Desert Botanical Garden

Unbelievable experience. Really enjoyed how easy this place is to navigate - all loops off a main loop, no dead ends. Allowed us to really enjoy all the plants. Have never seen so many large, older cactus (cacti?). Tons of new-to-me plants, but I was happy to learn. The docents were fabulous, explaining cultural and botanical ideas. Really enjoyed tasting mesquite powder. Fantastic visit!

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is an absolute gem! From the moment you step through the entrance, you're transported into a serene and surprisingly vibrant world showcasing the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. During my visit, the garden was in bloom, painting the landscape with incredible pops of color. I particularly enjoyed exploring the various thematic trails that are .3 mile or less and mostly flat providing an easy and comfortable walk. The variety of cacti is astounding, from towering saguaros that stand like silent sentinels to intricate clusters of prickly pear and delicate barrel cacti adorned with vibrant flowers. The garden does an excellent job of presenting these plants in naturalistic settings, making it easy to imagine them thriving in the wild. Beyond the plants, I was also lucky enough to spot some local wildlife. A heron wandered down the walking path and snatched a lizard for lunch, which was quite amazing to watch nature at work. The peaceful ambiance of the garden offers a welcome escape from the city bustle. There are plenty of shaded benches strategically placed throughout the garden, offering respite from the warm sun. I'd definitely recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and bring a water bottle with you (which can be filled at water stations along the path). I highly recommend allocating at least a few hours to fully explore all that this incredible garden has to offer.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff who you can tell love their job!! Beautiful gardens!! We weren’t sure what to expect since we’ve been to conservatories with various ecosystems. But WOW the Desert Botanical Garden will knock your socks off. Well kept and so many different varsities of birds, lizards, cacti, aloe, succulents, and so on. If you get the chance go now during the butterfly and orchid exhibits. They come free with your admissions and they were wonderful

Celebrating our 8-year anniversary at the Desert Botanical Gardens was absolutely magical! The beauty of the gardens provided the perfect backdrop for a special day. We spent hours wandering through the stunning landscapes, admiring the diverse plant life, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The paths are well-maintained, and there are so many unique exhibits to explore. We particularly loved the butterfly exhibit, which added a whimsical touch to our celebration. It was a lovely experience to connect with nature while reminiscing about our journey together. The staff was friendly and made our visit even more enjoyable. Overall, it was a memorable way to celebrate our anniversary, and I highly recommend the Desert Botanical Gardens for anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful day out!

My husband and I really enjoyed our time at the Botanical Garden, although we visited on an extremely hot day. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy looking around. Staff were friendly and helpful Signs were well marked. We went back to our hotel for a couple of hours and then went back to the Garden to eat dinner at Gertrudes, their on-site restaurant. The food and ambiance were lovely. After dinner, it was mostly dark. we walked around for a few minutes, and the light display was nothing short of magical.