Four Vermont beaches named among New England’s best. How to go

Vermont has some of the most relaxing beaches in New England.

While other states may be known for their island beaches or their saltwater getaways on the shores of the mainland, Vermont has plenty of freshwater beaches that make it a real treat to visit those parts of the Green Mountain state.

Yankee Magazine, one of the most notable lifestyle publications covering New England, said that four of Vermont’s beaches are among the best in New England.

“From wide sandy stretches and dramatic ocean bluffs to hidden coves and family-friendly shores, New England beaches offer something for every kind of beachgoer,” Yankee Magazine said.

Out of 34 New England beaches, here are the four beaches in Vermont that made it, ranked in their proximity to Burlington.

Sand Bar State Park, Milton — ‘finest stretch of Lake Champlain beachfront’

Yankee Magazine chose Sand Bar State Park in Milton, Vermont, as one of the best beaches in New England because how perfect it is for families with children, because of its shallow waters and play areas.

“Vermont’s most popular day-use state park is home to its finest stretch of Lake Champlain beachfront, a 2,000-foot strand with a dropoff so gradual that it seems you could wade from the mainland to the Champlain Islands,” Yankee said.

There are also a number of cooking grills and picnic areas at the Milton beach for those who like to have burgers by the beach after a nice swim, according to Vermont State Parks.

Only around 16 miles away from Burlington, it takes less than 30 minutes to drive to Sand Bar in Milton, making it great for families and friends who don’t want a long drive to the beach.

Alburgh Dunes State Park, Alburgh — ‘One of Vermont’s newest state parks’

Forty-one miles from Burlington, Alburgh Dunes State Park might seem like long haul for a beach, but worth it.

“One of Vermont’s newest state parks was established to preserve an incongruous feature of northern Lake Champlain, a duneland left behind by retreating glaciers,” Yankee said.

The Vermont State Parks website said the foundation of this beach began thousands of years ago, when glaciers deposited soil on bluffs close by, and slowly the forces of nature carried that soil to Lake Champlain, creating Alburgh Dunes.

“Before the park was established, people altered the dunes. Some sand was removed to replenish the beach, trees were cut for firewood, and visitors walking on the dunes wore paths through the grasses,” the state parks website said. “These actions increased erosion.”

Now, fencing has been erected to prevent further ecological damage of the beach.

Boulder Beach State Park, Groton — ‘sandy shoreline along Lake Groton’

Yankee rated Boulder Beach State Park, which is almost 70 miles away from Burlington, highly not only because of the magnificent glacier-formed boulders after which the park is named, but because of the conveniences that come with it.

“There’s a definite wilderness feel to the terrain in this southern threshold of the Northeast Kingdom, but the park is well equipped with changing facilities, boat rentals, a concession stand, and a broad lawn dotted with picnic sites behind the beach,” the magazine said.

Safe to swim in as well, Boulder Beach State Park is in walking distance of the other six state parks in Groton State Forest.

Crystal Lake State Park, Barton — ‘glacially carved jewels of northern Vermont’s lake country’

Crystal Lake State Park in Barton, Vermont, might be the farthest away from Burlington, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth traveling to.

“One of the glacially carved jewels of northern Vermont’s lake country lies just outside the town of Barton and features a sandy swimming beach with a spectacular view,” Yankee Magazine said.

Crystal Lake spans three miles long and is around one mile wide, Vermont State Parks’ website said. Be careful swimming there as parts of it are over 100 feet deep.

“A large historic granite bathhouse provides restrooms, changing areas, and a concession stand,” the parks website said. “The park offers about 40 free-standing charcoal grills, nearly 80 picnic tables, rental boats and canoes, and ample parking.”

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatoday.com.