Life on the Inland Sea
Grand Isle County is defined by water, and its outdoor life follows suit — sailing and paddling the sheltered Inland Sea, swimming off state-park beaches, fishing the shallows, and watching the sun drop behind the Adirondacks.
Lakeside state parks
The islands hold a string of low-key state parks.
Grand Isle State Park — lakeside camping and swimming with big sunset views.
Knight Point (North Hero) — a calm swimming bay and boat launch.
Sand Bar (South Hero) — a shallow, sandy beach by the causeway.
Alburgh Dunes — a rare sand beach and dune ecosystem.
On the water
Marinas across the islands rent boats and offer charters; kayakers explore quiet coves and the causeway shallows; and anglers work the Inland Sea for smallmouth bass, northern pike and perch. In winter, the frozen bays fill with ice-fishing shanties.
Chasing the sunset
Because the islands face west across open water, they serve up Vermont’s most reliable sunsets. Grand Isle State Park, Knight Point and any west-facing shore all deliver — bring a picnic and stay for the color.
Good to know
Common questions
Where are the best beaches?
Sand Bar and Alburgh Dunes for sand, plus swimming areas at Grand Isle State Park and Knight Point.
Can I rent a boat?
Yes — island marinas offer rentals and charters for sailing, fishing and paddling the Inland Sea.
Where’s the best sunset?
Any west-facing island shore; Grand Isle State Park and Knight Point are favorites over the Adirondacks.
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