Reviews of Desert Botanical Garden. (Other) in Phoenix (Arizona).

Desert Botanical Garden

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Other

Botanical garden

1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

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Information of Desert Botanical Garden, Other in Phoenix (Arizona)

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Reviews of Desert Botanical Garden

K J

We stopped here on a whim & I'm so glad we did! Being from the east coast it felt a little surreal walking around all the cacti, plants & wildlife but this place is absolutely stunning. There is plenty to see, you could easily spend several hours walking around. It's very clean & the staff is very knowledgeable & down to earth. The gardens are so calming & relaxing, I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. As someone else said pictures are great but it is so much better in person. Truly a wonderful experience!

Cindy Cesare

The place is so serene, peaceful, well-designed and maintained that it it helps you remember why we can still love Arizona. Because it’s surely not for its divisive politics. I loved seeing all the fall family/engagement photo shoots take place here as well. Which means they will not discourage if you pay the entrance fee. Every penny was worth it, even if you aren’t doing a photo shoot. The gorgeous art work juxtapose the desert landscape in a brilliant way. And the butterfly garden is a treat. Fabulous descriptions of the cacti and plants and their significance to the ecosystem. And open late during certain times of the year when lighting comes on at “golden hour” to make the place sparkle. It’s a desert museum worth seeing whether you live or are visiting Phoenix.

Yohi Sivakumaran

It is a wonderful place in Phoenix, Arizona, and I can strongly say that you will definitely enjoy the time you spend here. I was on transit in Arizona, and was thinking about how to spend my long layover. When I checked, I found this place, which is very close to the airport! I called a taxi and visited the place. It was a well-worth visit of at least half a day! This is very useful, especially for botany students and nature lovers. This is incredible!!! You may experience desert plants, flowers, and sculptures, which are beyond beautiful!! The staff are professional and friendly. I felt very peaceful! I should make a special note that there is a canteen where you can enjoy delicious food too. A location that will completely exceed your expectations!! You can enjoy it thoroughly.

Rayna Dennis

Such a wonderful visit! I probably haven't been here in 30 years. I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to go with the family. We had such a lovely time. Perfect weather and sunset. Many great photos. It was great to bring my son, who is the same age I was the last time I came. Everyone really enjoyed the Chihuly exhibit. We came right before sunset so we could enjoy it both in the sunlight and lit up after dark.

Nicholas Hood

This place is heaven on earth. I leave a lot of reviews and have rarely wished to lavish such praise. If you don’t leave five stars you maybe should talk to your therapist. This is incredible!!! It is massive and in reality you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours here appreciating the expanse of desert plants and flowers and sculpture. It is beyond beautiful and I would argue one of the finest collections of such natural wonders on the planet. The staff are professional and passionate, the grounds are modern and kept, there are all sorts of possibilities for events as well and whatever you might need as a visitor for hydration or food if you must. I just felt totally calm and at peace and by the way, there are hundreds of birds and I mean of all varieties but most of all we saw so many hummingbirds playing together and they are quite curious, I snagged a photo. This is an instance where the photos are beautiful but the place is better in real life. The natural world is in abundance here and it will, it should connect with your soul. Enjoy!

andrew coburn

Absolutely Amazing! We had such a great time at the botanical gardens. Since being from Ohio, it felt like we were on an alien planet with all the unique plants and environment. The garden was a great way to see the variety of plants and learn about the ecosystem of the desert. On top of the standard botanical garden delivery, there are Chihuly glass sculptures nestled into the gardens. My crew spent over two hours walking the grounds. Our experience matched the value of the price of admission.

Ari

Serene and calming, this random "on a whim" stop turned out to be better than anticipated. I love botanical gardens, especially the care taken in curating them- this one in particular is teeming with desert flora AND fauna. The staff are friendly, and judging by the thriving plants, and booming animal and insect population, they're doing great! Take your time and pay attention to each section you go through. Every time there's a rustling in the brush, you're usually rewarded with some playful lizards, timid rabbits or fiendishly hungry baby chipmunks. Birds flit and call throughout the garden, letting visitors peer into their behavior and characteristics. If nature and curated desert plants wasn't enough, there's art currently sprawled throughout the space, changing as the scape does with the lighting. Plaques are posted throughout with identifications, facts and more, easily inviting you to look and explore further. Well worth the visit, and highly recommended! My only complaint is there were multiple sections closed off for a private event, but then again, who can blame them? This is truly a magical place! Free parking, maps provided and gift shop and well maintained bathrooms are all present to boot!

Evan Ivaldi

It's a botanical garden - not sure what else to explain. There's rocks, there's about a million cacti/flowers/shrubs, and there's plenty of interesting, beautiful, and frightening stuff in between it all. The garden is maintained to a very high standard, it's all clean, has plenty of amenities for those who need them, and has an attached dining establishment (Gertrude's) that's quite nice as well! The membership is worth it if you enjoy exploring at a slower pace or revisiting for the tranquility of it all. We usually go a few times a year and enjoy taking family and friends to visit for the first time.

Max Upp

This place is simply amazing. So so big, wonderful folks, and incredible exhibits. Beautiful cactuses of all kinds and elegant descriptions. Tons of activities for kids and adults alike. We could spend days here and still enjoy our walk. Definitely check out the night blooming flowers!

Kelsey Rads

Visited with family (including a 4 year old) and we all had a great time! Every staff member we met was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions we had. The paths are well thought out with lots of shady spots and information placards all over. We weren't sure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised with how beautiful the desert scape was. We visited late October, so was a beautiful time to visit without being too hot.

Karina M

This is a beautiful place! You need comfortable shoes if you plan to walk most of it. They often have art exhibitions. You have to buy tickets ahead of time and reserve a time lot. Sometimes I saw little bar stations where you can purchase a glass of wine or non alcoholic drink. The butterfly exhibit it’s breathtaking if you like butterflies.

KeKe Murry

I have very fond memories coming here with my family. We’ve been coming for years and every visit is as beautiful and peaceful as the last. I particularly enjoy seeing the wildlife. If you come here looking for information indigenous plants of the southwest, this is your place. You will leave with a plethora of knowledge you can definitely use here. I would recommend visiting their website to plan your trip because they have events happening throughout the year. -Pro tip: Plan on staying through dusk to watch the Sun begin setting amongst the mountains and cacti. It makes for effortlessly magical photos but also just gorgeous views!

Stephanie Redder

I've been to a few botanical gardens around the world and this one is certainly unique! It's a great place for dates or something to do on a nice day in Arizona. You can learn about all of the plants and animals around or just enjoy the stroll and how beautiful it all is. I've been here a couple of times but the Chihuly exhibit at night was stunning. The way the art pieces are placed with the lighting at sunset is incredible. Highly recommend this to anyone local or visiting.

Oliver Warne

What a great place to visit! This is a fantastic place to visit if you are interested in desert wildlife or walking through nature. You can walk for MILES here and see beautiful views of cacti, other desert plants and trees, surrounding deserts and mountains, butterflies, birds, rabbits, lizards etc. This was peaceful, tranquil, wonderful. Free parking, cute gift shop, on site restaurant. Admission is $25.00 per person, but you can spend HOURS here. I would come back next time I'm in Phoenix.

Maxim Ivchenko

It’s a great place to spend a day and learn something. I’d recommend you not to rush through it, but take your time and observe and meditate. Also it’s a good place to bring a family. Keep in mind, it pretty open, there’s not much shade there, so be prepared. We were there in mid November and it was beautiful, but if you go there in summer make sure to bring your sun block and water. Otherwise a beautiful place to spend and day and learn about the desert. If you’re visiting from out of town, I’d highly recommend it as one of the city attractions. Also don’t forget the check their calendar as they hold pretty interesting events there.

dawn pratt

This garden is always incredible and I go quite often! Right now Chihuly glass is on display and it’s a must see! You have to book a time on their website, we went at 5:30 and got to see the glass right before the sun went down and stayed until seven while the glass was all lit up! It’s gorgeous either way! I think the glass is there until June, it would be neat to combine the blooming cactus in April or May with the glass so I will definitely go back a second, third and fourth time! Just gorgeous! The walking paths are easy and accessible to wheelchairs and there are benches to sit on if you need a break. They have a butterfly garden around the same time that the cactus will be blooming that is definitely worth seeing! And the gift shop is full of gorgeous jewelry, plants, books, clothing and pottery that I just can’t get enough of!

Kai Schraml

This is one of the best botanical gardens I have been to (and I’ve been to many). It is by far the best desert botanical garden I have visited. The staff are helpful and not annoying, the restaurant is good, the plants are top notch. As a bonus, if you are a border this is a good stop for lots of local specialties. The shop is also worth a visit. Some of the largest specimens of cactus and succulents anywhere, including saguaro.

Miguel rosas

I visited the Desert botanical garden on a overcast monsoon evening. I was chilling in the car for a while medicating. While in the car I spotted a huge road runner!! The garden was beautiful stunningly gorgeous, I love cacti I’ve been collecting cacti for years now so you can understand how much I appreciate and enjoy the beautiful garden. Everything is perfect I recommend you spend time to understand the trail system and even look at the side trails, just to be sure you can enjoy everything this beautiful garden has to offer. Make a mental note of the restrooms and what building it’s in, this will ensure you can take in all the beautiful plants. I recommend a half gallon of water and you too can have a monumental memorable visit! Thank you everyone for keeping the garden so beautiful!!

Karen D

Beautiful and well manicured gardens! First timers and it was extremely hot outside. Still, we managed to complete the main loop plus some. Only wish that they would give a discount to those willing to brave the heat as it was very sparse attendance for a July weekend. The gift shop was nice and cool and they sell water bottles for $3 each. However not all water fountains were operating. They did however open up one of the auditoriums to shelter from the heat. Will need to attend again to finish the rest of the gardens when the weather is cooler.

James Hall

This was a Saturday morning and we got here before 9am. We are members and just scanned our passes and went about walking. No traffic so taking photos was easy. Was very quiet and we could easily hear the birds and other wildlife. We left about 12:30 pm as the crowds started coming on . The combination of blown glass and the natural plants was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

Henderson

Very pleasant experience! The gardens are very well maintained and beautiful designed. It is a rather large garden to take your time to see everything and enjoy the beauty will easily take you 2+ hrs so make sure to plan to be out there awhile. There was very clear signage that help directed you around the gardens. You maybe even lucky to see more than the plants as there was quiet a few animals and insects hanging around. Really enjoy the hospitality and my time here would recommend to anyone that love the outdoors. They also have free entry for any active military members!!

Paige Johnson

It was so beautiful the glass blown was an extra plus but it was so relaxing. Beautiful day it took us about 2 1/2 hrs to walk the whole thing. It was so nice they have a small butterfly garden they service wine and beer. I guess u can go at night and see it all lit up. We went during the day but it was awesome it was about $70 for 2 adults

Alma Galvez

Very Beautiful garden! The pics are amazing, but seeing this place with your own eyes is even better! Definitely go when the weather is nice & cool and the sun doesn't burn. If you're into nature, plants, and taking in lovely views go check it out! Went during the Chihuly in the Desert exhibit. Also, make sure to get reservations before going because some times they don't allow walk-ins.

C Harbeson

Breathtaking! I have no words to describe it's beauty. The Chihuly exhibit is extraordinary. Don't miss it! The spring is so nice to see all of the blooms and critters living amongst the stunning habitat. If I was a local, I'd definitely purchase a membership and soak in the intensity of the ever-evolving gorgeous landscape.

Geneva Relf

Restaurants seriously servitude on point top-notch 😁 beautifully designed and the views. Botanical Garden just breathtakingly from one level to next. The desk agent her courtesy and helpful tour stop must sees just lovely ❤️. Plus the fountain ⛲️ mini one just added to the must see. My mother's birthday present 🎁 to show her love and kindness. Perfect treat to treasure even for self.

Stephanie Heinz

Despite being between blooming seasons, the botanical garden was still gorgeous! A great way to sample the local environment for someone who isn't used to the heat enough to be up for a long hike. Highly recommend going right when they open, filling up your water bottle frequently, and taking frequent rests in the shade.

Gordon Shaffer

Wonderful place to meander, and be amazed at the beautiful cactus, whether big or small. Admission fee is required. This was our first visit to the Senora desert area of Phoenix, so we wanted to view the cactus up close. There's every variety imaginable found attractively grouped in their desert environment. We visited in the evening as the temperature cooled to a manageable 94. After 1.5 hrs and darkness setting in, we returned to our car. We totally enjoyed our introduction to desert existence.

Amanda Turnbull

Beautiful gardens. After spending the week exploring the desert I was thrilled to be able to get such a condensed and thorough lesson on desert plants. The paths were short but well laid out and had a very nice amount of informational signage. Definitely go early while it's still cool outside.

Brooke Sonderegger

This is a beautiful botanical garden! I love that it sticks with the local landscaping and nature, as this is unique to other botanical gardens I have experienced. The butterfly enclosure was super cool. They only let a certain number of people in at a time for that so you may have to wait for entry. The garden is large and we didn’t even end up seeing everything it had to offer on our visit. I did think it was a bit pricey but I think it’s a cool place to visit, especially if you’re into plants. They also were really emphasizing needing a reservation for entry so you may want to keep that in mind.

Leslie Gonzalez

I loved the garden!! It’s much larger than expected but everything inside is very walkable. The map gave good directions and explained distance well. There were soo many different types of plants and flowers. There hummingbird area was so peaceful and it was nice to watch them fly around. We stopped at the cafe and got the prickly pear iced tea which was unsweetened but very refreshing. They also had other snacks and drip coffee as well. At the end we stopped at the gift shop which had succulents, pots, book’s, clothes, pins, etc. We walked the whole garden in about 1.5 hours but could have easily stayed longer if we sat down and enjoyed the benches and seating areas longer. I would recommend anyone in Phoenix to visit.

