I came here during a work trip--my first time visiting Arizona. I was looking for something to do on my last day, and several people recommended checking this place out. I arrived just before sunset, and it was absolutely beautiful. The gardens were well-maintained, peaceful, and offered some amazing views as the sun went down. I really enjoyed taking my time walking through the different areas and soaking in the scenery. The grounds were very clean, and the pathways were easy to navigate, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. If you're visiting the area and looking for a scenic way to spend a few hours, I would definitely recommend stopping by. read more

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Always a lovely spot! The desert really does bloom! Well-attended and great walking trails. read more

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The Desert Botanical Garden is always a great place to go for a walk and experience the beauty of the desert. Every visit feels a little different depending on the season, and it's amazing to see all the different desert plants, wildlife, art installations, and water features throughout the garden. My wife especially loves coming here for gardening inspiration because this is one of the best places to see what actually thrives in a desert environment. One of the things that keeps us coming back is how often they rotate exhibits and events throughout the year. If you live nearby, a membership is absolutely worth it because just a few visits will pay for itself. Earlier this spring we visited during the FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse installation, which used 3D scanning technology to document desert life. The huge digital displays scattered throughout the garden added such a unique modern contrast to the natural scenery. They're currently hosting the Garden: After Dark exhibit with light installations integrated into the trails and cactus gardens. We visited during the daytime so we haven't experienced it firsthand yet, but it already looks incredible. Another highlight is the permanent Dale Chihuly glass exhibit near the entrance. If you're a fan of glass art or Chihuly's work, you'll definitely want to spend time checking it out. A few tips: definitely bring water, especially if you're visiting during the day. Thankfully there are several refill stations throughout the trails and plenty of shaded seating areas to rest. There's also Gertrude's near the main entrance along with a café deeper in the garden for snacks and lighter fare. The gift shop is also worth browsing before you leave. One of my favorite parts of every visit is the wildlife. On this trip alone we saw prairie dogs, quail, woodpeckers, doves, hummingbirds, and even a roadrunner. It's such a peaceful and beautifully maintained place that never gets old no matter how many times you visit. read more

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Imagine being surrounded by wild flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, cacti, and more...a desert experience worth checking out. All of the Volunteers here are very nice and ready to answer any questions you may have. While here enjoy the tranquil oasis. Take a seat, cool off and watch the waterfall. Great place for kids. Lots of walking so wear comfy shoes. *Check out the calendar for special events *They have 2 restaurants, plenty of restrooms *Electric Wheel chairs available if needed *Garden shop a bit pricey but fun to browse *Bring Plenty of water, sunscreen and wear a hat! *FREE ENTRY the second Tuesday of every month *Parking in the lot is free ~ and that's all I have to say about that... read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Beautiful area to stroll in nature and see desert plants and animals, with a similar experience to Boyce Thompson Arboretum but less sprawling. The spring is also a great opportunity to see cactus flowering; the nice thing is experiencing the space in different seasons. They frequently have special exhibits and events. This month, it was focused on desert photography and there were several screens put up throughout the garden including a video screening indoors. They also have the garden at night if you want to explore under the cover of darkness and the garden is lit up. On certain weekends they also have dog days where pets can come with owners. In the butterfly area they happened to be releasing butterflies so we got to open envelopes and let them go; kids especially enjoyed this. There are plenty of lizards, bees, hummingbirds and other birds, and for the first time saw a snake slithering around. In the summer, they open early and it's better to go early because it can get very warm when the sun is full force. There are many places to walk, sit on benches and enjoy nature. There are also water bottle filling stations and bathrooms throughout. There's a store with gifts and garden items and a restaurant as well. If you're a member, you also get a small discount at the store. The restaurant isn't cheap, entrees are about $30-35 and they have tacos, salads and appetizers. Near the airport and Papago park, visit the gardens for a peaceful outing. read more

