Summary
- Explore Burlington's rich history at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and Historic Site. Get a glimpse into the life of Vermont's founder, Ethan Allen.
- Enjoy the natural beauty of Oakledge Park, with its beaches and playground. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon in Burlington.
- Visit the Fleming Museum of Art at the University of Vermont to see a diverse collection of paintings and explore the historic campus. Admission is free!
Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is Vermont's largest city, boasting a population of nearly 45,000 people. But despite its size, the Chittenden County city still oozes quintessential small-town charm at every corner.
Home to a variety of attractions, from its bustling arts scene and varied museums to its array of shopping experiences and breathtaking lake views, Burlington, Vermont, should be on anyone's travel radar. However, for the best 24 hours spent in this beautiful lake town, here are some of the best things to do in Burlington in a day for a quick New England getaway to remember.
10 Tour The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum And Historic Site
Peek into the past to see how Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary War patriot and one of Vermont's founders, lived.
The Ethan Allen Homestead Park features a number of historic gems for visitors to see, including the restored 18th-century Allen House. Take a guided tour of the museum or explore the property's garden.
- Address: 1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington, VT 05408
- Hours: Open from May 1 to October 31 from 10 am to 4 pm
- Cost: $15 for adults and $7 for children (ages 5 to 17)
Tours are held daily at 10:10 am, 11:35 am, 1 pm, and 2:25 pm. The prices listed above are for admission to the museum; however, the Ethan Allen Homestead Park is free to enter from sunrise to sunset.
9 Explore Oakledge Park
Nestled in the city's South End along the shores of Lake Champlain, Oakledge Park is undoubtedly one of the many fun adventures to have in Burlington, Vermont.
Featuring two beach areas – Blanchard Beach and the Cove – as well as a playground, it's the perfect spot to spend the afternoon.
- Address: 11 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
8 Visit The Fleming Museum Of Art
Pondering what to do in Burlington, Vermont, in a day? This architectural gem is a must, which is located on the campus of the University of Vermont. The Fleming Museum offers visitors a wide array of exhibitions to explore, including a diverse collection of paintings.
Founded in 1791, the University also offers visitors much to see, including a variety of historic buildings like the Old Mill building.
- Address: 61 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405
- Hours: Open from September 5 to December 8 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesdays from 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm (visit the website for updated seasonal hours)
- Cost: Free
7 Walk Along The Waterfront Park
Lake Champlain is one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont. From various events to picturesque views of the Adirondack Mountains in the distance, the Waterfront Park is another great place to spend a few afternoon hours.
Enjoy a stroll out onto the boardwalk or indulge in a picnic at a nearby table, the options are endless.
- Address: 10 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
6 See The Views In Battery Park
Spanning 14 acres, this historic park is another great place to get lost in Burlington's natural green spaces.
Situated at the western end of the bustling Downtown area, the park is also perfectly situated overlooking the lake and the Waterfront Park, providing visitors with a fantastic of the shimmering waters and the distant Adirondacks.
- Address: Battery Park Extension, Burlington, VT 05401
- Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Even more fun awaits when the temperatures cool down, too, because an outdoor skating rink is available to the public in the winter.
5 Stroll The Church Street Marketplace
Located down the street from the University of Vermont, this is definitely one of the top-rated Vermont attractions to experience.
The award-winning Church Street Marketplace features more than 100 stores like Black Diamond, The Body Shop, Free People, and Lake Champlain Chocolates, as well as restaurants like Gaku Ramen and Thorn + Roots.
- Address: 131 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401
4 Tour The ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Another one of the best things to do in Burlington, especially for kids, is to take a tour of this fantastic science and nature museum, which is nestled right on the lake's waterfront.
The museum features a variety of exhibits centered on lake ecology; plus, the center features more than 70 animal species, including hermit crabs, channel catfish, and box turtles.
- Address: 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
- Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for students and seniors, and $14.50 for children (ages 3 to 17)
Tickets to the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, can be purchased online via the museum's website.
3 Sunbathe On North Beach
For beach bunnies wondering how to spend a day in Burlington, Vermont, this sublime shore is the answer. Sunbathe on the shores of Burlington's largest beach, North Beach, where one can get excellent views of the historic Burlington Breakwater North Lighthouse.
Grab lunch at The Beach House or a quick treat from the Snack Bar for a fun-filled afternoon.
- Address: North Beach, Burlington, VT 05401
- Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
North Beach is the only lake beach to have lifeguards on duty during the busy summer season.
2 See A Live Performance At The Flynn
Putting on incredible performances for 90 years, The Flynn offers some of the best activities in Burlington throughout the year when it comes to live entertainment.
This entertainment hub is a highlight of the town's cultural and arts scene, with 200,000 people flocking to the Main Stage and the Flynn Space to see live shows each year.
- Address: 153 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401
- Availability: Visit the website to see the current calendar of events and ticket prices
1 Grab Dinner At Hen Of The Wood
Round out an incredible day exploring this wondrous Vermont city with a dinner that showcases the state's most delectable foods.
Located next door to the Hotel Vermont, the restaurant's changing menu features thoughtfully sourced fare that's sure to please any rumbling belly.
- Address: 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401
- Hours: Open daily from 4:30 pm to 10 pm, with extended hours at the bar until 11 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Secure a seat in advance by booking a table at the Hen of the Wood on Resy.