Brad Ward

Had a great time visiting the Desert Botanical Garden while in town. A huge variety of desert plants. Go at your own pace. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Some shade can be found around the walkways. Water stations are present in different locations as well. The map on the brochure is not the best. There are maps posted on the trails that are of better use.

Tiffany Testa

Never disappointed- was here in 2015, had to come back for the amazing art installation by Dale Chihuly. His glass blown art among the dessert garden is spectacular. My only thought would be to come at night when everything is lit! Take comfortable shoes. It’s a large and hard surfaces require comfortable walking shoes. Wear sunscreen A hat is best during the high heat of the day. Stay hydrated, there’s plenty of water stations in the garden to fill up your own bottle you carried in.

Mike Ortiz

Go at sunset! This will take you 1.5 to 2 hours it’s a nice walk and you learn so much about the desert life. Cactus, other plants, animals, insects and its really well done! We went during the Chahulie glass sculpture exhibit. We saw a similar exhibit back home in the NY botanical garden. This one worked so well with the Sun, each piece was unique and beautiful.

Sylvia Gonzales

This was my first time, ever. On a cool day, I would totally recommend coming here. There are so many different desert plants that I didn’t even know existed. Staff were helpful, and their homemade margarita drink was wonderful! Beautiful place and total potential for many beautiful photos!

Tery Ayers

This is a place you don’t want to miss. I have a new admiration for desert. Start with the butterfly pavilion over 1500 Butterflies 🦋 amazing. The vegetation, wildlife and art is worth the ticket price and more. The gift shop has original gifts, souvenirs and cactus. The trails are accessible, we saw a few people in wheelchairs as trails were not steep. Some trails were paved, others were crushed granite. You’ll need a few hours to go, don’t miss it!

Diana Morcilla

This place is huge! I enjoyed the different plants here. The scenery is beautiful. I went on a good weather day too, it was peaceful. I got a lot of great photos! This is a must go to place in AZ! :)

On The Rocks Photography - Tucson

I was the photographer for a wedding and a few engagements here. It's by far the most beautiful place to see cacti, get married, and have a surprise engagement. The grounds are very well maintained, there are little shops to purchase memoires, places to eat, shaded areas to sit, ample convenient parking and clean rest rooms. There are art installations, gorgeous walls and the list goes on and on. A perfect place to get married.

DaFran M. Ware

I love walking trails and taking in nature. I wasn't sure what to expect from a desert botanical garden as opposed to the other botanical gardens I've been too. After the visit I can say it was definitely deserty. It was very peaceful serene. I loved the butterfly area. There was more than just cactus, but it's a lot of them. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and water.

Jose Ramos-Bell

Decided to become a member of the Desert Botanical Garden now that the weather is perfect. Great place to visit and enjoy desert plants and just stroll the trails. Also visit the butterfly exhibit and bring your camera for some great pictures. Can't wait to visit when it is truly in bloom!

Traveling Foodie

Cool very big part that is iconic Phoenix. Tons of cactus and species. This is 2 miles walking around and took us about 1 hour 20 min to walk around. There is an glass exhibit here too which was really cool as well. The price is $37 for entry which is pretty steep but it is a lot of walking. Also lots of bathrooms so you don’t have to worry! I would recommend to keep going left to see everything.

Natalie Nicosia

The Chihuly exhibit was gorgeous especially with the sunset. Wow! Plenty of parking. A beautiful venue for a special event. Live music in 2 different areas along the trail was nice. Restaurant on site but reservations needed. An overall wonderful experience.

Jamie Deng

Never seen this much cactus in my life. Definitely worth seeing once in a life time. Probably will take around 2-3 hours to see everything and taking pix. The gift shop was very cute. Many loops/theme gardens within the whole garden. Each one will give you a different surprise. So much effort and time put into designing and maintaining this park. Recommend!!

Li-Chuan Egan

Fantastic visit. The cacti were in bloom... I didn't even know they did that! Chihuly exhibit really enhances the experience with added color and free flowing shapes scattered among the desert background. The gardens are thoughtfully planned out and most of areas are accessible to everyone. Nice gift shop at the front and lots of friendly staff. Bring water, and make sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen!

Jennifer Chandler

We went to see the Chihuly exhibit and it did not disappoint! There were 11 of his designs outside plus some neon light sculptures that may have been made by him but didn't look like his usual work. There was also a small indoor gallery with smaller pieces as well as some paintings and sketches of his. We went at dusk/night which was cool because the sculptures were all lit up which in a way makes them even more impressive, but I think it would also be worth going during the day because then you could see more of the plant life and appreciate how each piece is set among the landscape, so I'll be going back again for that.

N N

Great arrangement and selection. There are several trails designed on themes and amazing selection. It’s quite near to the main city and good parking. Their gift shop is very cool. You can get magnets with live cactus in it.

Sharon H

Great place to see the variety of desert life. Glass exhibit was a bonus, but the gardens are beautiful without it. Great guides throughout the park to answer questions. Can be as educational or laid back as you want. Worth the money and plan to spend some time to see it all.

Nicole Kridler

This is a beautiful place to go for a few hours. From the plants to the butterflies, it's a wonderful day. I came here with my kids for a half day and they even got to release butterflies in the indoor butterfly exhibit. It was great. I would definitely recommend coming here.

Norma Arnold

Beautiful, educational area to visit individually or as a family/group. There’s so much to see. The butterfly garden is nice and I love the displays that they have set up depicting the lives of the indigenous cultures of the region. The Chihuly exhibits are phenomenal. If you’re in the Phoenix area, this is a must-see stop!

Mikaila King

Beautiful grounds that were easy to walk. A wonderful finish to our anniversary day. If you are a slower walker or a photo taker I would recommend between 2-3 hours. We went in late April and there was a lot of stuff in bloom. Highly recommend visiting this place; it was very beautiful, especially with the Chihuly glass installments.

Zach Wolfrom

Great experience. The crew there has done an amazing job laying out a wonderful stroll through desert beauty. Lots of wild critters to entertain and scare you along the way. A garden lovers wonderland. 5/5 Highly recommend.

Madeline C

You could spend an entire day walking through this impressive garden. They have so many different types of desert plants to see and learn about and some of the biggest cacti I have ever seen! They do a special nighttime exhibit with lights during the month of December. No pets allowed. They have a cafe on site, live music occasionally and lots of different tour options and special events to check out on their website.

Camila Pflederer

Excellent evening visit to the Desert Botanical Garden where we were able to view a variety of Chihuly installations around the garden as well as an indoor gallery. I highly recommend reserving an evening slot (4p-8p) so you can get a daylight and evening view of the garden as well as see a spectacular sunset if it isn't cloudy. If you choose an late afternoon/evening time slot, I advise going at the beginning of the time because there are many paths and things to see which you will miss when it gets dark.

Jamie Livesay

*** watch the video at the end. Found cochineal (harbored into white cotton/marshmallow looking stuff on cactus) which I just saw a documentary on how these critters make dye for Native Indian fabrics (see my video clip ) Pre dusk is a great time to visit to capture hummingbird and butterfly viewing. Then you also get to see the cactus lit up. -Check the website for complimentary tickets the first Thursday of the month!! - Stay on the paths- see what happens (pic) when you don’t! -the garden area was nice- ran my fingers over the basil- released delicious aroma on my fingers - clearly mapped out and friendly to all abilities 🦽 🦯 ❤️

Lisa Wilson

We went early and we rewarded with lots of birds and critters scurrying about, doing their thing. Gorgeous gardens making a peaceful and wonderful morning spent. Worth the trip! I will visit again. The Chihuly glass exhibit in the garden is a very nice touch.

Nicollette Wands

Wow! What an amazing place - my first time and to be able to also enjoy Chihuly glass sprinkled amongst the gardens was such a beautiful treat. I hope his exhibits come back yearly as the colors weaved so perfectly within the scenery. I spent almost 3 hours admiring the gardens. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy! 5 stars!

Sam D. (Баба Яга)

Absolutely stunning and worth every dime! Such a beautiful and relaxing landscape. All of the exhibits and trails were so beautiful and the weather was gorgeous. So many nice little spots to sit in and enjoy nature plus some very cute animals. This was our first place to visit and I am so glad we did!

Ken A.

This is definitely a must see as and must do places to visit if you are ever in Phoenix, Arizona! The most amazing up close view of all if not most beautiful and grandiose cactus plants. Also, did I mentioned that it's free to the public? A small donation is recommended.

Jeffrey Otte

Very professional public place. Entry, information assistance, signage, washrooms, drinking fountains and purchasable water bottles are all available. Maps are well laid out. Unique desert flora naturally and nicely integrated with surroundings. Be careful on hot days. A fair amount of resting places in general but sparse along the pathways.

jill floden

Easy walking, wheelchair accessible wide paths, water fountains to drink/refill your water bottle. Sunscreen and wide brimmed hat recommended, some shade but not much. Spent about two hours walking slowly observing plants, insects, lizards, birds and rabbits. Chuhlily in the Desert was awesome.

Brian Barnum

This was a pretty awesome exhibit! The placement is incredible for sunset, the way these object catch the light . I would def recommend checking this out. Also the Desert Botanical Garden is just a beautiful place to go to for a few hours anyway, the exhibit just gives a special little umpf

Taylor Bosworth

A lot a amazing plants with even better views. There were several dying and dead cacti throughout the park, but a staff member informed us that it was due to climate changes in the region. The remaining cacti were amazing and breath taking. Staff were all super knowledgeable and helpful.

Daniel Lopes

It is a must-stop when in Phoenix. Absolute stunning botanical garden. If you plan to visit in summer, make sure to show up after 5 pm to avoid the crazy heat. One detail: the pedestrian entrance was closed, and I had to walk back and forth on the bike lane to find out how to get to the visitor entrance - pedestrians are forbidden from walking on the park road. Please make it easy for you those who prefer to ride public transit.

Susan Daye

Saw Chihuly glass exhibit amongst the desert plants. The garden is huge and excellently maintained. We just loved it. The desert is an amazing place with more life than you'd think. Went to Gertrude's restaurant on site. Food was unique, reasonable, and excellent.

Brooke Peterson

I went during the Dale Chihuly exhibit, and had the most amazing experience. Not only was the art and setting amazing, but the gardens themselves were amazing. I found a park ranger who gave me tips on where in the park to go to find the best critters, like lizards and rabbits! Everyone who worked here was super friendly and helpful. If you have enough time to do one thing in Phoenix, do this!!!

Margie Bodas

Fabulous gardens with multiple paths showcasing certain aspects of the dessert. Wonderful plants and good info. Little Cafe, great gift shop and excellent restaurant, Gertrude's! Do not miss eating there!

Jamie Spears

I highly recommend going to see the Chihuly in the Desert at Desert Botanical Garden before its gone. Right now (April) is a great time to go because the wildflowers are blooming. If you have never been, its worth the trip with the family now. I recommend entering shortly before sunset so you can enjoy that golden hour glow. Don't forget to take a flashlight and water.

Joshua Smith

Had a wonderful time! Made memories and saw thing I will probably never see anywhere else. The towering cactus and the beautiful flowers absolutely blew my mind. Educational and fun! The only downside is it is a bit pricey. Is it worth it? Definitely.

Stefanie Lee

Absolutely beautiful! Desert life is very unique and interesting. This year we went during the Christmas light special with Chihuly and it was amazing. They also showcased some breathtaking animals, like the owl. Highly recommend.

Lorinda Forrest Meyer

Awe inspiring! I have so much respect for the people who developed these gardens. Showcasing desert plants in beautiful artistic settings was impressive. Adding Chihuly glass art is a definite match. We also loved the butterfly exhibit. Overall top notch as you can see from the photos I've included. Go early in the day and make sure to reserve your time via the app.

Kate W

I had no idea how big some cactus species get. It was really cool to see so many different types up close and in person. I highly recommend going in the evening so you can see the Chihuly in the Desert exhibit around sunset when they turn on the lights. I went about a half hour before sunset and wish I went a little earlier to see all the plants before it got too dark. I could've spent all day here though.

cindy harrison

Absolutely beautiful! I'm sure with everything they put into the place its worth the price but with that said it was very expensive to get in! We walked for a long time seeing so much and not even all of it. For being so large it was a bit crowded with photographers shooting senior pics and graduation or engagement shots so you were always making sure you weren't in their way. I don't know if I would ever go again at that price but I am glad I did the one time.

Liz Wilhelm

I have stopped into the gardens while traveling for work and most recently on vacation. I’m from a totally different climate so seeing the desert landscape is always interesting. Love seeing the wide variety of cactus. This latest time around caught a hummingbird, lots of bees and butterflies, some ground squirrels, quail and rabbit. Really quick and easy to stop in right from the airport.

Aria Zaruba

i love the botanical garden here in phoenix and i highly recommend making a donation to become a member. i’ve been three times within a month and a half and i love seeing how it changes with the seasons. the garden is preserved so nicely, wonderful gift shop, kind employees, beautiful art…they really know how to showcase and highlight all of the desert foliage in a captivating and informational way. 10/10 experience every time

Ralph Wilcken

What a beautiful and fun place to visit. We spent our time wandering around the gardens and enjoying the beauty of desert botanicals. It was a bit crowded this evening but honestly that didn't detract from the peacefulness that we felt among the cacti.

Robin Curry

This is an absolutely beautiful place! I could have spent an entire day here. They have a wide variety of plants, very friendly and helpful staff, an incredible butterfly exhibit, and great food. I will definitely come back here next time I am in the area.

Asma Carafelli

Amazing garden with a good user-friendly layout. Had an amazing time learning about the different plants that grow in the gardens. The gift shop has awesome and unique items. Definitely recommend if you love plants!

