Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden
Discover local desert flora and fauna and learn about the world’s deserts in this beautiful garden.

The Desert Botanical Garden showcases the diversity of life found in even the driest climates. This attraction is the perfect introduction for visitors to the environment and wildlife found around Phoenix, as well as exploring the life found in deserts around the world.

In 1937, the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society established a garden where the beauty and range of plants found in the local Sonoran Desert could be appreciated and understood. Two years later, they moved to the current location, and the museum they founded continues their aims for research, education and conservation of desert flora and fauna.

The garden is home to more than 50,000 plants, including succulents, cacti, trees and flowers, and is known for its collection of agaves. Visitors can learn about how the various species have adapted differently to cope with the harsh desert environment. As well as local specimens, there are exhibits dedicated to desert flora from South America, Baja California and even Australia.

There is more than just plants on show here. Desert-dwellers play a major role in the ecosystem that is celebrated. Head to the seasonal butterfly exhibit for an explosion of colour, try to catch a glimpse of the fluttering hummingbirds and meet the colony of fun-loving chipmunks. To learn about how humans have survived in the desert and what benefits the plants here are known to have, visit the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert trail. This insight into local Western Apache life in the area around Phoenix includes an authentic house, made of split yucca leaves, thatched with cottonwood and willow branches.

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Papago Park, 13 kilometres east of Phoenix. It is open until late, so you can watch the desert come to life with night-blooming flowers and the sounds of nocturnal animals. Guided tours are available, or you can follow the clearly marked trails yourself. Special events take place throughout the year. Check the website for a schedule of these.

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An enchanting desert oasis in Arizona's Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, is a unique and captivating destination that showcases the distinctive geographic landscapes of the region. This stunning garden features a diverse range of desert flora, vibrant flowers, and impressive art installations. Visitors can immersey themselves in the natural beauty of the desert while enjoying various activities such as golfing, dining, and running. The friendly people and welcoming atmosphere add to the charm of this place. Additionally, the downtown areas of Tempe and Mesa provide opportunities for exploring and experiencing the local culture. For a memorable holiday, choose from a range of Phoenix hotels and bed accommodations, including the delightful 2-bedroom fun in the desert sun option.

Desert Botanical Garden is surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods and offers a range of exciting areas to explore. Whether you're interested in desert landscapes, gardens, sports, zoos, flowers, art, friendly people, golf, dining, or running, there is something for everyone.

  • Papago Parkway: Located 1.08 km away from Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Parkway offers a unique experience with its desert surroundings, beautiful gardens, and opportunities for sports and outdoor activities. You can also visit the nearby zoo, enjoy the vibrant art scene, and indulge in delicious dining options.
  • Hy-view: Just 1.16 km away from Desert Botanical Garden, Hy-view is another great destination featuring desert vistas, stunning gardens, and a range of sports activities. You can also explore the zoo, admire beautiful flowers, appreciate local art, and enjoy the friendly local atmosphere.
  • Oak Park: Located 1.72 km away from Desert Botanical Garden, Oak Park offers a scenic desert experience with its gardens, sports facilities, and opportunities for running. You can also visit the zoo, immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding flowers, engage with local art, and savor the diverse dining options.

Desert Botanical Garden is a stunning oasis in Phoenix, Arizona, offering a unique combination of desert beauty, diverse gardens, thrilling sports activities, a zoo, vibrant flowers, captivating art, friendly people, golf courses, delightful dining options, and scenic running trails.

  • Hole in the Rock: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural rock formation and enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape.
  • Phoenix Zoo: Immerse yourself in a world of wildlife with exotic animals, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.
  • Papago Park: Explore this urban park with stunning desert vistas, unique rock formations, and picturesque trails for hiking and biking.

Camelback East boasts a year-around average temperature of 23.9°C, peaking at 34.9°C in July, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 13.0°C in December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 16.1mm annually, with July seeing the heaviest showers and April, May, June being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January13.623.1
February15.423.4
March18.425.1
April22.60.0
May27.80.0
June32.70.0
July34.926.7
August34.225.4
September31.316.3
October24.814.7
November17.816.5
December13.022.4

Top reasons to visit Desert Botanical Garden

  • Diverse desert flora: The Desert Botanical Garden showcases a wide range of desert plants, highlighting the unique flora of the region.
  • Vibrant flowers: Visitors can admire the garden's stunning display of colorful and vibrant flowers, adding beauty to the desert landscape.
  • Impressive art installations: The garden features captivating art installations that enhance the visitor's experience and showcase the creativity of local artists.
  • Activities for all: From golfing to dining and running, the garden offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the desert.
  • Welcoming atmosphere: The friendly people and welcoming atmosphere of the Desert Botanical Garden add to its charm, making it a memorable destination for tourists.

The Desert Botanical Garden info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationPhoenix, Arizona, United States
TypeBotanical Garden
Area140 acres
Founded1939
HighlightsSonoran Desert plants, Desert Wildflowers, Cacti, Agave
ActivitiesHiking, Photography, Guided Tours
Opening Hours8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Admission Fee$24.95 for adults, $12.95 for children (ages 3-17)
FacilitiesGift Shop, Restaurant, Garden Library

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