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Desert Botanical Garden: A Phoenix Oasis

Explore the beauty and diversity of desert plant life at Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden, a living museum in Papago Park.

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Discover the beauty and resilience of desert flora at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. With over 50,000 plants from around the world, including many rare and endangered species, the garden offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert and beyond.

A brief summary to Desert Botanical Garden

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-9 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October-April) for the most comfortable experience.
  • Take advantage of the free admission on the second Tuesday of each month.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months.
  • Check the Garden's website for special events, exhibitions, and guided tours.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the Garden's trails and exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Phoenix, take the Valley Metro Rail east towards Mesa and get off at the Priest/Washington stop. From there, transfer to the northbound Valley Metro Bus Route 56 to the Garden. The bus fare is $2. Alternatively, take the line 3 bus from Van Buren St & 41st Pl to Van Buren St & Galvin Pkwy. Services depart every 30 minutes and cost $2.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Papago Park, follow the signs towards the Desert Botanical Garden. The garden is located near the Phoenix Zoo and Hole-in-the-Rock. Walking from these locations is a good option with paved pathways available.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) will cost approximately $23 - $28 and take about 15 minutes. Parking is available on-site at the Garden.

Unlock the Best of Desert Botanical Garden

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Discover more about Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden, nestled in Papago Park, Phoenix, is a living museum dedicated to showcasing and conserving desert plants. Founded in 1939, the garden has evolved from a passion project of local citizens to a premier destination for learning about the Sonoran Desert's unique ecosystem. Spanning 140 acres, the garden boasts over 50,000 plants representing more than 4,000 species. Visitors can explore five thematic trails, each highlighting different aspects of desert plant life, conservation, and the relationship between people and plants. The Sonoran Desert Nature Trail, Center for Desert Living Trail, Desert Discovery Trail, Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail, and Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Trail offer diverse experiences, from towering cacti to colorful wildflowers and insights into indigenous uses of desert flora. The garden's rich collections of agave and cacti are particularly noteworthy, with thousands of plants representing hundreds of taxa. The butterfly pavilion showcases the lifecycles of butterflies, adding another layer of natural beauty to the experience. Throughout the year, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts special events, exhibitions, and educational programs, making it a dynamic and engaging destination for visitors of all ages.

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