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While it’s not the capital of Vermont, Burlington is the biggest city and it’s also home to the biggest airport which means that if you are flying to Vermont, you’ll most likely arrive here.
Luckily, it is the perfect base for exploring Vermont (and beyond).
Set right on the shores of Lake Champlain, this lively city puts you within easy reach of famous ice cream factories, charming mountain towns, dramatic scenic drives and even trips across the state and country borders.
Here are 12 of the best day trips from Burlington, Vermont.
🚗 Good to know: You’ll want a car for most of these day trips, as public transport is limited. If you need to hire one, I personally use Discover Cars, they always find great deals and their customer service is great.
🍦 1. Waterbury
🚗 About 30 minutes from Burlington
Waterbury was one of my favorite foodie stops of the whole trip, and it’s an easy half-hour drive away.
Your first stop will be the town itself. It’s quite spread out but it’s a lovely Vermont town with a quaint Main Street. Stop here for breakfast, there are loads of options.
The next thing to do is to drive a few minutes to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
You can go there and just check out the free areas which are the shops, the exteriors, the flavor graveyard (where retired flavors get their own headstones) and the playground but the tour is only $6 and it’s very good value for money.
You’ll go around the factory with a guide and understand better how the ice cream is made but you’ll also be given some frozen cookie dough (yes, the one they put in their ice cream) as well as a tub of the flavor of the day (which can be a non-released ice cream).
After that, keep walking Route 100 towards Stowe and stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for the famous warm apple cider donuts and fresh cider.
It’s a delicious, easy day out and a proper Vermont must-do.
⛪ 2. Stowe
🚗 About 45 minutes from Burlington
Honestly, no trip to Vermont would be complete without going to Stowe. It’s the ultimate Vermont town!! (as well as one of my favorite places in the US!)
When you get there, wander the charming Main Street and browse the local shops. Stowe Mercantile and Shaw’s General Store are a must visit!
After that, head to the viewpoint to snap the iconic white Community Church against the mountains, and walk or bike the lovely Stowe Recreation Path.
Just outside town, don’t miss the Trapp Family Lodge, with its highland cows and Austrian-style views, and if you fancy a scenic drive, Smugglers’ Notch is right there too.
Make sure to stop at the Stowe Mountain Resort as well which is great for skiing in winter and offers loads of hiking opportunities in summer and in the fall.
If you are visiting between mid-June and mid-October, make sure to go on the Stowe Gondola SkyRide for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains from the top of Mt. Mansfield (Vermont’s Highest Peak)
And of course, grab yourself a maple creemee, it’s practically the law! Honestly, Stowe could easily fill several days, but it makes a wonderful day trip too.
🏔️ 3. Smugglers’ Notch
🚗 About 50 minutes from Burlington
If you love a scenic drive, Smugglers’ Notch (Route 108), just after Stowe, is one of the most dramatic in all of New England.
The narrow road twists up through a mountain pass framed by giant boulders and towering cliffs, and it’s genuinely jaw-dropping.
On the way up, stop at the gorgeous Bingham Falls and Stowe Mountain Resort.
It’s stunning in summer and magical in the fall, though do note the notch closes in winter, so it’s a warmer-months trip. It pairs perfectly with a day in Stowe.
🧀 4. Shelburne
🚗 About 20 minutes from Burlington
The closest day trip of all, Shelburne sits just south of the city and packs in some of Vermont’s best attractions.
There are many things you can do in Shelburne which gives you a variety of options to make your day trip unique.
The first one is Shelburne Farms, a stunning 1,400-acre working farm right on Lake Champlain and famous for its cheddar
There is also the excellent Shelburne Museum, with its huge collection of art and Americana.
If you like your wine, then add a tasting at the Shelburne Vineyard (don’t forget to have a designated driver!!)
Finally, don’t miss a visit to the fun Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, where you’ll find handmade beautiful teddies.
🐴 5. Middlebury
🚗 About 55 minutes from Burlington
Middlebury is a lovely college town not too far from Shelburne which means it can easily be combined into the same day if you want to.
