South Burlington, Vermont: 10 Easy Day Trips to Explore
10 Easy Road Trips from South Burlington, Vermont for a Fun Day Out
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| From Lake Champlain ferry rides to covered bridges, mountain views, and postcard towns like Stowe and Montgomery, these easy South Burlington day trips make every mile feel rewarding. |
Looking for quick escapes from South Burlington, Vermont? You’re in a great spot for it. In less than a couple of hours, you can trade city streets for lake views, mountain towns, farm stops, and historic sites. If you’ve been craving a simple road trip, a relaxed day trip, or even ideas for a short weekend trip, there are plenty of great options outside Chittenden County.
One of the best things about living in or visiting South Burlington is how fast the scenery changes. Head one way and you’re near the Islands. Go another and you’re in the mountains. Cross the lake or the state line, and it feels like you hit a mini reset button on the day.
Below are 10 out-of-county day trips near South Burlington that are easy, scenic, and full of memorable things to do.
1. Spend the Day in Stowe, Vermont
County: Lamoille County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 45 miles, roughly 1 hour
Stowe is one of those places that feels like a postcard come to life. It’s one of the most popular day trips from South Burlington, VT for good reason. The mountain views are beautiful in every season, and the town itself is full of charm.
You can stroll through the village, grab coffee, browse local shops, or just enjoy the classic Vermont feel. If you want more action, head to the Stowe Mountain Resort area for scenic drives and gondola views when open seasonally.
I always think of Stowe as the kind of nearby getaway that works whether you plan every hour or just wing it. Either way, it delivers.
- Walk around Stowe Village
- Take in mountain views
- Stop for cider donuts or a local lunch
2. Tour Shelburne Farms’ Neighbor Across County Lines: Basin Harbor in Vergennes
County: Addison County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 30 miles, around 45 minutes
For a laid-back road trip from South Burlington, head to the Vergennes area and visit Basin Harbor. This lakeside destination has long been a favorite for relaxing views of Lake Champlain, good food, and a slower pace.
Vergennes itself is also worth a stop. It’s small but full of character, and it makes a nice anchor for a day out in Addison County. Want a trip that feels easy and breezy? This is it.
It’s the kind of place where you can sit by the water and feel like the day suddenly got longer in the best possible way.
- Lakeside dining and views
- Explore downtown Vergennes
- Great option for a calm afternoon drive
3. Walk the Historic Grounds at Fort Ticonderoga
County: Essex County, NY
Drive from South Burlington: about 75 miles, around 1 hour 45 minutes
If you enjoy history, Fort Ticonderoga is one of the most iconic nearby getaways from South Burlington, Vermont. Set above Lake Champlain, this famous fort offers sweeping views and a deep look into early American history.
The site includes restored buildings, exhibits, gardens, and seasonal programs. Even if you’re not a big history buff, the setting alone makes it worth the drive. Think of it as a history lesson with a really great backdrop.
Bring comfortable shoes. There’s a lot to see, and it’s more fun when you can take your time.
- Tour the fort and museum spaces
- Enjoy lake and mountain views
- Great for families and history lovers
4. Ride the Ferry and Explore Plattsburgh, New York
County: Clinton County, NY
Drive from South Burlington: about 25 to 35 miles plus ferry time, often around 1 hour total depending on route
Want a day trip near South Burlington that feels a little different? Head over to Plattsburgh. The drive and ferry combo makes the outing more fun from the start. Sometimes just getting there is part of the adventure.
Once you arrive, you can explore the waterfront, local restaurants, and downtown shops. If the weather is nice, the lake views are a huge bonus. It’s a simple trip, but it feels special thanks to the crossing.
If you’ve got kids along, the ferry ride can make the whole day feel like an event instead of just a drive.
- Take a scenic Lake Champlain ferry
- Walk the waterfront
- Enjoy casual dining and shopping
5. Visit Smugglers’ Notch for Classic Vermont Scenery
County: Lamoille County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 40 miles, around 1 hour
Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most beautiful road trips from South Burlington, Vermont. The narrow pass, giant boulders, and winding road make it feel dramatic without needing a long drive.
This is a great pick if you want a scenic outing with chances to hike, snap photos, and enjoy fresh mountain air. In the fall, it’s especially popular, and for good reason. The foliage here can look like someone turned the color settings all the way up.
Just check seasonal road access before you go, since conditions can change.