Adam Kerr

This is an amazing garden! Walking around, you're constantly surrounded by plants and there's always something to look at. Expect to see tons of cacti! We also saw a jackrabbit and a few hummingbirds! The lookout over the city is also amazing, it's beautiful looking at the mountains in the distance. Staff was welcoming and friendly. A definite must visit!

Chris Boutin

This is a beautiful garden. It is pretty big with I believe 5 separate areas set up with walking paths through each one. Currently Dale Chuhily has glass art pieces up throughout the garden and then one of the buildings has an exhibit with more glass and some of his drawings / paintings. There are amazing views of the hills and cacti throughout the garden. They also have a herb and vegetable garden. On site is a restaurant and a pretty big store with various unique items for purchase.

Travel B

Wonderful experience! The Chihuly display was amazing! We had a 5pm entry time so we could see the glass art both in daylight and lit up at night. Both views were stunning and it was nice to see all of the different cactus by day! Parking was limited during our visit. If you're visiting during the Chihuly exhibit, don't miss the indoor display!

Matthew Yonda

As someone visiting from Texas, was fun getting to see how beautiful the plants of Arizona can be even with it being a desert. Don't make my mistake though of coming at 10am in the summer. Come early in the morning or wait till spring or fall to visit. Also the gift shop has some cool, unique glass items.

Alexander Moon

I had a great time at the garden! It was $35 to get in, and I spent 2 hours just walking around by myself! I loved the scenery, and it was so entertaining. I think for a local it wouldn’t be much to look at… but for someone from NY.. it was amazing!

Iowa Reviewers

We've visited the garden multiple times to enjoy the flora and cacti, as well as the butterflies and, when exhibited, multiple iterations of Dale Chihuly's blown glass installations. It is fairly easy to navigate the different sections of the garden, and several--but not all--of the walking paths are paved. The gift shop has a good selection of items in various price ranges, and there is a cafe on site for food and drink.

Ann C

Such a beautiful botanical garden. The amount and variety of desert plants is amazing. The Chihuly exhibit is a sight to see. A must see spot when visiting Phoenix! Plan on spending at least two hours to walk the paths and don’t miss the butterfly tent. The gift shop has succulents and cactus for sale.

Christie W

Great experience, the garden is gorgeous, the plants are well taken care of. I enjoyed the variety of cactus plants and various trees. The Cafe was clean and the food was delicious. There is so much to see, and places to get a break from the heat.

C E

You think desert is nothing but a cactus and arid land? Think again! Your mind will be blown away by the beauty and variety of this Botanical garden. Not to mention that the landscape is gorgeous no matter which direction you look at! The store sells anything from books to jewelry or succulents! So bring money if you know you will be tempted. There are water fountains everywhere; so no need to bring water. But do wear sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat or sun shades if you are sensitive to the sun.

John Thompson

Unfortunately we came at the peak of summer, but we started early and it wasn't too bad. The plants and critters were marvelous and well worth returning to see again, maybe in the fall or spring. This really gets you close to nature and what beauty there is in the desert.

Takishia Knox

The Desert Botanical Gardens was beautiful. However it's best to go in the spring months when things are blooming. In the winter months it's just a bunch of fascinating Cacti big and small. They had some as tall as large trees. At night it's beautifully lit up.

Travis Johnson

Up until a few months ago I had never been here(or an botanical garden) and now I am a yearly member. The staff is always nice, even when you end up mistakenly being in a closed area. There are always a nice variety of birds(so many Quail!), lizards and little mammals. I also enjoy practicing my photography here, you won’t feel awkward taking pictures here. Only downside is that weekends can be very busy, so I try to stick with weekday visits.

D

Wonderful experience! Such variety of cactus at the same place. Lots of trails and explanations. We loved the kids play area but they closed so early in the afternoon, that we didn’t get to stay long and enjoy it.

James Arnold

Amazing place to spend an afternoon. I was super impressed by all the volunteers who were both knowledgeable and friendly. Great colorful sculptures and man-made elements that playfully interact with the subtle beauty of the desert. I definitely want to go again next time I'm in town.

Traci Coker (MurphyMe)

Admission was pretty high especially considering we went from 4-8 pm. Truly did not spend enough time here. The varieties of cacti is mind boggling. I really enjoyed the Chihuly installations and the sunset view is one for the books.

Mtb B

Lovely gardens. I was surprised at the variety. I arrived early in the day and basically had the place to myself! It was a overcast and even a few rain drops so I got some great pictures. It definitely got busier later in the day. My only complaint is that you can’t re-enter the garden. We wanted to take a break then come back and see it at night in a different light but they told us we’d have to purchase tickets. It was already $30 per person so paying again on the same day seemed ridiculous.

Preston Luman

My wife & I visited for the first time yesterday. What a great experience!! The variety & specimen sizes of so many plants & cactii were incredible. The Chihuli exhibits we're awesome. We also enjoyed & highly recommend Gertrude's for dinner. We can't wait to go back

Zan Lee

A really beautiful botanical garden specializing in natural Arizona flora. I am visiting from California, and DBG was recommended to me by many people and after visiting I’m very glad that I listened. In terms of other Botanical Gardens that I’ve been to this is not a very large one, more medium sized and easy to walk every bit of it in less than an hour. There is a ton of parking although it gets busy quickly and reservations are a must. We stopped in Gertrude’s, the restaurant just inside the entrance doors, and it was a nice lunch especially before a stroll in the gardens. Everything is very well taken care of and labeled well and it’s nice to be able to take many different paths but pretty much impossible to get lost since all paths lead back to the same starting point. The Chihuly Gardens are also a great addition as I’ve been a big fan of them ever since seeing them when I visited Seattle. Overall a great experience and I would recommend to anyone visiting Arizona, anyone who lives in Arizona, or anyone who’s interested in any sort of outdoor activities. I plan to be back to see the night exhibit.

Angie Schwab

This place was super fun and close to the airport. Bring a water bottle. There are refill stations throughout the garden, but only half worked. Take breaks in the shade. Best to visit in the winter, but still worth it for the summer experience.

Beatriz Roman

The garden is full of beautiful plants, very well taken care of and informative displays. Too bad they did not honored the membership from other botanical garden in the network, they only accept 1 adult and 1 guest, we had 2 adults 3 guest , so we ended up paying. It gets busy and looks like now they are asking for reservation.

Millie Kwan

This is a great botanical gardens especially since it's a one of a kind as far as what I've seen with respect to botanical gardens. Happened to catch the Chihuly exhibit at this garden and spectacular as always! But I will say even without Chihuly, this garden is well worth it. We happened to catch the aloes in bloom (fantastic) and the myriad of other cacti and succulents is stunning and also overwhelming since there is so much to see. Definitely a must see!

Felicia Rudolph

So much fun on my quick girls trip! Last minute find on things to do and the weather was perfect. The live music and hot cocoa were great and they even had a nice photograph set up! The pics are free too! Check it out for a beautiful seasonal outing with the family!

M. Renee

Desert beauty awed me. Loved the butterfly house and being able to release them to flowers. Nice contrast were the Chihuly sculpture installations sprinkled throughout. Bring water and a hat as there isn’t a lot of shade to be found. And, If you have mobility issues like me, rent a scooter

Abbey K

Seriously one of my new favorite places. Long trails, huge park. So many different cacti and succulents to see - I felt like I wanted to take a picture every turn. So beautiful, yet very informative. So many different sections to see. It felt like I was at a few different parks. There was a section on people and land that was very interesting that I wasn't expecting. If you're in Scottsdale, this is a must see.

Todd Gessner

This is an amazing place, and a great way to experience a lot of dessert flora in a smaller area. We happened to bed in Phoenix on the once per month free admission day. While very beautiful, I'm not sure I would consider it worth the standard $25 per person admission.

Clare Bailey

I've been a member for about 3 years and have loved every time I've visited. The garden is absolutely beautiful and has great events throughout the year. I love taking family and friends from out of town and visiting with my husband for a nice date night!

Isa Gutierrez (EatWithEesa)

Such a gorgeous garden. We go quite often to walk through the gardens at different times throughout the day trying to capture different sights and sounds. In the morning you can hear the birds singing and catch the roadrunners walking the park. The sun rising makes all the cacti glow. The park is especially glowing right now with the Chihuly exhibit happening. In the evening, I highly suggest going around 4pm to prepare and find your favorite sunset spot - there are quite a few perfect spots to capture and fall in love with. The Saguaro walk is absolutely amazing. The gardens host multiple events throughout the year and right now the Chihuly glass exhibit is definitely not one to miss. There are over 10 designs throughout the park and the neon lights exhibit. The garden also hosts Dog Days at the Garden where during a designated time well-behaved pups can stroll around with their owners. It’s been amazing. The Luminaries night is a can’t miss event. It is so magical and gives you a whole new look to how the garden looks at night. We have loved joining and becoming members of the garden and enjoyed meeting new people who share a common love for nature.

That_yLw. Brz

Beautiful garden! Best time to go around is before sunset we arrived around 5:30pm, bring lots of water some water fountains are not working. Also it is very close to the zoo so you can check that out too.

MR Hernandez-Parish

We loved the Desert Botanical Gardens. It is a great place for the entire family. Plan on spending 3-4 hours touring the gardens. There is a Cafe of you need additional water or a little snack.

Linda Hahn

Love the gardens! My favorite are the crested cacti. We are at Gertrude's. Be aware that the wait time for the restaurant can be upwards of an hour. Also, reservations are necessary right now for the gardens; no walk- ups.

Jennifer Chase

Recently visited on the free day. It was amazing. As you're walking through, you are in and out of shade. There are places to pause and sit along the way as well as bathrooms. Water fountains are also scattered through out. If you find walking long distances challenging, DBG is still a great option for these reasons. Always wise to bring sunscreen, a water bottle and a dose of patience sprinkled with honey.

Brent Spencer

Spent a beautiful afternoon there at the end of February. Huge variety of cacti and other desert plants. We explored most of the side trails and saw all the Chihuly exhibits, which were striking. Everything is well maintained.

Altinay Cortes

Absolutely beautiful! I loved being immersed in desert beauty. I spotted some small wildlife too. It seems obvious but I recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sun block. Also bring water!

Persephone Bingaman

They advertise as having 5,000 different plants and boy do they deliver. This place is beautiful, genuinely beautiful. There are so many walking paths and a ton of fun info. It was definitely worth it.

Nicole C

I try to visit a botanical garden in every new state I go to and this was a great one! There are so many different cacti and flowers. There's also a little butterfly greenhouse you can walk through. I would say 2 hours is a good amount of time to spend here. A perfect way to explore the nature of Arizona while in the city! It's $25 per person, book your time slot in advance online.

Suzanne Miladin

This is a large, spectacular desert garden! Every type of Sonoran desert plant is represented along with some desert plants from other areas. There is a kids area for the young ones to explore. Also show cased is a Chihuly exhibit in the gardens and in a building. Gertrude is a very nice restaurant with outdoor seating open for lunch and dinner but reservations are definitely recommended. $40 per person.

Emily

So beautiful! A little bit spendy (80 dollars for 2 people) but so much to see. You can easily spend a few hours there. The staff is very kind and the exhibits are beautiful. I would definitely go back. Also-go RIGHT when they open because shade is limited and it gets HOT.

Anita Simmons

What an inspiration! A beautiful botanical garden in itself with the added Chihuly exhibit made it all the better. Any and every kind of cacti artfully displayed. Each person we encountered working or volunteering there was kind and engaging. Plenty of water stations and shaded places to take a little break. I could come back here once a month.

Dmitry Zinger

I liked the Botanical Garden very much and the evening exhibit was lovely. I'd definitely visit it again. The only things I was not a fan of were limited hours of the restaurant onsite and a very strict mask policy, hence the four-star rating.

Sachin Kumar

Nice place to look at and learn about the desert plants. Has a nice butterfly garden. Beautiful location. Lot of areas to walk around. Gertrude restaurant is located inside the gardens.

Brian McQuistion

This was such a great place to see all of our desert cactus, plants, trees and brush. There are some of the most bizarre cactus and plants here! I am an AZ native and I thought I pretty much knew most of the desert vegetation but there is a lot here I have never seen. Great way to see a beautiful garden with everything in it. We also got to see Chihuly’s exhibits as well. Some really beautiful art. We will be back for the night tour next time.

Timothy Dunworth

A wonderful experience of desert flora and fauna in one location. Plants are in bloom now. Butterfly exhibit is open too! Dale Chihuly works of glass art are on display throughout the various trails. A fabulous addition since the last visit.

Kristina S.

Disappointed. Our family of 4 adults visited 4/23/22 arrived before 9 AM. Upon purchasing tickets we were told garden would be open until noon. We were not told that many areas would be blocked off.There were multiple. For the price we paid, the entire facility should have been open until noon or offered a discounted rate. The park took away from the experience in order to set up for a party in the evening. The variety of plants was nice. Most spots were reached by a level path. Other smaller areas a dirt path. I did not see any wheelchairs, but the paths look to be accessible. Many families there with strollers. Bathrooms were closed. I saw drinking fountains, but did not see if they worked. Shop had some cactus and succulents for sale. All in all it was cool to see such a large variety of plants in one place. Next year we will try and maybe visit 2 weeks earlier in the season. Most of the cactus had already bloomed. I also wish besides telling us the park closed at noon they would have told us about different areas closures and wished they would have recommended visiting the butterfly enclosure early. By the time we found the exhibit, the line was probably more than 50 people. If going, get here early!

Susan E

We bought tickets ahead of time because they had timed entry. They were really expensive! Entering was simple - just scanned the QR code at the entrance. We spent a few hours walking around, viewing all of the plants and butterflies. We ate a decent, but overpriced, lunch at the outdoor cafe. The volunteers walking around were very friendly and helpful.

