Moorten Botanical Garden
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Moorten Botanical Garden

4.6
·650 reviews·Palm Springs, United States

A historic, family-owned desert oasis showcasing over 3,000 varieties of cacti and succulents in a magical setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid peak heat

CrowdLow
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Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid peak heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic, family-owned desert oasis showcasing over 3,000 varieties of cacti and succulents in a magical setting.

4.6
(650 reviews)

"This one is the best one yet. We never really imagined visiting a desert themed garden, full of so many varieties of cacti & succulents."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on trails, so comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water!

Palm Springs gets hot! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 709 reviews

Type

Botanical Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cactarium

The Cactarium

Vintage-style greenhouse

A magical greenhouse filled with the most Instagram-worthy spiky plants you've ever seen. It's hot, wild-looking, and completely magical.

Reddit
Desert Plant Diversity

Desert Plant Diversity

Throughout the garden

Explore over 3,000 varieties of desert plants, cacti, and rare succulents from around the world.

InstagramReddit
Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Various garden areas

Keep an eye out for resident birds, tortoises, and lizards that add to the garden's charm.

Reddit
The Nursery

The Nursery

Garden nursery

Purchase unique desert plants and cacti to take home; the plants are known for their health and quality.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Palm Springs can get intensely hot, especially in summer. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience. Instagram

Plan Your Visit Duration

While some visitors spend just an hour, many recommend dedicating 2-3 hours to truly explore the diverse plant collections and hidden gems. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid peak heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
October to January
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The REAL Secret Spots of South Florida Botanical Garden Edition Did you know there is a beautiful botanical garden with a fairy house, maze, vegetable garden and so much more ? Because let me tell you guys the Mounts Botanical Garden is a must if you are looking to connect with nature! 📍Mounts Botanical Garden, West Palm $20 Admission Opens at 9am Tip: Go early! #thingstodoinmiami #secretspot...
@peakacity
29.1K likes • 470.7K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on trails, so comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water!

Palm Springs gets hot! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:

🌵 The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium 🌵 🎟Adult Admission $5 🎟Ages 5-15 $2 🎟free for children under 5 🕙Open from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Fri-Sun Summer Schedule 📍1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
wanderingwithlatashia
0 likes • 520 views
Moorten Botanical Garden 🪴 Such a fun experience and something I highly recommend if you visit Palm Springs! “Established in Palm Springs since 1938, this privately-owned arboretum was created to share the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants with everyone who visits. The featured desert trees, plants, and cacti come from around the world and range in size from miniature to gian...
withramon
0 likes • 671 views

Take Your Time

Don't rush; there are many hidden secrets and details to discover. :stopwatch:

Buy Plants to Take Home

The nursery has healthy, unique plants. Get them shipped if you can't carry them. 📦

📍Part 1 of Moorten Botanical Gardens, Palm Springs Moorten Botanical Garden is a privately owned garden home to more than 3000 varieties of desert plants and cacti (from around the world). The garden was created in the late 1930s and was passed down from the original owners to their son, Clark Moorten. Ironically, the day we went to the garden we saw a gentleman making his way about the garde...
jaggykullar
35 likes • 395 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on trails, so comfy shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Water!

Palm Springs gets hot! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:

Take Your Time

Don't rush; there are many hidden secrets and details to discover. :stopwatch:

Buy Plants to Take Home

The nursery has healthy, unique plants. Get them shipped if you can't carry them. 📦

Capture the Magic

This place is incredibly photogenic, especially the Cactarium. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(650 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Moorten Botanical Garden as a beautiful and unique desert gem. Many highlight the incredible diversity of cacti and succulents, the charming Cactarium, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. It's often described as a peaceful and magical escape, perfect for plant lovers and photographers alike. Some note the intense summer heat, recommending visits during cooler parts of the day or year.

