10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips From South Burlington, Vermont

on

10 Easy Road Trips From South Burlington, VT: Iconic Things To Do Just Beyond Chittenden County

If you live in or are staying in South Burlington, Vermont, you’re in a sweet spot. You’re close to the lake, close to the mountains, and just a short drive from some of the most beautiful small towns in New England and upstate New York. This guide shares 10 short out-of-county road trips from South Burlington, all within a couple of hours, and all packed with fun things to do. We’ll skip Chittenden County itself and head into these nearby counties instead:
  • Clinton County, NY
  • Essex County, NY
  • Addison County, VT
  • Franklin County, VT
  • Grand Isle County, VT
  • Lamoille County, VT
  • Washington County, VT
Think of this as your easy, low-stress Vermont road trip starter pack from South Burlington.

1. Cross the Lake to Plattsburgh, NY (Clinton County)

If you’ve ever looked out over Lake Champlain from South Burlington and wondered what’s on the other side, the answer is: Plattsburgh. You can take the ferry from Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY and then drive up, or use another ferry route depending on the season. Either way, the trip feels like a mini-vacation. Things to do in Plattsburgh:
  • Stroll the Plattsburgh City Beach in summer and enjoy the wide sandy shoreline.
  • Explore the historic downtown with its small shops and cafés.
  • Visit local breweries for a laid-back afternoon.
If you like the idea of a classic small American city with a lakeside vibe, Plattsburgh makes a great day trip from South Burlington. The ferry ride alone is half the fun—especially at sunset.

2. Discover Lake Placid, NY (Essex County)

Yes, that Lake Placid—the Olympic village in the Adirondacks. It’s an easy drive once you’ve crossed the lake, and it feels much farther away in a good way. Why go to Lake Placid?
  • Walk around Mirror Lake for beautiful mountain and water views.
  • Check out the Olympic sites and picture the crowds during the Winter Games.
  • Browse outdoor gear shops and cozy bookstores downtown.
Even if you’re not super into sports, there’s something special about a town that hosted the Olympics. It has that “big moment in history” energy. Plus, the drive through Adirondack scenery is worth it by itself.

3. Take a Scenic Drive to Middlebury, VT (Addison County)

Head about 45–60 minutes south from South Burlington and you’ll hit Middlebury, one of Vermont’s most charming college towns. What to do in Middlebury:
  • Walk across the bridge downtown and watch the falls on Otter Creek.
  • Browse local bookstores, galleries, and coffee shops near the green.
  • Visit a nearby farm or maple sugarhouse in season.
This is one of those places where you park your car and just wander. Grab a coffee, peek into shops, sit by the falls, and slow down for a few hours. It’s a classic Vermont day trip that never really gets old.

4. Visit Vergennes, VT: Vermont’s Little City (Addison County)

Not far from Middlebury is Vergennes, often called Vermont’s “Little City.” It’s tiny, but it has a surprising amount of character. Highlights in Vergennes:
  • Walk around the compact downtown with its brick buildings and local eateries.
  • Check out Vergennes Falls Park for a powerful waterfall and a peaceful spot to sit.
  • Drive a bit further to catch glimpses of Lake Champlain and rolling farmland.
If you like short drives, simple pleasures, and quiet streets, this is a very easy road trip from South Burlington that fits into half a day.

5. Head North to St. Albans & the Northwest Corner (Franklin County, VT)

Drive north on I‑89 from South Burlington and you’ll reach St. Albans, a small city with a historic downtown and a relaxed pace. Things to do in St. Albans and Franklin County:
  • Walk around the restored downtown square with shops and cafés.
  • Visit during festival season, like the famous Maple Festival in spring.
  • Explore nearby backroads for barns, fields, and big-sky views.
This part of Vermont has a slightly more rural feel, and that’s the beauty of it. If you need a break from busier areas, Franklin County has that wide-open, “breathe a little deeper” vibe.

