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Arizona Garden: A Desert Oasis at Stanford

Discover a hidden gem at Stanford University: a stunning collection of cacti and succulents from around the world in a peaceful garden setting.

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The Arizona Garden, also known as the Cactus Garden, is a historical botanical garden on the Stanford University campus featuring a diverse collection of cacti and succulents from around the world. Originally planted in the 1880s, it offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into arid ecosystems.

A brief summary to Arizona Garden

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best light for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven dirt paths throughout the garden.
  • Bring a water bottle, especially on warm days, as there are no water fountains within the garden.
  • Check out the nearby Stanford Mausoleum and Angel of Grief statue, located a short walk from the Arizona Garden.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Stanford Visitor Center, walk southwest along Galvez Street, then turn left onto Campus Drive. Continue on Campus Drive until you see signs for the Arizona Garden on your right, near the Mausoleum. The garden is located off Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Palo Alto Transit Center, take the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle (Line A) towards the Stanford campus. Get off at the stop named 'Palm Drive at Campus Drive'. From there, walk towards Palm Drive and follow it until you reach the entrance of the Arizona Garden, which is situated just off Campus Drive. The shuttle is free.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near the Arizona Garden. One option is to park in the lot near the corner of Welch Road and Quarry Road. Another option is the parking lot between the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Center for Academic Medicine buildings on Vineyard Lane. Weekday parking requires payment via the Stanford Transportation ParkMobile App. Limited parking is available across the street at Stanford's Red Barn, but towing is in effect. Weekend parking is free. Parking costs approximately $1.25 per 4 hours.

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Discover more about Arizona Garden

Nestled on the Stanford University campus, the Arizona Garden offers a unique and serene escape into a world of cacti and succulents. Designed between 1881 and 1883 for Jane and Leland Stanford by landscape architect Rudolph Ulrich, the garden was intended to be part of a grand estate, but the main residence was never built. Despite decades of neglect after the 1920s, the garden was revitalized in 1997 and now houses approximately 500 plants in 58 beds. The garden is divided into two sections: one showcasing plants from the Eastern Hemisphere, including aloes and jade plants, and the other featuring cacti native to the Americas. During the early years of Stanford University, the Arizona Garden was a popular meeting spot for students. Today, it remains a beautiful and educational landmark, open to the public free of charge. Visitors can explore the winding paths, admire the diverse plant life, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The garden also provides a habitat for local wildlife, including birds and lizards.

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