Desert Garden, San Gabriel Valley Travel Guide

4.8 (71)

Explore a world-renowned collection of cacti and succulents at the Huntington Library's Desert Garden in San Marino, California.

The Desert Garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, is one of the world's largest and oldest collections of cacti and succulents. Established in 1907, the 10-acre garden features over 5,000 species of desert plants from around the world.

A brief summary to Desert Garden

San Marino, California, 91108, US
Click to display

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Desert Garden.

Visit during the cooler months or early morning to avoid the heat, as the Desert Garden can get quite hot during the day.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths.
Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Check the Huntington Library's website for special events, tours, and seasonal displays in the Desert Garden.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the Desert Garden and appreciate its diverse collection.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Rubel Castle

Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

California Science Center

World of Illusions Los Angeles

Explore Desert Garden on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Desert Garden, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Pasadena, take the Metro A Line to Arcadia Station. Transfer to the Metro Bus Line 179, heading towards Huntington/San Marino. Get off at the Huntington/San Marino stop, a short walk from the Huntington Library entrance. The combined trip takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes and costs $4. Alternatively, from Los Angeles, take the Metro Bus Line 487/489 from Spring/1st - City Hall to San Gabriel/Coleridge. This direct bus takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes and costs $2. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Huntington Library entrance. Note: Pasadena Transit operated a free shuttle from Sierra Madre Villa Station (A Line) to the Huntington on Saturdays and Sundays, but the pilot program ended in June 2022. Check Pasadena Transit for current services.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Pasadena, a taxi or ride-share to the Huntington Library takes about 7 minutes and costs between $13-$16. From downtown Los Angeles, a taxi or ride-share will take approximately 18 minutes, covering about 11 miles, and costing around $35-$45. Note: Ride-sharing services like Blacklane offer fixed fares without surge pricing.
Walking

If you are near the Huntington Library, walking is a pleasant option. From Pasadena, it's approximately a 3.4-mile walk that takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. Follow Huntington Drive until you reach the library entrance. Once inside, follow the signs to the Desert Garden, which is situated on the grounds.

Discover more about Desert Garden

The Desert Garden at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a testament to the vision of William Hertrich and the eventual enthusiasm of Henry E. Huntington. Initially, Huntington wasn't fond of cacti due to some unpleasant experiences, but Hertrich's persistence led to the creation of this extraordinary garden. Today, it stands as one of the world's oldest and largest collections of desert plants, boasting over 5,000 species within its 10 acres.The garden showcases a diverse array of xerophytes (aridity-adapted plants) from various regions, including North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Mature specimens, some over a century old, were brought from Mexico in the early 1900s and continue to thrive. The garden's design emphasizes plant care, grouping plants based on their needs and creating a harmonious ecosystem.Visitors can explore 60 landscaped beds, each labeled with scientific names and geographical origins. The collections include the largest Yucca filifera in the world, as well as early plantings of Beaucarnea, or ponytail palms. The garden is not only a visual spectacle but also a center for conservation and research, with experts working to protect endangered species.While wandering through the garden, visitors might spot local wildlife, including cottontail rabbits, California scrub jays, and western fence lizards. The Desert Garden offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and resilience of desert flora, making it a must-see destination within the Huntington.