6. Island Time in Grand Isle County, VT

Just north of South Burlington, across Lake Champlain, lie the Lake Champlain Islands in Grand Isle County. These islands feel like their own little world. Why you’ll love the Champlain Islands:
  • Drive Route 2 across South Hero, Grand Isle, and beyond with water on both sides.
  • Stop at farm stands for fresh produce in summer and early fall.
  • Find quiet lake access points for a picnic or a swim.
On a warm day, rolling down the windows and cruising through the islands is hard to beat. It’s one of the closest and easiest short road trips from South Burlington with a big “vacation” feel.

7. Explore Stowe, VT: A Classic Mountain Town (Lamoille County)

When people picture Vermont, they often picture Stowe. Good news: it’s an easy drive from South Burlington into Lamoille County. Things to do in Stowe:
  • Walk the charming village with its white church, shops, and restaurants.
  • Drive the Mountain Road toward the resort for classic mountain views.
  • Hike one of the many nearby trails if you’re up for some fresh air and exercise.
Stowe can be lively, especially in fall and on winter weekends, but that’s part of the fun. Whether you’re into skiing, leaf-peeping, or just sitting in a café people-watching, it’s a must-visit destination near South Burlington.

8. Head to Smugglers’ Notch & Jeffersonville (Lamoille County)

If you like dramatic scenery, wind your way up to Smugglers’ Notch and over toward Jeffersonville. What makes this area special:
  • Drive through the narrow Notch road (seasonal) with its tight turns and massive boulders.
  • Stop at overlooks for views of the rugged mountains.
  • Explore small-town Jeffersonville with its laid-back, local feel.
This is one of those drives where you may find yourself saying “wow” out loud. The scale of the rock formations and the closeness of the cliffs make it feel like another world, all within a reasonable drive from South Burlington.

9. Discover Montpelier, VT: The Nation’s Smallest Capital (Washington County)

About an hour from South Burlington, you’ll find Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, tucked into the hills of Washington County. Why visit Montpelier:
  • See the gold-domed State House—it’s picture-perfect and surprisingly approachable.
  • Stroll downtown streets lined with independent shops and cafés.
  • Walk along the river paths and enjoy the slower pace.
Montpelier feels more like a friendly small town than a capital city. If you’re interested in local politics, history, or just want a different flavor of Vermont life, it’s an easy and rewarding road trip from South Burlington.

10. Explore Waterbury, VT: Beer, Ice Cream, and Beyond (Washington County)

Just up the road from Montpelier (and also an easy drive straight from South Burlington) is Waterbury, a small town with a big reputation. Top reasons to road trip to Waterbury:
  • Visit famous local breweries and taste world-class craft beer.
  • Stop by iconic ice cream spots and enjoy a scoop or two.
  • Use Waterbury as a base to reach nearby hikes, rivers, and scenic backroads.
Waterbury has become a kind of “food and drink hub” in central Vermont. If you’re a foodie (or traveling with one), it’s a natural choice for a short, satisfying day trip from South Burlington.

Tips for Planning Short Road Trips From South Burlington

Here are a few simple tips to make your Vermont and upstate New York road trips smoother:
  • Check ferry schedules: If you’re heading into Clinton or Essex County, NY, look up Lake Champlain ferry times, especially outside summer.
  • Watch the weather: Mountain roads and Notch roads can be seasonal or tricky in bad weather.
  • Pack layers: Even within a 1–2 hour radius, temperatures can change fast in the hills and near the lake.
  • Fuel up: Some rural stretches have fewer gas stations, especially at night.
One of the best parts of living in or visiting South Burlington is how many different landscapes you can reach in just a short drive—lakes, islands, farm country, mountain passes, college towns, and small cities all sit within reach.

Where Will You Go Next?

From Plattsburgh and Lake Placid to Stowe, Montpelier, and the Champlain Islands, you’ve got a full menu of short, easy road trips from South Burlington, VT that take you beyond Chittenden County and into some of the most iconic corners of Vermont and nearby New York. Which spot are you adding to your weekend plans?
  • Have you driven any of these routes before?
  • Do you have a favorite café, trail, or roadside stop along the way?
Share your tips, questions, and favorite stops in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan their own adventures. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are looking for easy day trips from South Burlington. The more we share our routes and hidden gems, the better the journeys get for everyone.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment