9 Things to Do in Burlington Vermont

You’ll find Burlington offers an impressive blend of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions that won’t strain your budget. Cycle the scenic Island Line Trail to South Hero, browse the car-free Church Street Marketplace, or paddle Lake Champlain’s waters for just $15/hour. Don’t miss the ECHO Center’s interactive exhibits, live music at Waterfront Park, or a ferry ride to New York’s scenic shores. Historic neighborhoods and nearby Shelburne Farms complete your Vermont experience with even more discoveries awaiting your exploration.

Cycle the Islands Line Trail to South Hero

One of Burlington’s most spectacular adventures costs just $8 and takes you on a 28-mile round-trip journey across Lake Champlain’s shimmering waters. The Island Line Trail stretches 13.4 miles from Burlington to South Hero, featuring mostly paved surfaces that change to compacted gravel on the causeway.

You’ll pedal along a historic railroad dike built in the early 1900s, with water visible on both sides for three miles. The trail’s flat terrain makes it perfect for families and beginners.

At the 200-foot gap called “The Cut,” you’ll catch Local Motion’s bike ferry ($8 round-trip) to reach South Hero Island. The trail experiences breezy conditions on the exposed causeway crossing, so be prepared for potential headwinds.

Rest stops include Leddy Park and Causeway Park, both offering restrooms and parking. Wood mile markers every half-mile help track your progress on this easy, scenic ride.

Browse Church Street Marketplace’s Four Pedestrian Blocks

After exploring Burlington’s scenic waterfront, head straight into the heart of downtown to Church Street Marketplace, where you’ll discover America’s most celebrated pedestrian mall. USA Today ranked it the #1 Best Public Square in America in 2022, and you’ll quickly see why.

This four-block brick-paved corridor offers over 100 shops, restaurants, and local businesses without any car traffic to navigate around.

You’ll find everything from Vermont-made crafts to cozy cafés among the 86 storefronts lining the historic buildings. Street performers add free entertainment year-round, while festivals and concerts create an energetic atmosphere.

The marketplace attracts 1.5 million visitors annually, so you’re joining a well-loved tradition. Multiple nearby parking garages make access convenient for exploring this economic and cultural hub. The mall has maintained above 90% occupancy consistently for decades, ensuring a vibrant mix of established shops and exciting new businesses.

Catch Live Music at Waterfront Park

Ten minutes from Church Street Marketplace, you’ll find Burlington’s premier outdoor music destination at Waterfront Park, where live concerts and festivals happen throughout the summer on a sprawling lakeside lawn.

You’ll catch everything from free community shows to major festivals like Grand Point North, returning for its tenth anniversary September 12–14, 2025.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs for the general admission setup—it’s perfect for picnics while enjoying national and regional acts across rock, folk, and indie genres.

Most concerts start around 6–7 PM during peak season (June–September). The venue also hosts the weekly South End Get Down with food trucks and rotating performers every Friday from June through September.

You’ll find food trucks and vendors on-site, plus downtown restaurants are just steps away.

Parking’s available in nearby lots, or you can take public transit to this easily accessible lakefront venue.

Explore Lake Champlain’s Ecosystem at ECHO Center

While you’re exploring Burlington’s waterfront, you’ll discover Vermont’s premier science museum at the ECHO Center, where Lake Champlain’s ecosystem comes alive through 70+ native species and over 100 interactive exhibits.

You’ll explore aquariums featuring native turtles, frogs, and lake fish while learning about watershed science and water cycles. The hands-on “Engineer It” area lets you code robots and test aerodynamics, while daily animal demonstrations showcase local wildlife behavior.

The LEED-certified building operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it perfect for rainy days. Plan 1-2 hours for your visit.

You’ll appreciate the family-friendly early learning space and 3D theater showing nature films. The museum welcomes over 167,000 visitors annually, making it one of Vermont’s most popular educational destinations. Best of all, you’re supporting Lake Champlain conservation while enjoying educational entertainment right on Burlington’s scenic waterfront.

Take the Ferry to Port Kent, New York

One of the Northeast’s most scenic ferry rides awaits just steps from Burlington’s downtown waterfront, where you can board the seasonal ferry to Port Kent, New York for an hour-long journey across Lake Champlain’s widest point.

You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondacks and Vermont’s Green Mountains while spotting wildlife on the open water.

