I like to go to Oakledge with a friend to practice yoga in the morning during the summer months. Such a quiet, peaceful start to any day.
A great place to hang out in the summer where you can BBQ, swim, hike and best of all, cliff jump. It is just south of Burlington and very easy to get to.
I've been visiting Oakledge Park for years, since my mom lived within walking distance. The best time to visit is in the summer, you can take full advantage of it's proximity to Lake Champlain. Take a walk along the rocks, and you'll find many that are large flat slabs --- perfect for a picnic, sunbathing, or swimming. The path takes you out to a rocky outcropping where you can jump into Lake Champlain and enjoy a swim. The park also has a playground and picnic areas although my favorite part of the park is the rocks. The parking is sometimes very crowded on weekends so it's best to go during the week. You'll take in beautiful views of the lake and mountains and there's really no better way to experience the beauty of Lake Champlain and Vermont.
Of all the parks within a 50 mile radius of B town , this is our favorite. Not too crowded, tennis, horseshoe, pavilions, beach front, plenty of grass to play frisbee, etc. we go here on July 3 for the fireworks. Beat the crowds and noise in downtown.
We enjoyed Oakledge as a spot for a pre-fireworks picnic and then walked to "the point" for viewing the Fireworks !
Oakledge is probably the nicest park in Burlington, but what makes it special is the stunning view of the lake and the Adirondacks. Whenever I take friends and family here, they can't believe how beautiful it is. Most reviewers mention it during the summer months, when you can swim, but it's stunningly beautiful in the fall, and in the winter, when the lake is frozen, is a great place for a walk out onto the ice. There's something for everyone here: tennis courts, access to the bike path, a great place to get your kayak into the water, BBQ area, covered picnic area, playground, bocce court, great place for frisbee, etc. This is our favorite place to go into the lake with our kayaks. We're not great boaters, so the ease of a shallow entry is best. You have to pay to park during the summer months, or else buy a pass that lets you into all the Burlington parks for that summer.Best of all is to walk here off season. Then we let the dogs off leash and they can enjoy the woods and the lake. It's super fun in the winter when we can go out onto the ice (wait until it's really thick!) and see the strange ice shapes that form from water lashing up against the rocks. It's like another world then.
I have been to Oakledge park on multiple occasions. It is a wonderful place during the fair weather seasons. There are many paths to hike and run. Many of the paths lead to private swimming holes, or wonderful views of Lake Champlain. You can get some of the best views of the lake from this park.There are tennis courts, places to BBQ, and plenty of well-maintained lawn to spread a blanket out on. A great place for dogs to stretch their legs, and families to bring a picnic. There is paid parking inside the park, as well as free parking just outside (but you have to walk a little ways to get to the park).
The water is cold in Lake Champlain, so if you pick a hot day, you will be glad to cool off. Slate ledges line the 'beach', which is rocky. Best to have swim shoes, crocks, or something along that line. Views are nice. There is a charge for parking at this park, and a short walk (about 3 minutes) to the water. Could be crowded on weekends, since it is on the edge of Burlington city limits.
Beaches are just okay, nothing much to do but relax.. water wasn't that great.. A little hard to find, me and my friends was lost...lol
You can go for a picnic, walk, bike, swim, surf, or even get married ! The most beautiful park in Burlington!