Sight guide · Palm Springs · United States
Visiting Moorten Botanical Garden
Founded in 1938 by Patricia and Chester 'Cactus Slim' Moorten, this compact family-run garden on South Palm Canyon Drive packs thousands of desert plants from around the world into walking paths around their 1920s house.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: YuriVict, Public domain
Quick answer
Moorten Botanical Garden is a garden in South Palm Springs, Palm Springs. Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Garden
- Area
- South Palm Springs
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, kids, off the beaten path and photo spot
- Best months
- February–March and November
Plan a trip to Palm Springs
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Moorten Botanical Garden
Founded in 1938 by Patricia and Chester 'Cactus Slim' Moorten, this compact family-run garden on South Palm Canyon Drive packs thousands of desert plants from around the world into walking paths around their 1920s house. The glass-roofed Cactarium holds rare cacti and succulents.
Tip: It takes under an hour, so pair it with the Indian Canyons a few minutes further south.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: South Palm Springs, Deepwell, Canyon Corridor and golf-course condos on the road to the Indian Canyons.
Best time to visit Moorten Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 1 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- March: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Palm Springs has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Palm Springs itinerary visits Moorten Botanical Garden on day 2, together with Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon.
- No. 11 of the 16 sights in our Palm Springs things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Palm Springs.
- A family favourite in Palm Springs with kids.
Near Moorten Botanical Garden
Within walking distance of Moorten Botanical Garden (straight-line distances):
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum — about 2.3 km away, 1.5–2 hours, low cost
- Tahquitz Canyon — about 1.2 km away, 2 hours, low cost
If you like Moorten Botanical Garden
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Chino Canyon, Half a day
- Indian Canyons — Agua Caliente Reservation, 2–4 hours
- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — Palm Desert, 3–4 hours
- Coachella Valley Preserve — Thousand Palms, 1.5–3 hours
Staying near Moorten Botanical Garden
Stay in South Palm Springs ($$) to walk here: Deepwell, Canyon Corridor and golf-course condos on the road to the Indian Canyons. All areas to stay in Palm Springs.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Moorten Botanical Garden?
Plan 1 hour. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is about 2.3 km away in a straight line, so the two fit a half-day.
+Is Moorten Botanical Garden free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Moorten Botanical Garden?
February–March and November for the most comfortable weather. It takes under an hour, so pair it with the Indian Canyons a few minutes further south.
+Do I need to book Moorten Botanical Garden in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Moorten Botanical Garden good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Palm Springs. Palm Springs works well for families who rent a house with a pool or stay at a family-friendly resort, with the tramway, the Living Desert zoo and easy canyon walks as highlights.