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One of my goals this year has been to do the types of things tourists do. So, on a beautiful day on a Sunday, I stopped by Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) for a little adventure. It's no surprise that this botanical garden is one of the top attractions in Phoenix on TripAdvisor... it's an amazing spot. I'll walk you through how to maximize your experience. First off, parking won't be a problem in the large free lot they have. It may be busy, but you'll find a spot. From there, make your way to the entrance. I'm not sure if it's necessary, but I bought my ticket online (they say you should but I haven't tested the theory). You have to select a time slot. I showed up close to 5 p.m. Rather than showing up early in the day, I recommend stopping by around 4-5 p.m. The reason? It's the optimal amount of time to enjoy everything DBG has to offer. I'll get to more of that in a second. When you enter, you'll be given a map. What's nice about the map is that it highlights the must-sees in the garden. Which helps you allocate your time. I'm the type that likes to explore every nook and cranny. If you do that, you'll be there for 3-4 hours. Make sure to bring water. They also have a short audio tour that's available through QR codes so bring headphones if you'd like to check that out. Now let's get to what makes DBG an incredible place. First, and most importantly, the sheer volume and impressiveness of all of the cacti and other plans. You'll get to see a bunch of different types, while also learning about them. And also the people, animals, and history surrounding it all. Second, for someone who appreciates an attention to detail, this park is well laid out. There are water stations in a lot of places (well needed in a hot climate like Phoenix). There are a good number of bathrooms. The grounds are well maintained. They incorporate technology into the experience. Well thought out and well implemented. Third, if you're looking to enjoy more than the sights, there are vendors selling alcoholic beverages and soft drinks so you can sip and stroll. And if you're hungry, there's both a cafe and a restaurant. And last but not least, as you would expect, a gift shop. Now, let's get back to why I recommended that you stop by in the late afternoon. If you do, you'll have several hours to explore while there's sunlight and still be in the park during sunset. Seeing a sunset in the botanical garden is a sight to behold with the Papago Mountains in the background. And better yet, stay after sunset. Desert Botanical Gardens closes at 10 p.m. When the sun goes down, the flora lights up with colorful lights. Seeing all of the plans with green, purple, orange lights everywhere makes for a cool sensory experience. In a way, seeing the park during the day, at sunset, and at night is three different experiences all rolled into one. Enjoy! One of my favorite attractions I've visited in town. read more

Desert Botanical Garden - The botanical gardens after dark - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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My best friend and I visited Desert Botanical Garden after a lovely dinner in the area. She mentioned that she had tickets left over from a visit earlier in the day that granted admittance later in the evening/after dark. I had never been to Desert Botanical Garden despite living in the area for nearly five years, so I was quick to agree to tag along! We visited on an evening that was also dog night, so in addition to seeing the beautiful botanicals, we got to see lots of happy pups. Though my dog was not with us, I appreciated how they had lots of doggy bags, water bowls, and water stations at the ready for the dog owners. The exhibit was beautiful, seeing the lights intertwined with the plants and the cacti. This was truly breathtaking. I will definitely add Desert Botanical Garden to my list of places to take friends and family who visit me out west. read more

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The garden is always such a nice place to experience nature, get inspired for gardening and outdoor design, and get a little walk in. They do such a nice job with all of it! They also hold events all through the year. I definitely recommend a membership if you're close-ish. I come often and it's definitely worth it and supports a great organization. If you see volunteers at any of the tables throughout the garden, take a moment to stop! They have interesting information and its fun to learn new things from them. The short guided tour is also worth doing. read more

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This was my second visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. I went about 10 years ago and remembered it was one of my favorite things about visiting Phoenix, which also rang true during this trip. Coming from the East coast, the landscape in Arizona is like a different planet. It's beautiful with the cactus, wildlife, and unique vegetation. The Chihuly glass cactus exhibit at the front entrance is so pretty. I thoroughly enjoyed the butterfly exhibit. The gardens have such a nice flow, vibe, and architecture. There were a few concession areas with cold drinks and snacks, which we appreciated since it was very hot and sunny. I definitely recommend incorporating the Desert Botanical Garden into your schedule! read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We visited here several years ago during a heat wave, so at that time we didn't get to see the entire garden (as they were closing early). On this visit, though it was unusually warm for March, we started early, avoided the heat, and toured the entire facility. We visited on a weekday and arrived at 8 a.m. The site is a bit northeast of the airport. There is plenty of parking. We used a yearly pass from the American Horticultural Society to skip the admission charge. We started with some flowering trees and desert blooms. We then advanced out to a trail that winds up a hill into more open terrain. There are, as you'd expect, many examples of cactuses. We also saw quails and rabbis, as well as some ground squirrels that resembled prairie dogs. There was also a roadrunner at one point. We passed the vegetable garden and made it back to our starting point. We then toured the butterfly enclosure. There was a short wait and it was quite crowded, but it was worth it. The main concern was not accidentally crushing any of the many butterflies or inadvertently allowing them to escape the building as you entered or left. If you have any interest in botanical gardens generally, this one is unique in terms of the desert focus (vs. others that I've seen). It is definitely worth checking out. read more

