How do I get to Chimney Point Beach and is there parking?

Chimney Point Beach is located on Route 17/125 (Lake Street) in Addison, Vermont, adjacent to the Crown Point Bridge across Lake Champlain. The beach is easily accessible by car and has a small parking area near the Chimney Point State Historic Site. From Burlington, it's approximately 30 miles south via Route 7 and Route 17. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early during summer weekends. The beach is clearly marked along the main road and easy to find.

Are there restaurants, amenities, or lodging near Chimney Point Beach?

Chimney Point Beach is a relatively undeveloped area with minimal on-site amenities—no restrooms, concessions, or changing facilities at the beach itself. The nearby Chimney Point State Historic Site has basic facilities during operating hours. For dining and supplies, head to Vergennes (about 10 miles north) or Middlebury (15 miles northeast), which offer restaurants, grocery stores, and lodging options including hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Bring your own food, water, and beach supplies for a comfortable visit to this quiet, scenic spot.

What historic significance does Chimney Point have?

Chimney Point Beach sits adjacent to the Chimney Point State Historic Site, which features a museum detailing the area's rich history spanning 9,000 years. The site was a strategic location during the French and Indian War and American Revolution. The name comes from a large chimney that remained after a French settlement burned. Visitors can explore archaeological findings and learn about Native American heritage, French colonial settlement, and early Vermont history. The museum operates seasonally, typically May through October, and offers fascinating context for this scenic lakeside location.

Addison · Vermont · USA

Chimney Point Beach

You pull off Route 17 into a mowed clearing where dairy cows graze just inland and the lake laps quietly at rounded stones. A lone brick chimney—all that remains of an 18th-century tavern—stands sentinel over water so still it doubles the peaks across in New York.

1 / 8

Conditions right now

Reading live conditions…

Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Chimney Point Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.

Waves

—

01m2m3m+

Wind

—

kmh

Water

—

Air

—

OnlyBeaches IndexUpdated just now

OBI

—

Live-scored for Chimney Point Beach

Tuned for

Purity: 0%
Conditions: 0%
Crowd: 0%
Vibe: 0%

The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.

Addison·Vermont·USA

No reviews yet

hidden

Trending This Week

Photos

8 captures from Chimney Point Beach

About this beach

Chimney Point Beach sits at the narrowest crossing of Lake Champlain, where the span shrinks to mere hundreds of feet and ferries chug between Vermont and New York every fifteen minutes. The namesake chimney, a blackened stack of mortared fieldstone, marks the site of a colonial-era inn that once served travelers waiting to ford the lake. Today, the beach it…

Where it is

Chimney Point Beach

Addison, Vermont, USA

44.0429°, -73.4224°

Open in Google Maps

Top things to do

At Chimney Point Beach

Wade the Shallows

Gradual cobble shelf, cool water

Frame the Chimney

Colonial ruin against Adirondack peaks

Fort Ruins Loop

Adjacent Crown Point historic trails

Cross to New York

Narrow channel, calm morning paddles

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Chimney Point Beach.

Loading nearby eat & drink…

Loading nightlife…

Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Chimney Point Beach.

Is Chimney Point Beach safe for swimming?

Chimney Point Beach on Lake Champlain offers generally calm swimming conditions during summer months, though the lake can be cold even in peak season. The beach has a gradual, sandy entry suitable for families. Water quality is typically good, but check Vermont's Beach Water Quality Program for current conditions before visiting. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Be aware of occasional boat traffic in the lake and supervise children closely. Strong winds can create choppy conditions, making swimming less pleasant.

When is the best time to visit Chimney Point Beach?

The best time for swimming and beach activities is late June through August when water temperatures are warmest, typically reaching the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. However, Chimney Point Beach offers year-round scenic beauty. Spring and fall provide quieter visits with stunning foliage views across Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Winter visits can be picturesque but cold. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends during summer. Sunset viewing is particularly beautiful from this western-facing beach throughout the year.