Dog-Friendly Burlington, Vermont
Lakefront walks, brewery patios, and pet-welcoming stays make Burlington one of New England’s easiest city breaks with a dog.
Burlington, VT
Why Burlington Works for Dog Travelers
The Burlington Greenway runs about 8 miles along Lake Champlain and connects parks, downtown, and the waterfront.
Downtown patios and brewery spaces make it easy to stop for a meal or pint with your leashed dog.
Several pet-friendly hotels sit within walking distance of Church Street Marketplace and the lakefront.
Know Before You Go
Dogs are allowed in Burlington parks and public spaces, but they must be leashed unless you are in a designated dog park.
Dogs are not allowed on public swimming beaches at Oakledge, North Beach, or Leddy Beach.
Downtown and the waterfront are the easiest neighborhoods for visitors who want walkable hotels, restaurants, and scenic strolls.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in and around Burlington
Hotel Vermont
Stylish independent hotel next to the waterfront and Church Street with a limited number of dog-friendly rooms and an easy downtown walking location.
41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteHotel Champlain Burlington, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lakefront-facing Hilton property near Battery Park and the waterfront with roomy accommodations and a straightforward pet policy.
60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteCourtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor
A practical waterfront stay steps from the lake and Church Street, with dog-friendly rooms and easy access to downtown walks.
25 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteHilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown
Recently renovated hotel one block from Church Street Marketplace with indoor pool access and a central location for car-free exploring.
101 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteBest Western Plus Windjammer Inn & Conference Center
Reliable South Burlington option near the airport with free breakfast and a lower pet fee than many downtown hotels.
1076 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT 05403
Visit WebsiteMade INN Vermont, an Urban Chic Boutique B&B
Colorful historic inn in the Hill District for travelers who want a more personal stay within walking distance of downtown.
204 S Willard St, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants and Breweries
American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Popular downtown flatbread spot with a dog-friendly back patio where pups can join you for wood-fired pizza and local beer.
115 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteEl Gato Cantina
Church Street option for tacos, margaritas, and casual outdoor dining with your dog beside you.
169 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteFoam Brewers
Waterfront brewery with a lively patio scene, creative beers, and one of the best dog-friendly hangouts near the lake.
112 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteSwitchback Brewing Co. Beer Garden & Smokehouse
South End brewery stop with a spacious outdoor setup that works well after a park visit or neighborhood walk.
160 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteThe Vermont Pub & Brewery
Long-running Burlington brewpub in the heart of downtown, convenient for lunch or dinner during a Church Street stroll.
144 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteThe Archives Bar
Fun arcade bar on College Street where leashed dogs can join you while you sip cocktails and play vintage games.
191 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities
Burlington Greenway
An 8-mile paved lakeside multi-use path that is ideal for long walks with a leashed dog and connects several major Burlington parks.
Burlington Greenway, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteStarr Farm Dog Park
Burlington’s designated off-leash dog park area, open dawn to dusk, with separate expectations for voice control and cleanup.
Starr Farm Park, Burlington, VT 05408
Visit WebsiteBattery Park
Historic hilltop park with lake views and easy downtown access; a great short walk stop as long as your dog stays leashed.
1 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteOakledge Park
Large south-end park with shoreline views and Greenway access. Dogs are allowed in the park on leash, but not on the public swimming beach.
Oakledge Park, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteFoam Brewers Patio
Not just a brewery stop: the patio is a reliable social hangout for dog owners near the waterfront after a Greenway walk.
112 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteSwitchback Brewing Co. Patio
A South End beer garden stop where leashed dogs are welcome outside, making it an easy add-on after exploring nearby neighborhoods.
160 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Burlington Weekend Itinerary
This two-day plan keeps driving minimal and focuses on Burlington’s most walkable dog-friendly areas.
Day 1: Downtown + Waterfront Arrival
Check into a downtown pet-friendly hotel like Hotel Vermont, Hotel Champlain, Courtyard Burlington Harbor, or Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown. Start with a leashed walk along the Burlington Greenway and waterfront.
Head into downtown for lunch on a dog-friendly patio at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth or The Vermont Pub & Brewery, then browse the Church Street area at a relaxed pace.
Catch sunset near Battery Park or the waterfront, then grab a drink with your pup on the patio at Foam Brewers or enjoy arcade-bar energy at The Archives.
Day 2: Parks + South End Breweries
Begin with exercise at Starr Farm Dog Park if your dog enjoys off-leash play, or choose a quieter leashed walk through Oakledge Park and the Greenway.
Explore Burlington’s South End and stop at Switchback Brewing Co. Beer Garden & Smokehouse, where leashed dogs are welcome outside.
Finish with a relaxed dinner on a patio such as El Gato Cantina or another downtown outdoor table before one more lakeside stroll.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Stowe
about 40 milesA mountain town with scenic walks, outdoor patios, and easy weekend add-on potential.
Montpelier
about 38 milesVermont’s compact capital offers a quieter downtown and nearby trails.
Middlebury
about 35 milesA classic Vermont college town with walkable streets and regional day-trip appeal.
Plattsburgh
about 30 miles plus ferry or longer by roadA practical Lake Champlain side trip with parks and a different waterfront perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington, Vermont good for traveling with a dog?
Yes. Burlington is one of the easier small cities in the Northeast for dog travel thanks to walkable downtown lodging, the Burlington Greenway, brewery patios, and a designated dog park.
Are dogs allowed off leash in Burlington parks?
Generally no. Burlington requires dogs to be leashed in parks and public spaces unless you are in a designated dog park area such as Starr Farm Dog Park.
Can dogs go on Burlington beaches?
No. Dogs are not allowed on Burlington’s public swimming beaches at Oakledge, North Beach, or Leddy Beach, even though they are allowed in many other park areas on leash.
What part of Burlington is best for dog-friendly hotels?
Downtown and the waterfront are the most convenient areas for visitors because you can walk to Church Street, the lakefront, and several dog-friendly patios from your hotel.
Do Burlington restaurants allow dogs indoors?
Usually no. Most dog-friendly dining in Burlington is on patios or outdoor tables, while indoor access is generally limited to service animals because of health rules.
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