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MOUNTAIN DAYS • LOCAL FLAVORS • SUMMER DISCOVERIES
Things to Do in Vermont in Summer
Find your next Vermont adventure—from a mountain walk or lakeside afternoon to village stops, farmers’ markets and scenic drives.
Home / Summer things to do in Vermont
A LITTLE EXPLORING. A LOT TO ENJOY.
Discover Vermont at your own pace
Summer in Vermont invites you to spend more time outside, take the scenic route and make room for a local discovery. A memorable day might begin on a woodland trail, continue with a picnic and end in a village café. Another might revolve around a museum, a market or a performance.
Choose one main activity and build around it. This guide brings together outdoor ideas, food stops, festivals and practical planning resources so you can make a trip that fits your interests, budget and energy. Check opening hours and seasonal access before leaving, particularly when an outing depends on weather or reservations.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Keep discovering Vermont
Photographs from Scenic Vermont Photography appear in the related-guide cards. Original source images and links are retained.
We LoVermont Latest Blog Postings
Explore our travel stories for more places to visit, local discoveries and ideas for your next Vermont outing.
EXPLORE THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE
Summer Fun in Vermont
Build a summer day around an outdoor activity, a local food discovery or a scenic drive. The familiar activities below retain the original page’s pictures and resource links, with more advice to help you plan.
Hiking the Green Mountains
Choose a route by distance, elevation gain and terrain, and check current access with the land manager. Carry water and navigation and leave enough time to turn back. A shorter woodland walk can be a better choice than a summit route for a relaxed family day.
Water Sports on Vermont’s Lakes
Summer is also the perfect time for water activities. Lakes like Lake Champlain and the Waterbury Reservoir invite visitors to kayak, paddleboard, and swim. Kayaking on Lake Champlain not only provides a workout but also allows you to see the breathtaking shoreline and perhaps spot some wildlife. Choose an outing suited to your experience and the current conditions. Learn more about water sports options at 10 Great Paddling Trips from Easy to Epic .
Ask a local outfitter about a route suited to your experience. Wear a properly fitted life jacket and check wind, weather and water conditions before launching. Plan a shore-based alternative if conditions are unsuitable.
Cycling Adventures
Biking is another excellent way to experience Vermont’s beauty. The state boasts numerous scenic bike trails. Riders can explore the Stowe Recreation Path, a recreation path to research for a family ride, or venture onto the rugged terrain of the Green Mountain Trails if you’re up for a challenge. The scenic paths offer a unique perspective of Vermont’s countryside and bring you closer to local flora and fauna. Discover more about cycling in Vermont on Best Bike Trails in Vermont.
Check whether your route is a paved path, road ride or mountain-bike trail and bring the appropriate equipment. Review access notices, parking and permitted uses before leaving. Pick a turnaround point that leaves your group energy for the return trip.
Camping Under the Stars
Nothing compares to spending a night in nature. Vermont offers various campgrounds, from family-friendly sites to backcountry options for those seeking solitude. Campgrounds like the Groton State Forest offer organized sites with amenities, while more secluded areas allow you to connect with nature. Picture gathering around a campfire, stargazing, and telling stories. Vermont Campground Association
Compare facilities, arrival times and the distance to your main activities before reserving. Check rules for fires and pets, and ask what is included at your campsite. Book through the campground or its recommended reservation service.
Local Festivals and Events
Plan around a celebration that fits your dates and interests. Confirm the program and ticket details with the organizer before traveling.
Vermont Brewers Festival
Vermont is known for its delicious craft beers, and the Vermont Brewers Festival is a celebration of this. Held in Burlington, beer lovers will find dozens of local breweries showcasing their finest brews. This festival offers tasting sessions, food pairings, and live music, making it a fun experience for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. For more about food and drink events in Vermont, visit Burlington’s festival page.
Use the organizer’s current program for the next announced edition, ticket sessions and age requirements. Arrange a sober driver for any tasting visit. An older festival schedule is not a promise of future dates or prices.
Farmers’ Markets Across the State
Confirm the market’s day, location and seasonal schedule. Bring a reusable bag and a cooler if you are buying food for later. Allow time to browse and talk with producers instead of making the market a hurried stop.
Culinary Delights of Summer
Make local food part of the trip, from a farm-market picnic to a leisurely dinner. Seasonal menus and visitor hours can change, so check before making a special journey.
Farm To Table
Farm-to-table dining is a highlight in Vermont. Local farms provide seasonal fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, corn, and zucchini, which are often featured on restaurant menus. Many eateries proudly display their relationships with nearby farms, ensuring patrons enjoy the freshest meals. For those interested, explore more about Vermont’s culinary scene through farm-to-table resources.
For a special meal, check the current menu and reserve ahead where required. Tell the restaurant about dietary needs when booking. Leave time to enjoy the meal rather than placing it between two distant activities.
