From elegant estates to nurseries off the beaten path, Greater Palm Springs offers a colorful mix of gardens packed with desert plants. Many of these venues highlight native species with tours and presentations, offering an appreciation for nature with a side of education. If you're inspired to dig into your own landscaping project, some gardens even sell native plants. These are some of the most unique gardens and nurseries in Greater Palm Springs!

Gardens

The Living Desert (Palm Desert)

Hummingbird on ocotillo plant in the gardens at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California

Best known for its phenomenal wildlife exhibits, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens also houses an impressive botanical collection, with 50 immersive gardens representing desert ecosystems from across North America and Mexico. While formal garden tours aren’t offered daily, private group tours and custom educational experiences can be arranged in advance. Guests can also explore scenic nature trails on the property, and birding is another big draw — groups like the Desert Cities Bird Club and Hawk Watch host regular events here. Every spring, The Living Desert celebrates desert flora with “Xerophilous,” a day dedicated to their gardens, complete with VIP tours, tabling from local plant and conservation groups, and an on-site native plant sale featuring species propagated on site. A second plant sale is held each fall, and both events offer a unique chance to meet the horticulture team and learn how to bring desert beauty home.

 

Moorten Botanical Garden (Palm Springs)

The Cactarium at Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs, California

Moorten Botanical Garden is a family-owned gem that has been open to visitors since 1938. Home to over 3,000 varieties of cacti and succulents, the garden offers a unique glimpse into desert biodiversity. The centerpiece is the "Cactarium," the world's first greenhouse dedicated exclusively to cacti, showcasing rare and unusual specimens. As you wander the grounds, you'll encounter plants grouped by geographic origin, from the Mojave Desert to South Africa. Before you leave, stop by the on-site nursery to purchase a desert plant if you wish to bring a piece of this botanical wonderland home. Plan to visit early to avoid crowds, and bring both a macro and telephoto lens, as the garden is full of tiny details and bird sightings.

 

Sunnylands (Rancho Mirage)

Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, California

Designed in the mid-1960s for philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg, the Sunnylands estate has evolved into an iconic property that blends diplomacy, art, and nature. The 9-acre gardens that surround the Sunnylands Center feature more than 53,000 arid-landscape plants arranged in geometric patterns, inspired by Impressionist paintings. With over a mile of walking paths and numerous seating areas, the gardens offer a peaceful escape — and plenty of photo ops for anthophiles and birders alike. Admission and parking are free, along with a variety of programs, including bird walks, yoga, garden tours, and more. Sunnylands is a family-friendly establishment, and there’s also a cafe and gift shop on-site. Guided tours of the historic house and grounds are available with reservations.

 

Nurseries

Desert Straw House (Sky Valley)

The pool and nursery at the Desert Straw House in Sky Valley, California

Tucked in the rural enclave of Sky Valley (near Desert Hot Springs), the Desert Straw House is more than a dreamy place to stay — it’s a portal into the world of native desert plants. Owner and manager Lisha Astorga might just be the fairy godmother of native desert flora, as her passion for plants and education is evident from the moment you meet her. She offers seasonal classes on everything from vegetable gardening to creating backyard wildlife habitats, and her on-site nursery is equally impressive. The cozy Airbnb casita sits beside the Astorga family's main residence, and guests have access to a shared backyard framed by beautifully maintained gardens. Whether you’re a local looking for native plants or a visitor eager to learn more about the desert ecosystem (and take a dip in the sparkling pool), the Desert Straw House is a rare gem in Greater Palm Springs.

 

GDNC Nursery (Desert Hot Springs)

Cactus at GDNC Nursery in Desert Hot Springs

For more than a decade, GDNC Nursery has welcomed visitors to its family-run, 15-acre property filled with native and desert-adapted plants. Rows of cactus, agave, palms, and blooming desert flora stretch beneath the mountain views, creating a setting that feels more like a botanical garden than a typical nursery. Friendly staff are happy to help with plant selection, and visitors often spot guinea hens, roosters, and even a neighbor’s camel on their way in. While they don't offer tours, GDNC is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a desert-friendly landscape at home. “Desert landscaping has really taken off lately,” says owner and founder Ernesto Gutierrez. “The recent water restrictions and the rising awareness of water conservation among people in the desert area accelerated the shift towards the desert landscaping trend in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert.”

 

Moller’s Garden Center (Palm Desert)

Cactus at Moller's Garden Center in Palm Desert, California

Like GDNC, Moller's Garden Center isn’t a tourist hotspot, but it’s another fantastic option for checking out and purchasing desert flora. Family-owned since the 1970s, this nursery evolved from a sprinkler and landscaping business into a well-loved resource for desert-adapted plants. Today it’s run by the second generation of the Moller family, with a knowledgeable team — many of whom have been there for more than a decade. Known for its wide selection of unique and hard-to-find species, Moller’s works with top wholesale growers to source plant material that is well-suited to the desert’s climate.

Ready to explore more of Greater Palm Springs' natural wonders? Lace up your hiking boots and take and discover the best hikes in Tahquitz and Indian Canyons.