Peter Mathys

One may not think that seeing vegetation that grows in a desert environment would be all that fascinating, but this botanical garden was great! It’s clean, beautifully designed, and there are so many unique and mesmerizing plants! The glass artwork throughout the garden is the perfect addition. We were there when it started getting dark outside, and the lighting along the pathway was just the right amount. Overall, the garden is peaceful, and the occasional sweet aromas and bird songs really heighten the experience.

JitkaKac

One of the coolest botanical gardens!!! We went there to enjoy Dale Chihuly's glass sculpture installation. Absolutely breathtaking and very informative gardens! We also spotted quail, cactus wren and even a roadrunner.

Julia Lee

A little bit pricey. ($29.95/per adult on 12/29/2022) Plan around half of a day to visit. There are couple trails, most of them are easy. You can see different cactus on different trails. We like Sonoran desert nature loop trail the most. Saguaro is so tall! Also Teddy bear cholla also cool with the appearance and its name. You can see a bunch kinds of cactus here. Even the ticket price is quite high, however, I think it is still worthy to check it out!

Shelley Woodall

If you love desert plants, this is the place to go! The trails are easy to walk with plenty of places to sit and rest if necessary. So many photo opportunities! I a truly beautiful place to visit!

Cass

Went on a holiday in the middle of February and it was busy but still worth it. It’s so spacious and there is so much beauty to see that it’s worth going even if there is a crowd. As someone who isn’t into nature as much as most people I still found myself really taken aback as to the beauty of the desert. Will absolutely return!

Teresa VanRhee

Absolutely gorgeous! So many trails and fun things to see. I could come back every month and not get bored. Well worth a few hours of your time.

Mary Fuller

Botanical garden is beautiful. There was so much to see, we went in afternoon so kind of hot but amazing. Stopped at Gertrude for a yummy slushy limeade with passion fruit afterwards, it was a delicious treat after the heat.

Richard Hughes

What a fantastic find. The gardens them self are worth the visit. The Chihuly itslef is worth the visit. Pit the two together and you have a masterpiece. Now for the cream and cherry on top, book one of the open aire concerts and tour the gardens before you settle back with a chilled adult beverage to listen to the music as the sun sets and the subtle lighting comes on. Make your way back throught the gardens in the now transformed garden and you have a magical time. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't recommend it enough.

Rick Spiegel

One of the best Botanical Gardens on the West Coast. Very enjoyable day visiting the grounds. Well landscaped and easy walking access. Wheelchair friendly too! I would say the visit was as enjoyable as our visit to Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC AND Kew Gardens in London. The staff was knowledgeable and engaging. We will be back for another visit in a month or two.

Tim Kaczocha

We've been here before, and we are members. It's beautiful and tranquil. The Chiluly exhibit is a must see. Several years back we saw his exhibit in Seattle which was the largest probably to date. This one here is a fraction of the size but still worth it.

The Boss Babe

This was an amazing experience! I’m so glad we visited. The exhibit was beautiful. All the beds were exquisitely landscaped and featured the succulents and cactus well. Highly recommend!

Matthew Alexander

Amazing property. Beautifully designed gardens. Very walkable property. Wonderful indoor museum showcasing traveling art commissions. Get the Prickly Pair Margarita & enjoy your stroll among cacti & succulent.

Clarissa Schwendeman

Gorgeous garden! We went for Chihuly in the Desert - very impressive! The gardens itself were great, too. Wish they had more plant markers, as several plants were unlabeled. For visitors who don't have a desert landscape, this garden had so many unfamiliar plants that we could have learned about. Great place for photo shoots: engagement, senior pictures, etc.

Jon Minthorn

Great experience and I would visit again. Bring water and arrive early because it's bigger than you expect. Great place to find some peace and quiet ... for whatever purpose you use your quiet time.

Mick Dunn

This is a must-visit, bucket list kinda place featuring an outstandingly maintained display of desert plants and cacti, wide and well groomed trails fit for even a wheelchair, helpful interpretive signs, and Sonora Desert cultural and historical displays. There is a restaurant and gift shop on site. Water is available at several locations along the trails. If it is a hot day be prepared to protect yourself from the heat so you can fully enjoy the Garden and all it has to offer. The $30 you pay to get in here is money well spent for the experience. You will not regret it. Highly recommended!

Veruca Salt

The best botanical garden I've ever been to in my life. I had an amazing time seeing everything. But I wish all the trails were open when we had went. Guess I have another reason to visit!

Surya Kumaresan

It’s an incredible place. Best time to visit is around the sunset. We stayed like an hour before and after the sunlight is out (people typically spend about 2.5 hours in the garden as per Google) so you get to see their hundreds of cactus in the bright light and the Chihuly glass arts in the night light. This place is a perfect mix of nature and modern man-made art. We happened to visit the garden on a second Tuesday of the month and learnt that the admission is free on this day every month from 8am to 8pm (or else I think it’s around 30 bucks for an adult). We got lucky to have saved some bucks on the admission. But, it’s totally worth it even if we have paid for it. I am sure would have totally enjoyed it.

Brandon Bookstaver

Great place to visit, yes even during the summer. The Chiluly glass exhibit both indoor and outdoor was impressive. Gift shop has some great things too, so be sure to check it out before you leave.

Barry Leimkuehler

We visited to see the Chahuly glass exhibits. Truly amazing. And enjoyed the entire DBG. lots.of walking. 3 miles and still did not see all of it. My only suggestion is better signs and directions. Easy to get turned around

Mike Chaplin

Absolutely spectacular. Enjoyed every minute of our 3 hour walk through the gardens. So much beauty to observe and history to learn. Truly a must see when visiting Phoenix!

Keith Kelley

This is a must see for anyone who wants to observe and learn about the succulent and cactus species both from the state and transferred from elsewhere that will thrive in the Arizona climate. Plenty of easy to travel pads carry you through different sub regions and subclimates. The seasonality of blooms will determine what type of birds and bees you'll encounter living in and visiting the exhibition area. Very much worth the admission price. At this point expect to make reservations in advance of your visit. You'll love the Dale Chihuly blown glass art that they've added to several areas and are featuring in an exhibition building.

Mathijs de Wit

Amazing.. go early... in rainy season... so you get the beauty of the natural patterns of the dessert, but also the scents; this garden is a beauty. I have not written a review for over a year, but the botanical garden can just not be ignored. I added black and white photos to highlight the shapes and contrasts.

Carter Lei

Very cool collection of plants from all over the deserts of the Southwestern US and Mexico. Saw multiple humming birds too!! I definitely recommend checking this out, but try to find an online deal for your tickets, as walk-up tickets run $30 per adult!

Mr. Unslackable

One of the best little detours ever. We had just arrived in Phoenix, Arizona, and went to pick up our car at Alamo, and before getting to our hotel at the JW Marriott Camelback, we stopped here. My wife is the one into gardens, succulents, and flowers, and I wasn’t very thrilled to go. But being the good husband that I am… 😜 I played along. Well, to my surprise, I loved it. What a place! They say a picture is worth a thousand words so take a look at my pics.

Daffodil Mama

Just an amazing place to visit! Get a good hike in and learn all about cacti and their survival in the Sonoran desert. Fabulous docents too! Handicapped accessible parking, restaurant and trails. Eat at Gertrude's on site. Highly recommend the corn and hemp tamale with cactus water to drink. Beautiful views too. When I was there Dale Chiluly's glass art was exhibited in the gardens.

Michelle Herd

Beautiful desert gardens that give you a sense of being away from the city life, in the city. I love the fresh botanical aromas, the sound of running water, and the different art you come across through your walk. Saw a snake minding his/her business, I'm assuming it's not part of the gardens but made a home. I recommend if you need to clear your mind and want to get an experience but can't get to the outskirts to the desert.

Nicole Crockett

This botanical garden was beautiful! We really appreciated how each plant was specifically identified. This actually came in handy when we went for a long hike the next day in Sedona as we were able to identify lots of plants! The garden is massive, leading you to multiple pathways, which makes the experience more enjoyable when there are large crowds. We really loved it!

Shub Ware

Really awsome experience, especially if you haven't been in desert before. this was so much educational and feast for eyes. Also there were many people than I expected. it was one of my best experience, it's also very unique idea. most cities have zooes and stuff. Not only they have regional pants but also desert plants from all over the world. Also butterflies are cool too

Huong Dang

I’m so glad I got to visit this neat garden while traveling in Tempe. The garden featured a wide variety of funky and out-of-this-world cacti. I walked around in amazement looking up at all the ginormous saguaro. The Chihuly exhibit was also super cool to see, especially the glass artwork among the plants. My only qualm is the $39.95 price tag which I think is too high for what you get to see. I’ve also seen Chihuly’s artwork in other places, so the special factor was lost on me. I’d say that this botanic garden is a once in a lifetime kind of thing (unless you live here, then I think you should definitely get the annual membership), but I’m glad it introduced me to the saguaros. Saguaro National Park is now on my travel list!

Esty Fischer

It's a nice place for a leisurely walk, but the $39.99 admission fee isn't worth it. We got it for free thanks to some kind people who donated two admissions before us! The sunset was spectacular, and I got some great shots!

Megan Matile

This was a really beautiful experience. It was fun to see all different types of plants from the dessert. We were also surprised with butterflies and hummingbirds. Definitely a must see!

Mike B

Very nicely groomed park with so much to see. Definitely recommend going in the evening when not so hot also looks like some exhibits have lighting at night which would be really cool.

Aimee Keiluhn

The gardens were spectacular. There was every type of desert plant including huge saguaros. It’s well laid out and set up for leisurely walking through each section. Descriptions and information on each plant are displayed. What we thought was going to be a boring day turned out to be 3 educational and enjoyable hours. They also had a cool Dia de Los Muertos altar and display. There were several activities for kids as well. The butterfly exhibit and preserve had at least 300 butterflies. We avoided the bee preserve but did manage to see a few hummingbirds in the humming bird preserve. We’ll be back on our next trip to Scottsdale.

Ben Henderson

The most beautifully incredible place in metro Phoenix. Absolutely love this place! We loved our first visit so much that we've returned every weekend since and purchased memberships! The Chihuly exhibits are amazing, but to be honest they pale in comparison to their natural surroundings!

Bradford Sledge

25 bucks a person seems steep for an hour of walking around looking at cacti. But once we swallowed the price we quite enjoyed the place. There are some very interesting varieties of plants, and a few gorgeous spots.

Logan Porter

A stunning botanical garden that can be enjoyed by all ages! We went the second week of April and saw so many of the flowers blooming for the first time. I highly recommend you go really early in the day or right before sunset because it gets very hot in the sun! The path was a little confusing but allowed us to really explore thoroughly. Make sure you check out the butterfly garden!

Donna Schulert

This is wonderful and worth the price of admission. The gardens are wonderful, beautiful landscape and lots of birds around. Wear a hat, bring water it is hot and we went in April. Be aware the restaurant is expensive, we chose not to eat there.

Traci K

Went to the Chihuly installment a few months ago and was not disappointed!!! We booked a late time slot so we could see everything after dark, but the site was a bit hard to navigate as paths weren't very well lit. Would definitely recommend trying to book a time right before the sun goes down to get the full experience of daylight into nightfall.

Brandon Cormier

A little expensive, but overall a really fun place! You get to see so many different kinds of cacti and desert plant, plus they have a butterfly garden. Overall it was a fun time with lots of great photo opportunities and the chance to see some really cool desert landscaping.

Shakti Rodriguez

LOVED this place. You NEED a reservation in advance tho.. Free parking.. and take a mask for all indoor spaces.. oh yeah, HAVE FUN!!! Had been looking forward to visiting and it did NOT disappoint. Spent about 5 hours there, alone (hubby was working and I tagged along from Florida). DO ALL THE TRAILS, there are like 3 different loops. So many types of succulents and cacti. So manicured. And currently, they have the Chihuly in the desert; Jan 2022. Am making a blog post and have lots of pics and vidoes on our Instagram @explorewiththegirlsus

Maria O King

Beautiful, clean, and relaxing. Bring comfortable walking shoes and enjoy your time at the garden. There are 5 zones to visit. Each zone has a few informational tables around. Takes around 3 or 4 hrs to see everything and get a bite to eat at the café.

David Ledbetter

This was a very cool experience! We went at night to see the blown glass exhibit. The paths were light by luminaries and trees were wrapped in light. It really added to the ambiance. They had some excellent hot cocoa that night too!

Brenna O'Boyle

This place was BEAUTIFUL. We spent so much time here wondering around and learning so much. It reminds me of Longwood Gardens in PA. I would love to visit this garden again and do more. (They had an event at 3PM so they closed early)

Francis Hung

Never in my life have seen such big, beautiful, and colorful cactus flowers. You can come to the Phoenix papago Botanic Garden with all the amazing cactus of all shape and sizes. A Garden that's well maintained, a lot of warm hearted volunteers who can help you along the way giving directions and provide basic introduction of the specifics. It will be a trip worthwhile.

Peggy Whitman

The Desert Botanical Garden was amazing! It is a beautiful spot to see and learn about all the plants and cacti that make the desert such a treasure. It's wonderful to roam the gardens and lose yourself in the spectacular desert landscape (hummingbirds and butterflies are featured as well). I highly recommend.

Ian Davis

The Desert Botanical garden was absolutely gorgeous and I learned so much about the unique and stunning plants and people that are native to the area. If you have the chance, I can’t recommend visiting while the Chihuly glass installation is still in place- the shapes and colors of the sculpture really blend and accentuate the vegetation in quite a remarkable way! Hope to go back again some day!!

Phil Albro

Great place to see and learn about desert plants. There are bench areas(most shaded) to sit and enjoy plants and wildlife. Several water features add an additional sensory element. Worth going to explore in different seasons to see the changes.

