Overview
South Burlington is a city in Northwest Vermont. It is a suburb of Burlington and is the second largest city in the state. Unlike most sizable Vermont communities, it doesn't have a downtown of any sort since most of the city's development has occurred in the last few decades. The city has intelligently reserved a large tract of land near the busiest intersection in town to construct a downtown, however they haven't yet decided how they want this done. Unfortunately, there's nothing there but a dirt road (possibly the only one in the city) and some trees.
3 sights · 4 things to do · 12 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about South Burlington
Cairns Arena
Hockey arena.
Magic Hat Artifactory
See beer being made, taste some samples, and grab some swag at this well-known brewery.
Overlook Park
This park is really just a few benches and some parking spaces, but the view of the lake and Adirondack Mountains is hard to beat.
Infinity Brewing
Small craft brewery with tasting room. If the brewer is around, you might be able to get a tour as well.
Higher Ground
See a concert at this local music venue.
Red Rocks Park
Hike one of the many trails to get excellent views of Lake Champlain or go for a swim.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 7°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Montpelier)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTV Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Burlington — 1 mi away. Directions
- PBG Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh — 19 mi away. Directions
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 123 mi away (major hub). Directions
South Burlington is accessible via I-89 exit 14, US 2, and US 7.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Red Rocks Park, Cairns Arena
- Lunch Burlington Bagel Bakery
- Afternoon Magic Hat Artifactory, Infinity Brewing
- Dinner The Windjammer
- Evening Magic Hat Brewing Co.
Day 2
- Morning Wheeler Nature Park, Overlook Park
- Lunch Al's French Fries
- Afternoon Higher Ground
- Dinner Charlie's Rotisserie Chicken
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The main point of South Burlington for the average traveler is that it hosts various relatively inexpensive hotels but is still close enough to neighboring Burlington to be quite convenient for drivers who want to visit the attractions of that city.
Get in
By car
South Burlington is accessible via I-89 exit 14, US 2, and US 7.
By plane
Go Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Flights arrive daily via several carriers from as far away as Chicago O'Hare and Orlando. Travelers from farther afield will have to make a connection in a larger city. There are non-stop flights to Burlington Airport from the following cities (some cities may be seasonal or only offer service certain days of the week): Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington-National.
Get around
On foot
South Burlington is not a very walkable city. Although there are sidewalks, heavy traffic and long distances can make walking unpleasant or dangerous.
By bike
Some roads have bike lanes which makes cycling a viable option in some cases. However, be aware that not all of the busier roads have bike lanes, and they are often narrower than in other parts of the United States. Much of Williston Road should be avoided by cyclists.
By public transportation
South Burlington is served by several CCTA bus routes. The routes serve Shelburne Road, Williston Road, the University Mall, and Burlington International Airport.
By car
A car is the easiest way to get around the city, although traffic can be frustrating at times. Williston and Shelburne Roads should be avoided at rush hour.
See
South Burlington's suburban nature means there isn't a whole lot to see here aside from the standard views of the lake and mountains.
See Overlook Park
This park is really just a few benches and some parking spaces, but the view of the lake and Adirondack Mountains is hard to beat.
Do
Do Red Rocks Park
Hike one of the many trails to get excellent views of Lake Champlain or go for a swim.
Do Wheeler Nature Park
Hike the miles of trails through forests and fields at this 140-acre park.
Buy
There are also some local options worth exploring.
Eat
Budget
Eat Al's French Fries
Fast food joint and a Burlington-area institution. Serves burgers, hot dogs, fries, and creamees.
Eat Burlington Bagel Bakery
Contrary to the name, it's not in Burlington; however, they do have 15 kinds of bagels.
Eat Charlie's Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken restaurant. Also serves ribs, burgers, and salads. All the sides are homemade.
Mid-range
Eat Hana Japanese Restaurant
Hibachi, sushi, and sashimi.
Eat The Rotisserie
Steak and seafood.
Splurge
Eat Guild & Company
Steakhouse that sources its meat and produce from local farms.
Eat Lakeview House
Elevated comfort food.
Eat Pauline's Cafe
Cafe featuring locally sourced ingredients on seasonal menus
Eat Pulcinella's
Authentic Italian restaurant.
Eat Vermont National Country Club
The food is almost as popular as the golf and you don't need to be a member to eat here.
Eat The Windjammer
Popular steak and seafood restaurant featuring many local ingredients. Huge salad bar and large wine list.
Drink
South Burlington doesn't have much in the way of nightlife aside from restaurant bars and the previously mentioned Higher Ground. The Upper Deck Pub located at The Windjammer has a decent bar and serves a lot of the same food as the restaurant downstairs, often at lower prices. Guild & Company is also well known for the quality of their cocktails. If coffee is what you're after, skip Starbucks and try the coffee shop inside Healthy Living. If you really want nightlife in the area, head to Burlington or Winooski.
Drink Magic Hat Brewing Co.
Microbrewery.
Sleep
Shelburne Road (Route 7) is generally where you will find the least expensive hotels, while the more upscale ones (though check current prices) are on Williston Rd. Both locations are quite convenient to Downtown Burlington, if you drive.
Stay G.G.T. Tibet Inn
This hotel is owned and operated by a Tibetan follower of the Dalai Lama who is friendly and helpful. The front desk is accordingly adorned with pictures of him and is redolent of sweet, mild incense. The rooms are spacious and have furniture that is not in perfect condition but has a slightly faded charm; the couch may be slightly sunken in, but the beds are very comfortable and everything works (or if it really doesn't, the owner, who also works as a housekeeper and electrician, will fix it) — with one exception: You may find the air doesn't circulate so well with the air conditioner, and when you open the windows, the air circulation still may not be perfect, but you will hear the noise from busy Shelburne Road (Route 7). If you believe that noise would prevent you from falling asleep, pay more and go to a different hotel. But otherwise, consider the value you're getting for this price.
Nearby
Burlington
City / town · 98 listings · 2 mi away
Winooski
City / town · 7 listings · 2 mi away
Williston
City / town · 9 listings · 4 mi away
Essex
City / town · 36 listings · 4 mi away
Colchester
City / town · 17 listings · 5 mi away
Shelburne
City / town · 8 listings · 6 mi away
Jericho
City / town · 25 listings · 9 mi away
Richmond
City / town · 8 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
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