The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

If you’re visiting in early winter and spring, don’t miss the mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark events when The Living Desert stays open late with a collection of illuminated displays and interactive installations that are truly magical to experience. – Emily Hochberg

About The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens combines elements of a zoo and a botanical garden, all set in the extraordinary desert environment. The site features animals such as rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, alongside a large model train set and various gardens that host more than 1,600 plant species, including diverse cacti, prickly pear, and agave varieties. If your visit falls between October and May, you can take advantage of the site's three trail loops.

Tips for Visiting

Regardless of the season, it's advisable to arrive early. During the winter months, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens can become quite crowded. Conversely, summer visitors may find the limited shade and temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees challenging.

Special Experiences

While you can explore the zoo at your own pace, there are additional activities worth considering. You can participate in a giraffe feeding for $10, or opt for a rhino encounter for $50, which includes access to an exclusive animal care area to meet one of the two black rhinos. Additionally, a carousel ride is available at $3 per ride, popular with children.

Zoo Keeper Chats and VIP Tours

Daily zoo keeper chats are available free of charge. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a two-hour VIP safari tour, which includes admission, a personal guide, and a private shuttle that visits every major habitat. This experience costs $89 per adult on weekdays and $99 on weekends, while for children it costs $59 and $69, respectively.

Operating Hours

From October 1 to May 31, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m. During the summer period from June 1 to September 30, the zoo operates between 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with the last admission at 12:30 p.m. The zoo is closed only on Christmas Day.

Ticket Information

General admission for adults costs $39.95 and must be purchased online, as on-site ticket sales are not available. Tickets for children ages 3 to 17 are priced at $29.95, while children aged 3 and under enter free of charge.

Additional Information

The Living Desert is situated approximately 16 miles southeast of Palm Springs, in Palm Desert. Alongside the exhibits and gardens, visitors can benefit from a free parking lot, two gift shops, restrooms, the interactive Miriam U. Hoover Discovery Center, and three cafes.