The old adage “the best things in life are free” applies to the Desert Botanical Garden in Tucson once a month. Known as “Community Day,” the second Tuesday of each month is admission-free, and it’s the perfect day trip for families or anyone looking to explore Arizona on a budget.

Nestled amidst the red rocks of the Papago Buttes, Desert Botanical Garden spans 140 acres of rugged southern Arizona landscape.
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
It features an impressive 500,000 plants belonging to over 4,000 different species.
The second Tuesday of each month is Community Day, which means everyone gets in for free.
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
It's the perfect opportunity for a family outing, date with your special someone, or bonding activity among friends. All you have to do is register your group ahead of time on the Desert Botanical Garden website.
Five nature paths wind through the garden, each one following its own unique theme.
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
You'll learn a little bit of everything, from all the vibrant wildflowers that thrive in the hot, dry climate to fascinating information about the cultural history of the Sonoran Desert.

Related Stories

Wanderland At The Tucson Botanical Gardens In Arizona Is A Magical Wintertime Fairytale Experience

Wanderland At The Tucson Botanical Gardens In Arizona Is A Magical Wintertime Fairytale Experience

 The Sunrises At Superstition Wilderness Park In Arizona Are Worth Waking Up Early For

The Sunrises At Superstition Wilderness Park In Arizona Are Worth Waking Up Early For

 The Unique Day Trip To Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center In Arizona Is A Must-Do

The Unique Day Trip To Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center In Arizona Is A Must-Do
The garden hosts various art installations throughout the year, so you never know just what you'll see.
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
From mesmerizing light shows to larger-than-life sculptures, creativity blooms in myriad forms.
Seasonal events also keep things fresh, ensuring the garden is a place you can visit year-round without getting bored.
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
The holiday season brings Las Noches de las Luminarias, which features more than 8,000 luminarias along the walkways. It's such a magical experience!
Closing time isn't until 8 p.m., so visitors can enjoy the splendor that is an Arizona sunset.
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
There's just something magical about hundreds of Saguaro silhouettes against the multicolored sky. We couldn't imagine a more picture-perfect scene.
Hours change with the seasons and are currently 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily (with 7 a.m. opening time for members).
Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden
Outside of Community Day, general admission ranges from $14.95-$29.95 for adults and $9.95-$14.95 for youth 3-17. Children under three, members, and active military personnel get in free.

Visit the garden’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever been to the Desert Botanical Garden on Community Day? If so, tell us all about your experience! Can’t get enough Arizona sunsets? Check out our previous article for some of the most striking skies our state has ever seen.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA