Was looking for something different to do during the day with my teens since we had most of the day-time to kill before our evening event, and I'm beyond thrilled that I found this place! We purchased our tickets online, but you can also purchase them right when you get there. It wasn't busy at all when we went, which was a Sunday afternoon, so there was plenty of parking available. When you walk towards the entrance area there will be someone standing there to greet and ask if you've already got your tickets. If so, they will scan them and you're free to head inside. If not, they'll direct you to the ticket window for purchase. There's a little gift shop and restaurant/bar off to the right and bathrooms to the left as soon as you walk in! The entire experience was so beautiful and serene! There's a map that they give you when you walk in as well, which was very helpful since the entire facility is pretty large with multiple various pathways. Pro tip; you can also use the map to fan yourself if it's too hot. And it will be hot! I meant to bring an umbrella, however I forgot. So I'm glad there's some shaded areas throughout. They have multiple water fountains along the pathways where you can also fill up your own water bottles for free. There was also a "Cool Down" room that was a nice, almost necessary spot to stop in to do just that! They don't want you fainting or having a heat stroke, so take advantage! There's also so much to see!!! I would just once again recommend bringing a reusable water bottle or lots of water if you don't want to use the fountains. An umbrella, or wear a sun hat or lots of sunscreen! Most importantly, bring your camera, or make sure you have your phone fully charged because there are so many beautiful things to see and photograph! read more

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I've been to the garden a number of times specifically for the night lights exhibit this summer. They did such a great job! This is always such a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the plants and seasonal exhibits. While I'm sad to see the garden lights exhibit go, I'm excited to see what's next, and for nice weather activities! They've re-opened the garden cafe with Mark Tarbell in charge so looking forward to trying that out, and added a Cantina with cocktails, beer, wine, and a mocktail. And have a gelato and coffee shop coming soon. I love seeing the changes and always done so well. read more

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This one's a bit iffy for me. The scenery was genuinely beautiful, but I don't think appreciating Arizona's nature should cost so much. Without the coupon I got from my local library, I would've paid $60 just to walk around and view the wonders of AZ. I get that it's a non-profit and that's not really an "issue," but if this is supposed to be for the community, there should be some kind of discount for AZ natives or ID holders. I took my bestie here for her birthday and we still had a good time -- the views are lovely, there are restaurants on site, and happy hour drinks are $6. The frozen prickly pear margs are especially enjoyable while you're strolling around. Just a heads up, there's construction happening right now. Parking is plentiful though, so that's not a concern. read more

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

Definitely rec going at night! I've been a few times and during Christmas was the best time! Bring a water bottle and wear walking shoes! read more

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

I went to the gardens on a Saturday & it was busy with many people enjoying walking around. They have walking paths that lead to different portions of the gardens making a giant loop. They have a large variety of different cacti with info plaques as you walk along. I really enjoyed taking a leisurely stroll around here. read more

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Idk who does the programming here but I love them. Some of my faves have been pride night and saguaro and skate. I love how welcoming and inclusive the programming is. This is by far my favorite botanical garden! 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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This is the number one spot when my family visits from Michigan we love to come here. Father has dementia he gets very happy and at peace in the gardens. It's wonderful to see him relax and enjoy the birds bunnies and all the plants. The check in folks are very friendly. Grab an iced drink like lemonade from the little cafe while you stroll. Barb loves to come here and turn off her mind. I love the butterfly exhibit although it can be stressful. I hope those little suckers don't land on me. I love the walking trails. Very well kept and you have a lovely staff to look over them. I love when you do events like around the holidays so very fun with the luminaries. I love everything about the gardens. The wigwam is very cool I didn't think I would be able to crawl in but I did it on a dare. My husband and I come here to relax. I could spend all day here in the sun. The restaurant is mark tarbell now apparently. I love THE BIG SAGURO CACTUS!!!!! I get very lost here. That's ok thank you for the map. I think the gardens suits me very well and I will continue to come here. read more

Desert Botanical Garden - me the one and only Barb at the beautiful gardens. Husband is a great photographer. I love our Arizona native plants! - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Such a gorgeous place. If you don't have a chance to see cactus or go to Sagauro definitely stop in. Bring a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle as it's almost entirely outdoors. Save space in your suitcase because the gift shop is amazing too. Wear comfy shoes! 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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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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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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We came to check out the After Dark experience in August, and it totally exceeded our expectations! There were beautiful lights hanging from the plants, and the whole place was decorated in such an artistic and magical way. There were also lots of fun interactive activities--stargazing, a scavenger hunt, drawing desert plants with fluorescent markers, a kaleidoscope, and more. Unfortunately, it was still pretty hot when we went around 8 PM, so we didn't get to explore everything before heading home. But we'll definitely be back next time--hopefully when it's a little cooler! 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 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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Fantastic experience at flashlight nights at desert botanical garden! The night we went it was so hot that they had to move all the exhibits indoors which was nice with the air conditioning. Loved the free painting and necklace which was a great keepsake. All the staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable to share their experience with the animals and creatures! Walking around the grounds was also a gorgeous experience despite the weather being very warm. Usually they have food trucks but on a hot night like the one we were at did not have any food trucks. If you wanted to buy drinks and snacks tho, there were their usual on site vendors. It was a beautiful experience for a date, family, or just hanging out with friends!! Definitely would recommend!! Also don't forget to check out the in door art installation with fun photo ops and exhibits to cool down! read more

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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No garden pictures?! Nope, not on this review! But I do want to leave a review for Gertrude's! Took the day off, walked the garden with a friend and stopped at Gertrude's for coffee and pastries.....best start of the the day! DJ was my server and he was very polite, attentive and made my made by being so kind! Thank you DJ!!!!!! The lemon party and the cold brew was excellent too!!! read more

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

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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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

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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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

The botanical garden is an amazing place to visit for locals and tourists alike. So many varieties of native plants to see thriving in the garden. It's a great place for both families and adults to experience the natural beauty of the desert. read more

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

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This is an easy 5 star place and the ground of beautiful. However, the gift shop worker automatically charged me .90 c as a donation and rounded up my $13.09 total. I don't think she was supposed to do that. EDIT: What in the world is happening? I just got an extra $2.50 charge on my credit card. Is this place scamming people?! Bumping down to 2 stars because of this. read more

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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I've been a member since the day I moved here. Incredible events and experiences and getting even better!

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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