Moorten Botanical Garden

1701 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264

Hours

Seasonal

Oct - May 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. *Closed Wednesday

June - September Open Fri/Sat/Sun 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cost

Here are costs to visit the Moorten Botanical Garden:

Adults/Seniors: $7
Veterans: $5
Children (5-15): $3
Children under 5: Free

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

(760) 327-6555

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About

When Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, collected their first dessert plant in the 1930s, the idea for the Moorten Botanical Garden wasn't even on their minds.

But as the couple continued to gather flora, the idea sparked, and in 1938, they opened their nursery in Palm Springs.

The tiny garden flourished and, by 1955, blossomed into a botanical garden. The Moorten Botanical Garden has delighted plant lovers and curious visitors ever since.

When you enter the garden, you're stepping into another world. It's an environment where over 3,000 types of plants are meticulously cared for and displayed.

While smaller than other arboretums, Moorten Botanical Garden compensates with its dense concentration of diverse flora. The garden's compact size amplifies its charm, creating an intimate atmosphere where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of desert botany.

The garden's success wasn't built overnight. With the grit and determination of the Moorten family, the garden's reputation grew, attracting attention from horticulture enthusiasts and casual tourists.

Clark Moorten inherited the Moorten Botanical Garden from his parents, ensuring their legacy and the gardens continued flourishing.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the most fascinating aspects of the garden is its rich history. The Moortens were known for their love of plants, mainly cacti, which earned Chester the nickname "Cactus Slim."

This family-owned arboretum impresses visitors with the sheer diversity of its plant collection. A visit to Moorten Botanical Garden will showcase towering cactuses, colorful succulents, wispy mesquite trees, and other prickly plants.

The garden also houses glistening crystals, colorful rocks, and ancient fossils, providing an educational experience for visitors interested in geology and paleobotany.

The Moorten Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of nature's wonders that is serene and awe-inspiring.

Visiting the Moorten Botanical Garden is like stepping back in time. The Los Angeles Times describes it as being "on a different clock, in a different time." This sense of timelessness and the garden's historic charm make it a Palm Springs icon.

Let nature take you on a magical journey on your California vacation at the Moorten Botanical Garden.

Local Tips

Do you have a wedding coming up? Reserve the Palm Grove Oasis for a magical event!
Moorten Botanical Garden also has pioneering and gold mining relics.
Parking is along the road.
Check out some cacti and plants for sale.
Be on the lookout for the resident tortoise!

Location

1701 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs?

Fall, winter, and spring are the most popular times to visit Palm Springs due to mild temperatures, outdoor activities, pool season, and a strong calendar of festivals and cultural events.

October is, arguably, the best month to visit Palm Springs. The weather is sunny and warm (but not too hot). And because October is part of the shoulder season, large crowds have not yet descended upon the town. The cost of accommodations is also typically lower during this time than it is during the high season, which runs from January to May.

What's the weather like in Palm Springs?

The average temperature in Palm Springs in the winter (December to February) is 40°F at night to about 75°F during the day.

The average Palm Springs temperature during the summer (July through September) is 101°F during the day and 70° degrees F at night.

In the summer months, you'll want to pack shorts, short-sleeves or tank tops, and of course bathing suits. It's also a good idea to bring a lightweight sweater or top for the evenings or for over-air-conditioned buildings. During the winter months, you may want to add a few long pants and long-sleeve shirts, as well as a jacket for the evenings. Deserts lose heat at night, and so Palm Springs can get surprisingly cool after dark - plus, you’ll want to bring along warmer clothes if venturing up to Mount San Jacinto Peak.

What's the best way to get to Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is only about 2 hours from L.A. or San Diego by car, or around 4 hours if driving from Phoenix or Las Vegas. This makes it a prime southwestern drive-to destination. For those flying to Palm Springs, you may opt to fly directly to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) or to the neighboring John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Orange County, or LAX. If flying in, consider renting a car as the desert has plenty of space to roam.

Are there hot springs in Palm Springs?

The closest hot springs to Palm Springs can actually be found in Desert Hot Springs, about 20 minutes north of downtown.

Is Palm Springs a good destination for events and longer stays?

With near picture-perfect weather and temps throughout most of the year, Palm Springs is a terrific destination for extended stays, events, and festivals. Our Palm Springs vacation rentals offer a wide selection of long-term and snowbird options for longer stays in this sunny desert oasis. Golf aficionados will surely want to extend their swing and explore why Greater Palm Springs is known as the “Golf Capital of the West”.

Are vacation rentals in Palm Springs close to downtown and major attractions?

Vacation rentals in Palm Springs range in location and size, from luxury condos to sprawling vacation villas, and from iconic mid-century modern homes to contemporary classics that can comfortably fit several families. Palm Springs is a driving town, with accessible routes to major attractions in and around the valley.