Discover the best things to do in Burlington, Vermont.
Burlington, Vermont, is such a special place! It’s not too big, with a walkable downtown and breathtaking scenery as you look out over Lake Champlain.
Burlington is home to the University of Vermont, the famous Church Street Marketplace, and about 42,000 residents. It’s a hot spot for beer and coffee drinkers, foodies, and shoppers and has been named the healthiest city in the US many times over.
If you’re planning a Vermont vacation, be sure to spend a few days in Burlington, where you can eat amazing food, sip on a craft beer, check out museums and nightlife, and explore the Lake Champlain waterfront.
Here are our favorite things to do in Burlington, Vermont, in every season.
Explore the Church Street Marketplace
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.
Bike the Burlington Greenway
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 weekend. For more information on the Burlington Bike Path and the surrounding parks, check out Enjoy Burlington.
Look for Lake Champlain’s Lovable Lake Monster
If you’ve ever spent time in Burlington, you have undoubtedly heard about Champ, which 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. He is also the subject of numerous books and the official mascot of Vermont’s only minor league baseball team.
No matter where you are on Lake Champlain, keep an eye out for Champ and keep your camera at the ready.
Embark on a Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain
Whether you’re looking for Champ or not, there’s no better way to enjoy summer and fall in 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. It’s the perfect way to end a day in Burlington. 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 highlight of the summer.
For more information on cruising Lake Champlain, visit The Spirit of Ethan Allen.
Learn about the Natural History of Vermont’s Primal Sea at the ECHO Center
The Echo Leahy Center Lake Champlain in Burlington 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 also provides space for 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.
You can read more about rates, directions, and current exhibits on the ECHO Center website.
Watch the Sunset from Oakledge Park
Truth be told, there are lots of amazing places to catch a Lake Champlain sunset, but I’m partial to Oakledge Park, as it was walking distance from 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 aforementioned 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 biased, but all my favorite sunsets have been right in this spot.
For directions and park info, check out Enjoy Burlington.
Sip on a Burlington Craft Brew
The state has more craft breweries per capita than any other US state, and Burlington is one of the best spots to imbibe in your favorite craft brews.
Want someone else to do the driving? Hop on the Brew Bus for an insider look at Burlington’s craft brewery scene. The Burlington Brewery tour brings you to four breweries and includes a beer-themed meal at a local restaurant.
Here are a few of our favorite breweries in Burlington:
- Burlington Beer Company: Located in a 120-year-old brick building in Burlington’s South End, within walking distance of Oakledge Park, Burlington Beer Company (BBCO) has been shaking up the local beer industry since 2014.
- Queen City Brewery was founded in 2012 with a mission to create traditional beer styles. In a craft beer world dominated mainly by fruity IPAs, Queen City stands out with its robust collection of German-style beers, including a smooth Munich Dunkel, easy-drinking Vienna Lager, and the classic Yorkshire Porter.
- The Vermont Pub and Brewery has been a fixture in downtown Burlington since 1988, and I’ll admit that visiting still makes me sentimental about the crazy days of my youth, when I would start the night here with friends and a Burly Irish Ale (or two).
Explore more: 6 Outstanding Breweries in Burlington Vermont
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.
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.
Grab the Best French Fries at Beansie’s Bus
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.
Take a Hike!
Burlington takes its outdoor recreation very seriously, with an abundance of green spaces, trails, parks, and gardens throughout the city. If you’re planning a visit to this beautiful part of Vermont, you’ll be happy to know that there are lots of easy hikes near Burlington to take advantage of.
Whether you’re hiking with your family, or just want to get away from the bustle of town for a bit, chances are there’s a hiking trail near Burlington with your name on it.
Here are our top choices for the best (and easiest) hiking trails near Burlington.
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.
A Few Excursions on the Outskirts of Burlington
I have to include two special places just south of Burlington in Shelburne, Vermont. Both spots are a short drive from downtown Burlington and worth the drive!
Shelburne Museum is the largest art and history museum in northern New England and one of the top things to do in Vermont.
The Museum’s 45-acre campus includes a Shaker-designed round barn, a general store, a carousel, and the 220-foot sidewheel steamboat Ticonderoga, which will enthrall kids of all ages.
Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre farm with a dairy herd, children’s barnyard, orchards, and walking trails. As a local nonprofit, it’s dedicated to education and sustainable farm practices.
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.
Explore more of Burlington, Vermont! Read these next:
- Easy Hikes Near Burlington, Vermont
- The Best Camping Near Burlington, Vermont
- 6 Outstanding Breweries in Burlington, Vermont
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.