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. Botanical Gardens free day is one of the most cherished days for Tucson locals, when they can enjoy the wonders of this natural space absolutely free. So pack your bags, this event is worth the trip.

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. There's so much to see, you'll want to come back every month to make sure you get the full experience.
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, a 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. The garden changes dramatically throughout the seasons, so every time you come it will feel like a new experience.
Five nature paths wind through the garden, each one following its own unique theme.
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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. It's both an educational experience and a beautiful and photogenic one. The best of all possible worlds.

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The garden hosts various art installations throughout the year, so you never know just what you'll see.
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From mesmerizing light shows to larger-than-life sculptures, creativity blooms in myriad forms. There's always something new, exciting, and innovative to see.
Seasonal events also keep things fresh, ensuring the garden is a place you can visit year-round without getting bored.
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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! No matter what holiday you celebrate, there's likely to be a beautiful celebration at the garden.
Closing time isn't until 8 p.m., so visitors can enjoy the splendor that is an Arizona sunset.
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There's just something magical about hundreds of Saguaro silhouettes against the multicolored sky. We couldn't imagine a more picture-perfect scene. It will live in your memory for long after your visit.
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 $15-$29.95 for adults and $9.95-$15 for youth 3-17. Children under three, members, and active military personnel get in free.

Visit the botanical garden website to learn more and view seasonal flowers on their Facebook Page.

Have you ever been to the Desert Botanical Garden on Community Day? If so, tell us all about your experience below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique activities.

Can’t get enough Arizona sunsets? Check out some incredible images featuring some of the most striking skies our state has ever seen.

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More to Explore

Natural Attractions In Arizona

CC | April 02, 2024

What are the best natural attractions in Arizona?

This is just one of the many magical natural spots to visit in the Grand Canyon State. While you’re around, check out these other natural attractions in Arizona as well.

  • Antelope Canyon
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Chiricahua National Monument
  • The Grand Canyon
  • Havasu Falls
  • Kartchner Caverns
  • Lava River Cave
  • Meteor Crater
  • Monument Valley
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Red Rock State Park
  • Tonto Natural Bridge
  • The Wave

 

What are the most popular restaurants in Arizona?

The only thing that makes a free day at the botanical gardens better is by topping it off with a good meal and Arizona has fabulous restaurants to spare. End your date night or family adventure by visiting one of the most popular restaurants in Arizona.

  • Haunted Hamburger (Jerome)
  • Agassiz Lodge & Restaurant at Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff)
  • Cress on Oak Creek (Sedona)
  • Rustler's Rooste (Phoenix)
  • El Charro Cafe (Tucson)
  • Rock Springs Cafe (Black Canyon City)
  • ShadowRock Tap + Table at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock (Sedona)
  • Cibo Pizzeria (Phoenix)
  • Reserve (Scottsdale)
  • Gertrude's at Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)
  • Turquoise Room at La Posada (Winslow)
  • Old Town Tortilla Factory (Scottsdale)

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