Nature · Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden sits among the red sandstone buttes of Papago Park, and since 1939 it has been devoted to the plants of the world's deserts. Its 140-plus acres hold one of the finest collections of arid-land flora anywhere, with thousands of species of cacti, agave, aloe and desert wildflowers arranged along a handful of easy, looping trails.

The permanent trails introduce you to the landscape you'll see all over Arizona, while rotating seasonal shows and a butterfly exhibit change through the year. Spring brings the wildflower bloom; if you can time a visit for early morning or the hour before sunset, the low light turns the whole garden gold and the heat stays manageable.

It's a short drive from most of our Phoenix rentals, and one of the easiest half-days to recommend for families and first-time visitors. Bring water and a hat, wear sunscreen, and give yourself a couple of hours to wander. In December the garden transforms for the Luminarias, well worth a return trip after dark.