Nicholas McLaughlin

Absolutely and undoubtedly this is a can't-miss if you're anywhere in/near the PHX area. You could easily spend an entire day here if you paced yourself, ate at the restaurants inside, etc. There is SO much diversity of plants to see here, and not only is there nature but there is history as well (local history exhibits). You will initially be overwhelmed by the size of this place. Unfortunately with the prestige of Desert Botanical Garden comes the crowds - even on a weekday you’ll feel like there is a Disneyland-level of crowding and lining up to see something (particularly near the main entrance area). Luckily trying to find a parking spot is not a great hassle.

Benjamin Howes

Amazing flora of native plants and environment. Admission tickets are available at the booth (can be considered a bit pricey though). Pet friendly and water fountains throughout.

Jackie Wetenkamp

Entrance is complimentary If you visit on Community day held the (2nd Tuesday of each month) Walked for close to an hour & in that time seen two main trails out of the four that were mentioned in the Map. The garden has Kid-friendly hikes brought my toddler along. If your Visiting during summer season make sure to pack A frozen water bottle, snacks & a good hat!

Lindsay Haun

Always a beautiful time at the DBG. They do rotating art exhibits seasonally, and it makes it interesting to come back multiple times a year to see what’s new and how the plants change for each season. If you live locally, I recommend the membership so you can come whenever you want and it saves quite a bit of money.

Alli Keeley

Really loved walking around and seeing the different cacti and plants. We went in the afternoon and there were only a few other groups, so If you can bear the heat, I would recommend that. We spent a little over an hour walking through the entire garden. This was a nice afternoon activity and worth the money.

Judy Clavin

Phoenix Botanical Gardens will enlighten your mind and open your eyes to the beauty of cacti species. Well landscaped and mapped grounds provided leisure strolls of its surroundings. Signage directed separate areas to explore. Chuhuily in the Desert was the primary emphasis throughout the gardens. Gertrude Restaurant at the culmination of our self-tour was well worth the 45min wait (and we were hungry for our late mid-afternoon lunch!). Yes, I would return to this sightsee this attraction again!

Kevin de Szendeffy

Wonderful spot to check out some desert plants without having to venture into the wild. Great for tourists and natives alike. Grab food at Gertrude's while you're here too!

Emma Anthony

Wonderful experience. Bring sunscreen and water. I recommend the butterfly garden as it is jam packed with butterflies. Beautiful plants and a lovely walk around alone, with family, friends, or lovers!

Valquit Murphy

Had a great time at the botanical gardens. Took the kids to the play area and with Jasmin and we had a great time getting back to nature and learning about the history of the gardens picking shells and examining owl skat. Just what I needed to decompress. Thanks for the VIP tour and dance lesson Jasmin hope to see you soon.

Isaac Johnson

Great place to visit for a nice walk. Friendly staff and accessable trails for everyone to enjoy along with a gift shop and opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat. Definitely worth a stop for a visit!

Jen Hartung

Absolutely gorgeous and a must see!! I recommend going an hour or so before sunset to get the entire experience of the garden and chihuly exhibits. Amazing photo opportunities, some of the cactus are massive. Great experience for all ages, I was impressed that my 13 yo kiddo who isn't much of an outdoor person since there are no video games outside lol had a great time.

Joy Kohl

This really is one of the best Botanica gardens that I've been to. The desert plants were flowering and the Chihuly in the Desert displays were beautiful during the day and lit up at night! We also saw a concert in the garden Friday night as the sun set, made for a perfect visit. The gift shop has plants for sale, and we were able to get a hat to shade out that brutal Phoenix sun. We had dinner at Gertrude's before the show, perfect for drinks and light dinner. Definitely looking forward to going back, we didn't get to every path in the park by a long shot!

Nicki Muhawi

Went near the end of the day to experience the gardens during day time and then the Chihuly parts while dark. It was a great time with some amazing art! The gardens themselves are not to be missed.

Madison Jordan

A dream come true!! I visited from Denver and was in awe the whole time. Phoenix in general is just so different from the rest of the country! I have a lot of cacti as houseplants (like 20) so it was cool seeing them full sized

Isa

I love this botanical garden because it's full of cactus! Yeah, it's Arizona, the desert, it's normal to find cactus there but... I love them!! They have also a butterflies Pavillon, which has control access to grant the space for such beautiful insects.

Doris Gilles

We take all our friends! Here is a review from recent friend: Such an awesome experience! What an incredible collection of desert plants, from cactus and flowers to beautiful trees and even some animals. Very well maintained and plenty of informative signs so you know exactly what you’re looking at. The Chihuly exhibit was absolutely stunning! A perfect addition to the many beautiful shapes on the grounds. The indoor exhibit was also impressive, with so many gorgeous pieces from Chihuly’s career. The staff on site was very helpful. Such a unique garden that could only be seen in the southwest. Plenty of unique photo opportunities as well. Highly recommend even if you’ve been there before!

Norm B

Definitely worth visiting more than once. Plan for late afternoon and evening. Once the sun sets, the displays are magical. Plan for dinner at Gertrude’s.. spectacular menu

Trystin Lamereaux

Very great place for a walk and learning about the nature of deserts and their habitats. Very nice scenery of surrounding Phoenix area. If you're in Phoenix and don't want to drive far it's a great location to visit.

Glenn Onodera

Garden was nice. Staff friendly and helpful. Wasn't too crowded on a Saturday night in June. Went for the Chihuly in the Desert which was disappointing. Chihuly in an exhibit hall would be a better name. Bought a membership to save on admission with the group I went with. I'll probably go back to the garden before it expires.

Irma Zandl

So fabulous. BUT if you have a problem with intense heat, make sure you come early in the morning. I had booked a late afternoon time to see the Dale Chihuly exhibit and almost got heat stroke after 15 minutes. Fortunately, I was obsessed and came back early the next morning and they kindly let me reuse my ticket at that time. It is a glorious botanical garden and if you happen to be in AZ before June, I highly recommend you see the Chihuly exhibit.

Josh Hafer

Wife and I have been coming here for years with our membership. Great place to take a walk and see the desert plant and animal life. Lots of events. Drink locations setup on Friday nights I think. If you come in the summer it has to be early in the day. Water fill stations spread throughout so bring a bottle. Rotating art exhibits each year. Restaurant and gift shop near entrance.

GoldenEye Queen757

I attended these gardens while visiting AZ for my Family Reunion. It is so beautiful and I love the outlook of the mountains in the background. There is an abundance of different desert plants and succulents! Personally, my favorite thing was seeing different wildlife like the blue tailed lizards and even the prairie dogs. I live in Virginia. Hence, it was so different for me to see these adorable prairie dogs, in contrast to the countless squirrels out east. Overall, it was a fun experience!

Venous Sadeghi

Do not miss the Chihuly Exhibit at DBG. And while you're at it, dine in at Gertrude's for a delicious lunch. Farm to table style fare, attentive service, enveloped in the beauty of the Desert landscape. It's a must! Some parts of the exhibit up until June. I was not able to see the butterfly exhibit, hopefully next time.

Rhonda Sanders

Always a joy and experience to visit here and see the beauty and wonder of the desert. Combined tonight with the Chihuilly glass exhibit, it was a wonderful family time as we listened to music, watched a glass blowing exhibition and enjoyed the desert evening.

Yves Bolduc

This place came in recommended and we were not disappointed. Who would have thought that there would be such a beautiful garden in the desert!? The bonus is that the 2nd Tuesday of every month is free to go to. Check their website the day before and book a time to go or it might be hard to get in. Lots to see, including a small butterfly atrium to go thru. If you are in Phoenix, go there. Bring water.

Sherry Carpenter

The garden was beautiful, we went at sunset and it was totally worth it. We ended up at the restaurant and had a few cocktails and shared the duck enchiladas and they were melt in your mouth good. We are from Florida so this truly gave us a beautiful feel for the desert ecosystems. We had a great time.

Alejandro Allen

This place is incredible! Hours of stuff to see and Amazing staff that go out of their way to assist you & recommend/ teach you things! The butterfly house is a must see! Carve out like 4 hours to see everything!

Sarah B

One of the few museums that I've been to twice in a place I don't visit very often. The absolutely stunning beauty and age of the installations is not to be missed. If you have 24 hours in Phoenix, I would bump this to the top of your list. The chihuly exhibit on display right now is also worth a special visit.

Coleen Hill

We loved our time at the gardens. We were lucky enough to be there while Dale Chihuly's glass artwork was on display. Each exhibit was placed perfectly in the garden. We also were able to see the crested saguaro. A great experience! Great staff!

Sydney Warner

The garden is absolutely beautiful!! My favorite part was the contemplation circle. If you step in the middle of the circle and talk. The echo boggles the mind. It's fascinating!

Michelle M.

Great date idea! I was there during the day and could see everything much better. They have an art exhibition by Dale Chihuly right now. Glass blown art, check it out!

Rebecca Buelow

This place is truly magic! Step into the lands of Dr Seuss to realize your love of the desert and the allure of letting plants grow into their full potential. BRAVO to all involved in this beauty! We can't thank you enough. Get lost here for hours but bring water and an apple for a quick snack!

Laura

This place is incredible. I’d definitely recommend trying to book tickets ahead of time as they seem to be expensive to book day of. It’s worth it at any price point though. We went during “Chihuly at the Garden” and it was incredible to see all the blown glass sculptures among the plants and flowers. Also, they have a huge variety of plants and many informative posters, we learned a ton. I recommend going into the butterfly atrium, it’s magical to see. Plenty of parking around as well and it’s free.

Elisabeth Aupke

We were fortunate to get tickets to Chiully in the Desert exhibit. The Chiullys were beautifully incorporated into the desert landscapes. Being from the East we loved seeing all the vegetation that survives in the desert. Definitely a place worth visiting

Marcelino B

Well for 40 diggity dollars you can travel back in time and live those acid dream days in Woodstock when America was free and you only had to worry about the CIA pulling you into MK Ultra in San Francisco. The Chihuly exhibit is more appreciated at dark, the glass art is very beautiful. Colors are vibrant and the placement of the light compliment the delicate curves and rods of the structures. It is great for photography and a wonderful walk, my partner and I got all those steps in. I remembered those care free days in New York, 1960, young, wild and free.

Steven Heiss

Beautiful desert garden. Much bigger than we were originally expecting and plenty of spots to stop and sit in the shade. We loved the butterfly pavillion and all the varieties of cacti.

Grace S

Beautiful showcase of desert foliage. Perfect place to bring your out of state visitors for a fantastic day. Be sure to check out the butterfly pavilion. It is fantastic.

Saravanan Arumugam

Good trial and various plants , glass art in both indoor and outdoor. Good views of few mountains,valley and city view. Has many small trial loop. Has onsite restaurant.

Robyn Popescu

Desert Botanical Gardens is a fabulous place to visit, and especially on the 2nd Tuesday of the month because it's FREE admission. There are so many cacti at this garden- Inhad NO idea there were so many different types of Cacti! There is also a blown glass exhibit featuring the art of Dale Chihuly that is just beautiful. Parking is free for this venue. There are strollers and motorized scooters available for rent. Restrooms are available throughout and the entire garden is immaculately clean. We had a great time!

Brittni Swafford

Loved the Dog Days in the Garden event! Nice to be able to enjoy the garden and take the pup out! My friends and I had a great time, the weather was perfect, the Chihuly exhibit was incredible, and the butterfly exhibit was magical!

Darlene K

Beautiful place! Plants planted in 1939...thriving and huge. Attractive paths, wonderfully landscaped, outdoor seating, more than one place to eat, can easily spend more than a day. Chihuly exhibit was there when I attended. Outstanding!

Frederike Bruehschwein

Very nice activity to look at all the plants that grow in the desert! The garden was and is done with a lot of Passion as it looks like. You can as well See hummingbirds and jackrabbits!!

Ashley Reed

Absolutely amazing. Spent three hours here and could have stayed longer. One of my favorite places that I have ever visited. Staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Sarah

This is a pretty place to visit. I enjoyed seeing all the different desert plantlife (mostly cactus). I would go again with a membership if I lived in the area. As a tourist, it wasn't worth paying for a return trip. There is a serious lack of information on both the website and in person. If you expect to learn about the plants, you're going to have to do your own research. The information provided is slim to none. I believe all plants are identified but identification is not always easily seen. The website was also a little confusing when it came to purchasing general admission tickets. They must have been pretty busy when I called for clarification because I was never able to get through to an employee. I ultimately purchased the right ticket for admission but expected more out of my visit for the price. Tldr; beautiful and worth it for viewing. Will not be educational unless you do your own research.

Matt

Pretty incredible considering most people don't think of plant life while visiting the desert. So many types of cacti, agave, birds and lizards. A bit pricey for a short visit but worth doing at least once in a while.

Roman Mamus

Excellent garden, went for a hour or so and still only saw a smaller portion. Worth multiple visits for sure. Saw hummingbirds and other assorted wildlife, and of course a ton of interesting desert plants. 🌵🌵🌵🌵 …

Mark Pabst

Excellent garden designs and some amazing specimen plants. The aloe garden was a bit disappointing. It is in the shade and was in bloom during my visit but it just didn't have the 'pow' of the aloe garden at Boyce Thompson.

Johnny Cordoba

The Desert Botanical Garden is amazing. What a beautiful place to visit especially during the winter here in AZ. I had a great time. Do come with tennis shoes though, I logged about 9,000 steps just walking all the trails

Ciara T

I've been to the Desert Botanical Garden a few times now and I always see something new there. It's a beautiful place to go outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of the desert. 🏜 …

Val Ge

I thought $30 per adult was a bit pricey for the experience, but got some great hummingbird photos so it was worth it for me. Most peeps never saw the hummingbirds because they couldnt stand still in any area to let it happen. It was like a moving sidewalk shuffling past at its own pace. Think moving sidewalk at Disney and that was the energy. I was spiritually bothered by sprinklers running in one area - during the afternoon no less- which kinda ruined the rest of the experience for me. Wait, watering the desert cactus? Isnt that what golf courses do in deserts like Scottsdale do too? It made me wonder if they were putting done phosphate too get the gardens to bloom? I mean if your thinking watering the desert cactus with a sprinkler system is OK… why not force blooms also? Anyway, beautiful place, and ya i would probably go back. Maybe. Actually probably not.

Xoxo xxxyz

Great garden and great value for the price. Went on a rainy day (from out of town) and staying dry and enjoying it wasn't easy. The gift shop sold over priced panchos that were thin/ cheap. The only umbrellas available at the gift shop are expensive but we got em anyway....and still thought this was cool

Andy Newton

What an excellent way to spend a day, leisurely strolling through well curated gardens with super impressive borosilicate sculptures that complement the landscape so well. If it sounds pricey, just know it's money well spent!

G Guzman

We were married here at the Pratt Ramada 11 years ago and returned on our 11th Anniversary. It was worth the trip. The garden was beautiful then and they continue to improve it.

Bob C

One of the most beautiful botanical gardens we've visited. The Night Blooming Cereus cactus flower and the glass blown art display by Chihuly In The Desert were our absolute favorites. A real Arizona treat.

Candace D

Well i wasnt to sure about going here to see cactus's but once we had the guided tour and then toured more ourselves, i would recommend it. Learned so much and turned out it was pretty cool place. Super hot though so take water bottles.

Loren Rogers

When you think about a desert I doubt the first thought that comes to mind is "Wow I'd love to pay to see all these plants". But I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the plants and the well laid out paths in this botanical garden. In my morning visit I saw many bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and quails. It was surprisingly peaceful and lovely. Many paths wind around creating hidden corners making you yearn to see what's around each bend. There were multiple desert habitats represented and many educational placards. They have multiple water refill stations, so be sure to bring a bottle to keep hydrated. There is a cafe posted about halfway through the walk just in time for a quick pick me up. I had the cinnamon roll which was very sweet, and better than grocery store quality, worse than bakery quality... Pretty middle of the road. Overall a lovely place to visit in the morning or evening when it's not too hot.

Thomas Burch

Pretty cool place to spend a few hours. You can get a free culture pass at the Phoenix public libraries when available. Two people in for free. Had a nice night. See photos.

Marie Thomas

We went here to see the glass sculptures. I highly recommend sunset and late evening. The way the lights dance across them added another depth to them. Even the desert plants put on a show.

Julie D

First time to visit to see the Chihuly exhibit. So enjoyable we joined as members. You can apply the price you paid for tickets towards a one year membership.

Alexandria Chick

My boyfriend and I got memberships here! We love this place and the restaurant! We take our family here when they are in town! It’s relaxing and you can walk around with a cocktail. The membership makes sense when you bring guests! The prices and all that.

Jenny Pav

Had a wonderful time exploring the beautiful gardens. There us a wide variety of plants and plenty of beautiful desert views. The paths were very easy to follow.

Jon Barbara

Visited the Botanical Garden with my family for Chihuly in the park. Lovely glass work, definitely an evening experience. At $30/pp this is a $120 visit for a family of 4. The place was rather busy on a Thursday evening. Price is a bit much, protip check your local library for Culture Passes and cost the cost to $0 for 2 people.

Wu Russell

Even if you just visit Phoenix, AZ for a day, you have to visit here. This place is amazing. Worth to see, beautiful. I just don't know what else to say except, it's worth it! You won't regret it.

Tina M Schultz

The Desert Botanical Garden is such a beautiful place to visit. Even growing up in Arizona, I saw amazing plants I've not seen before. The different paths are well thought out and make it easy for all fitness levels to enjoy the beauty the Desert Botanical Garden has to offer.

t blair

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!! We saw the luminary / Chihuly display. It was so festive! They have live bands ( Sugar Thieves on one stage and the Travelers on another). They have the Native American story teller as well! Some beverage stations and a few little food items along the way. Did I mention it was BEAUTIFUL!?

Ali Gellner

Amazing diversity of plants, easily walkable trails/paths that are well maintained and that anyone can do. This place feels so peaceful! A must-see if you’re in the area!

Jennifer&Garrett Bias

What a beautiful place to see all different types of plants. I loved the art displayed as well as the memorials. The butterfly exhibit was fun and informational. We will definitely be back.

Ann Galbraith

Loved loved loved our visit to Las Noches de Las Luminarias with the Chihuly exhibit! The luminarias gave everything a beautiful festive glow, while the Chihuly pieces were extraordinary lit up in the dark. Honestly, though, my son and I were both equally (and more, in my case) captivated by the cacti and other desert plants! From mind-bogglingly huge saguaro to utterly fascinating Seussian varieties, I seriously couldn't get enough. I only wished I had time to go back in the daytime this trip to see everything more clearly. Add to the night's experience some delicious "adult beverage" hot chocolates we purchased and an entertaining gift shop, and the night was an unqualified 100% success. Highly recommend!

Anthony Lerro

I wasn’t sure I’d love this place but it was a great stop to make while we were in the Phoenix area. I thought we’d be there for 45 minutes but we stayed for over two hours exploring and seeing different parts of the garden. It’s probably best in peak season when more flowers are blooming but we still had a great time.

Steve Guttbinder

The Desert Botanical Garden is on every “must do in Phoenix” list there is for a reason. We came here during the last day of the Chihuly glass exhibit and it was worth every penny. I’m not sure what this place is like during the rest of the year, however if their future exhibits are anything like the Chihuly exhibit in terms of attention to detail, you’re in for a treat.

Briana Whittaker

Took advantage to the free Tuesday offer and brought my bonus mom with me to the gardens. Absolutely loved every moment and got lots of idea on how to fix the yard to be more desert friendly.

J Crowd

We loved it here. So beautiful. A great place for a slow, quiet walk. The gift shop has some great gifts.

Elizabeth Kahikina (TheWidget)

A great place to get up close to the desert without having to pull cactus prickers out of your shoes and clothes later 🤣 We get to learn a little, get our questions answered, all while staying on a paved or smooth rock path, with water fountains every few yards. I love visiting, and we make a point to do so every time we visit PHX. BONUS when Chihuly is on exhibit 🤩

Manzoor

Friendly and professional staff all around. Butterfly section was nice. Their gift shop had some great stuff like the mini magnet succulent plants. Try their restaurant is up there too.

S Walkr

Nice desert garden to see many different kinds of cacti. Fun walking the trails and seeing the ramadas in use. The special exhibits there was glass works by Dale Chihuly. So, looking at glass art in a desert setting was a nice contrast. Wear comfortable shoes and apply spf when the sun is overhead.

Matthew Hartshorn

Great place to visit in Phoenix if you want a taste of the Sonoran desert and other desert plants from around the world. Dave Chihuly exhibits are a top notch experience with placement of brilliant hypercolor organic glass sculptures through out the garden along with a solo exhibit.

Lindsay Oswald

Excellent customer service when we needed assistance with our tickets. The garden is amazing. Most of the trail is paved, but there are dirt trail sections. I didn't notice any part of the trail that would not be rollable, but there were some sections to step off the trail where a stroller may be a tight fit.

Eric Oliver

This place is truly an oasis in the desert. Stunning displays of cacti and succulents that are well curated, and properly maintained. Anytime we’re in Phoenix, we make sure to stop.

Roberta Jones

Went for the Chihuly. Exhibit stunning everything, you have to see just beautiful. The Gardens are so beautiful, peaceful so many types of Cactus, trees etc Stunning.

Josh VH

Amazing experience to view all the varieties of desert plants! It is a must see when in Phoenix. Price was a tad expensive but if you only visit town once, it's a must do!

Laurie Sellers

Desert Botanical Garden is beautiful! If you're looking for someplace to take visitors from out of state this is a great choice! I recently attended the Las Noches de Las Luminarias & it was outstanding! Great musicians performing throughout the gardens. Great way to enjoy the Christmas holiday season 🌵✨️🎅 …

siewchung wong

Bring your kids and families here. Educational, informative and overall a very enjoyable trip. Will definitely come back to see the chihuly lit up at night.

Dustin Burnham

My wife and I particularly enjoyed the different varietals of Saguaro cacti. The desert is home to some of the most beautiful botanicals in the world and this garden showcases them to full effect.

Lisa Weaver

We visited at the end of Feb 2022 and it was BEAUTIFUL! I enjoyed the entire garden and the weather was perfect, warm in the sunshine and cool in the shade.

Olga Dimitrova

Amazing place. Desert life is so unique. Our kids are impressed by this place so we are.Took us around 3 hours to walk around.

Chef Angelo

Had a pretty good time here. Seeing the different types of cacti and wildlife very nice. First time in AZ and so far 10/10! God is good

Toni

Absolutely love the garden. Beautiful butterflies in the pavilion. Stunning Chihuly glass/steel structures. And, of course, lunch at Gertrude's restaurant was wonderful.

Jim McDonald

Absolutely beautiful place to walk around and relax while enjoying nature's beauty. This is not a place to rush through. Be sure to visit the butterfly exhibit.

Fefe LaRue

The highlight of our time in Phoenix. The most beautiful place ever! A perfect date night location or just a place to come and enjoy nature.

Lily Allred

pretty overpriced for a day pass at 24.95, but the overall experience was lovely, clean, informational, and it’s definitely somewhere you should check out if visiting the phoenix area.

A Clarified Woman

I've been to gardens in other places in the East Coast and Midwest.. This was really beautiful as an exhibit of the best of the desert plants. They were wonderfully grouped and beautifully tended.. We did the night nighttime flashlight tour which was fun. But I'm super glad that I got there early enough to see everything in the light before it got dark.

Megan R (Edacted)

Love the garden so much, I went here for my birthday! There was a variety of wildlife , including quail, snakes, rabbits and lizards, rodents . Would recommend to hydrate and wear close toe shoes

Chris

Very cool botanical garden full of many species of cacti and desert/African plants. Many aloe and yucca plants, many cacti, etc. The staff were very accommodating when we asked for a map and advice on where to start There are lots of open houses/exhibitory buildings that have activities during certain times

John Kerns

If you enjoy the desert, you'll love the botanical gardens. If you don't enjoy the desert, you'll still love the botanical gardens. The organic and flowing Chihuly artwork is so beautiful in this setting, especially at dusk.

Lisha

Currently there is a Chuily glass exhibit in the garden. Fantastic. The garden requires an advanced ticket. They are timed every 1/2 hour to enter.

Akanksha Chopra

As someone visiting this part of the country for the first time, this place feels magical with the giant cacti and other exotic succulents. A must see if you are visiting the area. The entry fee is almost 25 bucks. Only service animals are allowed. There is a restaurant and a gift shop on premises.

Richard Hall

A must see for tourists and locals alike. Every season something different. Exhibits. Butterfly gardens. Very friendly staff. And you can have a cocktail as you wonder the grounds!

Christina Bowser

Great colors at sunset. Make sure to get to the butterfly garden early. The gift shop was nice also. A beautiful grounds with interesting Sculptures and flora.

Connie Norve

Attended "Chihuly in the Desert" , a collection of glass art, uniquely incorporated into the desert landscape. Take an evening stroll through this fascinating exhibit at dusk. Simply beautiful.

Teresa Zappulla

I always enjoy visiting the Botanical Gardens but the Chiluly Glass Exhibit made it even more special. When night fell it was a glorious wonder to behold.

qingyuan li

Beautiful place filled with many different cacti and vegetation! Only thing I don't like is this place no longer accepts cash, which is legal tender. Only debit or credit cards, this puts Canadians and other tourists like myself at a disadvantage since my cards are in CAD and not USD making me pay an extra currency exhange which sucks. Aside from that I had a pleasent time watching the sunset here.

Patrick Adams

Had a great visit. Exhibits were well taken care of and notated. Way more to the gardens than we expected. Would definitely suggest being aware of the temperatures relative to the time of day you visit - hit it from 11AM-2PM and it was a bit rough. Stay hydrated.

Adora Olson

Wonderful place to explore Arizona plants ! They do community days on the second Tuesday of every month when it’s free admission- make a reservation ahead of time , it is much much busier obviously, but a great way to check it out for free :)

Shawn Varughese

You can easily spend up to 2-3 hours exploring the garden. There are 5 loops in total to explore with hundreds of variety of plants. Be careful if you are tempted to touch the plants, they bite! Come prepared for the heat with sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. I recommend that you start at 7 am. They offer water stations and plenty of points you can rest along the way. You can learn alot about the plants that are able to survive in the hot arrid temperature.

Marlo Jr Chu

Visited Arizona for a few days. Worth a visit if you’re traveling and want to see the different types of cacti. I would recommend bringing water as you wander and take pictures to stay hydrated!

Gloria Weiss

Cactus are starting to bloom, so it is a great time to visit. The butterfly pavilion is open and all the Chihuly glass works are still on display! Perfect time to visit. I think I will go every week for the next month.

Bill McDonald

A lot of cactuses. Went there for the Christmas luminary walk. Eight thousand lights along the walk ways. It was 8 o'clock and it was dark! We got lost a couple of times. I was disappointed that there wasn't more lights featured. It's Christmas. The Denver botanical garden has a Christmas light show. I expected a similar treatment for the season.

Holland Hogden

We were on vacation from WI a few days ago and went to the Chihuly at Night event. Beautiful and super fun to visit the gardens at dusk! Tip: carry ins aren't allowed, but bring an empty water bottle inside to fill up at the many fill stations (water vending machines are available, too for $)

Richard Dulany

Spectacular if you love cacti! I learned a lot from the docent-led tour. Be ready to walk a few miles if you want to cover most of the trails. Might be a challenge in the hottest weather.

