Desert Botanical Garden covers an area of 57 hectares (140 acres) and shelters more than 21,000 plants, including 139 rare and endangered species. Nearly a third of the garden's plant collection is native to this desert area, especially noted for its richness in agave and cacti species. The garden protects vegetation from less extreme climates under its "shadehouses," which contain vast collections of Australian, South American, and Californian plants. As you walk through the garden, try to spot the differences between the mesquite bosque, semi-desert grassland, and upland chaparral ecosystems. Check online for current events and special exhibits, and choose a guided tour suitable to your interests and time constraints. Add Desert Botanical Garden to your Phoenix travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Phoenix trip itinerary builder.
Create an itinerary including Desert Botanical Garden
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Desert Botanical Garden reviews
-
Wonderful day and lots to see and learn. Highly recomend a alll day visit and have lunch there. A lot of work and effort has gone into the exhibits more »
-
I loved walking around and seeing all the beautiful cactus and landscapes; so many great pictures. I especially liked the sundial, the cactus made of salvaged ironwood, and the peaceful water... more »
-
I love coming here. It’s free the second Tuesday of every month. The variety of cacti, succulents and other plants is absolutely mind blowing. You will see plenty of plants you never knew existed. It’s fairly sized so you can see everything all in one day if you want, or you can take your time and enjoy each section. There’s also always art being showcased around the area by different at different times. One of the must see locations in Phoenix.
-
This place is amazing! We got here early on a Saturday morning. The weather was beautiful. Scottsdale has gotten more rain than usual so everything is bursting with color. I didn't know cactus could be purple in the spring! I bet we took over 200 pictures! We probably spent an hour in the butterfly tent. It was truly magical.I'm an artist and I got lots of great material to draw from. The gardens are well cared for and thought out. My friend and I are members of the Botanic Gardens in Tulsa and we told them upon ticket purchase and we got in free as our membership is reciprocal in many places. So that is something to keep in mind!
Plan your trip to Phoenix
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Phoenix
Side trips from Phoenix
Museums in Phoenix
Hidden gems in Phoenix
Nearby attractions in Phoenix
Trips to Desert Botanical Garden by other users
12 days in Phoenix, Mammoth Cave National Park & Nashville
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Phoenix
Mammoth Cave National Park
Nashville
6 days in Phoenix
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Balloon Rides
Off-Road Tours
Old Adobe Mission
7 days in Arizona
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Scottsdale
Grand Canyon National Park
Sedona
15 days in Augusta & Phoenix
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Augusta
Phoenix
1 day in Albuquerque & Phoenix
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Albuquerque
Phoenix
19 days in Phoenix & Central Arizona
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Scottsdale
Wickenburg
