Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont
Welcome to the West Coast of New England. A hidden lakeside city nestled amongst mountains, where people are connected to land, culture, food, and drink unlike anywhere else.
From the team at Whistling Man Schooner, enjoy this insiders guide of the best things to do in Burlington, VT: America’s smallest, biggest city.
Why Visit Burlington?
For us, the answer is simple: The wide spectrum of things to do and see that are unique to this place. What attracts people to visit is exactly why we live here— a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts, interconnection between our farms and food, a strong appreciation for diversity, and a rich history.
This region is home to the world’s oldest fossils, ancient Abenaki culture, and the most important trading route during the formation of the USA. The waters of Lake Champlain are considered one of the great sailing territories of the world, while the Church Street Marketplace boasts an array of exquisite boutiques.
We have sightseeing for people of all adventurousness and mobility. No matter which direction you travel from Burlington you will end up in a picturesque Vermont town, complete with rolling hills, farm stands and covered bridges. Downtown is vibrant, bustling with a plethora of incredible restaurants, bars, and breweries. Burlington is a must-see city in New England, and here’s why:
(click on our “guides” below to see our specific recommendations for Burlington, VT activities.)
Outdoor recreation
There are two broad ways to enjoy the outdoors in Burlington, Vermont. The first is by the lake, where sailing with Whistling Man Schooner Co. is the number one thing to do (although we might be biased).
There are 5 public beaches in the city of Burlington with a snack shack and bar, kayaks, and SUP rentals. There is a trail for the exclusive use of pedestrians and cyclists along the entirety of the Burlington Waterfront, past Saunas, over bridges, and across a free ferry all the way to the Islands of Lake Champlain 10 miles North.
Our guide to Outdoor Recreation in Burlington, Vermont contains the best things to do outside around Burlington’s waterfront.
The second way to enjoy the outdoors in Burlington, Vermont is in the mountains. You’ll find stunning hikes and swimming holes nestled in the Green and Adirondack Mountain ranges.
Our guide to the Best Hikes contains the 8 best hikes of the Green and Adirondack Mountains, in our opinion!
Where farm to table really means something
The culinary scene in Vermont goes far beyond maple syrup. We have deeply rooted tradition in small, sustainable farms providing our food. Local chefs know their purveyors, and work within our seasons to create fresh dishes that highlight what our rich land produces. An unsuspecting place like a cafe can surprise you with their ties to local agriculture.
Our guide to Brunch spots, Coffee Shops, Cafes, and Bakeries contains our favorite places to eat breakfast and brunch in Burlington, coffee shops and bakeries included!
Our guide to Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont contains our favorite places for dinner in Burlington, Vermont. It’s a highly controversial topic in this city of foodies, but we promise that our guide will not lead you astray.
Sip and Savor
Craft beer was the engine of our beverage rocket ship, which has now entered orbit thanks to the ciders, spirits, and NA’s which Vermont has become famous for. Burlington in the epicenter of the Vermont drink scene.
Our guide to Breweries in Burlington, Vermont contains our recommendations for the best breweries in the city.
Our Guide to Cocktails, Bars, Music, and Nightlife lets you in on some of the best kept cocktails, bars, music venues, and more in Burlington, Vermont.
Make yourself at home
As the epicenter of Vermont tourism, Burlington offers the most refined accommodations in our state. Boutique Hotels, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and unique rentals. Nearby resorts and inns offer even more options for a relaxing stay.
Our Guide to Accommodations in Burlington, VT contains some of the best places to stay in Burlington, Vermont.
Discover nearby towns
The hustle and bustle of the city of Burlington is part of our charm, it sets us apart from the rest of Vermont. The picturesque small towns which Vermont is known for surround Burlington in all directions. There are so many cute places to check out nearby, but us locals have advice about where to go and what to see.
Our guide to day trips contains itineraries for four different day trips to towns neighboring Burlington, Vermont. Let us be your tour guide on and off the boat!
Passionate people
Vermonters are the most hospitable and welcoming people of any New England state. We are passionate about sharing what makes this place so special. There are a number of curated, guided experiences that showcase our area; We are grateful for the opportunity to share our state’s story and we work hard to ensure visitors leave with a memorable experience.
Our guide to Tours in Burlington, Vermont contains the best museums and tours around the city.
Seasonality
We’ve coined the phrase ‘seasonal amnesia' to help describe the stark difference between Summer and Winter in Vermont. It’s practically impossible to imagine ice skating across the frozen lake as you are sailing into the Burlington harbor on a warm August day. This Things to Do Guide has focused on the Summer months, however Vermont’s Winter months offer an entirely new and different experience. The changing of seasons is a significant part of our state’s identity, and we encourage you to embrace it!
Our guide to winter in Burlington, Vermont contains must-do Burlington, VT activities throughout the winter months.
Getting here
Our guide to getting to Burlington, Vermont contains recommendations for how to travel to and around the city. It’s easier than you might think!
Ready to set sail to Burlington?
On behalf of the entire state of Vermont, the crew at Whistling Man Schooner Company warmly welcomes you to our incredible city. With the help of this guide, we sincerely hope you enjoy your time here.