10 Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont, is arguably one of the most charming towns in the United States! It is also one of the most fun college towns in New England. Having many tourist attractions, there are many local favorites but if you are planning a trip here are some of the 10 best things to do when visiting.

Having traveled to Burlington during the winter and the summer months, my take is the summer is a lot less brutal! The winter is known well for its bone-chilling cold. If you’re interested in enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful towns then it is best to plan your venture between summer and mid-fall. Speaking of the fall, it’s one of the most gorgeous times to visit because of all the leaves (foliage) changing all throughout New England. Below I have outlined a few of the local (my) favorites just so we ensure you’re beyond prepared for this visit.

10 Best Things to Do

One: Church Street Marketplace

To start things off, one of the most iconic parts of Burlington is the Church Street Market Place! It is in the very center of downtown Burlington and is alway filled with energy. Its cobblestone paved streets, which is always littered with pedestrian traffic this corner of the United States always seems to have something going on. In the warmer months, you can expect to see many special events here like live music, they even host a Mardi Gras Festival. During the winter you will have to plan a trip to include the center’s Christmas Tree Lighting but if you miss it no worries because the lights are a sight for themselves.

Two: Shelburne Museum + Shelburne Farms

Both of these next destinations are going to be located about a 15/20 minute drive from Burlington. I know this post is about Burlington, but they are located in Shelburne, Vermont, and are definitely worth a visit while in the area! The first location is Shelburne Museum it’s a museum of art and design and contains a little bit of everything! From paintings to circus collections and even a full-sized steamboat! The tickets are $25 and you can pick some up at the Museum. The following place in Shelburne would be none other than Shelburne Farms! It is a non-profit farm that is charming and has a lot of farm-to-table products along with educational workshops. It is also a great place to stay for your trip to Burlington. Shelburne Farms is ideal for those who like farm animals, fresh ingredients, and going for short walks.

Three: Shores of Lake Champlain

Burlington is located on the beautiful waterfront of Lake Champlain, giving the town the most beautiful water views. Lake Champlain is a gorgeous place to experience when it’s warm out and only to view when it is cold out. The lake offers beaches and fun water sports. The two beaches that are local favorites include North Beach and Oakledge Park. Another aspect of Lake Champlain is the boardwalk that is called Waterfront Park. In the summer months, you can expect to see many special events and many live music performances.

Four: Spirit of Ethan Allen

Spirit of Ethan Allen is a must. It is Lake Champlain’s largest cruise ship and floating restaurant. The ship offers views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or even for a sunset cruise. To book yourself dinner or to check out more information, please check here.

Five: Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is definitely a tourist attraction and for good reason. The theatre was built in the 1930s and the decor reflects its history. Local artists perform anything from dances to readings. If this is something that interests you check out this page for the calendar for the live performance schedule.

SIX: ECHO, LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Echo, Leahy Center for Champlain is a great place if you are traveling with your kids. It is a science and nature museum that is full of fun activities and things to do all day long. Not only is it a unique museum, but it also showcases beautiful views of Lake Champlain. Tickets can be purchased online here or in person.

Downtown Burlington

Lake Champlain

Seven: Go Hiking

Hiking is for everyone but especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Vermont has some incredible hike spots and there are many that are close by to Burlington. A crowd favorite is Ethan Allen Homestead. It not only has an epic museum here, but it also has 4 miles of hiking, walking, or even biking trails. A moderate trail that locals love to hike is Stowe Pinnacle. When you reach the top, you can expect to see beautiful views of Stowe Mountain. Mt Philo is another great mountain and also is a short drive away from Burlington. This mountain offers amazing views of Lake Champlain at the top.

Eight: Green Mountain Audubon Center

Another epic spot for outdoor enthusiasts and a place to immerse in nature is the Green Mountain Audubon Center. It is only 19 miles south of Burlington but it is the best place to sightsee diverse wildlife. It has 5 miles of nature trails and is a great place to experience beautiful bird sightings. It is free to enter but donations are helpful and greatly appreciated.

Nine: Fleming Museum of Art

I always love adding art museums because they are a favorite of mine. It always sparks my creativity when seeing work from artists all over the world. This Museum is actually part of the University of Vermont. The Fleming Museum of Art showcases art from around the world. It opened in 1931 and has a collection of 24,000 pieces from all different cultures.

Ten: Experience the Best Breweries of Burlington

I love a good brewery and Vermont is the place to enjoy them. Vermont has the most breweries per capita and they won’t disappoint. Some of the best breweries are also within walking distance of each other, so you can definitely have a full day of bar hopping. Here is a list of the best breweries that are all worth trying, Switchback Brewing, Zero Gravity Brewery, Foam Brewers, Citizen Cider, and Burlington Beer Company.