South Burlington, Vermont Travel Guide
City City in Vermont with scenic landscapes
A lakeside suburb of Burlington with access to Lake Champlain, South Burlington offers waterfront parks, farmers’ markets, craft breweries, and bike paths with Adirondack views across the water.
Why Visit South Burlington, Vermont? #
Sitting along Lake Champlain’s eastern shore, this Vermont city offers easy access to waterfront parks, boating and scenic sunset views over the water. Close ties to nearby Burlington bring a lively food and brewery scene, plus family attractions like the ECHO Leahy Center and Shelburne Museum within short driving distance. It’s an appealing base for travelers who want lake activities by day and local craft beer and farm‑to‑table dining by night.
Top Things to Do in South Burlington, Vermont
All Attractions ›
- Oakledge Park - Lakeside park with beaches, walking paths, and views across Lake Champlain.
- South Burlington Farmer's Market - Seasonal market showcasing local produce, cheeses, maple products, and artisan foods.
- The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory (tour) - Factory tours and shopping offering a whimsical, family-friendly factory visit experience.
- Local craft breweries - Small taprooms featuring Vermont ales and rotating experimental beers popular with locals.
- Golf and recreation at Williston courses - Nearby public and private courses offering green views and relaxed round options.
- Small lakeside trails - Quiet trails around neighborhood ponds and small lakes ideal for birdwatching and walking.
- Burlington and Church Street Marketplace - Lively pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and waterfront access across the causeway.
- Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms - Large open-air museum and working farm with historic buildings and lakeside trails nearby.
Best Time to Visit South Burlington, Vermont #
Best late June-September for warm summers, lake activities and plentiful festivals. Autumn brings vivid foliage and is also a top draw; winters are snowy and cold.
Best Time to Visit South Burlington, Vermont #
South Burlington, Vermont's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (897 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to South Burlington, Vermont
South Burlington is essentially served by Burlington International Airport (BTV) located within the city and by local Green Mountain Transit buses. For long-distance rail, Amtrak stations are some distance away; most regional travel uses coach or car.
Burlington International Airport (BTV): Burlington International is in South Burlington - it’s the primary airport for the Burlington area. From BTV you can reach downtown Burlington in about 10-15 minutes by taxi (~$15-$25) or by Green Mountain Transit (GMT) bus route 11/11B (fares ~$1.50-$2.00) - the airport is effectively in the city.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT): For more international routing options, Manchester is farther away (about 2-2.5 hours’ drive); travelers typically transfer by car or coach to Burlington.
Train: South Burlington does not have an Amtrak station - Burlington area rail service is limited. The nearest functioning Amtrak stations are in Rutland (Vermont) and White River Junction, requiring onward road transfer.
Bus: Green Mountain Transit (GMT) operates local bus routes across Burlington and South Burlington; regional coach services (e.g., Greyhound, Megabus at times) connect to Boston and Montreal from downtown Burlington. Local fares on GMT are around $1.50-$2.00 for single rides.
How to Get Around South Burlington, Vermont #
South Burlington is car-oriented-most visitors find a car the easiest way to get around, especially for exploring the wider Chittenden County area. The city is also served by Green Mountain Transit buses that connect to Burlington and the University area. Burlington International Airport is in South Burlington, and taxis or rideshare services are readily available. There are bike lanes and some walkable neighbourhoods, but distances between major retail areas favour driving.
Where to Stay in South Burlington, Vermont #
- South Burlington Budget Motels (various) - Affordable motels and inns.
- Quality Inn / Econo Lodge (area chains) - Basic chain options near Route 7.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Burlington - Suite-style rooms, good for families.
- Courtyard Burlington Harbor - Waterfront location, modern rooms.
- Hotel Vermont (Burlington) - Boutique waterfront hotel in Burlington.
- The Pomeroy Inn & Suites (nearby upscale) - Higher-end options a short drive away.
Where to Eat in South Burlington, Vermont #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across South Burlington, Vermont's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in South Burlington, Vermont #
Nightlife within South Burlington itself is comparatively low-key, focused on restaurants, hotel bars and a few pubs. For a busier evening scene with more live music and nightlife, neighbouring Burlington offers many more options. Locals often head into Burlington for late-night entertainment.
Shopping in South Burlington, Vermont #
Retail in South Burlington skews toward big-box stores, grocery chains and strip-mall shopping along major roads. There are also local restaurants and smaller neighbourhood shops, but for a wider retail and boutique experience, downtown Burlington is nearby. Expect practical shopping options-groceries, home goods and outlet-style stores-rather than concentrated boutique districts.