The showstopper is Middlebury Falls, which tumbles right through the middle of downtown, framed by old mill buildings.
The Henry Sheldon Museum is also worth a visit.
From there, wander up Main Street towards the church for the prettiest views, and take your time browsing the independent shops (including antiques and local products).
If you are an animal lover, the UVM Morgan Horse Farm is just a few minutes away and well worth a visit. It’s a relaxed, cultured little town that makes for a wonderful, easy-going day out.
🏛️ 6. Montpelier
🚗 About 40 minutes from Burlington
Montpelier completely charmed me, and I don’t understand why it’s so overlooked.
It’s the smallest state capital in the entire US, and here’s my favorite fact: it’s the only one without a single McDonald’s!
The centerpiece is the beautiful gold-domed State House, and you can even take a free tour to learn about Vermont’s history.
After that, wander the downtown, which is full of vintage shops, cafes and character (including a dive bar!).
It’s a lovely, wonderfully underrated dose of small-city Vermont.
📸 7. Woodstock
🚗 About 1 hour 30 from Burlington
A little further afield but well worth the drive, Woodstock is regularly named one of America’s prettiest small towns, and it really lives up to it.
It has elegant historic homes, lovely independent shops and the iconic Middle Covered Bridge, which is just a short walk from the green.
Grab a maple creemee, browse the boutiques, and if you have time, visit the wonderful Billings Farm & Museum.
PRO TIP: pair it with Quechee Gorge, which is just up the road, to make the longer drive really worthwhile.
⛵ 8. The Champlain Islands
🚗 About 30 to 45 minutes from Burlington
Head north from the city to the Champlain Islands, a lovely, underrated string of islands reaching out into Lake Champlain.
I drove up through them on my way to Montreal and loved how quiet and scenic they were compared to the rest of the state.
Expect gorgeous lake views on both sides, little state parks, farm stands and peaceful spots to pull over and take it all in.
It’s the perfect low-key escape, and honestly one of the most beautiful drives in the area, especially at sunset.
🌉 9. Quechee State Park
🚗 About 1 hour 30 from Burlington
Home to Quechee Gorge, often called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee State Park makes a great day trip.
At around 165 feet deep, it’s the deepest gorge in the state. You can admire it in just a couple of minutes from the bridge above, or hike down for a closer look if you fancy stretching your legs (which I would recommend if you have the entire day!)
It’s right near Woodstock, so I’d really recommend combining the two into one lovely day out.
You could also go to Hanover in New Hampshire as it’s close by as well.
🎓 10. Hanover, NH
🚗 About 1 hour 30 from Burlington
Just across the border in New Hampshire, Hanover is a gorgeous college town built around Dartmouth College, one of the Ivy League universities.
Wander the pretty campus and the lively downtown, which is full of shops, cafes and cultural spots, and has a lovely buzzy student energy.
It’s a characterful day trip with an Ivy League twist, and a fun one to pair with the Woodstock and Quechee area, which is close by.
🇨🇦 11. Venise-en-Québec, Canada
🚗 About 1 hour 15 from Burlington (border crossing required)
For something a bit different, drive north across the Canadian border to Venise-en-Québec, a small, pretty lakeside town on the northern shores of Lake Champlain.
We stopped here on our way to Montreal and loved the relaxed, holiday feel, with a little marina and waterside spots for a drink.
It’s a lovely change of scenery and a fun way to add another country to your trip.
Just don’t forget your passport, and check the border wait times before you set off!
🌅 12. Plattsburgh, NY
🚗 About 1 hour from Burlington
Across the lake in New York State, Plattsburgh makes a fun day trip.
Enjoy the lakeside beaches, the historic downtown and the Battle of Plattsburgh history.
It’s a lovely way to see Lake Champlain from the other side, and the ferry ride makes it feel like a proper little adventure.
Whatever you choose, Burlington’s central location makes it the perfect base for exploring.
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