Things to do in Burlington
Summer brings warm lake days, sailing, and a lively waterfront, while late September and early October deliver Vermont's famous fall foliage across the Green Mountains. Winters are cold and snowy but ideal for nearby skiing at Stowe and Smugglers' Notch.
Best months: June, July, September, October
What is worth your time in Burlington
Burlington Greenway and Island Line Rail TrailDo not miss
A flat lakeside path that runs for miles along Lake Champlain, leading north to the famous causeway that juts into the open water.
Scenic Route · 2.8 hr4.8
Shelburne FarmsDo not miss
A 1,400-acre lakeside farm and National Historic Landmark with walking trails, a grand inn, and a working dairy famed for its cheddar.
Activity · 3.8 hr4.8
Waterfront ParkDo not miss
Burlington's signature Lake Champlain waterfront, with green lawns, a boardwalk, and sweeping sunset views toward the Adirondacks.
Park · 1.4 hr4.7
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake ChamplainDo not miss
A lakeside science center with live turtles, fish, and frogs of Lake Champlain plus hands-on ecology exhibits for all ages.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.6
Battery ParkDo not miss
A historic bluff-top park above the lake, the site of a War of 1812 battery and now a prime spot for summer concerts and sunsets.
Park · 53 min4.5
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream FactoryDo not miss
Tour the original Waterbury factory of Vermont's beloved ice cream, with a sample at the end and the quirky Flavor Graveyard outside.
Activity · 1.5 hr4.5
Church Street MarketplaceDo not miss
A four-block brick pedestrian street that is the beating heart of Burlington, lined with shops, cafes, buskers, and outdoor dining.
Neighborhood · 1.8 hr4.5
Fleming Museum of ArtDo not miss
UVM's art museum spans ancient to contemporary works across continents, housed in an elegant Colonial Revival building on campus.
Museum · 1.5 hr4.5
Spirit of Ethan Allen Scenic CruiseDo not miss
A narrated paddlewheel cruise on Lake Champlain with mountain panoramas of both the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks.
Activity · 2 hr4.5
University of VermontDo not miss
Vermont's flagship university crowns the hill above downtown with historic green quads, the columned University Row, and lake views.
Landmark · 1.5 hr4.4
Intervale Center
A 350-acre riverside farm district with organic fields, trails, and a community of small growers minutes from downtown.
Nature · 1.8 hr4.8
Mount Philo State Park
A short drive and easy climb to a clifftop with one of the finest panoramas of the Champlain Valley, lake, and Adirondacks.
Viewpoint · 2.3 hr4.8
South End Arts District
Pine Street's former industrial corridor is now a hub of galleries, maker studios, breweries, and the lively annual Art Hop.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr4.8
Burlington Farmers Market
A vibrant Saturday market of Vermont produce, maple syrup, cheese, crafts, and prepared foods in the heart of downtown.
Market · 1.5 hr4.7
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Burlington's compact downtown is walkable; park once and explore Church Street, the waterfront, and the Hill District on foot.
- Many of the best experiences are short drives away, so a rental car helps for Shelburne, Waterbury, and Stowe day trips.
- Visit in late September or early October for peak foliage, but book lodging early as it is the busiest season.
- The Lake Champlain waterfront is best at sunset, when the Adirondacks across the lake glow over the water.
- Vermont leans local and casual: tip well, embrace farm-to-table menus, and try the craft beer and cider scene.