Marketplace Garage
Parking garage
2.9 (44)
47 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
Swimming SpotVT
Burlington Area
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Burlington beach visit with official Lake Champlain closure updates, parking information and a clear North Beach map reference.
Swimming restriction
Use a named official swimming beach only when open and follow current city notices and posted rules. This area listing is not permission to swim at marinas or any shoreline access. North Shore Natural Area is not a designated swimming area.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Swimming Spot
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Parking varies by beach. North Beach: $3/hour May-October 15; Oakledge: $3/hour May-October 31; Leddy: free at review. Foot and bicycle park admission is free. Recheck city rates.
Best season
Routine city water monitoring runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Nearby towns
Burlington
Water body
Lake Champlain; Choose A Named Official Beach
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Burlington
Access location source-checked
44.49276, -73.239471
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location source-checked
- Checked · official city beach parking. Replace the generic Burlington pin with North Beach Park. The city identifies five official beaches and its North Beach document confirms the public sandy beach, restrooms, and Institute Road access. The coordinate is a corroborating published waypoint at the city-owned park's 60 Institute Road arrival area.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
- Official rules and facilities
- Official park information
- Current water quality or beach status
- Beaches - City of Burlington
- City of Burlington Request for Proposals: North Beach Park Food Concessions
- North Beach Park - Recplanet
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Burlington area: choose a Lake Champlain beach
This is an area-planning listing, not a single mountain swimming hole. Burlington's official beach directory identifies five Lake Champlain beaches. Choose a named beach and check its current swimming status before travelling. Waterfront paths, marinas and scenic shoreline views are not interchangeable with designated swimming areas.
What the map pin means
The existing pin is a North Beach Park arrival reference on Institute Road, not a water-entry point and not a map of every Burlington beach. Use the city's park finder for other destinations and site-specific amenities. Confirm current staffing and accessibility arrangements directly with the city rather than assuming lifeguards or an accessible water entry are available.
Check beach closures, including after summer
The city's beach-closure tracker distinguishes open, alert and closed conditions. Follow the current status and signs for your chosen beach. The city describes routine summer monitoring from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with off-season checks on an as-needed basis. An old green status or a clear-looking photograph is not a current water-quality result.
North Shore Natural Area is not a designated swimming area and does not receive the same monitoring as official beaches. Do not confuse that name with North Beach.
Parking and arrival costs
At our September 26, 2026 review, the city's parking page listed North Beach at $3 per hour from May through October 15, and Oakledge at $3 per hour from May through October 31. Leddy parking was listed as free. Park admission on foot or bicycle is free. Recheck the current page and posted payment instructions before parking.
Photo coverage
The saved Burlington photo set shows city buildings, skyline views and a marina, not a verified beach gallery. Those photos have not been published here as swimming-location evidence. Beach-specific coverage is still needed.
Sources: city beaches, park finder, beach-closure tracker, water monitoring and waterfront parking. Reviewed September 26, 2026.
Getting There
This area listing's pin identifies the North Beach Park arrival area on Institute Road, not a water-entry point. Choose a named beach using the city park finder, then check its current closure status and parking instructions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Beach access, services and parking differ by location. Follow current closures and signs. Verify staffing and accessibility arrangements with Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use a named official swimming beach only when open and follow current city notices and posted rules. This area listing is not permission to swim at marinas or any shoreline access. North Shore Natural Area is not a designated swimming area. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Downtown Garage
Parking garage
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3.8 (13)
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Rock Point Trail Loop
Hiking area
4.8 (31)
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Nature preserve
4.5 (157)
I-89, Burlington, VT 05401
65-acre nature preserve with forests & streams, plus hiking trails & rustic boardwalks.
Red Rocks Park
Park
4.7 (711)
4 Central Ave, South Burlington, VT 05403
Green spot with a public beach & trails for hiking, jogging, snowshoeing & cross-country skiing.
Picnic tables
Limehurst Lake Campground
Campground
4.3 (204)
4104 VT-14, Williamstown, VT 05679
Brewster River Campground
Campground
4.8 (229)
289 Campground Dr, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Burlington Area
Does this listing's pin cover all Burlington beaches?
No. It is a North Beach Park arrival reference on Institute Road, not a water-entry point. Use the official park finder for other beaches.
Where should I check whether a beach is open?
Use Burlington's beach-closure tracker and follow posted signs. Routine summer monitoring runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with off-season checks on an as-needed basis.
Is North Beach the same as North Shore Natural Area?
No. The city says North Shore Natural Area is not formally designated for swimming and does not receive the same water monitoring as official beaches.
Highlights
Named Lake Champlain beach options
Official beach-closure tracker
Beach-specific parking information
Unique Features
Lake Champlain waterfront
Multiple city beach destinations
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Follow beach closures and posted notices
- Do not infer water quality from appearance
- Confirm current lifeguard staffing
- Do not jump from cliffs or enter marina waters
- North Shore Natural Area is not a designated swimming area
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Beach-specific photo coverage is still needed. Generic city or marina photos should not be used to identify swimming access.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid using soaps or chemicals in the water. Respect wildlife and plant life to preserve the ecosystem.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Routine city water monitoring runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day; off-season checks are as needed. Check current beach status for every visit.
Difficulty Level
Access varies by beach. Confirm the chosen park's paths and water-entry accessibility with the city.
Fee
Parking varies by beach. North Beach: $3/hour May-October 15; Oakledge: $3/hour May-October 31; Leddy: free at review. Foot and bicycle park admission is free. Recheck city rates.
Facilities
Use the city park finder for amenities at the specific beach. Staffing, restrooms and accessibility arrangements should be confirmed for the visit date.
Activities
Beach visits when open, waterfront walking and cycling
Phone
802-864-0123
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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