The ferry typically runs from June through September with about five daily departures. Walk-on passengers pay around $8, while cars cost $30 one-way. No reservations are accepted—it’s first-come, first-served. Food and beverages are served onboard to enhance your comfortable crossing experience.

The relaxed pace makes this perfect for photography and sightseeing rather than quick transit. Since you’re already near Church Street Marketplace, you can easily grab lunch before or after your scenic lake adventure.

Tour Magic Hat Brewery and Local Craft Beer Scene

Burlington’s craft beer scene puts you at the heart of Vermont’s brewing revolution, where you can explore everything from iconic local favorites to cutting-edge experimental brews.

Magic Hat Brewing Company’s Artifactory offers a unique experience combining brewery tours with art gallery vibes and psychedelic décor. Their signature #9 pale ale and experimental pilot batches make for memorable tastings, though you’ll want to verify current operations since some locations have reported closures.

The self-guided ramp tour takes 1-2 hours and includes viewing brewing operations from above. The venue features 48 taps at their large bar area, offering extensive sampling opportunities for visitors.

For broader exploration, consider Burlington’s Pub Crawl Brew Tour, which hits multiple breweries with guided tastings and transportation included.

Whether you’re sampling Magic Hat’s circus-inspired brews or discovering new local favorites, Burlington’s craft beer culture delivers authentic Vermont brewing experiences without breaking your budget.

Walk Burlington’s Historic Hill Section Neighborhoods

Perched on elevated terrain just east of downtown, Burlington’s Hill Section neighborhoods showcase the city’s most impressive collection of Victorian and turn-of-the-century architecture. You’ll discover ornate Italianate mansions, Queen Anne homes with intricate woodwork, and Tudor revivals along tree-lined streets like Willard, Prospect, and Summit.

This free walking tour offers stunning Lake Champlain views and glimpses into Burlington’s industrial wealth from the late 1800s.

Start your exploration near the University of Vermont’s Redstone Campus and wind through the South Union Street Historic District. The neighborhood sits just one mile from Church Street Marketplace, making it easy to combine your architectural walk with downtown dining or shopping.

Many homes retain their original layouts and exteriors, creating an authentic historic streetscape that’s perfect for leisurely exploration. These stately residences once belonged to late 19th and early 20th-century industrialists who shaped Burlington’s economic landscape during its most prosperous era.

Visit Shelburne Farms Just South of the City

Just eight miles south of Burlington’s historic neighborhoods, Shelburne Farms transforms 1,400 acres of Lake Champlain shoreline into a living classroom where you can watch cheesemaking, meet farm animals, and explore ten miles of walking trails.

This National Historic Landmark operates as a working dairy farm with free winter trail access and paid seasonal attractions from mid-May to mid-October.

During peak season, you’ll find the Children’s Farmyard with sheep, cows, and chickens, plus guided tours focusing on sustainable farming.

The Farm Store sells their famous cheddar cheese, maple syrup, and local products year-round.

Trail networks connect barns, gardens, and lake views, offering everything from short family walks to longer hikes through maple woods and meadows. For an immersive experience, consider staying at the Shelburne Farms Inn, which features 24 rooms and 5 cottages with stunning landscape views.

Experience Lake Champlain by Kayak or Paddleboard

Lake Champlain’s 120 miles of shoreline make it the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the U.S., and you’ll find some of the best paddling access points right in Burlington. Launch from Oakledge Park for southern shoreline exploration, North Beach for sandy “urban oasis” vibes, or the downtown Community Sailing Center for Burlington Bay adventures.

PaddleSurf Champlain offers budget-friendly rentals at $15/hour or $40 for half-day kayak and SUP adventures from both Oakledge and North Beach locations. You’ll paddle past rocky bluffs toward Lone Rock Point or catch sunset views across the water toward the Adirondacks. The company also provides delivery and pickup services throughout Burlington and the Champlain Islands for added convenience.

Guided tours run 60-120 minutes starting around $35. Both kayaking and paddleboarding work for all skill levels, with lessons covering basics before you venture into open water for longer excursions.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Burlington offers plenty of affordable adventures whether you’re into outdoor activities, local culture, or craft beer. Many of these experiences won’t break the bank—cycling trails are free, Church Street browsing costs nothing, and brewery tours are reasonably priced. Pack a lunch for Waterfront Park, bring your own kayak if you’ve got one, and consider visiting during shoulder seasons for better deals. Burlington’s compact size makes everything walkable, saving you transportation costs.