We all know that Vermont has exceptional hiking trails, ski slopes, and mountain biking terrain, but let’s not leave beaches off the list of Vermont’s nature accolades. Any time’s a good time to start thinking about planning day trips, and these four pristine and bucket-list-worthy beaches on Lake Champlain are just the places to look. Pack a picnic; bring a frisbee, and lounge in the sand at these four Lake Champlain beaches in Vermont – they’re easily some of the best day trips and best beaches in Vermont.

1. Sandbar State Park (Milton)
Sand Bar State Park, 1215 U.S. Rte 2, Milton, VT 05468, USA
Grace Torrente/googlemaps
Located in the beautiful Grand Isle County, the Sandbar State Park in the town of Milton is one of the nicest beaches in Vermont. Soft sand, clear water, and stunning expansive views of Lake Champlain make the Sandbar State Park a perfect day trip destination. Keep reading to learn more about what makes Sandbar State Park a slice of paradise.
2. Thayer Beach (Colchester)
Thayer Beach, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
Diana Lammott/googlemaps
Deep, soft sand coupled with the pristine blue watercolor of Lake Champlain greets you as you step foot on Thayer Beach. Located in Colchester, the beach is only accessible by foot. From the parking lot, there is a lovely little path that winds through the woods to reach the secluded beach. The walk is about 5-10 minutes.
3. North Beach (Burlington)
Burlington, VT, USA
William O'Brien/googlemaps
North Beach is one of the largest beaches in Vermont, and, as with most beaches, it's not always easy to escape the crowds, but the beauty of the location cannot be beaten. Overlooking the Adirondack Mountains, North Beach is possibly the best beach on the list for sunsets and evening swims.
4. White's Beach (South Hero)
South Hero/ Whites' Beach, 102 W Shore Rd, South Hero, VT 05486, USA
Grace Torrente/googlemaps
Editor's Note: Please be aware that White's Beach is managed by the Town of South Hero. As such, you'll want to visit the Town of South Hero Recreation Department website for information regarding parking and fees.

This hidden gem of a beach is a small, rocky beach located in South Hero. A great aspect of this beach is that it is very easily accessible. There is parking on the roadside with the beach only a hundred yards away from the road. The secluded area offers beachgoers a peaceful alternative to larger and busier beaches. Read on and learn more about an unusual aspect of this Lake Champlain beach.

Have you been to these beaches on Lake Champlain? What would you consider to be some of the best beaches in Vermont? Let us know in the comment section!  What would you choose for the best day trips in Vermont? Tell us about those, too!

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Best Day Trips In Vermont

Tori Jane | March 18, 2022

What are some fun, unique things to do around Vermont?  

Vermont is a wonderful state to visit or live in. There is plenty to do, lots to see, and all the natural beauty one could ever hope for. Every season in Vermont is a perfect getaway season (see the next paragraph), and narrowing things down to just a few ideas is pretty tough. However, we do have some favorite things to do that are uniquely Vermont:

  • To start, there's the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard. Yeah, seriously – it's a tiny cemetery for the flavors Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream no longer makes. You’ll find it at the B&J’s factory in Waterbury.
  • Another totally unique attraction is the Museum of Everyday Life, which is as delightfully mundane as it sounds.
  • Go check out Knight’s Spider Web Farm, which is also a cabinet store.

Vermont is also home to petroglyph sites, abandoned villages, and more. You'll soon realize there are plenty of unique things to do around Vermont! 

What are some wonderful getaway spots in Vermont?  

Vermont is an awe-inspiring place. Seriously, as we mentioned above, every season here is a beautiful one; winter might be frigid, but it inspires some of the most picturesque, postcard-like scenes in the state when it comes around. Autumn is known for its incredible foliage displays, and spring and summer aren’t slouches, either. No matter what time of year it is, it’s always a great time to get away to Vermont. Some of our favorite getaway spots in this beautiful state include:

  • The fairy-tale amazing Castle Hill Resort, which is small but will make you feel like royalty.
  • Another must-see getaway destination in Vermont is the Stowe Mountain Lodge, which is not only scenic and stunning but also filled to the brim with things to do. It is, after all, one of Vermont’s most sought-after resorts.
  • Or, you can head to the mountains and stay at Mountain Top Inn, atop Central Vermont Mountain. The views here are to die for, and the entire experience is amazingly luxurious.  

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