Vermont comes alive in summer with lush Green Mountain landscapes, sparkling lakes, scenic hiking trails, charming small towns, covered bridges, farms, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, there are countless options for what to see in Vermont in summer.

From the waterfront streets of Burlington to the mountain scenery of Stowe and the peaceful beauty of Lake Willoughby, Vermont offers something for every type of traveler.

Summer is also a great season for hiking, kayaking, swimming, cycling, scenic drives, farmers’ markets, and exploring Vermont’s historic towns.

If you’re planning a trip, this Vermont summer travel guide highlights 15 places worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Stowe

Stowe is one of the most popular destinations in Vermont and an excellent starting point for a summer adventure. The town combines mountain scenery with a charming village atmosphere, making it ideal for both outdoor activities and a relaxing getaway.

During summer, visitors can hike, bike, explore the Stowe Recreation Path, visit local shops, enjoy restaurants, or take the Gondola SkyRide for spectacular views of Mount Mansfield.

Don’t miss: Mount Mansfield, Stowe Recreation Path, Smugglers’ Notch, and the Gondola SkyRide.

2. Burlington

Located along Lake Champlain, Burlington is one of the best places to see in Vermont if you enjoy a combination of outdoor recreation, food, shopping, and city attractions.

Take a walk along Church Street Marketplace, explore the waterfront, rent a kayak, or simply enjoy the views across Lake Champlain toward the Adirondacks. Summer also brings outdoor dining, markets, festivals, and plenty of activity around downtown.

Don’t miss: Church Street Marketplace, Waterfront Park, Lake Champlain, and the Burlington bike path.

3. Lake Champlain

For anyone looking for water-based things to do in Vermont in summer, Lake Champlain should be near the top of the list.

The lake stretches along Vermont’s western border and offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, boating, fishing, and sailing. You can also enjoy beautiful sunsets with views toward New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

Best for: Boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and sunset views.

4. Woodstock

Woodstock is one of Vermont’s most picturesque small towns. Its historic village, covered bridges, green spaces, and traditional New England architecture make it especially enjoyable during the warmer months.

Spend the morning walking around the village, visit Billings Farm & Museum, explore nearby trails, or take a short drive to other Upper Valley attractions.

Don’t miss: Woodstock Village Green, Middle Covered Bridge, Billings Farm & Museum, and nearby Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

5. Quechee Gorge

Known as the “Little Grand Canyon of Vermont,” Quechee Gorge is one of the state’s most recognizable natural attractions.

Summer is a great time to stop here during a Vermont road trip. Walk to the viewing areas, admire the Ottauquechee River below, and explore the surrounding Quechee area.

Best for: Scenic views, photography, short walks, and road trips.

6. Lake Willoughby

If you’re searching for scenic places to visit in Vermont during summer, Lake Willoughby is hard to beat.

Located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the lake is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forested mountains. Its clear water and peaceful setting make it a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, and relaxing by the shore.

Best for: Swimming, kayaking, photography, and peaceful summer days.

7. Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in northern Vermont. The narrow mountain pass sits between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak and is surrounded by steep cliffs and forest.

Summer is a great time to hike, explore scenic roads, photograph the landscape, and enjoy outdoor adventures around Stowe. Hiking, paddling, swimming, biking, and other outdoor activities are among the popular summer options in the area.

Best for: Hiking, scenic drives, photography, and outdoor adventures.

8. Shelburne

Just south of Burlington, Shelburne makes an easy addition to a summer Vermont itinerary.

The area is known for attractions such as Shelburne Museum and its proximity to Lake Champlain. You can combine a visit to Shelburne with a day exploring Burlington and the surrounding countryside.

Best for: Museums, history, local attractions, and a relaxed day trip.

9. Mount Mansfield

At 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and one of the state’s top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Summer provides excellent opportunities to hike and enjoy mountain views. Visitors who don’t want to hike all the way up can also consider the scenic Gondola SkyRide or the historic Auto Toll Road, depending on operating conditions.

Best for: Hiking, mountain views, photography, and scenic drives.

10. Montpelier

As Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier offers a different experience from the state’s mountain and lake destinations.

Spend time exploring the downtown area, visit local shops and restaurants, and use the city as a base for exploring nearby Central Vermont. Its location makes it convenient for combining town activities with outdoor adventures.

Best for: History, local food, walking, and exploring Central Vermont.

11. Manchester

Manchester is a great choice for travelers who want a mix of charming New England scenery, shopping, history, and outdoor activities.