Christina Emmert

Went for the luminaries at night and the Chihuly exhibit. Was supposed to be limited entry. The place was packed and it was a bit frustrating. Wish we would have went during the day. The place was still beautiful, just hard to fully appreciate it

Taylor Hill

The botanical garden is such a unique place. It’s so different from other botanical gardens that I’ve been to. The huge variety of cacti and succulents is wonderful. The various art installations they’ve had keep the place interesting and intriguing to visit again and again. I highly recommend separate trips during the day and at night.

Yvonne Estrada

It was a great day to be outdoors! There was so many beautiful Chihully sculptures to enjoy. Along with all the wonderful landscaping.

Diana Baggott

Went for the Chihuly Exhibit. It's amazing n some pieces blended in with the Cactus and other plants that we almost missed a couple. Several pieces are for sale from exhibit.

Kali Malone

The exhibit at night was breath taking night, was not overwhelming in terms of crowd size... HIDDEN GEM: if you see a circle (2 specific places I know of) stand in the center and begin speaking...enjoy the surprise; happy hunting

Антон Ragnar

If you want to see cacti of all possible and impossible forms (rare mutations are on the list as well - see photos) - that’s just the place! I have never seen such a collection and a well maintained one! There are wonderful guided tours where you learn in great detail about “secret life” of cacti. If you like independence- all plants bear neat nameplates allowing you to get properly acquainted with the local flora specimens. Better to reserve around 4 hours to be able observe in peace without running around, since the park is huuuuuge!!! 10 out of 10 for highly specialized botanical gardens! Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my visit.

MiKayla Thomas

I recently visited for the Las Noches de Las Luminarias and it was one of my favorite events I’ve ever been to! As much as I wish that we had time to also visit during the day, this was a must do event in Phoenix during December. Every detail was so well thought out and executed by the park staff/event organizers. Bravo bravo!!!! It was very crowded, but still unbelievably peaceful and beautiful. I will highly be recommending this to everyone.

Jessica Loza

The DBG has always been one of my favorite places to visit. I was really looking forward to enjoying the Chihuly art exhibit, and while it was beautiful in daylight, I feel like it's even more so at night. Unfortunately, with day time lasting longer the botanical garden closes at 8pm and we were not able to see the lights exhibit in full splendor.

TinaEh VangLee

An amazingly well maintained garden! Its very clean and very tidy! The Loop Trail is very easy and if you rushed it, you would finish it in under 15 minutes. If you're coming here in peak summer season (July-August), it is VERY hot. So, be prepared, stay hydrated and be safe. The trails are easy to follow and it is an awesome garden to walk through.

Steve Kelem

Beautiful desert gardens (five types). The garden was enhanced by a Chihuly exhibit. Many pieces were integrated into the gardens. There is also an exhibit gallery with some exquisite pieces!

Jack Cairborne

You need to go! The botanical gardens are fun for everyone. so many amazing plants here and through June there is chihuly. if you're especially going to see the chihuly I recommend going a little before sunset so you can still see some of the beautiful plants with sun but also get to see the chihuly in the dark when it's all lit up! If you're thinking about checking this place out I 100% recommend doing it

Erich Weber

Such a wonderful place to enjoy the hidden beauty of the desert 🏜️. Definitely worth a trip during nice weather. The Chihuli collection is quite beautiful …

Jason Llewellyn

Been coming here off and on for decades. As a native to Arizona (not many of us) I enjoy coming here throughout the year. I like the mixture of art installations and cactus. Especially the Chihuly exhibits over the years. First class garden and staff.

Hector Melendez

Very beautiful and well maintained grounds. A large variety of desert fauna. There are also a few species of animals living in and around, pay close attention you might spot a few hummingbirds. Bring your water bottle and cover yourself with sunscreen if you are planning on being here for a good while. Plenty to see, very enjoyable with the family.

Sharon Terry

Loved it! I had been wanting to visit for at least 3 years. I'm a huge Chihuly fan. It will not disappoint! I want to go back, soon. Don't miss the butterfly garden.

Susan S. McClellan

The Desert Botanical Garden is a must see if you're in Phoenix. I came to see the Chihuly in the Desert exhibit/installation. Fortunately, you get to visit the gardens, too. The Chihuly sculptures are fantastic as installed in the gardens. I went in the morning and returned in the evening to see the glass illuminated. I'm glad I took the time to see the glass again at night. It was like seeing a different exhibit. The gardens were spectacular. The palo verdes, and many of the cactuses were blooming gloriously. If you doubt that a desert garden can be beautiful, you must see the Desert Botanical Garden!

Irina D

Such a beautiful place! Late evening is a great time to come so you can check out all the areas only open during daylight hours, then watch sunset and see the lights come on around the garden.

Marie Turner

Very nice place to visit nice restaurant attached great views love the blown art the colors was fantastic the views surrounding great. The heat from the Sun hot.

Erika E

I have lived in Arizona for over 20 years now and this is my time visiting the garden. Let’s just say, I became a member and plan to visit every month. Absolutely beautiful and calming.

Ryan Kelley

Always a great relaxing place. Been Coming for years. One of the better botanical gardens.. And lots of events happening. Worth the membership for discounts on the events

Guillermo Gabriel

Plenty of trails to take, multitudes of plant species to admire, a nice gift shop and restaurant on-site, historical lessons on plaques along every trail. A nice way to spend the day.

Destiny Buccieri

So very gorgeous, I loved every minute I spent here! Make sure you grab a map though, there are a lot of different little side trails to go on! 😊

Liza Detomasi

Such a great little escape in the middle of Phoenix! Had amazing blown glass sculptures spread around the garden when I was there (1-24-22).

Juan Castro

We went here during the day and at night for the Luminarias Chahuli exhibits. Beautiful glass art pieces all over the place. A must see both during the day and at night for anyone living here or visiting during the exhibit.

kevin clark

I love it, so beautiful! Every step you take you see something incredibly amazing. I visited Longwood Gardens when I lived on the east coast, and this is definitely a true equal in the experience you get. We are visiting from the Pacific Northwest and I'm already planning a return visit to see the garden at night.

Todd Barrow

Awesome place for desert birding. I really liked how there were cold water refilling stations throughout the garden. The maps were also helpful and plenty of shady places to sit and rest.

Evan Bunce

Nice outdoor venue to walk around and see fancy glass sculptures. Staff is helpful with pointing out directions. Big tourist attraction.

Donna Orr

This was a great outing with my sister who was visiting from out of town. We took a lot of great photos. The staff was very friendly during our tour.

Paula

This was a very nice garden to visit. While there we got to help release butterflies in the butterfly house. It was so cool.

Lisa Grenia

Beautiful and vibrant garden full of birds, bunnies and plants! We loved the current Dale Chuhilly art installations as well

Caroline O

This is an amazing and beautiful place. Lots of easy trails to view the plants and learn so much about our beautiful desert landscape.

Angela Barredo Greene

Didn't get to spend much time here. Weather was hot. What we did see was very nice though. Will return when it's a bit cooler and not as crowded.

Cindy Danzell

First, it is HOT so come prepared with water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, shades, good attitude and walking shoes. It was a nice walk and the landscape and art were amazing 👏🏾 …

Barry Gerber

What an amazing and spiritual place to visit. The scenery is soecracular and the size of some of the plants in the garden is just out of this world. Also the sunset was so.ething to remember.

Guy Cocquyt

Beautiful place, beautiful setting, lots of cacti, but after a while once you've seen one... The blown glass art is fantastic and well worth seeing.

Bucket Life

Really large desert garden. Took hours to go through and defenitly felt like a value. I have never seen groups of cacti so close before. Wished some of the further water fountains were turned on but assuming they may be closed because it’s winter season. Be careful when coming to gardens not to miss your turn. It’s a circle off the second traffic circle. Recommend for anyone interested in seeing different desert terrains. Be careful with kids they could get poked easily if you are not paying attention.

Tina (Clemmons) Loftus

Aside from their indoor mask requirements (hence only 4 stars), the grounds, plants, backdrops and views are forever beautiful!!

Scott Eggert

Amazing Desert 🌵 Gardens. Worth the $40 per person entry price. Over a mile of short quarter or third of a mile walking paths. Butterfly 🦋 & Humming Bird Gardens., …

Keith Galumbeck

Well worth going. I joined membership for around 85 dollars and it let's me into 300 places across the US. Food at Gertrude restaurant in DBG is really good

David Dill

Great to see and learn about desert plants especially if you come from a different part of the country. Evening programming is also interesting (e.g., music, lighting of glass art, etc)

Betsy Rhomberg

The Chihuli glass display at the Botanical Gardens was fabulous. If you ever have a chance go. There for a few more months.

Jeff Davis

Really nice park and exhibit. Great pieces of Dale's art overall, even when compared to Seattle or Tacoma Wa locations.

Jay Weisenberger

A must see but plan ahead. Take your own water bottle. They have refill stations. They do have vending machines if you forget. There are mezquite trees for shade but you will still spend a few hours in the sun. There is a gift shop and restaurant on site. Purchase e-tickets online before you go. You will be walking a lot so wear good shoes. This is a gorgeous garden. Loved all of it and have plenty of pictures.

Julia Berenato

An absolutely awesome place to spend a day, we stopped on our way to the airport and they were so nice about keeping our luggage safe while we explored the terrain. Loved the gift shop also!

Kalepherion

First time there, became a member. What can I say, it's beautiful, clean and full of life. What more could you ask for? Well, the food is pretty good as a pleasant bonus.

Jim Vahrenwald

Our group had a tremendous visit to the Gardens. Everything is well marked. There is a great variety of plants to view. Strongly suggest buying tickets online before your visit.

Corey Richason

Checked out the mesmerizing Chihuly in the Desert display and it was totally worth it. Got some great ideas for the garden as well. So peaceful at night. Get there at sunset!

patty guevara

Great outdoor place for a stroll with the family. Lots of events and many many plants and wildlife. It's a peaceful little spot to get away and watch nature, take a picture or wait for the sun to set. The sunsets here are beautiful.

Kay Haynes

Great place to see and walk through the desert landscape. I will be back in the spring when it warms up to check out the night view.

Conrad Paz

Expansive, covers a much larger area than I initially thought. Well maintained and makes for an easy stroll. If not hurried, expect about a 2-3 hour experience. Worth the visit.

Raymond

I’m torn between 4-5 stars simply because it seemed to be a lot of the same, however, the desert landscape could be so different than the tropical or NW lush gardens, perhaps a “lush” needs to be redefined. There is indeed a great many varieties of plants that appear to be well taken care of. The staff was informative and friendly. Pathways are smooth and stumble free. There is art speckled throughout. Clever lighting in the evening. I remember walking through thinking, “This park is so well done!” Do give yourself at least 2 hrs to take it all in, revisit some reflecting pools, sit in a quiet alcove, and allow noisy guests to pass.

Alisharoz Mohammed

We went in January 2023 and the weather was perfect in the morning when we went around 10-11am.. great for a stroll along a beautiful desert landscape and plants

Anna Altukhova

We had only a few hours at Phoenix and spent it all here. Amazing views and relaxing atmosphere, really must see! They had a good restaurant inside.

Abdulmohsen Alnemer

Very peaceful and well-maintained place. They have a wide variety of plants. A must visit for every plant enthusiast

Jim Van Dick

It was beautiful! I am not from the area so it is amazing to see the botanicals of a desert. The butterfly area was really cool.

Mrs. Sanchez

Drove from Oregon to see the cactus and glass sculptures, it was pretty cool. Not sure if I would have done it again. I didn’t think there were many glass sculptures, and the inside exhibit did not impress me that much. The very tall cactuses which were pretty cool to see! Happy to say I saw it but probably wouldn’t recommend it especially, with the heat.

Angela Romain

Always a delight. Lots of docents around to direct or inform you which is so nice. If you aren't entertained here, I don't know where you can go. Not enuf plant labeling but I understand that's a tough task. And, of course, the Chihuly display was fabulous!

Paul O'Brien

One of the best botanical gardens I've ever experienced throughout the U.S. the art and music intermingled with an incredible and historical experience with the desert, is pretty unique to here. Well worth the day (but plan accordingly if hot 🔥) …

Lance Henson

We found the best time to go was when they first open in the morning. Fresh air, beautiful landscapes and art. Bring water and comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

amanda norman

This is becoming a favorite stop while we're in Phoenix! The crested saguaro is my favorite! Definitely recommend the night time stroll in the winter.

Gelli De Asis

Beautiful selections of cacti. Easy to walk on. Lots of things to see. Perfect for family, friends to stroll around.

Jessica

The glass art pieces look better at night, so I would plan on getting there in the daylight for the walking and scenery, and at night for the lights

Scott N

Nice place to explore and take a break from the madness. Plenty of parking. Wear good walking shoes and take your time to enjoy it all.

Diana Phillips

I love this place! Gorgeous desert plants and beautiful landscape design. This garden is well cared for and staff are friendly and happy to share their knowledge. 🌵🌞❤ …

Haidar Aljabiry

It’s one of the MUST see places in Phoenix , but you have to pick the right time to go there , I got tickets for Las Noches de las Luminarias, where the lights turned the place into a glowing piece of Art , it was an amazing experience .

Markus A Maguire

Wow, what an amazing experience! We loved it so much by day, we had to go back at night to see the Chihuly Glass experience at night too!

Sree Sreenivasan

Desert Botanical Garden seems like an oxymoron. And it felt like 100° in PHX. But somehow the chance to see giant 🌵 up close was somehow very tempting. It’s absolutely worth a visit. Come armed with plenty of water, a sun hat and curiosity. If you have a local friend as I did, even better. So much to see and experience, including different types of desert vegetation, butterflies, lizards, etc. I was told it’s a different experience first thing in the morning (opens as early as 6 am some days) rather than high noon. Finish your visit with a meal at Gertrude’s Restaurant, a fun bistro on site. Pop your head into the gift shop for a range of local memorabilia, books and more.

