Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium Tours

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium which includes a garden


Learn how one family’s love of desert plants became a Palm Springs horticultural institution.

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium was established by husband and wife Patricia and Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten, back in 1939. This couple were Palm Springs celebrities, assisting Walt Disney with the design Disneyland’s Frontierland. Their contribution to the cultural and horticultural life of their city is commemorated on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

The gardens continue to be lovingly curated by Patricia and Chester Moorten’s family. As you enter, look out for the family home, fondly known as Cactus Castle. Thousands of specimens sourced from all over the world are represented here, yet the one-acre (0.4-hectare) gardens retain a homey intimacy. The species are categorized geographically, taking visitors through exhibits of real terrain.

Spend an hour exploring over a dozen arid biomes, such as the Baja California Peninsula, the South African-Succulent Karoo, the Mojave Desert and Mexico-Gran Desierto de Altar. Not limited to cacti, the gardens also display agave, bombax, and South African aloe plants. An interesting collection of rocks, crystals, fossils and gold-mining relics break up the flora and enhance the desert themes.

Guided tours of the gardens are available, but it’s recommended that you book ahead. The garden staff are happy to answer questions.

Plants are available for purchase from the nursery, but make sure you’re permitted to take them home before buying. Allow yourself an hour for a thorough visit. The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is about 1.5 miles (two kilometers) from downtown Palm Springs and there is on-street parking The gardens are closed Wednesdays and the admission price is minimal.

Plan a trip to see Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Desert Vacation Villas by VRI Americas
AKA West Hollywood
Los Angeles Deluxe Suites - Free Parking

Reviews of Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
89
" "5 - Excellent 45.40816326530612%
4 - Good
68
" "4 - Good 34.69387755102041%
3 - Okay
26
" "3 - Okay 13.26530612244898%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 2.0408163265306123%
1 - Terrible
9
" "1 - Terrible 4.591836734693878%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Tiny little garden but nice walk thru native plants.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

In summer only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday which was disappointing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice place to visit. A huell howser favorite

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

They have dessert turtles  in a couple different spot make sure to ask how old they are. Pretty awesome little place to visit.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

V Palm Springs
V Palm Springs
4 out of 5
333 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA
V Palm Springs
Delos Reyes Palm Springs
Delos Reyes Palm Springs
2.5 out of 5
1277 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Delos Reyes Palm Springs
Caliente Tropics Hotel
Caliente Tropics Hotel
3.5 out of 5
411 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Caliente Tropics Hotel
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4 out of 5
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Motel 6 Palm Springs, CA - East - Palm Canyon
Motel 6 Palm Springs, CA - East - Palm Canyon
2 out of 5
595 East Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Motel 6 Palm Springs, CA - East - Palm Canyon
The Saguaro Palm Springs
The Saguaro Palm Springs
4 out of 5
1800 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
The Saguaro Palm Springs
Motel 6 Palm Springs, CA - Downtown
Motel 6 Palm Springs, CA - Downtown
2 out of 5
660 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Motel 6 Palm Springs, CA - Downtown
Travelodge by Wyndham Palm Springs
Travelodge by Wyndham Palm Springs
2 out of 5
1269 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
Travelodge by Wyndham Palm Springs
Life House, Palm Springs
Life House, Palm Springs
4 out of 5
1700 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Life House, Palm Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.