South Burlington VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near South Burlington, Vermont.
1. Red Rocks Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE TRAILS
Red Rocks Park is a lovely park with nice nature trails through woods and several scenic views of Lake Champlain. Visitors can enjoy hiking along peaceful wooded paths that lead to beautiful vantage points overlooking the water. The park is perfect for a morning run or catching a stunning Lake Champlain sunset.
2. Overlook Park
BEAUTIFUL LAKE VIEWS
Overlook Park offers a little parking area off the beaten path with absolutely beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. While not extravagant, this park provides visitors with a peaceful spot to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. It's an ideal location for photographers and nature lovers looking to experience Vermont's scenic landscapes.
3. Higher Ground
POPULAR MUSIC VENUE
Higher Ground is a convention center and music venue that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The venue offers good sound quality, easily accessible beverages, and reasonably priced tickets for shows. Higher Ground has become a cultural hotspot for entertainment seekers in the Burlington area.
4. Whales Tails
UNIQUE PUBLIC ART
Whales Tails is an interesting public art installation featuring giant whale tails prominently displayed in an unexpected location. The unusual placement and scale of these sculptures make them a fun attraction for visitors of all ages. This distinctive landmark has become one of South Burlington's most recognizable points of interest.
5. University Mall
CONVENIENT SHOPPING CENTER
University Mall is a one-story shopping center close to downtown Burlington featuring mostly name-brand stores. The mall provides a convenient shopping experience with familiar retailers all under one roof. It serves as a practical destination for both locals and visitors looking to shop in the South Burlington area.
6. Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace
ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE
Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace is a multi-dealer shop overflowing with antiques and vintage goods for inspired lifestyles. The marketplace not only sells unique items but also offers classes and carries specialty products like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Treasure hunters and design enthusiasts alike will find plenty to explore in this eclectic shopping destination.
7. C. Douglas Cairns Arena
ICE SKATING VENUE
C. Douglas Cairns Arena is a game and entertainment center known for its quality ice skating facilities. The arena maintains ice with a perfect balance of temperature and quality, making it ideal for classes and recreational skating. Visitors have noted the helpfulness of the classes offered at this popular South Burlington venue.
8. Church Street Marketplace
PREMIER SHOPPING DISTRICT
Church Street Marketplace is an outdoor mall featuring more than 100 shops and restaurants in the heart of Burlington. Named the No. 1 Public Square in America in 2022 by USA Today, this pedestrian-friendly destination offers a vibrant shopping and dining experience. Visitors can enjoy browsing boutique shops, sampling local cuisine, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of downtown Burlington.
9. Burlington Bike Path
LAKESIDE RECREATION TRAIL
Burlington Bike Path features packed gravel on a narrow causeway that takes riders, walkers, or wheelchair users across Lake Champlain. The path includes a bike ferry connection to South Hero, expanding the recreational opportunities available to visitors. This accessible trail provides some of the most scenic cycling and walking opportunities in the region with stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
10. North Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKEFRONT
North Beach is Burlington's largest beach, offering food concessions, lifeguards, and a playground for visitors. This summertime haven provides a perfect spot for families to enjoy Lake Champlain's refreshing waters. The beach's amenities and beautiful setting make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists during the warmer months.
11. The Flynn
HISTORIC THEATER VENUE
The Flynn, established in 1930, was originally a state-of-the-art vaudeville and motion pictures venue known as Burlington's "Wonder Theatre." Today, this historic performance space continues to serve as a cultural landmark hosting a variety of shows and events. The beautifully preserved theater presents an opportunity to experience both contemporary entertainment and a piece of Vermont's cultural history.
12. Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE MUSEUM
Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a museum dedicated to teaching visitors about the species that call Lake Champlain home and conservation efforts for this natural ecosystem. The center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs appropriate for the whole family to enjoy. Through its engaging approach to science education, the center helps foster appreciation and understanding of this important regional resource.
13. Fleming Museum of Art
DIVERSE CULTURAL COLLECTIONS
Fleming Museum of Art houses a vast collection of exhibited Americana with approximately 150,000 pieces on display. The museum showcases diverse cultural artifacts and artworks that span multiple time periods and geographic regions. Visitors can explore the rich exhibition spaces to gain insights into various artistic traditions and cultural expressions.
14. Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruises
SCENIC LAKE EXCURSIONS
Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruises offers dinner cruises and sightseeing excursions on Lake Champlain, often referred to as the "sixth great lake." Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and shoreline while learning about the region's history and ecology. These popular cruise experiences provide a unique perspective on Burlington's beautiful lakefront setting and natural environment.
15. Vermont Comedy Club
PREMIER COMEDY VENUE
Vermont Comedy Club is Burlington's premier comedy venue hosting both local talent and nationally recognized performers. The club offers a variety of shows including stand-up, improv, and special comedy events throughout the year. Visitors looking for evening entertainment can enjoy laughs in this intimate setting while experiencing Vermont's vibrant comedy scene.