Location: Burlington
Top Things to do in Burlington
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Burlington, Vermont (VT)
Vermont's largest and perhaps most cosmopolitan city, Burlington beckons with the perfect blend of old New England charm, arts, culture and nature. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, Burlington is one of those places you can't help but fall in love with. During the spring and summer, the streets come alive with festivals and outdoor concerts. The picnic benches, playground and bike paths of Leddy Park are filled with warm weather revelers, and opportunities to swim, fish or just kick back on the beach abound. In the fall, the Burlington Bike Path is bustling with leaf peepers who come to view the vibrant autumn colors. In winter, lace up your ice skates and head to the Paquette Arena or grab your skis and head to any of the nearby resorts. Church Street Marketplace, with its early 1900s architecture, great restaurants, live entertainment, one-of-a-kind shops and well-known stores, is the focal point of the downtown area. Anytime of the year is a good time for chocolate. Be sure to stop by Lake Champlain Chocolates for a tour and taste.
Restaurants in Burlington
1. Andy A DOG Williams Skatepark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Oakledge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
New park located south of downtown on the waterfront.
Reviewed By WheresRain
We loved exploring this beautiful spot on Lake Champlain. Nice beach and walking path. Our kids rolled their eyes at first when we made them figure out how the earth clock works, but they thought it was cool in the end. We all wished we had more time and could have rented a kayak. Don’t miss the super tall filing cabinet art a few blocks away from the park.
3. Leddy Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This large, popular park has just about everything for indoor and outdoor fun, including a small beach on Lake Champlain, indoor ice rinks, ball fields, tennis courts, a playground and part of a 7-mile bike path that borders the lake.
4. Burlington Bike Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,095 reviews
Converted from the Central Vermont Railway to a bike path in the 1970s, this easy trail crosses through beaches and parks and offers great views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks and the city.
Reviewed By javadavy
My wife and I rented excellently tuned Fuji hybrid bikes from Outdoor Gear Exchange downtown and rode 31 miles round trip along the waterfront rail to trail path, taking the Clochester path to the Causeway Path and eventually to South Hero where we found The Accidental Farmer for a great lunch. Beautiful way to see part of Burlington.
5. Burlington Community Boathouse Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
At the centrally located Burlington Community Boathouse Marina, transient boaters will find dockage, services and a fantastic dockside restaurant, Splash. Whether you’re looking for hourly dockage, moorings or overnight dockage, the Boathouse Marina offers the greatest amount of dockage while not compromising on location! Boaters will find easy and close access to shopping, grocery stores, hardware stores and fantastic restaurants all within close walking distance. Located at our docks are the sailing charter companies Whistling Man Schooner and Let’s Go Sailing. The Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise boat also calls the Boathouse Marina home. Come pull up a seat in one of our Adirondack chairs located on our fully public dock and enjoy the best view in town! Free Wi-Fi is made available by Burlington Telecom
6. Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Reviewed By amyk6978
Burlington is such a beautiful city. We spent much of our time on the waterfront. Waterfront Park has so much to offer and we enjoyed spending time swinging on a swing watching the sunset, enjoying a picnic on the grass, taking a sail with Let's Go Sailing, we got a maple creamee, and enjoyed a dinner at the Skinny Pancake. We walked the path every day of our visit. It also had a nice fenced in dog run. You can also find workout stations along the walking path. The skate park was also fun to sit and watch all the people doing their tricks. I highly recommend visiting!
7. North Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By debbythec
I am used to swimming in the ocean and I have not had great experiences swimming in lakes or ponds. This was great! Sandy beach, gentle waves and as warm as a bathtub. They also have lots of shade from the trees and everyone really spreads out so you have your own little paradise. The view of the mountains over the water was spectacular. I would recommend bringing a float and parking in the lot ($8 per day).
8. Battery Park
9. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 557 reviews
Please note due to COVID-19, we are open limited days and times. We ask visitors to purchase timed-tickets via our website ahead of time. ECHO is Vermont's innovative science and nature museum on the Burlington, Vermont Waterfront. Through more than 100 interactive exhibits; 70 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians; major changing exhibits; a 2,500-square foot early learning interactive space; ECHO encourages visitors to view the natural environment as part of their neighborhood and to explore, learn about, and consider opportunities for stewardship. ECHO's mission is to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.
Reviewed By GregM60154 - Westchester, United States
ECHO is a fantastic, hands on experience for kids from 2 to preteens. There are 3 floors of exhibits, many are hands on. There are periodic events like feedings which are announced and the staff does a good job explains what the various animals are and what is their habitat. Most of the fish, amphibians and reptiles are native to the Lake Champlain region. There are geologic exhibits describing the glaciers and rocks left behind as well as how the native population made use of them. There is even a television display explaining how a “green board” works and then lets you do your own newscast. There is currently a butterfly exhibit running through September, 2020 which includes a tropical butterfly house where you can wander and see butterflies close up and if you are lucky enough, one may even land on you. This is definitely a fun educational center especially for families with young children.
10. Starr Farm Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 3Needs - Burlington, United States
This community dog park is large and well equipped for wearing out your pooch. There is a separate small dog area. And it's right off the bike path in case your dog needs some extra working out.
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