Gardens and Arboreta
Arizona is host to a huge range of incredible Gardens and Arboreta that showcase the diversity of Arizona native plants. Below are just some of the ‘must see’ locations that we recommend.
Desert Botanical Gardens
Think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds? Think again. Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world spread across 55 acres in Phoenix, Arizona. The Garden is powered with 100 percent renewable energy provided by SRP EarthWise. Enjoy tours, shows, crafts, education and much more!
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagstaff was founded by Frances McAllister in 1981 as a private nonprofit organization under the official name “The Transition Zone Horticultural Institute.” While research was the original primary focus, over the years it has become known as a destination for local and out-of-town visitors who want to learn more about the native plants and animals found in northern Arizona, and as a wonderful venue for a wide variety of events and educational programs.
The Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The purpose of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is to instill in people an appreciation of plants through the fostering of educational, recreational, research and conservation opportunities associated with the world’s arid land plants. An Arboretum is an area that focuses on trees and other woody plants. Although the Colonel’s original intent was to plant trees (hence the name, Arboretum), he soon realized that all types of plants from around the world should be included.
Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum
The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors!
The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.
Tucson Botanical Garden
As the Tucson Botanical Gardens moves forward, its leadership respects the Porter legacy and all that it embodies. Bernice Porter was committed to creating a garden that was both aesthetically beautiful and educational. She envisioned it as a community resource for learners of all ages, knowledge levels, and abilities—a center where one could learn about plants, gardening, and nature.
Tohono Chul
Inspired by the subtle hues and changing light of the expansive Sonoran Desert, as well as the vibrant urban artistic community, artists flock to this corner of Arizona. From the traditional to the experimental, the arts are alive in Tucson. Our varied and distinct southwestern heritage also shimmers through the arts being created in this region, with voices of our Native American, Spanish and Mexican ancestors informing new generations. These influences woven together with the stories of the American Cowboy and the old west is what makes the cultural and artistic fabric of Tucson so rich and unique.