- Scenic mountain drive
- Short hikes and overlooks
- One of the best fall day trips in the region
6. Explore the Islands and Beaches of Grand Isle County
County: Grand Isle County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 30 to 45 miles, around 45 minutes to 1 hour
If your ideal nearby getaway includes water views and a slower pace, head north into Grand Isle County. This area offers some of the prettiest lake scenery close to South Burlington without staying in the same county.
You can spend the day beach hopping, driving through island communities, and stopping at scenic pull-offs. It’s a nice choice when you don’t want a packed schedule. Sometimes the best road trips are the ones where you just keep following the lake.
Pack snacks, a camera, and maybe a beach chair if the weather looks good.
- Lake Champlain views almost the whole way
- Relaxed pace for couples or families
- Perfect for summer drives
7. Step Back in Time at the Saint-Gaudens Historic Area in Franklin County
County: Franklin County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 30 miles, around 40 to 50 minutes
Franklin County has a peaceful, open feel that makes it ideal for a simple day trip from South Burlington. A stop in this region can include quiet back roads, farm stands, and old New England town charm.
For a memorable outing, spend time exploring the area around St. Albans and enjoy the mix of history, local food, and slower travel. This is the kind of trip that’s less about rushing and more about noticing the little things.
Ever have one of those days where you just want somewhere easy and pleasant? Franklin County fits that mood well.
- Scenic country roads
- Local shops and food stops
- Nice option for a low-stress afternoon trip
8. See the Covered Bridges and Small-Town Charm of Montgomery
County: Franklin County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 55 miles, around 1 hour 15 minutes
Montgomery is famous for its covered bridges, and it’s a lovely choice for a weekend trip or day trip near South Burlington. If you enjoy scenic drives with a little old-school charm, this one checks the box.
The area feels peaceful and classic, with rivers, hills, and pretty roadside views. It’s especially nice in summer and fall, but honestly, there’s something cozy about it year-round.
Bring your camera. Even if you’re not usually the “stop for photos” type, you may change your mind here.
- Drive to several covered bridges
- Enjoy a relaxed small-town atmosphere
- Great for leaf-peeping season
9. Take a Food and Farm Day Around Middlebury
County: Addison County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 35 miles, around 50 minutes
Middlebury makes a great South Burlington road trip when you want a mix of downtown energy and rural Vermont beauty. The town has a walkable center, local cafes, bookstores, and nearby farm country that’s perfect for a relaxed drive.
This is a fun pick if you like building your own day. Start with breakfast, wander around town, then head out to explore the surrounding countryside. Add a farm stand or local market stop, and you’ve got a full outing without much stress.
It’s a little like making your own sampler platter, but for travel.
- Walk around downtown Middlebury
- Visit local food spots
- Combine town time with scenic back-road driving
10. Wander Through Montpelier for a Capital City Break
County: Washington County, VT
Drive from South Burlington: about 40 miles, around 50 minutes
If you want a quick day trip from South Burlington, Vermont with a different feel, Montpelier is a smart choice. It’s small for a state capital, which makes it easy to explore in just a few hours.
You can walk downtown, check out the State House area, browse shops, and stop for coffee or lunch. It’s a nice mix of scenic and practical, and it works well in any season.
This is one of those trips that feels simple on paper but ends up being surprisingly memorable.
- Stroll through Vermont’s capital city
- Visit shops, cafes, and historic streets
- Easy drive for a half-day or full-day outing
Tips for Planning Your South Burlington Day Trips
Before you head out, here are a few simple tips to make your road trip from South Burlington, VT even better:
- Check seasonal hours for attractions and ferries
- Bring layers since Vermont weather can change fast
- Start early during fall foliage weekends
- Keep cash or a card ready for small local shops and food stops
- Leave room in your schedule for unexpected finds
That last one matters. Some of the best day trips are the ones where you discover a roadside bakery, a hidden view, or a small town you didn’t plan to love.
Final Thoughts on Quick Getaways from South Burlington
When it comes to things to do near South Burlington, Vermont, you really have choices in every direction. Whether you want lake views, mountain roads, historic sites, or quiet small towns, there’s a short drive that fits the mood.
So, which one will you try first? A ferry ride to New York? A scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch? A relaxing afternoon in Middlebury or Montpelier?
If this list helped you plan your next day trip or weekend trip, feel free to share it with friends and drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway from South Burlington. I’d love to hear which road trip you’d add to the list.
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