Norma Rose Kootswatewa-Swift

Fell in love with Desert Botanical Garden. Ive grown to be fascinated by cacti and succulents, was overwhelming at all the sights. I was there for over 4 hours and still didn't see the whole area. I will return soon.

Megan Rhea

We LOVE the gardens! We have an annual pass and take our visiting family and friends there when they come to stay! LOVE the new exhibit too!

jennifer davis

Great desert botanical garden! Very beautifully kept, trails are nice and clean. Great signage and help around the garden to answer any questions. The butterfly exhibit was outstanding, beautiful butterflies everywhere. I didn’t realize how beautiful cactus were until I came here. Highly recommended to visit!

Peter Neugebauer

Wonderful garden lovely designed - absolut worth to see. We walked along all the loops and enjoyed every single spot

Andy Hahn

The Botanical Gardens in Phoenix are gorgeous! I like the way they have the gardens split up into several shorter trails, so you can easily stop by for just a little while or spend the entire day wandering the whole gardens. There are several water fill-up stations spread throughout, which came in very handy as we adjusted to the heat after moving here.

Michelle Mellon

Beautiful, peaceful, educational experience. What a wonderful way to enjoy these plants and feel good about supporting the people saving them for future generations.

Heidi Jones

Stunning! We went to the Chihuly exhibit as well. We got there right as they opened and definitely beat the rush! The crested saguaro was a highlight too! Lots of wildlife as well.

Rachel Ewell

Love the DBG - such a fab place to spend a few hours checking out the sunset flora and fauna. Best thing to do is find a quiet spot to sit and wait to see what kind of critters you might find - lots of lizards, quail, jackrabbit and others! Make sure to bring water no matter the time of year and comfortable shoes for the walking - some of which is not paved so plan accordingly. Enjoy!

Brenda Bennett

Lovely to see all the plants in one location am well set up display and information about the plants 🌱 an sculptures as well affects additional to all the plants.. …

Tracy Klump

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! Enjoyed the day walk through the gardens, then ate at Gertrudes Restaurant. Then thoroughly enjoyed the evening views!!!

Rui Ding

Very interesting place to visit. Many different kinds of desert plants. Whole tour takes around 2 hours. Remember to ask for a map at ticket/visitor center if first time visit.

Amy Schroeder

Fabulous!! We learned so much here. We also enjoyed the temporary Chihuly exhibit that is there until mid June. They had a fun activity for the kids to do during a much needed break in the air conditioning. Recommend for all ages!

Helana Richason

Chihuly in the Desert is absolutely beautiful!!! I loved it so much the first time with my hubby I went back and brought my mom.

Nicole Sherer

Great place to enjoy desert nature, plants, and wildlife. Paved pathways for easy walking. Pretty views of mountains and city.

Barb R

We went to see Chihuly exhibit. Unfortunately, we were trying to use a culture pass to enjoy the garden—way too many restrictions on using it…very sad. We had to get in the garden before 2 pm and out before 4… so not a chance to see the exhibit in its full glory with lights.

A. H

Amazing collection of well curated cacti and succulents. Highly recommend taking the free guided tour before exploring the gardens yourself.

Brian Magerko

Well worth the price and time spent. I do wish there was more signage, but it's a great and unique way to spend a few hours outdoors if you're visiting town.

Rick Keck

So many types of cactus, desert flowers, and until mid June, Chihuly glass art. Recommended destination. A day/dark combination visit recommended as Chihuly art comes alive at night. Chihuly art compliments the desert harmony of plant life.

Kim A

This was our first visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and we loved it. We also purchased a membership. We want to go back throught the year.

Chris

On par with Kew as one of the best botanical gardens I’ve ever visited. The scale, quality, and variety set the global benchmark for botanical gardens. The restaurants in these places are usually an overpriced letdown, however the one here was excellent.

Nate Hudson

I'm a huge fan of botanical gardens, and this one is certainly different from anything I've ever seen before! Lots of gorgeous displays of desert plants. The cacti were flowering and butterflies were everywhere when I visited in October.

Dale Niehaus

What a beautiful garden. There are many trials to choose from. We have a membership, and always find a new trail we have not been down. Lots of events, including night-time luminaries in December, with Christmas music (some live!). Be sure to eat at their farm to table restaurant, Gertrudes!

Susan Hiltz

Always relaxing.. sauntering around the Desert Garden. Well kept Desert grounds All facilities are kept very clean... Employees very friendly and helpful.

Dave Brandman

DBG is a local gem. It always displays the plants and cactus native to our Sonoran desert. At this time, the Chihuly in the Desert exhibit has returned. It is marvelous.

Billie Lea

Beautiful gardens! I wasn't expecting Cacti to be so abundant, diverse and beautiful. Well worth the visit!

Joy Denebeim

Sadly it wasn't in bloom very much. And my health is not enough to really enjoy it. But it's a great place I've been there before. I highly recommend it. My only objection to the place it's rather pricey. Which isn't a problem for me, but a place like this should be available to the public. And not behind a huge paywall.

bill alber

A great experience. A good way to enjoy the nature that Arizona has to offer.Well laid out. Food was fine as well.

Fred Long

Awesome place. This was my first visit and I was very impressed. I had no idea it was so large and the trails, plants, and terrain, are very well maintained. I definitely plan to return when all of the desert flowers are in bloom.

Russell Horn

What beautiful gardens. This is a must-visit for anyone going to the Phoenix area. The guides were all very informative and helpful.

Margaret Fennessy

There were some sections closed off for weddings and other private events. However it was such a lovely walk with great views. We were at the top of the hill during the golden hour and got great photos.

Jeff B

This was at least as nice as any of the hikes we went on. This offered a variety of habitats and hundreds (thousands?) of kinds of plants. We learned quite a bit thanks to the information posted everywhere and the helpful docents. I highly recommend making this a priority on a visit to the Phoenix area.

Erica Y

It is a beautiful garden that also includes famous Chihuly blown glass art pieces. My friend had her wedding in the herb garden, and it was the most beautiful reception setting I have been to.

Robert Naumann

Well layed out desert botanical garden. Loved the Chihuly glass exhibit. We saw it the first time during the day, and then went back for the evening viewing. Both were great. We were able to use the reciprocating feature of our membership at Fredrick Meijer gardens in Michigan.

Kory

I liked it a lot, but we paid 50$ in my opinion a bit pricey. No art when i went not sure if it's seasonal? Other than that it really was a good experience, lots of walking good a way to get an activity in.

Megan Horvot

I was visiting from out of town and decided to come here on a whim. I'm so glad I did because this place is great! It's huge, very nicely maintained, and has lots of informational material available. I do not live in a cactus friendly area so it was a nice change of scenery. The gift shop was super cute too. Totally worth the $15 and then some.

Cindy Hartzburg

Wish it wasnt so hot. Saw quite a bit of wildlife running around during my walks. Lots of different species of cacti, its very interesting.

Ted Hodoba

I always love visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. It is an overwhelming garden of cacti, succulents, and desert plants primarily from the Sonoran Desert but with plants from other parts of the world as well. We thoroughly enjoyed the glass sculptures by Dale Chuluy that are on special exhibit. We had a delightful lunch on the patio after touring the gardens. When you are in Phoenix, this is a must see!

Michelle Rose

The butterfly exhibit was popular with the whole family. The little one even appreciated the Chihuly exhibits! They now have a play area for children so they can let off some steam. Two areas of improvement are needed: (1) They really need misters. It was already 90 degrees at 11am in late March. (2) Evidently, you need to book reservations for the restaurant 7 to 10 days in advance. It would be helpful if they posted this on the website, and at the entrance. That way you can plan to get something from the "cafe" before you pass it. That food wasn't great last time I had it: Ball game hot dog stand food.

MrTrackday101

Pretty cool place to visit, especially in the late evening. The glass art was cool to see all lit up.

May Berry

8-26-21 Arrived early as to avoid the afternoon sun. Every employee we came in contact with was pleasant. The month of rain definately made for a lush green I had not seen in a previous visit. Paths were clean and the overall gardens were full of life from birds, bunnies and butterflies to other small desert critters. The bee area was lively as well. We were able to sit and rest in shaded areas that offered seating. Water stations were great for filling our water containers. We saw the entire garden on this visit. Nice overall morning experience.

Allison

We had the opportunity to visit the gardens for the Luminaria installation. It was fantastic. Give yourself the time to meander through and enjoy all of the amazing sights and musicians.

Adrian Wilhelmsen

Gorgeous and well managed!! We were fortunate enough to see the Chihuly exhibit while there (Apr 2022)

ben brockman

Great place to visit!!! If it is your first time make sure to do the whole loop. It’s easy to not see the entrance and think that the entry garden is all there is. This is a large place!

Rebecca N

Really cool place to explore, I could easily have spent far more than an hour here, but showing up at 7-8 (with a flashlight) I was still able to see almost everything and beat the heat, too. Reasonable ticket price and unique views of flora, fauna and the desert - and a great view of the city at night, too!

Bruce DeWald

The garden was much bigger than I was expecting and I really enjoyed my time here!! I think we spent just under 2 hours and felt we had seen everything but you could certainly take your time and spend more. I’m a fan of Chihuly’s glass pieces and so enjoyed those scattered throughout the garden as well.

Rafael K

Fantastic place to visit in the middle of the city, giving good idea what the desert life looks like. I never thought there are so many cactus 🌵 …

Autumn

Wow! Very cool place to visit!! Unique & picturesque. Was disappointed the Sonoran side was closed for changes though as that's where most of the glasswork was located. Otherwise highly recommend Gertrude's. Wonderful food & service!!

J L (Julia)

Great to walk around and see the plants of different regions. We also saw a few critters living amongst the cacti. Thankful for the water fountains next to walkways.

Mary Roarty

An amazing Botanical Garden that really showcases indigenous plants! The Chihuly glass was the perfect compliment to the flora.

Natalie Satterthwaite

What a triumph for Phoenix: the fantastic Chihuly glass installations bring out and complement the natural beauty of the desert flora. (Important to mention that I'm not usually a fan of the area in general after doing over 50 years here.) And we're back in the daytime on the one free Community Day a month: came with an Adult Ed group from MCC called NFLL--great program! The DBG is such a local treasure; my husband is buying a membership.

Katie Baerwaldt

I loved Noche de las Luminarias! Such a fun event. The lights and festivities were a lot of fun. There was a little fairy garden that you could help decorate. There were a lot of well lit pieces of art -- great for group and individual photo ops. There was even a photo booth. Highly recommend.

Stephen Shaw

The garden is well designed. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable about the garden vegetation, insects and small animals that live in desert habitat. The garden is also very close proximity to the zoo.

Sharon Zarkos

We loved the gardens during the day & got to experience the Chihuly art display in the evening. Fabulous experience!

Susan Hardin

I'd been here years before when that Chiluly glass exhibit was present. I was a little disappointed this time, but always appreciate seeing plant material.

Jacqueline Zendejas

Beautiful plants, herbs, flowers. We waited until around 6 pm to go and the sunset gave the sky a purple pinkish look.

ScorpionKnight

great was to spend an afternoon walking through desert plants and learning a bit while you're at it. did you know there are like 6 different types of barrel Cacti. see...I didn't know either. also...one of the Biggest Saguaro Cactus I have ever ever seen. thing must be hundreds of years old.

Rebecca Knutson

Absolutely beautiful place! Especially during spring when all the cacti flowers are in bloom. Chilluluy was an extra!

Megan Kragenbrink

Beautiful trip through to the desert! Be sure to enjoy the butterfly exhibit and the garden shop :)

Nate F

I visited during the 'Las Noches de Las Luminarias' event and it was very enjoyable, with a pleasant atmosphere, music, drinks and beautiful lights. The Chihuly glass served as an additional focal point to experience, and the lights served to enhance the impression of their vibrant colors. I would definitely recommend attending this event at the Desert Botanical Garden to take in the sights and have a relaxing evening.

Steve

Love this place! Gardens are well maintained and a large enough space where it doesn’t feel overcrowded.

Sabolaslo Pix

Very very beautiful 😍 huge garden with lot of never seen 👀 plants 🪴 ,arts and cacti 🌵 , definitely worth of visit❣️ …

Ryan S.

This place is absolutely incredible. The wife and I came on her birthday, the day BEFORE the Chihuly in the Desert event was scheduled to open. Luckily for us, the glass was already in place and we got to experience it early. And it was amazing. The entire Botanical Garden is interesting, gorgeous and educational. The addition of the Chihuly in the Desert exhibit took it to another place, entirely. Definitely stop in and experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert when you're visiting Phoenix. And try to make it during Chihuly in the Desert. It's truly remarkable!

Alexis Maranan

Great place to visit with family and friends! Strongly recommended for people who like plants and want to learn more about dessert life.

Tab Taylor

Beautiful place! Learned some things too! It was pretty hot! Enjoyed lunch at Gertrude's cafe!

Tina P

Pros: The garden is beautiful and inspiring. We enjoyed the corn fritter appetizer and rosemary lemonade at Gertrude’s. Nicely curated gift shop but as is typical for tourist spots, it’s quite spendy. The staff were all polite and we appreciated the clean restrooms. Cons: The water bottle fill machines are room temperature tap water (ick!). We knew before we went and complied with their rule but wearing masks outdoors in 90+ heat with plenty of space to easily distance from others was ridiculous at best, unhealthy in reality (heat exhaustion, anyone?) 🥵 Good to know: 🌵Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses and bring your own water and maybe a cooling towel—it gets very HOT out there. 🌵Buy tickets and make a reservation in advance online or no admittance. Take advantage of their free community day if you can (see website for details). 🌵Plenty of free parking, some shady spots. 🌵Credit cards accepted in the shops and cafes. 🌵ADA friendly, scooters on site. 🌵Mask rule was mandatory in 2021 and strictly enforced.

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