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Love it here!! The neon lights are amazing! During the summer, it is nice to come before sunset just so you can see everything and then stay when the neon lights come on! It is really a sight to see! I love the fact that the exhibits are always changing to keep things fresh. read more

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Had no idea that there were this many types of cacti ever. Really nice well laid out 1.5 mile walkways into a botanical garden. Went 8:30 pm in summer and that's a great time to see it in enough darkness where you appreciate the lights but can still walk the pathways. Wouldn't recommend the night if you're uneven on your feet. The stars and moon are visible but they do close the cooling areas a bit early so pack water and keep that in mind. read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Summer glow pathway - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This place is so beautiful! The flowers and the butterflies were my favorite. You can smell the flowers in the air throughout the park. The wildflowers were so amazing and I took a ton of pictures. Every employee was so friendly! They gave us some great information about places to see. I enjoyed their vibe. We saw a huge variety of butterflies inside and outside. We also saw a small amount of birds including a hummingbird. read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I was in Phoenix for a quick trip (sadly for a memorial for a friend who died far too young from colon cancer) and my friend Jamie and I had a few hours before our flights departed. Some locals also attending the memorial suggested that we must see the Desert Botanical Garden on the way to the airport. However, both Jamie and I had luggage so I called the guest services line to ask if they had lockers. They did not, but kindly offered to store our items in the guest services office. Visiting the garden was such an incredible experience. The healing powers of plants are real, and being surrounded by butterflies, watching happy bees buzzing about, and seeing large lizards sunning themselves made our hearts so happy. The staff members we met were friendly and very knowledgeable. Our tacos at Gertrude's were the best meal of the trip! It was 90° out, but there was still a little bit of cloud cover, which was helpful. I also got bit by a mosquito at some point, I think it was inside the restaurant. I had noticed one buzzing by the window. So if you are a bug magnet, you may want to wear some repellent. Definitely make the stop if you are in Phoenix! Do not miss the enclosed butterfly garden, there were over 3000 butterflies when we were there! read more

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Thanks to my friend's membership with a free guest entry, I got to experience Garden: After Dark! I loved every minute of it and it was just a different vibe from going in daylight! Honestly, I've been living in Phoenix for over 20 years, never had I imagined I could get the feeling of being a tourist again. Desert Botanical Garden gave me the excitement and appreciation for being a Phoenician again. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is in town for a visit and are looking for somewhere safe and beautiful and relaxing to walk around after dinner. Love love love!! read more

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In our recent visit to Phoenix, this was one of our bigger splurges, but well worth it. The cost of the ticket was well covered by the vast ranges of cacti and desert shrubs. For us. The real magic happened when we got closeup shots of roadrunners and quail. The grounds are meticulous and the gift shop is amazing . A morning well spent. read more

What a great spot to wander and enjoy looking and cactus and other desert plants. I was visiting from the northwest and it was a welcome adventure. We visited during the day and then went back at night for the lights event. I'm glad we did our main browsing during the day when we could see, but the night experience is not to be missed! Don't miss the crested saguaro - they are pretty rare, and it's really cool! read more

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We went here the beginning of March and had an INCREDIBLE time! The grounds itself are beautiful and there is so much to see and explore. The butterfly enclosure was also really fun for my four year old to explore, too. We were able to go on the "pay what you can community day" which was very helpful as we were on a budget. Parking was aplenty and it was easy to get to and from the parking lot into the gardens. read more

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Unbeknownst to us, today was Community Day at the garden. It was pay what you wish. No wonder the free parking lot was so crowded. The gardens are so large, it was not a problem with crowds. It was a great day to be out and about. The garden is exhibiting something called Desert Pulse. There are five immersive installations done by artists. The installations were throughout the gardens. We always enjoy walking through to see the plant life and cacti. They also have a gift store on site along with a restaurant. read more

