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Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

4.7
#1 of 823 in Things to do in Phoenix & Central Arizona
Garden · Nature / Park
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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.
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Desert Botanical Garden reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
9,036 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • I loved this place! So many cool cactuses and succulents, cool wildlife, art, and a wonderful gift shop. There are water fountains and areas to refill a bottle so make sure to bring a water bottle... 
    I loved this place! So many cool cactuses and succulents, cool wildlife, art, and a wonderful gift shop. There are water fountains and areas to refill a bottle so make sure to bring a water bottle...  more »
  • My wife and I spent a gorgeous Saturday morning here in the beginning of March. We arrived at 10 and left around 12. As we were leaving it felt a lot more crowded so going at 10 was ideal. The garden....  more
    My wife and I spent a gorgeous Saturday morning here in the beginning of March. We arrived at 10 and left around 12. As we were leaving it felt a lot more crowded so going at 10 was ideal. The garden....  more »
Google
  • We stopped here on a whim & I'm so glad we did! Being from the east coast it felt a little surreal walking around all the cacti, plants & wildlife but this place is absolutely stunning. There is plenty to see, you could easily spend several hours walking around. It's very clean & the staff is very knowledgeable & down to earth. The gardens are so calming & relaxing, I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. As someone else said pictures are great but it is so much better in person. Truly a wonderful experience!
  • The place is so serene, peaceful, well-designed and maintained that it it helps you remember why we can still love Arizona. Because it’s surely not for its divisive politics. I loved seeing all the fall family/engagement photo shoots take place here as well. Which means they will not discourage if you pay the entrance fee. Every penny was worth it, even if you aren’t doing a photo shoot. The gorgeous art work juxtapose the desert landscape in a brilliant way. And the butterfly garden is a treat. Fabulous descriptions of the cacti and plants and their significance to the ecosystem. And open late during certain times of the year when lighting comes on at “golden hour” to make the place sparkle. It’s a desert museum worth seeing whether you live or are visiting Phoenix.

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