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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 Desert Botanical Garden offers a delightful escape into nature's wonders, even for those who may not have a particular interest in plant life. While the gardens boast a multitude of stunning flora, including a diverse range of cacti and desert plants, there are other attractions to appreciate. For instance, if you're more drawn to wildlife, you'll find yourself surrounded by an ample amount of ground squirrels and lizards that add a touch of liveliness to the environment. Moreover, the garden ensures visitor comfort with plenty of shaded areas to seek respite from the sun, as well as numerous water fountains equipped with water bottle stations. Plus, the convenience of air-conditioned bathrooms throughout the premises enhances the overall experience.The scenery at the Desert Botanical Garden is nothing short of breathtaking. The juxtaposition of vibrant desert flowers, towering cacti, and the unique desert landscape creates a captivating visual spectacle. Whether you're strolling along the well-maintained paths or sitting in one of the shaded areas, you'll find yourself immersed in the serene beauty of the surroundings. The attention to detail and the preservation of this arid ecosystem are commendable, and it's an ideal place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

My wife and I had a pleasant visit here and did it comfortably in about 2 hours, including the gift shop. They truly put a lot of love and care into the multiple trails and plants. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as rabbits, ground squirrels, roadrunners, quail, and so on. Don't worry about not bringing enough water, as there are plenty of free water bottle refill stations with cold and tasty water which was much appreciated. Lastly, if you're a local or have flexibility, check their website to find their freebie day to save a few bucks.

Man, idk what to say other than a beautiful experience that I won't forget. They trails are amazing and informative. They are brimming with life and nature being nature. The ticket wasn't expensive also they had a small art exhibit that was interesting wall through. Overall a easy stop to add into your day or adventure in Phoenix.

What a great way to kick off our trip, by seeing all the different desert plants. I loved seeing the very large ones. We are here in late February. I definitely would not want to be there in the dead of summer without a lot of sun protection.Note there are water fountains placed throughout the garden,

Honestly a lot bigger than I anticipated! If you’re going during summer be warned it’s VERY hot! They do have ample water fountains and restrooms through the garden. Must see if you’re into plants, nature, and scenery views! The garden shop is also a decent size and have cute souvenirs.

This place is heaven on earth. I leave a lot of reviews and have rarely wished to lavish such praise. If you don’t leave five stars you maybe should talk to your therapist. This is incredible!!! It is massive and in reality you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours here appreciating the expanse of desert plants and flowers and sculpture. It is beyond beautiful and I would argue one of the finest collections of such natural wonders on the planet. The staff are professional and passionate, the grounds are modern and kept, there are all sorts of possibilities for events as well and whatever you might need as a visitor for hydration or food if you must. I just felt totally calm and at peace and by the way, there are hundreds of birds and I mean of all varieties but most of all we saw so many hummingbirds playing together and they are quite curious, I snagged a photo. This is an instance where the photos are beautiful but the place is better in real life. The natural world is in abundance here and it will, it should connect with your soul. Enjoy!

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.

Went on a Saturday night for their flashlight event! So much fun and the weather was enjoyable at that time. I went at 7:30pm and wish I would've gone at 7pm for some better sunset photos and to see way more as flashlights can only do so much. They have ton of little things all throughout the garden for children to do as well at night. I don't have kids so I can't speak much on that part. They also have a nice little gift shop. Multiple drinking fountains with bottle fill ups throughout the garden. Very well taken care of and would visit, again.

Just the right size for me whose attention span for such things is a couple hours or so. Very nice grounds with meandering sidewalks and beautiful landscapes. Our interactions with the staff and rangers were great. The butterfly exhibit was (for me) surprisingly engaging.Parking was free and easy.Folks using wheelchairs I think would find lots of paths that work here.Lots and lots of pokey plants so watch those young kids!

Wonderful display of a cacti garden. However we visited the garden during a Halloween festival for children and some of the trails were closed off so we were not able to view their entire garden. I would have given it five stars if some of those trails weren't closed and we paid full price.

The Desert Botanical Gardens are lovely. There's a ton of walking to do and a lot of stunning beauty to see. There are sights and smells and amazing art installations. The gift shop has a wide selection and something for everyone. There are several water filling stations around the property so bring a water bottle and stay hydrated!

Photographed a wedding there on a cloudy Jan day, and the grounds are simply stunning. I could spend all day at the gardens, there is so much to see. Staff is very friendly and nice. One of my favorite spots in the valley to do photos at. It is the perfect desert backdrop.

Fantastic! What a wonderful botanical garden. Larger than anticipated with so many different display areas and pathways. Nice exhibitions too. Good cafes and the restaurant on site is very good. A very nice gift shop on site. Plenty of parking, helpful guide and an absolutely beautiful site to visit. This is a must do when in the Phoenix area.

Beautiful botanical gardens!! MUST visit when in Phoenix. The place has been designed beautifully. The cactii are huge and gorgeous. We also saw a few hummingbirds up close! Went in the evening so had the chance to witness a beautiful sunset.The place offers defined trails, clear signs, plenty of rest stops, water fountains and clean restrooms.Very very pleasant experience, could not recommend this place enough!

This was an amazing surprise! My family and I had some time before our flight and we wanted to do something cool and educational. So on a whim we went to the botanical garden and fell in love. This has to be one of the more amazing finds that we had on our trip with just how beautiful all the cacti and flowers are. Everyone that worked there is super friendly and caring and was concerned about making sure that we kept cool and had water. But we just kept pinching ourselves because we didn't realize how beautiful all the different kind of cactus are. Bottom line is it is a wonderful place to visit. Whether or not you're local or passing through, it is worth the time to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

Absolutely Amazing! We had such a great time at the botanical gardens. Since being from Ohio, it felt like we were on an alien planet with all the unique plants and environment. The garden was a great way to see the variety of plants and learn about the ecosystem of the desert. On top of the standard botanical garden delivery, there are Chihuly glass sculptures nestled into the gardens. My crew spent over two hours walking the grounds. Our experience matched the value of the price of admission.

It is a wonderful place in Phoenix, Arizona, and I can strongly say that you will definitely enjoy the time you spend here. I was on transit in Arizona, and was thinking about how to spend my long layover. When I checked, I found this place, which is very close to the airport! I called a taxi and visited the place. It was a well-worth visit of at least half a day! This is very useful, especially for botany students and nature lovers. This is incredible!!! You may experience desert plants, flowers, and sculptures, which are beyond beautiful!! The staff are professional and friendly. I felt very peaceful! I should make a special note that there is a canteen where you can enjoy delicious food too. A location that will completely exceed your expectations!! You can enjoy it thoroughly.

I'd be happy to provide some information about the Desert Botanical Garden in Tempe, Arizona. However, please note that my knowledge is based on information available until May 2023, so there may have been changes since then. The Desert Botanical Garden is a popular attraction in the Phoenix metropolitan area known for its stunning collection of desert plants. It covers 140 acres and showcases a wide variety of plant species, including cacti, succulents, and other desert flora. The garden offers beautiful walking trails that allow visitors to explore the different desert habitats and enjoy the serene beauty of the desert landscape. Additionally, the garden hosts various events, including art exhibits, concerts, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Visitors often praise the garden for its well-maintained grounds, informative exhibits, and breathtaking scenery. However, I recommend checking the official website or recent reviews for the most up-to-date information about the Desert Botanical Garden and any changes that may have occurred since my last knowledge update in May 2023.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! Anytime I have some extra money I come here to enjoy the atmosphere. I got a discount for National Cactus Day and took my children, they were so young and loved coming here I was surprised because they don’t even like going to the zoo. However, seeing the butterflies and all the gorgeous plants they absolutely loved it. Even in the summer time it’s fun! The entire enclosure is well kept and very clean, I’m glad my children loved it as much as I did mainly because there’s lots of fun places for them to climb!

What a fantastic place to explore desert plants! My family and I had a few hours before we had to be at the airport, so we decided to explore. It was great to walk around at our own pace and look at everything there. We even saw rabbits and lizards! It was very hot (more than 100°F) but the gift shop has air conditioning and a nice selection of gifts and souvenirs. I will return the next time I'm in town.

A beautiful botanical garden filled with desert plants, which isn’t like most botanical gardens.It was hotter than hell the day I went but there are good spots to sit and relax. There are also plenty of water fountains throughout. A beautiful art exhibit as well (thru March ‘24).The butterfly exhibit is a highlight.Bring sunscreen!

Love love love this garden! It is a $25 admission charge, I feel that it is expensive for the small size of this place. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so wasn't too worried about the price after. The whole area around the botanical garden, Papago Park and Hole in the Rock are fun to visit so make a day of it! We packed food and water and explored each area, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Phoenix!

My children gifted us tickets to the luminaries event and reservations at Gertrude’s. What an absolute beautiful experience. It was a perfect night with a full moon. We were able to catch the sunset and the moon. The music through out the gardens was amazing. It was just magical with all the candles, lights, Christmas trees and music. Plus a delicious meal. Everyone was festive the employees were helpful and kind.

Definitely well worth a visit if you are in Phoenix. I would say to fully take advantage of your ticket and the experience you may want to call out about 2 to 3 hours. There are plenty of bathrooms around the gardens as well as a restaurant and a gift shop. The gardens themselves are diverse and have a wide variety of different botanicals. It really sets a good scene for the other Flora and foreigner around the state of Arizona.

Fantastic place!! Especially for those who love cacti and succulents.There are timed tours available with the purchase of the entrance ticket, we did this and we learned a lot.Some of the huge cacti are over a hundred years old and some can live until 250. They’re starting to bloom now and they’re so pretty!There are docents around the garden so if you feel like you’re in a maze and not finding your way around, it’s easy to get help. They also have water fountains around the paths and benches under some shade to allow people to rest and hydrate.This is a well thought out garden and one that may be enjoyable for everyone, young and the not so young!

The Desert Botanical Garden is a pretty special spot. I have a garden membership and have been to quite a few botanical gardens across the US, and this one is one of the better ones I’ve seen.The plants were gorgeous, the art installations were really tasteful, and the staff was super nice. Not only that, but we got to see the peak of their butterfly exhibit. Such an amazing experience.Definitely recommend checking this place out in late March. Seems that tons of stuff is in bloom, and the butterflies are in full swing. Can’t recommend it enough.

My wife and I are from Europe. And we do not have a desert around the corner.Visiting the garden here was absolutely amazing. Such great variety of plants and flowers - and it is sectioned very interestingly.We spent two hours walking around and enjoying the place. And besides the plants and flowers we saw a rabbit, a lizards, a bunch of what looked like prairie dogs etc. very nice.Absolutely worth while visiting.

The Desert Botanical Garden is an incredible place to visit and learn about the diverse array of desert plants. The garden is beautifully maintained and offers a wealth of information. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and the staff is very friendly.I highly recommend buying tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend, as it can get quite busy. The overall experience is serene and educational, making it a perfect outing for plant enthusiasts and families alike. Don’t miss this gem in the desert!

We were headed for the restaurant in its beautiful setting. We arrived on a community day and got in free. What a treat! We got to see the beautiful butterfly exhibit and enjoy the huge collection of cacti and other desert plants. Wonderful afternoon! 🙏🏽

This botanical garden is a plant lover's dream! There are so many varieties of desert vegetation along cute little paths with great informative signs. The butterfly exhibit was so cool and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The garden/gift shop was adorable and I wanted to take every home with me!

We had a delightful time exploring this garden. Coming from the lush forests of the west coast, the desert botanical garden offered a refreshing array of unfamiliar species, from cacti and flowers to ground squirrels and quails. Despite the May morning heat, which took us by surprise, we wished for a little more shade. Nevertheless, we easily found water fountains and bathrooms scattered conveniently throughout. I'd certainly recommend a visit, especially if you're not accustomed to this type of flora.

I grew up in Phoenix and this place has just gotten better over the years.My wife and I visited on 4/23/2024. I thought admission was a little high ($30 each with tax), but it's not the place I remember as a child so the price is good for how it's maintained and presented.Even though we arrived in the morning, it just got too hot to see everything in a day. Therefore, we only saw about 1/2 of it. Sadly, we missed the desert in blooming by a week or so. It varies every year. However, what we did see was fantastic.While you walk the trails and visit the butterfly exhibit, take a look at the local inhabitants as well (I've added a couple of photos).Great place to spend part of a day. I'll talk about the on-site restaurant in a separate review.

The staff was super friendly, went on a Saturday morning for dog days. My dog loved to sniff around, lots of new smells for him that he doesn’t get on our normal walks. There were also lots of opportunities for photos. Loved every moment we got to spend together. I would recommend if going with a dog to go as soon as they open because it got crowded around 9am.

Ordering tickets online makes entering a snap. We attended an evening concert and had dinner. The venue for this is beautiful. If you don’t order the special dinner, which is a hot, then everything else comes in prepackaged plastic.They have a cash bar adults only.When I called to inquire about the event and visiting the garden, I was told the garden would stay open until 9 o’clock, however, several exhibits were closed in the evening. I would recommend going early to walk through the garden, then staying for the event , dinner and drinks.

Beautiful! This is a must-visit if you're in the area. Definitely arrive right when they open so you can fully enjoy everything before it gets too hot! coming from Texas it was so neat seeing a botanical garden with so many different types of plants and cacti that we definitely don't have in Dallas!