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First things first, it's a botanical garden so if you don't want to spend a couple hours or more looking at plants during your free time, this probably is not the place for you. If you can appreciate plants, this is a must visit. The Garden has a long history and is obviously very popular amongst visitors. How many places on Earth have such a wide and varied collection of Desert plants in a select area? Not many. A Garden has a lot of support as there's many volunteers along its trails providing tips and educational teaching about the various plants. There are a wide variety of trails to explore. Also there's many times an art exhibit as well. Plenty of clean bathrooms along its trails are available. Overall, it feels very expansive with plenty of areas to explore. The best times to visit is early morning as this is Phoenix and temperatures can get hot quickly. Gift shop has some cool items to spread some AZ cheer. The Botanical Garden also is important to the backyard gardening community in greater Phoenix as they have their Spring and Autumn plant sales where you can find a wide variety of all types of non-common desert plants should you decide to plant plants. 5 star attraction! read more

These gardens were a surprisingly pleasant 2 hour (for us!) experience with perfect sunny 65 deg weather in mid-February. The themed trails showcasing desert flora and fauna were informative and well designed. Volunteers were interspersed at stations throughout the gardens with informative and interactive presentations. A favorite displayed different foods derived from desert plants such as cactus pickles and candy. There were ample hydration stations set up throughout the gardens and opportunities to sit in the shade throughout. The interactive displays utilizing slow lapse videos of the desert environment over the course of a year were exemplary pieces of artistic curation, very compelling. A must see in Tempe but best visited in the cooler months or early in the day in the heat! Pro Tip: If coming from Hole-in-the-Rock / Papago Park, best to drive over unless it is early morning or the cooler months as the pedestrian trail is easy but tedious as it circles the Gardens before leading to the entrance! read more

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A must see if you are in Phoenix! This gorgeous desert garden doesn't "suc-culent" shame; it flourishes here! The cacti will catch you eye! Beautiful paths full of aloe, agave, other native plants. I loved the huge "Frida kahlo" cactus! We learned so much about the desert and saw several animal species; Jack rabbits, hummingbirds, quail, ground squirrels ( prairie dogs); and more. The grounds are expertly manicured and there's a surprise at every turn. There's a cafe about midway through the garden, and several stops for special features. A fabulous garden date even for the most prickly "pair"! read more

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So much to see! I know we probably missed so many of the blooms during the blooming season - but this place was magical just as we saw it. Many different plants and some interesting birds pecking around and following momma! Worth spending several hours. There were many benches where you could sit and just take it all in. Don't miss seeing the butterflies. So many different kinds. Be careful where you step. read more

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What a beautiful way to spend the day! I could've spent most of my time at the butterfly exhibit. There's also a couple of art installations that are inside to cool down. It would be nice to also visit at night with the lights. You can bring your water bottle as there are filling stations around the gardens. You also have a beautiful view of or can visit Papago Park while you are in the area. read more

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A MUST DO in Phoenix. In fact, if you live here you might as well get a membership because this place is the self-care you need in an urban environment. Easy Parking. No fees. It is close to the Zoo and Papago. Family friendly. Everyone will enjoy it! ADA friendly for all to enjoy. There are many loops to walk through and enjoy with ample bathrooms and an awesome gift shop. The screens with Timelapse's from the trail cameras are really cool, but I especially enjoyed the sculpture intermixed with the plants. I really loved the interactive aspects with demonstrations and participation opportunities. I had to laugh when I read an entry to the wildlife sighting guest book where someone wrote"my sister" as the animal they observed. If you are ever in Phoenix, you simply must go. read more

