Desert Botanical Garden

"I really enjoyed going here and there were lots of great opportunities to take photos. And as you walk around you can kind of see all the mountains and that was definitely worth it. All the individual flowers and shrubbery that's in the area is also pretty cool to see in one spot. And you can definitely tell which things thrive in the cooler temperatures even though it's hot out how it's all set up in the different section off areas just makes the whole place really freaking cool to check out."

"Desert Botanical Garden is an exceptional place to experience the beauty, diversity, and resilience of desert life. The garden is thoughtfully laid out with well-marked trails, informative signs, and stunning displays of cacti, succulents, and desert plants from around the world. Every path offers something unique—from towering saguaros to colorful seasonal blooms—making the visit both relaxing and educational. The garden was founded in 1939 by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society with the goal of preserving and showcasing desert plants. Over time, it has become one of the world’s leading centers for desert plant conservation, research, and education, and that mission is evident throughout the grounds. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and welcoming, always happy to share insights about plant adaptations and the garden’s history. It’s also very family friendly, with wide paths, shaded seating areas, and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Pro tips: • Buy tickets online in advance else pay $5 extra at the gate"

"Amazing garden! We were expecting something much smaller and in the end we didn’t get a chance to see everything because the rain started and the kids were getting wet! Beautifully curated, long loops with super interesting cacti! They had a few sections around the history of the native people that lived here and how they used the native plants! The kids also loved it!"