10 Easy Road Trips From St. Albans, VT: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Franklin County
If you’re based in
St. Albans, Vermont and itching to get out of town for a few hours, you’re in a sweet spot. You can hop in the car, drive 20–90 minutes, and find lakes, mountains, craft beer, covered bridges, and quiet little villages that feel a world away.
This guide focuses on
short road trips outside Franklin County, exploring nearby spots in:
- Chittenden County, VT
- Grand Isle County, VT
- Lamoille County, VT
- Orleans County, VT
Everything here is an
easy day trip from St. Albans, with no need for overnight planning (unless you want to stretch it into a weekend getaway).
1. Burlington Waterfront & Church Street (Chittenden County)
Burlington is about a 35–40 minute drive south of St. Albans, and it’s one of the best
day trips in northern Vermont.
Head straight to the
Burlington Waterfront and stroll along the paved path by Lake Champlain. On a clear day, you’ll see the Adirondack Mountains across the water. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence.
Then wander up to the
Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street lined with:
- Cafés and ice cream shops
- Local boutiques and outdoor gear stores
- Street musicians and artists (especially in summer)
If you like biking, rent a bike and hit the
Island Line Rail Trail, which includes a long causeway that feels like you’re riding right out into the lake.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: 35–40 minutes.
2. Shelburne Museum & Shelburne Farms (Chittenden County)
Just a few miles south of Burlington,
Shelburne is perfect if you enjoy history, art, and pretty farm landscapes.
The
Shelburne Museum is more like a whole village than a regular museum. It has historic buildings, folk art, vintage carriages, and even a huge steamboat set on land. You can easily spend half a day wandering around.
A short drive away,
Shelburne Farms sits on the shores of Lake Champlain. It’s a working farm with walking trails, gardens, and wide-open views. You can:
- Walk country lanes and shoreline paths
- Pick up cheese and local products
- Soak up the sunset over the lake
Rough drive time from St. Albans: 45–50 minutes.
3. Smugglers’ Notch & Jeffersonville (Lamoille County)
If you’re craving
mountain scenery, head east to the
Smugglers’ Notch area near Jeffersonville and Cambridge.
In summer and fall, the drive up Route 108 through the Notch is full of tight turns, towering cliffs, and massive boulders. It feels like a mini adventure just getting there. You’ll find:
- Short hikes to scenic overlooks
- Family-friendly resort activities at Smugglers’ Notch Resort (zip lines, disc golf, pools in season)
- Little cafés and local art in Jeffersonville village
In the fall, the foliage here is unreal—like someone turned up the saturation on your whole day.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: 45–55 minutes, depending on route and season.
4. Stowe Village & Recreation Path (Lamoille County)
About an hour from St. Albans,
Stowe is one of Vermont’s classic mountain towns. Yes, it’s well-known, but it’s popular for a reason.
Park near the center of town and wander the
Stowe Recreation Path, a gentle, paved trail that winds along the river and over little bridges. It’s great for:
- Casual bike rides
- Stroller walks with kids
- Slow, scenic strolls with plenty of photo stops
Afterward, grab a coffee, hit a bakery, or check out local shops. If you don’t mind a bit more driving and a short hike, you can head up toward
Mt. Mansfield for more views.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: 60–70 minutes.
5. Lake Champlain Islands Scenic Drive (Grand Isle County)
If you like laid-back drives, the
Lake Champlain Islands are perfect for a slow Sunday.
From St. Albans, head west and pick up Route 2 through
Grand Isle County. You’ll pass through tiny towns like:
- South Hero
- Grand Isle
- North Hero
Along the way, look for:
- Roadside farm stands with fresh veggies and maple products
- Small beaches and fishing spots
- Views of sailboats and open water on both sides of the road
On a warm day, pack a cooler, find a lakeside park, and turn it into a simple picnic-and-swim afternoon.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: 30–60 minutes, depending on how far into the islands you go.
6. Grand Isle State Park & Nearby Beaches (Grand Isle County)
Want a classic Vermont-on-the-lake kind of day? Make
Grand Isle State Park your destination.
You can:
- Swim in Lake Champlain
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard
- Spread out a blanket and relax under the trees
It’s family-friendly, and the shoreline views are picture-perfect. Even if you’re not camping, a simple day visit works well. Add a stop at a local creemee (soft-serve) stand on your way back to St. Albans and call it a perfect summer day.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: About 40 minutes.
7. Sand Bar State Park & Causeway Views (Chittenden / Grand Isle Line)
On your way to or from the islands, you’ll cross the long causeway over the lake near
Sand Bar State Park. Don’t just drive past—this is a great spot for a quick stop.
The park offers:
- A long sandy beach (great for kids)
- Shallow water areas that warm up faster in summer
- Nice views of the lake and distant mountains
If you like to keep things simple, this is an easy “chair, towel, and cooler” type of day trip. It also makes a nice add-on to a larger Lake Champlain Islands road trip from St. Albans.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: 30–35 minutes.
8. Jay Peak Resort Area (Orleans County)
Looking for a mix of
outdoor fun and resort-style activities? Drive northeast to the
Jay Peak area in Orleans County.
Depending on the season, you’ll find:
- Skiing and snowboarding in winter
- Hiking and scenic drives in summer and fall
- An indoor waterpark (a big hit with families)
The drive up to Jay is pretty in itself—rolling farmland, quiet villages, and big sky views. On a clear day, the mountain seems to rise straight out of the fields.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: About 60–75 minutes.
9. Newport & Lake Memphremagog (Orleans County)
For a small-town-on-the-water vibe, head to
Newport, close to the Canadian border. It sits right on
Lake Memphremagog, a long, narrow lake that stretches into Quebec.
You can:
- Walk along the waterfront path
- Grab lunch with a lake view
- Rent a kayak or join a boat tour in season
It’s a quieter scene than Burlington or Stowe—great if you enjoy relaxed, low-key outings without crowds.
Rough drive time from St. Albans: About 75–90 minutes.
10. Craft Beer & Cider Loop: Burlington to Islands (Chittenden & Grand Isle)
If you’re a fan of
Vermont craft beer, cider, or local food, you can turn your day trip into a tasty loop through Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties.
Start in the Burlington area and visit a brewery or two, then head northwest toward the islands. Along the way, look for:
- Taprooms and tasting rooms
- Roadside farm stands with cheese, maple, and baked goods
- Views of vineyards and orchards near the lake
Designate a driver, keep your tastings small, and just enjoy the ride. It’s a fun, grown-up way to explore the region around St. Albans without rushing.
Rough drive time from St. Albans (full loop): 2–4 hours of easy driving, broken up with plenty of stops.
Tips For Easy Day Trips From St. Albans
To make the most of these
short road trips near St. Albans, VT:
- Check the season: Some mountain roads and attractions are seasonal.
- Start with a loose plan: Pick one “must-do” stop and leave the rest open.
- Bring layers: Lakes and mountains can feel cooler than town, even in summer.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
One of the best things about living in or visiting St. Albans is how quickly you can shift scenes—from city streets to rolling farmland, from mountain passes to island causeways—in under an hour.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From St. Albans
Have you taken any of these
day trips from St. Albans? Did I miss one of your favorite hidden spots in Chittenden, Grand Isle, Lamoille, or Orleans County?
I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment with:
- Your go-to scenic drive
- A favorite swimming hole or park
- Any local cafés or breweries worth the stop
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a Vermont trip or looking for new weekend ideas near St. Albans. The more local tips we swap, the better everyone’s adventures get.
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