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
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.