We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Phoenix?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Phoenix each week.

  • Save Desert Botanical Garden
  • E-mail this page

Desert Botanical Garden


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 126 attractions in Phoenix
Traveler Description: Located in Papago Park, these gardens offer visitors an opportunity to learn about desert flora.
Familiar with Desert Botanical Garden? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Garden, Specialty museum, Nature center, Other
Activities: Viewing foliage
Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tel: 480 941 1225
Fax: 480 481 8124

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
2 of 5 stars
hotelsnob96 23 contributions
Northern Virginia
Jul 14, 2009

Okay this is not their fault but it was 100 degrees, but nevertheless, the plants were no WOW, it cost a lot of money for what it was, the food was school cafeteria quality, and it was just plain boring. I suggest you avoid this and go to Taliesin West, MUCH better! more

Save Review
1 of 5 stars
artlover2114 1 contribution
Phoenix, Arizona
Jul 13, 2009

phoenix desert botanical gardens grouch old ladies!‎ - Art‎ Magazine Today posted: The plants are nice, the people that work there are unbelievable! they are a bunch of grouchy old women that make me embarrassed to be from Arizona! The phoenix botanical gardens should hire people that have a positive attitude. These are old snobby wrinkled women and should not... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
brieonsunday 4 contributions
Scotts Valley, CA
Jun 19, 2009

We just went mid-day last week, and it was so hot it was practically empty. The garden map they give you isn't fancy, but we thought the varied desert plants, birds, lizards and butterflies were really interesting and thought it was well worth the money and time. The herb garden section is quite nice. We liked the gift shop too,... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
aquinate 21 contributions
Athens, Greece
Jun 17, 2009

I had a few hours to spend and I did not want to throw them away on a nap or watching stupid TV channels. So I decided to visit this place, following the advice of TripAdvisor. And honestly, I couldn't have done better! Even though it was really hot walking around the cactuses, the Arizona indigenous "saguaros" and the other... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
JaninCabo 2 contributions
South Florida, Florida
Jun 16, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

My husband was hesitant to pay $15 each to wander through a garden, but he was completely surprised and enjoyed it as much as I did. We loved the herb garden and will try to find croatian oregano for our home garden as a result. It was a beautiful, albeit hot in June, place to visit. We stayed for the... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
murmietier 10 contributions
denver
Jun 14, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

I visited this garden 25 years ago and was so impressed with it back then that I took my family back to see it last week. What a disappointment! For $35 (2 adults and a 5 yr old) we were given a nearly illegible black-and-white photocopy of a map of the gardens. Various mechanical displays no longer worked. At one... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Munkel 4 contributions
Munkel
Jun 2, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

Not a traditional garden as many may think, but the large variety of desert plants were interesting to view. Also the Chihuly Glass scupltures are spectacular and really bring color to the different landscapes. Even though most areas are nice and well kept, there are a few areas that lacked the proper maintenace, and the trail to demonstrate the way... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
QueenSybase 13 contributions
Fairfax, Va
May 31, 2009
2/3 found this review helpful

I think someone decided to put a path through the desert and call it a botanical garden. I'm a fan of botanical gardens, but this one was underwhelming. The garden is probably 80% cactus and shrubs. There were very few tags or signs to identify one shrub/cactus from the next. The signs that were there provide little (and in one... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
wannago2 71 contributions
Big Island, Hawaii
May 20, 2009
1/2 found this review helpful

We also saw the glass sculptures and the butterfly pavillion in addition to the regular grounds. Really, really wonderful. The only thing that would be better was if they marked the People and Places trail as a one way loop. We went the wrong way and it was difficult to read the stops in the brochure in the wrong order... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
DesertGarden 1 contribution
Glendale, AZ
May 18, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

In two weeks you will have to wait another till another spring to visit the Butterfly Pavilion at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. But right now you can go. Its open every single day till the end of May! Why Go? To beat the blahs. Seriously. Go see the butterflies. What you are in for... Pure inspiration. This is... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Phoenix, Central Arizona
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Phoenix, Central Arizona
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Phoenix, Central Arizona
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Desert Botanical Garden? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Desert Botanical Garden: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Desert Botanical Garden Address

1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tel: 480 941 1225 Fax: 480 481 8124