"Wow! What a beautiful gem in the desert. Every year, for our wedding anniversary, we go to a different botanical garden from around this country. They have all been amazing, but this one is the best one yet. We met Clark Moorten, the owner and curator of the estate, and he was the kindest, sweetest, most knowledgeable man we have ever encountered. We never really imagined visiting a desert themed garden, full of so many varieties of cacti & succulents, as well as, birds and tortoises. Despite the high heat of summer (110 degrees F), it was still such an eye opening experience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, if you enjoy botanical gardens."

Thomas Moore

"A nice cacti garden to walk around in. The staff was very friendly, and offered guided or self guided tours. Was fun to walk around and see the various cacti, other vegetation, birds, tortoises, lizards, and a hummingbird nest. Was a fun relaxing area to meander through."

Nicholas W

"If you love succulents and cacti like I do, you have to visit Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs. I stopped by this past January and it quickly became one of my favorite spots of the whole trip.

It’s a small, family-owned garden tucked right in the middle of the desert—and it’s packed with hundreds of stunning cactus varieties, rare succulents, and desert plants from all over the world. Every turn felt like a tiny alien landscape. 🌵🪴

The best part? The Cactarium—a vintage-style greenhouse filled with the most Instagram-worthy spiky plants you’ve ever seen. It was hot, wild-looking, and completely magical.

They also have a little nursery where you can buy plants to take home. I couldn’t resist—I bought a couple and had them shipped back to my house because TSA doesn’t love spiky souvenirs 😅

It’s peaceful, weirdly romantic, and a total vibe if you love desert beauty. You don’t need a whole day—just an hour and an appreciation for plants with personality.

Don’t skip this gem next time you’re in Palm Springs."

Deanna Trusty

What People Like

Incredible plant diversity
Magical Cactarium
Friendly, knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Intense summer heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Moorten Botanical Garden is located at 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring Palm Springs. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at the garden, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a popular way to get to Moorten Botanical Garden, especially if you're staying in the Palm Springs area. Instagram

The garden has trails, some of which may be uneven. While strollers can be managed, it's advisable to be prepared for some rougher patches. Reddit

Yes, it's a well-known landmark in Palm Springs, located on South Palm Canyon Drive. Look for the distinctive entrance. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is typically $5 for adults, $2 for children aged 5-15, and free for children under 5. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing. Instagram

The garden's hours can vary seasonally. For example, the summer schedule might be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Always confirm current hours before your visit. Instagram

Generally, you can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for special events or during peak seasons, it might be wise to check if advance booking is recommended. Instagram

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the admission price is quite affordable. Check their website or inquire at the entrance for any potential offers. Instagram

Coupons are not commonly advertised. The best value is the already low admission price, which includes access to a vast collection of desert plants. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is highly encouraged! The garden is incredibly photogenic, especially the Cactarium, offering unique shots of desert plants. InstagramReddit

The Cactarium is a must for stunning photos. Also, explore the various themed outdoor gardens and look for interesting textures and colors among the cacti and succulents. InstagramReddit

While personal photography is welcome, it's best to check with the garden staff regarding professional equipment or tripods, especially during busy times, to ensure it doesn't obstruct other visitors. Instagram

The garden offers guided tours that can highlight visually interesting areas, but dedicated photography tours are not typically advertised. You can certainly use a guided tour to inform your photo spots. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more dramatic lighting for your photos, avoiding harsh midday sun. Instagram

🎫 🌵 Plant & Garden Experience

You'll find over 3,000 varieties of desert plants, cacti, and rare succulents from around the world. It's a living museum of desert flora. InstagramReddit

The Cactarium is a unique, vintage-style greenhouse filled with an extraordinary collection of cacti and spiky plants, making it a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

Yes, there's a nursery where you can purchase a variety of healthy desert plants and cacti to take home. InstagramReddit

While some visitors spend an hour, many recommend allocating 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the diverse collections and discover hidden gems. Reddit

Yes, the garden staff often offers guided or self-guided tours, providing insights into the plant collections and the garden's history. Reddit

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