Moorten Botanical Garden Palm Springs: Cactus, History and Tips

Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs is a family-owned, one-acre cactus garden at 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive, packed with about 3,000 desert plants and home to the Cactarium, a greenhouse the Moortens named themselves. Plan about an hour. In season it's open 10AM to 4PM and closed Wednesdays. It's an easy morning stop on a Palm Springs weekend getaway, and it pairs well with the rest of our Palm Springs guide.

What is Moorten Botanical Garden?

It's one family's lifelong obsession with desert plants, open to the public. Patricia and Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten started it as a nursery in the late 1930s, and the garden still belongs to the family today.

The plants are grouped loosely by the deserts they come from, so a short loop takes you through cactus, succulents and desert trees from all over the world. The family home on the property, known as the Cactus Castle, was originally built by photographer Stephen H. Willard.

What is the Cactarium?

The Cactarium is the garden's greenhouse, and the garden calls it the world's first, using a word the Moortens coined. Inside you'll find rare cacti and succulents packed close together, including two Welwitschia mirabilis plants from Namibia, one of the strangest plants on earth. Take your time in here. It's the part people talk about afterward.

When is Moorten Botanical Garden open, and what does it cost?

From October 1 through May 31, the garden is open 10AM to 4PM and closed on Wednesdays. Summer hours differ, so check the garden's website before you go from June through September.

At last check, admission was $7 for adults and seniors and $5 for veterans, paid at the counter. Ask for the map when you pay. It turns the loop into a scavenger hunt.

How long do you need at Moorten?

About an hour. It's one acre, so a quick lap takes less, but reading the plant labels and lingering in the Cactarium is the whole point. Go in the morning while it's cooler, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and a hat.

It's a few minutes' drive from The Muse, which makes it an easy add before lunch or right after grab-and-go breakfast from Aspen Mills. Continue south on South Palm Canyon Drive and you'll reach Indian Canyons, so you can stack a garden morning with a palm canyon walk. Our easy hikes guide has the trail picks.

Can you get married at Moorten Botanical Garden?

Yes, for the ceremony. The garden describes itself as a small, ceremony-only venue for 2 to 80 guests, with dates from November 1 through May 31. Receptions aren't allowed on site, so you'll need a second place to celebrate.

That's where a full hotel buyout at The Muse can help. Micro weddings and vow renewals can be hosted on full buyouts, which give your group all nine suites for up to 22 overnight guests, the courtyard pool and the outdoor fireplace. There's no bar minimum and no required event package. For more ceremony ideas, see our small wedding venues guide.

How to plan a Moorten morning

• Pick the right day. Skip Wednesdays, and check summer hours before you go.

• Go early. Mornings are cooler and calmer.

• Pair it. Add Indian Canyons for a hike, or head downtown for brunch.

• Come back to the pool. Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn and Taylor each have a private fenced yard for a slow afternoon.

PLAN THE WEEKEND

Moorten Botanical Garden FAQ

Where is Moorten Botanical Garden?

At 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, a few minutes' drive from downtown and from The Muse.

What are Moorten Botanical Garden's hours?

From October 1 through May 31, 10AM to 4PM, closed Wednesdays. Summer hours differ, so check the garden's website before visiting from June through September.

How much does Moorten Botanical Garden cost?

At last check, $7 for adults and seniors and $5 for veterans. Confirm at the garden before you go.

Does Moorten Botanical Garden host weddings?

Yes, ceremonies only, for 2 to 80 guests, from November 1 through May 31. Receptions aren't allowed on site.

Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?

Yes. The Muse is adults-only, and all guests on a full hotel buyout must be 21 or older.

Easy to get to. Hard to leave. Pick your suite and save Wednesday for the pool.