Burlington, Vermont: 10 Best Short Day Trips Nearby
10 Easy Road Trips from Burlington, Vermont for a Fun Day Out
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| From ferry rides and fort views to mountain roads, gorge adventures, and a sweet stop in Waterbury, these Burlington day trips pack a lot into one easy escape. |
If you’re in Burlington, Vermont and feeling the itch to get out of town, you’re in a great spot for a quick escape. One of the best things about Burlington in Chittenden County is how many fun day trips, scenic drives, and nearby getaways sit just beyond the county line. In less than a couple of hours, you can be walking along a lake, climbing a mountain, exploring a historic fort, or eating your way through a small Vermont town.
That’s the beauty of a good road trip, right? You don’t need a huge plan or a week off work. Sometimes all you need is a full tank of gas, a good playlist, and a place that feels different enough to reset your mood.
Below are 10 short out-of-county trips near Burlington, all in surrounding counties only. These ideas are great for a spontaneous Saturday, a laid-back Sunday drive, or even a mini weekend trip.
1. Ride the Ferry and Visit Ausable Chasm, New York
County: Essex County, NY
Why go: Ausable Chasm is one of the most iconic natural attractions near Burlington. It’s often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” and while that sounds big, the visit feels very doable for a day trip.
You can drive and take in the scenery, then walk the trails above the gorge. If the weather is nice, the rafting tours make it even more fun. Looking down into the deep rock walls and rushing water is one of those moments that makes you stop talking for a second.
From Burlington, this trip usually includes a ferry ride across Lake Champlain, which honestly makes the whole outing feel like part adventure, part classic Northeast escape.
- Best for: Nature lovers and families
- Drive time: About 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on ferry timing
- Tip: Wear shoes with grip. Some paths can be wet.
2. Explore Fort Ticonderoga
County: Essex County, NY
Why go: If you enjoy history but don’t want a stuffy museum day, Fort Ticonderoga is a great pick. Set above Lake Champlain, this 18th-century fort gives you sweeping views and a real sense of place.
There are exhibits, gardens, living history programs, and enough open space to make the visit feel relaxed. It’s the kind of place where kids can burn energy and adults can actually enjoy reading the signs.
I always think spots like this make a road trip feel richer. You’re not just seeing something pretty. You’re stepping into a story.
- Best for: History fans and scenic lake views
- Drive time: Around 2 hours
- Tip: Check the events calendar before you go. Special demonstrations can add a lot.
3. Spend the Day in Middlebury
County: Addison County, VT
Why go: Middlebury is one of the best small-town day trips near Burlington, VT. It has a walkable downtown, pretty stone buildings, local shops, and that cozy Vermont feel people travel for in the first place.
You can grab coffee, wander the town green, browse bookstores, and enjoy the falls right in town. It’s easy, low-stress, and perfect when you want a nearby getaway without doing too much planning.
Some road trips are all about big attractions. Others are more like taking a deep breath. Middlebury feels like the second kind.
- Best for: Couples and relaxed travelers
- Drive time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Tip: Come hungry. The local food scene is part of the fun.
4. Visit the Shelburne Farms-Area Alternative? No—Head to Basin Harbor Instead
County: Addison County, VT
Why go: Since this list stays outside Chittenden County, Basin Harbor is a smart lakefront option in Addison County. This classic Lake Champlain destination gives you beautiful water views, open grounds, and a peaceful setting for a short escape from Burlington.
It’s especially nice in late spring, summer, and early fall. You can enjoy the shoreline, have a meal with a view, or simply slow down for a few hours. Sometimes the best day trip is one where the schedule stays loose.
- Best for: Lake lovers and slow-paced getaways
- Drive time: Around 1 hour
- Tip: Bring a light layer. Lake breezes can feel cool even on warm days.
5. Take a Scenic Drive to Smugglers’ Notch
County: Lamoille County, VT
Why go: Looking for one of the most scenic road trips from Burlington, Vermont? Smugglers’ Notch is a classic. The narrow mountain pass, giant boulders, and dramatic views make it feel much bigger than the short drive suggests.
Even if you don’t do a major hike, just driving through the notch is memorable. In peak foliage season, it’s almost unfair how pretty it is. It’s like Vermont turns the color setting all the way up.