Iconic Vermont Dishes
No trip is complete without indulging in iconic Vermont dishes. Maple syrup products are a highlight, along with artisanal cheeses typical of the state. Outdoor BBQs featuring locally sourced meats are popular across summer gatherings. Places like SoLo Farm & Table offer dining experiences that spotlight local flavors in each dish.
A shop or farm-market visit is a good way to discover local products. Ask about the producers, choose food you can store properly and add a picnic at a nearby public park or village stop.
Vermont’s Craft Beverages
Check visitor hours, food and nonalcoholic choices before arriving. Keep tasting stops within a manageable area and arrange a sober driver. Review family and pet policies directly with each business.
Exploring Vermont’s Natural Beauty
Keep a comfortable pace and choose a few worthwhile stops. Vermont’s roads, bridges and parks offer many ways to enjoy an outing without filling every hour.
Scenic Drives Through the Countryside
Taking a scenic drive through Vermont’s countryside reveals charming towns and stunning views. Routes like Scenic Route 100 allow you to see the best of what Vermont offers—rolling hills, rivers, and quaint bed-and-breakfasts. The summer foliage creates a vibrant backdrop perfect for a leisurely road trip.
For more scenic routes, check out Vermont’s Scenic Byways.
Choose a short section of a byway and leave room for a village walk or lunch stop. Use legal pull-offs for photographs and avoid blocking roads or driveways. Download your route before leaving.
Vermont's Covered Bridges
Plan bridge stops near the route you already intend to drive. Many bridges carry traffic, so keep the roadway clear and use public viewing areas and legal parking. Respect nearby homes and private land.
Nature Reserves and State Parks
Summer in Vermont is a season of exploration and enjoyment, thanks to its wide array of outdoor activities, vibrant festivals, and incredible food. From hiking in the mountains to savoring fresh produce at a farmers’ market, every moment is an opportunity to appreciate Vermont’s unique charm. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, experiencing summer in this stunning state is something you won’t want to miss. So pack your bags and get ready for adventures in Vermont!
Check the exact park’s operating season, fees, visitor facilities and reservation requirements. For a family outing, look up toilets, walking distances, picnic areas and accessibility. Follow posted notices and current water-quality updates.
MAKE PLANS FOR EVERYONE
Family outings & rainy-day ideas
Keep family days manageable
Choose one activity that suits the youngest or least experienced member of the group. A short walk, a suitable visitor attraction or a park picnic can leave more room for enjoyment than several long drives.
Check toilets, stroller access, shade, food and any age restrictions before setting out. Plan breaks before everyone is tired, and keep a simple alternative nearby.
Have an indoor option ready
For wet weather, look for a museum, gallery, performance or indoor visitor attraction in the region where you are staying. Pair it with a café or a relaxed meal rather than driving across the state to avoid the rain.
Use our attractions guide to find ideas, then confirm current hours, indoor facilities and reservation requirements with the destination.
TWO DAYS, ONE COMFORTABLE BASE
A flexible summer weekend in Vermont
Day one: outdoors & local flavor
Morning: Enjoy your main outdoor activity while your group is fresh. Choose a hike, bike ride or guided paddle that fits the conditions.
Afternoon: Slow down with lunch and a nearby village or market stop. Leave time to return to your accommodation without rushing.
Evening: Reserve a meal or check for a local performance. Keep the evening simple if your morning was active.
Day two: a scenic discovery
Morning: Take a shorter scenic drive with a covered-bridge stop or a park visit. Have a second option ready if your first choice is unavailable.
Afternoon: Choose one attraction on the way home, or enjoy a leisurely lunch before leaving. Avoid adding a distant stop just to fill the itinerary.
Adjust as needed: This is a suggested pace, not a fixed route. Swap days to suit forecasts, market hours and reservations.
BEFORE YOU GO
Summer trip-planning questions
What are good things to do in Vermont in summer?
Start with a walk or hike, a park visit, a scenic drive, a farmers’ market or a local event. Choose one region and combine nearby experiences to reduce driving time.
Can I enjoy Vermont without strenuous outdoor activities?
Yes. Consider a village visit, a scenic drive, a museum, a market or a performance. Check walking distances, seating and accessibility for the specific destinations you choose.
What can families do on a rainy day?
Look for an indoor attraction, museum or arts activity near your base. Confirm opening hours, age suitability and tickets before leaving, and allow time for meals and breaks.
Should I reserve summer activities in advance?
Check directly with campgrounds, rental providers, guides and attractions. Reservations may be needed for equipment, campsites, tours or timed admission. Review cancellation policies when weather affects the activity.
Can I see all of Vermont in one weekend?
A regional visit is easier to enjoy. Pick one base and group nearby stops together, leaving time for the drive, meals and unexpected discoveries.
Where can I find ideas for other seasons?
Explore our fall activities and winter guide for seasonal trip planning. Trail access, operating hours and outdoor conditions change throughout the year.
Continue exploring: Fall activities in Vermont · Winter fun in Vermont · Vermont travel stories.
Make your next Vermont day your own
Choose an experience you love, find a nearby stop and leave a little room to explore.