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A WHOLE DAY OUT We visited for 8 hours, which included having dinner at Gertrude's restaurant, seeing the gardens by day and night, experiencing the "Framerate: Desert Pulse" exhibit, the evening "Pulse Party" and visiting the gift shop. If you simply came to see the gardens by day and did nothing else, you'd probably be there 2-4 hours. We purchased our tickets on-line in advance. FRAMERATE: DESERT PULSE EXHIBIT WAS WELL WORTH IT We happened to see a segment on TV about the "Framerate: Desert Pulse" exhibit and decided to spend a weekend in Phoenix so we could see it. The exhibit consists of some large screens placed around the garden showing stunning time-lapse photography of desert cacti, flowers, scenery and much more. It was nothing like we'd ever seen. There is also a large air-conditioned room with more large screens for a further sensory experience. IT'S A LARGE GARDEN! I will say the garden is quite extensive, so make sure you're wearing comfy shoes, have sun protection and water. There are some water fountains around the garden for refilling. Note: The ground is dusty, so don't wear your newest white sneakers! One improvement I would suggest is that they have better directional signage within the garden. WE STAYED FOR THE PULSE PARTY CONCERT In the late afternoon we attended the "Pulse Party" which included a live band, some food trucks (food extra) and some activities. We had tickets for this, but nobody checked them, which we thought was odd. I thought the Pulse Party was OK. My husband particularly liked the band. DINNER Dinner at Gertrude's was a nice addition to the day. Definitely make reservations as they were full on a Friday evening in April. RIDE SHARE AREA There is a specific area for ride share drop off/pick-up on the edge of the parking lot. Look for the signs. We took a ride share from downtown Phoenix where were were staying. SMALLER CAFÉ WAS CLOSED There was a cafe at the back of the garden, but it didn't seem to be open the day we were there as it was behind a roped off area, along with one of the larger Framerate screens, which was disappointing. WE ENJOYED OUR VISIT We enjoyed our visit and took lots of photographs. I don't think it's something we would visit again if we were in Phoenix, but it was definitely worth visiting the first time! Helpful? read more

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Lovely gardens! Great outdoor activity in January. Also saw a number of hummingbirds and butterflies that flew right up to us! Lots of water fountains, bathrooms, and spots to sit along the paths. Really well run place! read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Me and the boy had a nice time here. It was easy enough to push him in his wheel chair but they do offer wheelchairs there just in case. They had a beautiful butterfly pavilion and the boy loved the birds with the funny beak. I caught the sun setting and although it was a hot day there's plenty of shaded areas. There was a wedding going on but you couldn't crash it was blocked off. There was an exhibit desert pulse that was interesting it was photography, motion, and sound of the Sonoran desert in a black room with several screens. read more

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Best part was seeing my husband smile the entire time we explored the botanical garden What an extensive and beautifully laid out Botanical Garden. Exploring the garden was a perfect way to spend our time after leaving Sedona and before our flight home. We wished we had time to also be part of the Luminary event that was happening that evening. It did sound like it is a very popular event as it was sold out. My husband loves cactuses and we have quite a variety in our home. The botanical garden does a good job labeling the plants and detailing where plants originated and providing background history. Additionally, there were video events throughout the space. We didn't get the opportunity to visit the restaurant, but did get to visit the gift shop. Again - all very good. read more

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We recently visited Desert Botanical Garden and purposely planned to arrive about an hour before sunset so we could experience it in both the light and the dark, which I would highly recommend doing. During the day, it can get pretty hot, especially in the warmer months. They do have water fountains, but the water didn't taste the cleanest, so I would suggest just bringing your own water to be safe and more comfortable. Parking was easy, and I appreciated that it was free, which is not always the case at places like this. I really liked the layout of the garden. The different types of plant life are thoughtfully organized, and there are placards throughout that explain not only the plants but also the animals that pass through the area. It felt educational without being overwhelming. We saw hummingbirds, butterflies, and even rabbits, which made it feel very alive and immersive. As the sun sets, the entire atmosphere shifts. The lighting installations throughout the garden create a completely different vibe that's really special. There were also some projections and time-lapse style visuals that added an artistic element without taking away from the natural beauty. It felt calm, almost meditative at times. There are also plenty of places to sit and just take in the scenery, which I appreciated. They do have a restaurant on the premises, but it closes fairly early. If you're set on eating there, I would plan to arrive earlier, have your meal, and then explore the gardens into the evening. Otherwise, you may miss that option. We also happened to catch some live music while we were there, which added a really nice touch to the experience. A couple other things to keep in mind that others often mention: tickets can sell out, especially for sunset and evening hours, so it's worth booking ahead. The paths are well maintained and mostly flat, making it very stroller-friendly and accessible, but there is quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Overall, it's a really beautiful and thoughtfully curated experience that highlights the desert in a way that feels both peaceful and engaging. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you time it around sunset. read more

It's been a while since I visited the Desert Botanical Garden until I recently went to a Halloween event there. It was a gorgeous venue that I thoroughly enjoyed. Lots of butterflies. Friendly staff. I recommend going later in the day to watch sunset over the desert. It's captivating and romantic. A perfect date spot to walk around and talk with someone. I can't wait to go back and explore more. They offer lots of volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved in their community and have a popular yearly plant sale. read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Dressed up for Halloween event here - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

