Phoenix may be gearing up for another hot Arizona summer, but Desert Botanical Garden is helping you explore the beauty of the desert in this iconic attraction with tips and offerings to keep you cool and safe even during the hottest months.
More than 600,000 visitors are drawn to the tranquil vibrancy of the Garden’s 50,000 desert plants. Being an outdoor living museum, guests are exposed to all ofnature’s elements—including Arizona’s summers—but plan ahead to visit the Garden this summer for a safe and enjoyable experience.
1. In a Different Light – Garden hours are extended May through September from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to make the most of the cooler times of the day. Come first thing in the morning as the wildlife is waking up or explore the Garden during the “golden hour” of sunset.
2. Early Bird Gets the Worm – Avoid the heat of the day and join expert birders along the Garden trails at 7 a.m. to explore the doves, owls, roadrunners and more that call the Garden home.
3. Garden After Dark – Experience Flashlight Tours Thursdays and Saturdays May 24 through Sept. 2 to see how desert nights shimmer. Flashlight Tours are sensory adventures to see, hear and feel how our desert nights shimmer. Guests beam their own flashlights along the self-paced trails to capture the night-blooming plants and animals that chirp, whirr and whisper in the desert after dark.
4. Dress for Less Distress – Plan to dress accordingly while in the Garden. Wear loose-fitting and light-colored cloths, and cover as much of your skin as you can to ward off direct sun exposure. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and avoid darker fabrics that retain heat.
5. Hydration is Key – Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle when visiting and fill up your bottles at any of our refill stations throughout the Garden. Don’t worry if you forgot your water bottle, because the Garden sell reusable bottles in the Garden Shop and vending machines are located throughout the Garden.
6. Duck out in the Shade – The Garden has shade throughout the trails. Step under the canopy of a lush mesquite tree or duck under cover with a meal at Gertrude’s to enjoy delicious food and air conditioning.
To learn more about Desert Botanical Garden’s summer classes, events and other offerings, visit dbg.org or call 480 941.1
