Leddy Beach
Burlington, Vermont
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- The city actively monitors water quality (daily cyanobacteria checks, twice-weekly E. coli testing) from Memorial Day through Labor Day, indicating this as the managed swim season.
About Leddy Beach
Leddy Beach is a City of Burlington-managed public beach and swimming hole on Lake Champlain, part of Bernard J. Leddy Park on Burlington's west side. It is one of the city's monitored places to swim and sits along the Island Line Trail/Burlington Greenway bike path.
The beach occupies a lakeshore parcel of city-owned land within Leddy Park, which also includes sports fields, a playground, picnic areas overlooking the bluff, a Story Walk trail, and an ice arena. The Island Line Trail/Burlington Greenway bike path runs along the lakeshore through the park, connecting it to other Burlington waterfront parks.
Swimming at Leddy Beach
Swimming takes place off a large open beach on Lake Champlain, described by a regional trail database as a large beach area for swimming and recreation. As a city-monitored swim beach, it functions as a casual, easy-access lake swimming spot rather than a backcountry or hike-in destination.
How to get to this swimming hole
From North Avenue in Burlington, turn onto Leddy Park Road and park in the large lot near the ice arena; the beach is a short walk from the parking area.
Parking: Large, complimentary (free) parking lot off Leddy Park Road near the ice arena.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. No trail/hike needed - it's a drive-up city beach. The Island Line Trail/Burlington Greenway bike path also passes directly along the lakeshore through the park for those who want to walk or bike in instead of driving.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Large, gently sloping sandy lake beach suitable for wading and casual swimming, but no source confirms lifeguards on duty at Leddy Beach specifically (a Vermont tourism roundup notes nearby North Beach has seasonal lifeguards and rentals, while giving Leddy only a brief mention with no lifeguard claim). The city also runs cyanobacteria/E. coli testing and posts closures, so conditions can vary day to day - check the city's beach status before swimming with kids.
Parking
Free
Large free parking lot off Leddy Park Road near the Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena; beach is a short walk from the lot.
Restrooms
Yes
Public restrooms on-site, confirmed by a regional trail database covering the Island Line Trail waypoint at Leddy Beach.
Water clarity
Varies with season and flow
No first-hand visitor reports specifically describe Leddy Beach's clarity. The City of Burlington's own water-testing program (daily cyanobacteria checks and twice-weekly E. coli sampling in season, with green/orange/red status) implies clarity and water quality fluctuate through the summer rather than staying reliably clear.
On the water
No official source found documenting a boat launch or specific watercraft policy at Leddy Beach itself; it reads primarily as a swimming beach. Hand-carried non-motorized craft could plausibly be launched from the open beach, but this is not confirmed by any source found, so left unlisted per research rules.
Rentals nearby
Hourly rentals of single/double kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards; also sailboat rentals (dinghies and keelboats)
Prices: $16/hr for paddle craft (kayak/canoe/paddleboard); $40/hr for dinghies (420, Laser, Quest); $70/hr for keelboats (Sonar, Rhodes 19); $50 deposit required
505 Lake Street, Burlington, VT - on the downtown Burlington waterfront, roughly 1.5-2 miles south of Leddy Beach · Seasonal: May 23-June 14 weekends+Memorial Day 10am-6pm; June 20-Sept 7 daily 9am-8pm; Sept 12-Oct 12 weekends+Indigenous Peoples Day 10am-6pm (rentals must be off water 30 min before close)
Leddy Beach: FAQ
Is Leddy Beach kid friendly?
Large, gently sloping sandy lake beach suitable for wading and casual swimming, but no source confirms lifeguards on duty at Leddy Beach specifically (a Vermont tourism roundup notes nearby North Beach has seasonal lifeguards and rentals, while giving Leddy only a brief mention with no lifeguard claim). The city also runs cyanobacteria/E. coli testing and posts closures, so conditions can vary day to day - check the city's beach status before swimming with kids.
Do I need to hike to reach Leddy Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Leddy Beach?
Large free parking lot off Leddy Park Road near the Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena; beach is a short walk from the lot.
When is the best time to visit Leddy Beach?
The city actively monitors water quality (daily cyanobacteria checks, twice-weekly E. coli testing) from Memorial Day through Labor Day, indicating this as the managed swim season.
What are the rules at Leddy Beach?
Pets allowed on leash only; fires, camping, and motorized vehicles are prohibited in the park.