What an amazing venue. I've been here many times both in their rooms presenting at a senior expo and as a patron looking at the gardens. They have a fantastic amount of parking the staff there are incredibly nice and overall it is just a very well kept environment. Would definitely come back here and bring any family. That's new to town here on adventure here ! read more

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I recently visited the Desert Botanical Garden, and overall, it was an enjoyable experience. The layout is well designed, with beautiful walking trails that highlight the incredible variety of desert plants--cacti of every size, striking succulents, and well-kept exhibits. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. That said, the admission price feels a bit high for what you get. While the gardens are lovely, it's a relatively short visit unless there's a special event or guided tour. It gets a bit repetitive after a while. If you're visiting Phoenix and love desert flora or photography, it's worth experiencing at least once. But for locals or repeat visitors, it may not fully justify the high admission price unless you get a membership. read more

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Really enjoyed walking the trails with the after dark lights and videos. Many trails to walk and several time videos to watch plus they had a drink cart. read more

Desert Botanical Garden - Lighted dessert plant. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Simply amazing! Definitely worth a visit. The gardens are so well maintained with multiple paths and exhibits to explore. Can easily take 2-3+ hours to fully enjoy all the trails. Early morning is your best bet before the crowds pick up. Great parking options with electric charging near the front entrance. The charging stations are hosted by blink, so you'll need to be registered to use them. Membership options are best if you plan to visit more than 3 times. The family membership allows you, your spouse and children under 18 entrance to the gardens. read more

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Spent a beautiful Friday night checking out the new Desert Pulse exhibit members event. It was right before the rain so it was a bit muggy but great temps for strolling around. Desert Pulse is a year's worth of pics from around Arizona in video format. There are (I believe 4 screens) set up around the park with different photos/videos. There's also a dark room with multiple screens along the walls, floor and ceiling. I believe the videos around the park were around 20-min set on a loop. Plenty of chairs/benches to sit and just watch. I definitely recommend checking out this exhibit! Probably one of my favs so far! You see how the cactus changes during the night to day. There was a video of houses going up, and a lot of beautiful desert views. read more

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Such a cool experience. I was in town visiting and this was my first stop since I had to wait to check in to my hotel. Conveniently I arrived on the second Tuesday of the month so I did not have to pay an admission fee. Having a community day once a month allows locals and tourists a chance to experience the beauty who otherwise may not be able to pay. I love organizations that offer such services. I walked around for about an hour or so and explored the butterfly garden, desert plants, and exhibits. Everything was well maintained and easy to navigate. I do suggest grabbing a map because it is easy to get turned around. They also have a cute gift shop. read more

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The garden was recommended to me, and it was worth a trip. Our group did not give ourselves enough time to explore. There was more to see, and it was more interesting than we expected. We were there during the butterfly exhibit as well. They also have a particularly good gift shop. My only critique is that it was hard to find your way around, the map was minimally helpful as we did not always know what area we were in. I think better signs, especially towards the entrance would have helped. Bring a water bottle as they do have bottle refill stations, which was excellent planning. read more

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First time here and I loved it!!! Great for walking, loved the butterfly exhibit! All the staff we encountered were so nice and helpful!! read more

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I never was a huge Desert Botanical Gardens fan. There's plenty of free parks where you can walk around Phoenix and enjoy the same nature. I always did love Las Noches de las Luminarias, where you wander from music area to music area through the trails at night drinking alcoholic hot chocolate. That was the extent of my involvement with DBG, though. Until I had a toddler. The Cactus Clubhouse at the Desert Botanical Gardens is worth every penny of the year membership I now own. It's a kids club where your toddler can sit quietly and do nature-themed arts and crafts surrounded by animal stuffed animals and live scorpions.... or go outside and dress up like a butterfly and proceed to pour water on her head, make mud cupcakes, over-water tomato plants, and bang on musical instruments. It's like the Children's Museum, but with a big focus on the outdoors. Every corner has a different activity. I ask my 2 year old what she wants to do now and she says "botanical gardens please, tomatoes!!!" I only wish it stayed open year-round instead of closing in the summers! read more