One of the nicest botanical gardens I have ever been to. I am from the northeast so naturally the plant and wildlife here is shockingly different from my home state, however, I was in awe at how well manicured the gardens were. Even at night (we stayed from when it was light out until almost complete dark) everything was lit in a thoughtful way, so you could still appreciate the diversity of plant life present. The gardens were spacious and varied greatly as you moved through the different areas, always able to discover something new along the way. There were a lot of fun, more intimate settings scattered throughout the property, great for taking photos. There were two cool exhibits, centered around dwellings typically used by the native peoples of the area, but I wish they had put more emphasis on them or had more information about them, their use, how they were built, etc. Seemed more like an afterthought, which does a disservice to the native peoples. Aside from that, this is a place I would highly recommend going to.

Such a fabulous place. We've been here several times and it's always different and always improving. We went into the butterfly habitat this time and saw some amazing butterflies. Great time of year right now as many of the plants are just starting to flower. Another couple or few weeks and they'll be more. Strongly encourage you to go and enjoy.

Anytime of year is a great time to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens, but if you happen to catch the thousands of cactus blooms in the spring, it's simply stunning! A mind blowing experience, seeing how MANY different cactus there are, varying shapes, textures, colors - and all on display in this amazing venue. If there's a music event going on after dusk, that's a great way to end the day, with a beautiful garden to sit in, a stunning desert mountain backdrop, and a glass of wine with cheese and crackers. This is truly a place where "the more you look, the more you see!" We've been a few times before, and will definitely be back again and again - it changes with every week, every season - and always fun to see!

Amazing gardens. An absolute must do in the Phoenix area. My daughter and I spent about 5 hours here. The trails are well designed, and the interactive docent booths are fun and interesting.We had lunch at the cafe, the food was fine. It was good, but nothing exciting or much to write home about. I do however recommend the prickly pear iced tea, especially mixed with the lemonade.It was really exciting to see so much wildlife and so many birds.We look forward to returning next time we're in Phoenix!

The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden was a treat you'd be remiss to miss!There's plenty of free parking. The price of admission is worth every penny.The design of the Garden is beautiful. It's exquisitely maintained and thought-out.I absolutely loved every part of it, especially the Marvelous Mariposa butterfly house.This was my highlight in Phoenix!

Really enjoyed a sunset stroll through the gardens. It’s almost summer so low on the species of birds present, but the trade off is enjoying the blooming saguaro. Love the different medium on the trails; gives it an authentic vibe. Highly recommend sitting and taking in the views and sounds whenever you can.

If you come In the summer I recommend a hat , umbrella , reusable bottle , and tennis shoes because it is hot. I went on a trip and visited on community day which allows the garden to be free . I was expecting a long line and busy crowd but surprisingly it was no line and not overcrowded in the morning that I visited . The volunteers were so nice and welcoming and very pleasant to talk to . The gift shop was amazing and had a great selection of items to choose from . I loved reading all the signs and learning about all the animals I may see. My favorite trail was the Sonoran desert and learning how people lived in the desert . I am definitely coming back when I visit Arizona again .

The botanical garden is a must-see! My sister, who lives here, took me straight from the airport, and I was immediately struck by its beauty and tranquility. However, it can get quite hot, especially when the sun is out, so bringing water and wearing comfortable shoes is a must for staying hydrated and comfortable. They have convenient amenities like gift shops, bathrooms, and water fountains scattered throughout the park, which is very helpful.

Absolutely stunning botanical garden. We moved to the area and went on their free day and were blown away by the beauty and peace of the gardens. We got a family pass and have enjoyed seeing the garden through various seasons. The blooming cactus along with the quail all over are a really unique and beautiful experience. All of their trails are wonderful and unique. My sons love the cactus clubhouse and both the staff and the environment there are top notch. Hands down our favorite place to go since we moved here.

This is a must visit place if you’re ever in the Phoenix area. Arrive at opening! (Thank me later lol!) We went in late March and it was hot! Take a water bottle and stay hydrated. The walking trails weren’t bad but there was one with a considerable incline. The views were worth the effort however! It you’re pressed for time or don’t want to do excessive walking, the best trails are the Desert Discovery and Sonoran Desert Nature. (Again, thank me later!) By the time we finished those, the crowds were ridiculous. If you get the opportunity, check out whatever exhibit is in the gallery. We enjoyed it and it was an opportunity to cool down! The gift shop is worth visiting but they do not have bags…but you can buy one for a ridiculous price. They don’t tell you until you check out which I didn’t appreciate. Other than that, this was a very nice introduction into all things Desert!

Very beautiful garden to explore but it was so hot when I went (end of June) that I really couldn't enjoy it. There aren't many shaded areas to sit for a bit and the heat was too much lol. Would recommend when the weather is cooler!