Waterfront Park serves as the west end of downtown Burlington, Vermont, along the shores of Lake Champlain. The park houses a lawn and a walking path with benches, as well as docks with moorings for local boaters. If you are visiting Burlington, you should definitely find your way down the hill on College Street to this beautiful little space.
Parking and public transportation at Waterfront Park
There is metered parking all along College Street and free parking on Battery Street and Lake Street, as well as a pay parking lot off of College and Lake Streets. There is also a free College Street Shuttle bus that runs between Fletcher Allen Healthcare on the UVM campus and Waterfront Park.
Best and worst time to go to Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is at its most appealing from May-September, when warmer temperatures abound. It can be crowded on weekends, but there is plenty of space for everyone to roam between the walkway and the green space. Waterfront Park is also one of the best places to watch the sun set over the Adirondack Mountains across Lake Champlain, but arrive early to snag one of the coveted wooden bench swings.
Admission to Waterfront Park
The park is free and open to the public most of the time, but during summer events admission fees vary. Concerts and special events range from $20-$80.
Must see/do at Waterfront Park
Get a maple "creemee" (soft serve ice cream) from Burlington Bay on Battery Street and walk down to Waterfront Park to watch the sunset. Attending one of the annual special events, like the Vermont Brewers Festival of Grand Point North music festival, is also a unique experience in this beautiful space, if you can plan your visit accordingly.
Other places to visit near Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is only half a mile from Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's pedestrian main street, full of shops and restaurants. If you're hoping to explore the waterfront more extensively, consider renting a bike and following the Burlington Bike Path from Waterfront Park south to Oakledge Park Beach, or north to North Beach.
Insider tip for visitors to Waterfront Park
If you visit on a hot day, the waters of Lake Champlain can be enticing. Wander down to the north end of Waterfront Park and around the Water Department building to the Fishing Pier, a popular place for a refreshing jump into the lake.
Julia O. is a full-time editor and part-time freelance writer who has spent the last 10 years traveling from Vermont, to Boston and to Denver, and enjoyed the exploration of everything in between.
