1. Darien Beaches
Often chosen as “the best place to live in Connecticut,” Darien offers residents a mix of a suburban lifestyle combined with small town amenities — all within less than an hour’s commute to New York City. Situated along the Long Island Sound, Darien residents enjoy 16 miles of breathtaking shoreline along Connecticut’s Gold Coast.
2. A+ Public Schools
Darien’s Public School System is a top-rated public school district. It consists of 4,475 students in grades Pre-K -12, and boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Darien Public Schools consistently receives high marks in academics as well as having a strong athletic program capturing many titles — keeping their mascot, the Blue Wave, very busy!
3. Culinary Delights
Dining options are never at a shortage in Darien. The foodie scene is rich with everything from family-run establishments to world-class international cuisine. Some favorites include The Sugar Bowl, 1020 Post, Rory’s, Scena, Coromandel, Louie’s, and more.
4. Darien Library
Both nationally and internationally recognized as one of the most innovative libraries in the world, Darien Library works hard to provide exceptional educational, entertaining, enriching programming along with community building activities.
5. Shopping
In need of a little retail therapy? Darien has got your covered! From thrift shops to boutiques, Darien has options aplenty. Make sure to check out Darien Sport Shop, which has been dressing Darien since 1946, and providing all imaginable sporting equipment. Additionally, don’t miss Kirby and Company, Couleur Provence, Nielsen’s Flower Shop, Post Modern Home, or Helen Ainson.
6. All Aboard
Getting around is never a problem as Darien offers residents three train stations in town, making for an easy commute into New York City or a quick trip to DC, Boston or Philadelphia.
7. Weed Beach
Weed Beach is a 22-acre beach containing a picnic area, bathhouse, concession stand, playground, tennis courts, paddle hut and paddle courts, fishing area, sailing, paddle board and kayak rentals. It also hosts the Weed Beachfest, an annual community gathering with bands, games and vendors.
8. Pear Tree Point Beach
Pear Tree Point Beach offers residents 8 acres of beautiful shoreline. The beach has picnic tables and grills, bathhouse, concession stand, boat launch, fishing area, gazebo, kayaks, and a residents-only boat club where residents can join to obtain boat slips in the harbor. It also hosts the annual Darien Road Race.
9. Get Outside!
Darien provides its residents with many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. With 11 parks, two beaches, three country clubs, two swim clubs, a hunt club, sailing club, yacht club, and boat club, you’ll have no shortage of fun in the sun.
10. Cherry Lawn Park
Cherry Lawn Park is a magnificent park, covering 27.5 acres in the middle of town. It offers a wide range of exercise and recreational opportunities. The park has 2 playgrounds, trails, a duck pond, basketball and tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, a community garden, and is home to the Darien Nature Center.
11. Darien YMCA
Updated a few years ago, the Darien YMCA is a state-of-the-art facility. It offers over 300 programs for all ages. It is a community-focused organization that also host community dinners and wellness events. The facility also houses the Holly Pond Nursery School and an after-school program.
12. Arts Center
The Darien Art Center is dedicated to supporting and fostering a greater appreciation of the visual and performing arts for all members of the community. The Center offers classes for all ages in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, and oversees town-wide talent and art shows as well as host an adorable holiday season performance of “The Nutcracker.”
13. Summer Nights
When the temperature rises, Darien residents love to get outside. What better way to enjoy the fresh air than with live music under the stars? Darien Summer Nights encourages residents to come out weekly to Groove Street Plaza to enjoy live music with their fellow town residents.
14. Darien Nature Center
The Darien Nature Center is located in Cherry Lawn Park in a state-of-the-art building designed to foster interest and respect for the natural world. The facility is home to a variety of animals, an exhibit gallery, a small theater, a library and several classrooms. It also houses a nursery school program and various after-school nature enrichment programs.
15. Tilley Pond Park
This eye-pleasing park sits in the heart of town across from the Darien Train Station. It offers eight acres of beautiful walking and jogging paths. There are many benches and picnic tables for some fresh-air repose. During the winter months, when the pond freezes, many come out to skate and play hockey. It is also home to the annual Tilley Pond Model Boat Regatta and Memorial Day Food Fair.
16. Darien Historical Society
Located in the Bates-Scofield Homestead, the Darien Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Darien. The Homestead includes a museum, an exhibit hall, Darien Historical Archives and a resource library. The museum is open for tours and hosts annual events.
17. Sidewalk Sale & Family Day
Organized by the Darien Chamber of Commerce, this four-day event in July allows shoppers to find bargains under tents and enjoy community activities scheduled throughout town. It’s an excellent opportunity to get to know and support local businesses.
18. The Depot
The Depot, a.k.a The Darien Youth Center, has been fostering teen spirit since 1989. Housed in the former Noroton Heights historic train station, the Depot provides Darien youth with a supervised, substance-free environment in which to create programming, attend meetings, and socialize.
19. Community Association
The Darien Community Association offers residents a wide variety of activities and programs for all ages. They have an annual Easter Egg Hunt, Festive Holiday Tea and Breakfast with Santa, along with various academic and art talks.
20. Peace of Mind
Recently voted the safest town in Connecticut by Safewise.com, Darien continues to find ways to reduce crime. The Darien Police Department and first responders strive to make sure the town is safe, giving residents peace of mind in a beautiful setting.