If you want to stretch your legs, there are trail options nearby for different skill levels.
- Best for: Scenic drivers, hikers, and fall color fans
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Tip: Check seasonal road conditions. The notch road is not open year-round.
6. Wander Around Stowe for a Classic Vermont Getaway
County: Lamoille County, VT
Why go: Stowe is one of the most famous nearby getaways from Burlington, and for good reason. The village is charming, the mountain views are stunning, and there’s plenty to do whether you like shopping, eating, hiking, or just taking photos.
This is a great choice if your group can’t agree on one thing. One person can browse shops, another can look for a good brewery, and someone else can chase scenic overlooks. Everybody wins.
- Best for: First-time Vermont visitors and mixed-interest groups
- Drive time: Around 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Tip: Start early on fall weekends. Traffic can build fast.
7. Climb or Drive Up Mount Philo’s Bigger Cousin? Better Yet, Head to Mount Mansfield Toll Road
County: Lamoille County, VT
Why go: For big views without a huge time commitment, the Mount Mansfield Toll Road area is a strong pick. Vermont’s highest peak delivers sweeping mountain scenery that makes your quick day trip feel like a real escape.
You can drive partway up and then enjoy short walks and overlooks, depending on the season and access. On a clear day, the views seem to go on forever.
It’s one of those places that reminds you how close Burlington is to mountain adventure. Not bad for a same-day outing.
- Best for: Mountain scenery and photo stops
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Tip: Always check weather before heading up. Mountain conditions can change fast.
8. Visit Saint Albans and Lake Champlain’s Northern Shore
County: Franklin County, VT
Why go: Saint Albans makes a simple and enjoyable day trip near Burlington. The downtown has local character, and the nearby lake areas add a nice scenic bonus.
This is a good choice when you want a shorter drive but still want to feel like you’ve gotten away. Grab lunch, explore local shops, and head toward the waterfront for fresh air and open views.
Not every trip has to be packed. Sometimes a lighter plan gives you more room to enjoy the day.
- Best for: Easygoing day trippers
- Drive time: About 40 to 50 minutes
- Tip: Pair downtown Saint Albans with a lakeside stop for a fuller outing.
9. Make Your Way to Grand Isle State Park
County: Grand Isle County, VT
Why go: If you want islands, lake views, and a true summer feel, Grand Isle State Park is a wonderful pick. The drive itself is part of the fun, with causeways and water all around.
It feels a little like sneaking away to a lakeside vacation without going very far. You can picnic, walk, relax by the shore, and enjoy that slower pace that makes Vermont great in warm weather.
For Burlington locals, this one can feel like a mini vacation packed into one afternoon.
- Best for: Picnics, quiet views, and summer road trips
- Drive time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Tip: Bring bug spray if you’re visiting near dusk.
10. Tour Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
County: Washington County, VT
Why go: You really can’t talk about iconic things to do near Burlington without mentioning the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. It’s fun, it’s easy, and yes, the ice cream is the main event.
The factory tour is a crowd-pleaser for families, couples, and basically anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s also easy to pair with other Waterbury stops if you want to turn it into a fuller weekend trip or longer day out.
And let’s be honest: a road trip with ice cream at the end feels like a reward system that actually works.
- Best for: Families and food lovers
- Drive time: Around 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Tip: Expect this one to be popular in summer and foliage season.
Quick Tips for Planning Day Trips from Burlington, Vermont
- Start early, especially on summer and fall weekends.
- Keep a few snacks and water in the car.
- Double-check ferry times if heading into New York.
- Bring layers. Vermont weather can shift fast.
- Leave room in your plan for surprise stops. Those often become the best part.
Final Thoughts on the Best Nearby Getaways from Burlington
One of the best parts of living in or visiting Burlington, VT is how easy it is to take a quick road trip and find something new. From mountain passes and historic forts to island parks and small-town streets, these short drives offer a little bit of everything.
So, where will you go first? A scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch? A ferry ride to an Adirondack adventure? Or maybe a sweet stop in Waterbury?
If you found this list helpful, share it with a friend who’s always up for a day out. And if you’ve already taken one of these trips, leave a comment and share your favorite stop. I’d love to hear which nearby escape from Burlington you liked best.
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