Introduction
I’ll admit it—when I first booked a trip to Burlington, Vermont, I expected charming New England town-vibes, but I didn’t fully grasp just how much there would be to explore. Between lakefront strolls, craft breweries, quirky public art, and tucked-away foodie finds, Burlington surprised me in the best way. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer escape, this city blends outdoorsy adventure, relaxed vibes and local culture in a way that feels effortless. Here are 12 of the best & fun things I found to do in Burlington—all tried, tested and highly recommended.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Burlington, VT (2026)
1. Wander the Church Street Marketplace
One of my first stops was Church Street Marketplace—a pedestrianonly block in downtown Burlington lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and street performers. It’s lively, easy to navigate and perfect for strolling, people-watching and grabbing a bite.
Tip: Stop for a coffee or pastry, browse the local boutiques and give yourself time to linger—this isn’t just an errands-stop, it’s a vibe.
See Also: 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Napa Valley, CA
2. Relax along the Waterfront Park (Lake Champlain)
One of my favorite moments: walking along the lake at the Waterfront Park, taking in views of Lake Champlain and the distant Adirondack Mountains. Quiet, scenic and perfect for a downtime afternoon.
Tip: Bring a picnic or rent a bike—there’s a paved path along the lake that’s great for exploring.
3. Visit the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Science & Nature)
When I wanted something a little different (especially great if you’re travelling with family), I visited the ECHO Center—an interactive science museum and aquarium right on the waterfront. It offered a refreshing indoor alternative while still keeping the outdoorsy lake-theme alive.
Tip: Check their schedule for special exhibitions or talks—they often highlight the ecology of the Lake Champlain basin, which is fascinating.
4. Explore the South End Arts District & Street Art
One of the more fun, off-beat stops: the South End Arts District. I wandered around and found colorful murals, industrial-building turned galleries, and the unexpectedly quirky “World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet” sculpture.
Tip: Set aside an hour to hop between Pine Street and surrounding alleys—perfect for photos and discovering local creativity.
5. Try Craft Beer – Brewery Hopping
I found that Burlington isn’t just beautiful—it has serious beer cred. From relaxed breweries with lake views to lively taprooms downtown, it’s a fun way to sample local flavors and connect with the city’s spirit.
Tip: If you’re into craft beer, ask about a “flight” of samples. Many breweries also pair food with their pours—great for an evening stop.
6. Take a Cruise or Paddleboard on Lake Champlain
For one of the standout experiences, I hopped on a cruise and also rented a paddleboard for a short time. The views from the water are stunning, and you get a fresh perspective on the shoreline and mountains.
Tip: Go near sunset if possible—golden light, calm water, and fewer crowds.
7. Visit Shelburne Museum (Just Outside Town)
If you’re able to venture a bit outside town, the Shelburne Museum offers a mix of art, history and quirky Americana across historic buildings and grounds. I appreciated the mix of culture and outdoor space.
Tip: Allocate half a day for this if you can—it’s calmer than the downtown bustle and offers a nice contrast.
8. Enjoy the Local Food Scene & Maple Treats
Burlington’s food scene surprised me. From farm-to-table dining to local ice-cream delights like maple “creemees”, there was always something worth tasting.
Tip: Don’t skip the ice-cream stop! Also ask locally about seasonal menus—the chefs here love to reflect Vermont’s produce.
9. Bike or Walk the Island Line Trail & Lake Path
One of the most scenic experiences I had: cycling along the lake path and crossing part of the Island Line Trail. The mix of water, sky and movement made it feel free.
Tip: Rent a bike early and bring layers—the breeze by the lake can be cool even in warmer months.
10. Hit the Beach at North Beach Park
If your trip aligns with warmer weather, North Beach Park is a fantastic beach spot on the lakeshore. I enjoyed simply relaxing, watching families play, and dipping a toe in the water.
Tip: Bring swimwear or beach gear, even if you don’t plan to swim—just lounging with the view is worth it.
11. Sunset from Battery Park
For a quieter, memorable moment, I headed to Battery Park and watched the sun melt behind the mountains across the lake. Peaceful, scenic, and a little off the main drag.
Tip: Arrive about 30-45 minutes before sunset so you can grab a bench or find a spot on the grassy slope.
12. Discover Local Hidden Gems & Quirky Stops
The best part of my Burlington trip? Wandering into smaller neighbourhoods, stumbling on hidden cafés, street art and locally loved spots. These aren’t always in the guidebooks, but they make the trip richer.
Tip: Ask a local where they like to grab coffee or browse art—those recommendations can lead to unexpected gems.
Final Thoughts
Burlington blew past my expectations. It’s not just a pretty place with a lake—it’s full of personality, surprises, and experiences that mix nature + culture + comfort in a seamless way.
Here are some personal takeaways from my trip that might help you plan:
- Balance your time. One part outdoors (walks, bike rides, lake front) and one part town (shops, food, streets) worked really well for me.
- Pace yourself. Between breweries, trails and ice-cream stops, I found it easy to over-schedule. Some slow time is part of the charm.
- Pick your season with intention. Summer gives you lake/hiking/beach; autumn offers foliage; winter has its own magic if you’re up for it.
- Stay central if you can. I stayed near downtown and found it easy to walk or bike to most things; that saved time and made evenings more relaxed.
- Local flavor matters. I found the smaller coffee shops, murals and neighborhood walks added depth to the “touristy” stops. They made the trip feel personal.
If I were to go back, I’d try to carve in an early morning hike before brunch, spend more time on the water, and leave one evening open just to explore without plans. Burlington turned out to be one of those destinations where the best memories happen in the un-planned moments.