Oakledge Park and Beach

My heart will always belong to North Beach, the first beach I ever swam at, but Oakledge is the finest of Burlington’s three beaches. The mountain views are spectacular in any part of the park. Don’t be fooled– the little sandy area across the path from the pavilion isn’t the only place to swim here– there’s also a rocky area if you go up the path and eventually turn right that is stunning. It’s a bit difficult to navigate the rocks, but it’s a must-​visit for sunset viewing.
The lawn by the pavilion is an excellent picnic/​BBQ spot. Park along Flynn Ave if you don’t mind the walk and don’t care to pay for parking. And get FroYo at SoYo or a sandwich at Four Corners on your way home.

Oakledge beach is right on the Champlain bike path. It’s a small beach and has the necessary amenities.
I often come here to grab a few rays or hangout with some good friends. I love just siting around watching the water and mountains of NY.
The sight is absolutely worthwhile.

This is a beautiful park and great community resource, but I’m docking some serious stars for one reason and one reason alone — the total cluster $@%$ of a parking area by the bocce courts.
I’ve come to learn that Vermonters are terrible at parking in general («Dur I drive a pickup so I get two spaces durrr») but the scene this weekend really took the cake. I have never seen such utter disregard for order and logic in my life. It looked like there may be a more sensible parking area farther down the park, but I’m not sure. I had been directed to park by the bocce courts, and by the time I finally figured out how to get my car positioned so it wasn’t blocking anyone else in (I was one of very few to have to paid others that consideration) I was too terrified to move it. I seriously waited until the sun started going down when enough people left that I could safely maneuver out of there.
If it were a free lot I’d feel slightly less enraged, but for $ 6 come on. I know people should be capable of self-​governing, but THEY AREN’T. Please, use the fee I paid, purchase a can of spray paint and put some damned lines on the ground! I felt incredibly stressed the entire time I was there because I felt like a) I’d paid for the «privilege» of eating the turd in the punchbowl, and b) I was in fear of my car getting damaged the entire time.
Otherwise, great park.

Oakledge is a little quieter than other local beaches such as North Beach but it does get crowded. We used to drive over but have since gotten in better shape and either I walk, run or bike over to avoid parking fees, which I remember being kind of high (depending on where you live).
It’s usually pretty clean, though after major holidays (4^th of July for example) it may not be.
I do prefer Red Rocks, but I certainly don’t mind going here.
Don’t miss the mini-​stonehenge at sunset if you do find yourself here. It’s really quite beautiful.

Nice beach to take the kids.

Beautiful. Casual. Best in Burlington.

I love this park. Maybe it’s because I can ride to it on my bike and it is on the bike trail. Maybe it’s because it is kid friendly and is safe to take my family to. Maybe it is because of the big open fields or the tree-​house or the awesome views of the lake.
In this case, I’ll choose all the above!

Oakledge Park is beautiful! I’ve had a couple of potluck barbecues with friends and the facilities are great. We love taking pictures in the treehouse and I’m sure kids have a blast there. I also love the trail you can take along the waterfront and even go for a quick dip if you so desire. Be sure to check out the cool sundial!
The reason I took a star off? The entrance fee (5 dollars per car) is totally bogus, especially since they also charge it during the week. I can understand charging on weekends and high traffic holidays, but seriously? On a Tuesday? Save your money and park on the road just outside.

For a super casual wedding in Burlington, VT — Oakledge Park is the spot.
There are two large picnic shelters with barbecue grills, almost 2500 feet of both rocky and sandy beach, a big playground, a handicap accessible tree house (for serious), and it’s $ 100 for a half day rental or $ 150 for a full day (at the time of this review).
You’ll have to cater in– but both shelters are handy to the parking areas. You also have to realize that there will be non-​guest people around during your ceremony and reception and you may have a crasher or two… but the more the merrier, right?
If you’re outdoorsy it’s a great spot to tie in your interests… your guests can swim, hike, and play in the fields or on the playground.
I also love Oakledge for recreation. When I lived in VT I would bike there to swim and sun a little on the rocks (shh, don’t tell my deremtologist) (I wore sunscreen).
I also had the best 4^th of July ever there. Friends who didn’t have to work camped out a spot on the rocks and we all joined them as we got out of work with food and drinks (in plastic containers). As ten thousand people filled the waterfront across the lake from us– we and about a hundred others in-​the-​know picnicked and swam under the fireworks. It was fabulous.