Burlington blends small-town charm with a big green ethos. From farm stays to eco-cottages, these sustainable vacation rentals reflect the town’s renewable spirit.
In the heart of New England, Burlington quietly leads the green revolution. As the first U.S. city powered by 100% renewable energy, this lakeside gem is more than a postcard town —it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when people prioritize planet and place.
For travelers seeking meaning behind their getaways, Burlington offers the perfect blend: local food, lively community, and sustainability that’s not just performative—it’s policy. And when it comes to sustainable vacation rentals, this city knows how to do comfort with conscience.
With Better Trips , you’re not just finding a great place to stay—you’re supporting a better way to travel.
Book a Rental Near Lake Champlain With a Lighter Footprint
There’s something magnetic about Lake Champlain —especially when your rental is just steps from the water. Imagine waking up to sunrise glinting off the lake, your feet hitting reclaimed hardwood floors, and your coffee brewed with solar power.
Better Trips showcases stays near the Burlington Bike Path and Oakledge Park that embrace low-impact living. From composting gardens to filtered greywater systems, these sustainable vacation rentals allow guests to enjoy the view without harming it.
One featured cottage even uses a rooftop rain catchment system to nourish its pollinator-friendly garden. Fresh air meets fresh thinking.
And from the lakeside to the city core…
Stay Central for Car-Free Access and Cultural Immersion
Downtown Burlington was made for wandering. From the cobbled Church Street Marketplace to indie bookstores and zero-waste cafés, this is a city best experienced on foot.
That’s why we recommend sustainable vacation rentals in walkable spots like the Old North End, where charming duplexes and eco-renovated homes let you skip the rental car altogether.
Bikes are a bonus (check out the local Greenride Bikeshare), but between public transit and the city’s strong pedestrian infrastructure, getting around is refreshingly easy—and emission-free.
When your lodging aligns with your route, the whole trip flows greener.
Support Rentals That Source and Give Locally
Beyond energy-efficient appliances and compost bins, Burlington’s most meaningful rentals are rooted in community. We love highlighting hosts who partner with local artists, source reclaimed building materials, or contribute a portion of profits to environmental initiatives.
Look for stays that reflect the ethos of places like City Market Co-op or Zero Gravity Brewery—businesses that care about what they create, where it comes from, and how it impacts the people around them.
Better Trips’ mission is to uplift these kinds of experiences—where a weekend away supports long-term good.
Now let’s talk seasons—because Burlington has four that all deserve their moment.
Experience the Seasons With a Vermont Ethos
Vermont does seasons with style—and Burlington turns that into a lifestyle. Autumn means crunchy leaves and cider donuts at nearby farms. Winter calls for cabin coziness, heated with efficient pellet stoves or radiant floors.
Look for sustainable vacation rentals like tiny homes with passive solar design or off-grid cottages surrounded by biodiverse gardens. In summer, long days on the water are balanced by eco-built decks and backyard grills stocked from the Saturday farmers market.
Whether you're skiing at Bolton Valley or biking through spring wildflowers, the best stays in Burlington match the moment—and the mission.
Speaking of commitment…
Why Burlington Is Leading the Way in Sustainable Travel
This city didn’t stumble into its green status—it earned it. From powering every building with renewable sources to promoting regional food systems, Burlington is shaping what American sustainability looks like.
It’s no surprise that sustainable vacation rentals thrive here. This is a place where compost bins are as common as coffee shops, where “local” means within walking distance, and where travelers are invited to be part of the solution, not just observers.
If conscious travel is your priority, Burlington is your playground.
A Greener Stay Starts in Burlington
Burlington isn’t flashy about its sustainability—but that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It proves that thoughtful choices, made consistently, shape a better place to live and travel.
With Better Trips , finding sustainable vacation rentals that reflect this city’s eco ethos is as effortless as stepping out onto a porch overlooking Lake Champlain.
Let your next getaway start with intention—and end with a story worth telling.