Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont | Outdoor Recreation Edition
You cannot visit Burlington, Vermont without finding things to do outside. This guide highlights the outdoor recreation summer attractions that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. All the activities in this guide are within walking distance of one another!
Experience Lake Champlain
Enjoying a Sail
We might be biased, but sailing on a traditional vessel on Lake Champlain is the ultimate thing to do outside. Friendly, licensed, and professional crew take you back in time on meticulously maintained wooden rigged sailing vessels. Bring your favorite food and beverage and soak in all the sights of mountains and pristine waters around you.
Besides Whistling Man Schooner Company, there are other options for boating on Lake Champlain.
If you’re looking for a cruise ship serving dinner, check out The Spirit of Ethan Allen III.
For an intimate picnic boat cruise, check out Buttercup Cruises.
For a rocking good time check out the pedal cruise boat Nauti Paddle.
For a private classic trawler cruise check out Loon Cruises.
To rent an engine-less sailboat or kayak check out the Community Sailing Center.
Explore Burlington’s Beaches
Within the Burlington city limits you will find 5 public beaches along Lake Champlain, from South to North they are as follows: Oakledge Beach, Blanchard Beach, Texaco Beach, North Beach, and finally Leddy Beach. Each one has its own features. Oakledge has the best sunset views and beautiful rocks that extend into the water as well as a fine sand beach. Blanchard Beach and Texaco Beach are the smallest and least crowded. North Beach has a snack bar, The Beach House (serving alcohol), restrooms, and lifeguards. Dogs are allowed at Leddy Beach and there is free parking. Kayak and Paddleboard rental can be found at North Beach and at Oakledge Park.
The Fastest Hobie 16 at the Burlington Surf Club
There is a private beach and surf club located beside Blanchard Beach called the Burlington Surf Club. There you will find a plethora of cool stuff happening. My favorite is the Savu Saunas, available to rent privately. The Surf Club offers camps, yoga, rentals for all types of watersports, from Hobie Cats to windsurfers to SUPs.
Though not a beach, there is a centrally located park called Waterfront Park which has a large grass area perfect for a picnic, with incredible views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Waterfront Park hosts our summers greatest events such as Grand Point North Festival (September), Dragon Boat Festival (August), Brewer’s Fest (July), and a 3rd of July Fireworks show that will blow you away! See a full events list here. Waterfront Park is a short 4 block walk from Church Street down College Street.
Walk Burlington’s Trails
The most famous thing to do outside in Burlington is to walk or ride along Bike Path, also known as the Island Line Trail. This was the first connection from mainland Vermont to the Lake Champlain Islands built in the early 1800’s! The path is well maintained and even includes a ferry for pedestrians and bicycles. The trail starts in the South end of Burlington’s waterfront at Oakledge Park, passing by all our beaches, continuing up the entire coastline until you reach the islands!
Renting a bike from either Local Motion or Ski Rack is the best way to venture further on two wheels.
The Champlain Thrust Fault
There are other trail systems that are worth checking out, all within Burlington. The first I will share with you is a local secret and absolute hidden gem- From the Bike Path between North Beach and Leddy Beach, you can access the Rock Point Trail System. You must be respectful of the old growth cedar forest by staying within the marked trail. This path takes you on a 2-mile loop around Rock Point, a famous peninsula and small rock island. If you are a geology fan, be sure to walk down to the thrust fault, where you can see the awesome results of ancient tectonic plate pressure! Along the path are numerous cliff vistas with jaw-dropping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Keep your eyes out for the daring rock climbers and cliff jumpers!
More trail systems worth exploring in Burlington: Red Rocks Park, Ethan Allen Park, and The Intervale Trails.
Ready for an outdoor adventure?
From sailing on Lake Champlain to riding a bike along its shore to hanging out at the beach, there is no shortage of ways to spend a beautiful day outside in Burlington, Vermont.
