If you have ever been to Arizona, you are aware pretty much most of the state is a desert which happens to be full of the plant that has a little bite- cactus. I am obsessed with these beauties even though they like prick me since I am so clumsy! No two are alike in size or shape and that makes them extra fun. Just outside of the bustling capital city of Phoenix is the gorgeous cultivated space dedicated to these cacti and various other desert native plants of the region. Visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona is a must-see spot for that reason alone! I can promise that even if you are not a fan of gardens, the Desert Botanical Garden is like nothing you have ever seen before!
I visited on a very hot day and it was only early November. After being in northern Arizona at Antelope Canyon the day before where it was 40 degrees Fahrenheit easily, I was not mentally ready for the dry heat. Come prepared with an empty water bottle because you will need it. No need for more than one though because the Desert Botanical Gardens thoughtfully have numerous marked water stations throughout the paths that are perfect for refilling your bottles. I purchased a bottle from the vending machine within the gates and quickly drank 3 or 4 more while walking around. It felt so very easy to get overheated that I can only imagine what it is like in the middle of summer!
No matter the time of year, visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona needs to be on your agenda!
Have you ever seen a saguaro cactus?
xx,
Sami
The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
Find me on: Instagram
It looks like every cactus in Saguaro Park are there. I guess if you don’t have time to go Saguaro National Park, this is the best alternative.
Somehow I missed Saguaro National Park! I have never heard of it. I was stuck in Phoenix so this was the perfect alternative! ?
I love cacti too, so this looks like the perfect place for me to visit! I’d love to take a trip to the Southwest soon. Though, given your experience, I should probably plan it for a mild weather season!
Definitely go in the off-season! My uber driver was telling me that it gets so hot in the summer that car tires sometimes explode! How crazy is that?
Your photos are amazing! Who knew cacti could be so beautiful!
Ah thank you so much! A tripod and remote work wonders when you are flying solo! and I am obsessed with these prickly guys.
First of all you look stunning and your photos are amazing. I have never been to Arizona but when you said botanica garden I was kind of like huh since Arizona is a desert but then you explained and this is a’amazing! Such a unique type of botanical garden!!
Ah thanks lovely! It’s all about angles. ? and YES all of Arizona is a huge desert. A majority of my trip was driving through the state and it was so boring after a while but the Botanical Garden was a welcome view with some green!
I’d love to visit here; I love cacti! I used to have a whole desk of them, until I managed to kill them. Prefer to admire them growing in the wild now! 😉
Omg you sound like me!!! I somehow managed to not only kill a cactus, but petrify it white! How did I do it, I will never know. But I love to look at them too. and I sometimes walk into them. ?
Beautiful garden and great shots! This makes it look like you went hiking and just stumbled onto it 😀 What fun!
Yes – It’s got a very natural and non-curated look which I love!
This looks gorgeous, I would LOVE to visit. And you look like you had so much fun! Did you happen to see what it looks like at night? I noticed a tree was wrapped in lights, and i bet is beautiful.
yes – they were just getting ready for their lantern festival the following weekend where the gardens are open and the lights and lanterns shine and it’s GORGEOUS! I missed it but my mom saw it!
That’s even more reason to visit!
LOVE your photos, they are gorgeous! I had no idea a desert garden could be so beautiful. i’ve never really give much thought to Arizona but I really think i would like to visit. xx
Just a warning- most of Arizona is literally nothing but open desert but Phoenix and Page (in northern AZ) is worth a visit!
Oh my, this looks so lovely!! And I adore your shots of the butterflies, honey <3
It was a lovely day! Thanks! ❤️
I’ve seen photos of this place on Instagram and your photos are equally just as stunning! I really want to check this place out when I go back to Phoenix!
Definitely do that! Thank you so much ??