes classic hikes such as Camel’s Hump, Mount Mansfield, and sections of the Long and Appalachian trails, along with new additions Raven Ridge, Killington Peak, Moose Bog, and more.
Whether you’re looking for an exploration of nature or to bag a 4,000-footer, AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont is indispensable.
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Where to Stay in Burlington, Vermont
When it comes to Burlington hotels, we pretty much always choose to stay right downtown so we can get around on foot. It’s so much easier than trying to find parking in the downtown area.
Walking allows us to take advantage of the restaurants and shopping without constantly getting in the car. Here are our top choices for lodging in Burlington.
- Hilton Garden Inn: While I don’t usually recommend large chain hotels, the Hilton Garden Inn in Burlington is impressive in its location, price, and comfort. Even the lobby is beautiful. This Hilton is located on Main Street, just a few blocks from the Church Street Marketplace and the waterfront. It’s also got an indoor pool and fitness center.
- Hotel Vermont: Located right downtown and close to the waterfront, this is a boutique retro hotel with minimalistic furnishings and a fabulous restaurant. It’s well known for its dog-friendliness, customer service, and high price. Worth it? At least once!
- Delta Hotels by Marriott: If you want to save some money on lodging, you’ll have to sacrifice location, I’m afraid. Delta Hotels has a lot going for it, though – it’s close to the airport, the rooms are comfy, and there’s an indoor pool and fitness center. Pets are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burlington, Vermont
How many days do you need in Burlington, Vermont?
Two to three days gives you enough time to explore the waterfront, Church Street, and a few neighborhoods without feeling rushed. Add a day or two if you want to day trip to Shelburne, the Lake Champlain Islands, or Stowe.
Is Burlington, Vermont, worth visiting in the winter?
It wouldn’t be my first choice, but winter in Burlington has its charms. Cross-country skiing at the Intervale, ice skating at Leddy Park, holiday shopping on Church Street, and shows at the Flynn Center make Burlington an enjoyable winter destination. Lodging is also significantly cheaper than in summer and fall.
What is Burlington, Vermont, known for?
Burlington is known for its stunning Lake Champlain waterfront, the walkable Church Street Marketplace, a thriving craft-brewery scene, the University of Vermont, and its consistent ranking among the healthiest cities in the United States. It’s also the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
Is Burlington, Vermont, family-friendly?
Very much so. The ECHO Center, Shelburne Museum, Oakledge Park, Beansie’s Bus, and the Burlington Bike Path are all excellent for families. The city is walkable and full of things for kids to do in every season.
What is the best time of year to visit Burlington, Vermont?
Every season has its merit, but I vote for late summer or early fall for warm weather, waterfront festivals, and swimming in Lake Champlain. Winter is peaceful and affordable.
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