The town sits near the Green Mountains and provides easy access to hiking trails and scenic drives. Summer is particularly enjoyable for exploring the surrounding countryside and spending time outdoors.

Best for: Shopping, hiking, dining, and a relaxing weekend getaway.

12. Lake George? Skip It — Explore Vermont’s State Parks Instead

Vermont has dozens of state parks where visitors can enjoy swimming, camping, hiking, paddling, fishing, and picnicking. The state park system includes destinations ranging from lakeside recreation areas to mountain landscapes.

For a summer trip, consider parks such as Niquette Bay State Park, Quechee State Park, Mount Philo State Park, or Lake Carmi State Park.

Best for: Camping, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and family outings.

13. Lake Carmi State Park

Located in northwestern Vermont, Lake Carmi State Park is a good option if you want a quieter lakeside experience.

The park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and enjoying nature. Summer programming can also include nature activities and educational programs.

Best for: Camping, fishing, swimming, and nature lovers.

14. The Green Mountains

No list of best places to see in Vermont would be complete without the Green Mountains.

Summer is an ideal time to explore the region’s hiking trails, scenic overlooks, forests, waterfalls, mountain roads, and small communities. Outdoor activities across Vermont include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, camping, and cycling.

You don’t have to plan an intense hike to enjoy the mountains. Scenic drives, picnic stops, short walks, and viewpoints can be just as rewarding.

Best for: Hiking, scenic drives, photography, camping, and outdoor recreation.

15. The Northeast Kingdom

For travelers looking to get away from busier tourist areas, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is worth exploring.

This northeastern region is known for forests, lakes, small towns, dirt roads, and outdoor recreation. It offers a more peaceful side of Vermont and is particularly appealing for travelers who enjoy nature and slower-paced road trips.

Best for: Lakes, hiking, camping, scenic drives, and quiet getaways.

Best Things to Do in Vermont in Summer

Beyond visiting specific destinations, there are plenty of best things to do in Vermont in summer that can make your trip more memorable.

Go Hiking

Vermont’s mountains and forests offer trails for different experience levels. Stowe, Mount Mansfield, the Green Mountains, and many state parks are excellent starting points.

Spend a Day on the Water

Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the most popular summer activities around Vermont’s lakes and rivers.

Explore Small Towns

Make time for towns such as Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester, and Montpelier. Walking around historic downtowns and discovering local shops and restaurants can be just as enjoyable as visiting major attractions.

Take a Scenic Drive

Summer is perfect for a leisurely Vermont road trip. Drive through mountain passes, rural communities, forests, and farmland, stopping at viewpoints and local attractions along the way.

Visit Farmers’ Markets

Summer is farmers’ market season in Vermont. Look for local produce, baked goods, crafts, prepared foods, and other products from Vermont vendors.

Enjoy Vermont’s Outdoor Food Scene

After a day outdoors, enjoy local restaurants, cafés, farm-to-table dining, breweries, and other Vermont food experiences. Summer’s warmer weather makes outdoor patios especially appealing.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Vermont in Summer?

June through August is generally the most popular summer period. July and August are particularly attractive for swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and other warm-weather activities.

Early summer can be a good choice if you prefer greener landscapes and somewhat fewer visitors, while late August can offer a pleasant transition toward early fall.

Keep in mind that weather, trail conditions, and attraction operating schedules can vary. Check official websites before heading out, especially when planning hikes or visits to state parks.

Tips for Planning a Vermont Summer Trip

A little planning can make your Vermont getaway much easier.

• Start early: Popular attractions and hiking areas can become busy on summer weekends.
• Pack for changing weather: Mountain weather can change quickly, even on warm days.
• Bring comfortable shoes: Many of Vermont’s attractions are best explored on foot.
• Plan around your interests: Combine mountains, lakes, small towns, and outdoor activities rather than trying to see everything in one trip.
• Check local conditions: Verify park hours, road conditions, trail status, and attraction schedules before traveling.
• Explore beyond the major towns: Some of Vermont’s most memorable experiences can be found on quieter back roads and in smaller communities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering what to see in Vermont in summer, the answer goes far beyond a single destination. From Stowe and Mount Mansfield to Lake Champlain, Woodstock, Lake Willoughby, and the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont offers a wide variety of experiences.

Whether you want an active hiking vacation, a relaxing lakeside weekend, a scenic road trip, or a family-friendly getaway, there are plenty of things to do in Vermont in summer.

Use this list as a starting point, choose a few destinations that match your interests, and give yourself enough time to slow down and enjoy the scenery. That’s one of the best ways to experience a Vermont summer.