Discover Darien

Darien brings together very different ideas for a stay: Draves Arboretum features an extensive collection of woody plants, Six Flags Darien Lake offers roller coasters, children’s areas and shows, and the Conservation Branch Trail winds through Darien Lakes State Park. When choosing a vacation rental in Darien, it’s worth first considering which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Woody plants from around the world at Draves Arboretum

Draves Arboretum is a Level III ArbNet-accredited arboretum and also an American Conifer Society reference garden. Its tree collection includes more than 900 different woody plant species from around the world. This makes the garden a special destination for anyone who wants to do more than simply notice plants in passing and is interested in the variety of different woody plants. The species’ international origins make the collection a distinctive part of a stay in Darien.

Access requirements should also be part of your planning: Draves Arboretum is open only by appointment. If you’d like to visit, arrange an appointment before adding the garden to your itinerary as a definite stop. That way, you can plan your visit around your interest in the collection. For travelers choosing between a nature experience and Darien’s other recreational offerings, the arboretum is a clearly distinct option.

Roller coasters, children’s areas and shows

Six Flags Darien Lake has seven roller coasters. Three themed children’s areas add a different focus to the park. There are also shows featuring world-class entertainers. Roller coasters, themed areas and live entertainment offer different ways to experience the amusement park. If you’re traveling with children, you can take these differences into account when choosing activities together, without having to reduce everyone’s interests to a single attraction.

A trail in Darien Lakes State Park

The Conservation Branch Trail runs for about two miles within Darien Lakes State Park. This approximate length gives you a concrete reference point when considering adding a trail visit to your plans. Unlike the attractions at the amusement park, the focus here is a named trail. This gives you another way to tailor your choice of location to your interests: a garden and woody plants, an amusement park, or a trail within the state park.

Which experiences do you want to define your stay?

So, when looking for a vacation rental in Darien, consider which of these themes matters most for your trip. If you plan to visit Draves Arboretum, remember to make an appointment in advance.

If you’d also like to explore other places, you’ll find Le Roy, Corfu, Elba and Bergen here.

For the broader travel overview: Genesee.