Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, Palm Springs (must see)

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is a one-acre family-owned botanical haven located in Palm Springs, right in the heart of Riverside County’s Coachella Valley-part of the Colorado Desert ecosystem. Established as a nursery in 1939 by Patricia and Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten, it officially blossomed into the serene desert garden we know today in 1955.

This compact yet rich garden is home to over 3,000 specimens of desert plants, including cacti, succulents, mesquite trees, and other arid-climate flora, collected from diverse regions such as Arizona, Texas, Mexico, Africa, and Madagascar. The plants are thoughtfully grouped by geographic origin, offering a natural world tour through spines and blooms.

Beyond its prickly plants, the garden includes the historic Moorten residence, affectionately called the “Cactus Castle”. Built in a Mediterranean style by photographer Stephen H. Willard, it became the Moortens’ base for collecting rare plants-some gathered as far afield as Guatemala.

Adding a touch of Hollywood lore, Chester Moorten, before dedicating his life to desert flora, was one of the original Keystone Cops, appearing in silent films like Two Flaming Youths (1927) and The Sideshow (1928).

Today, Moorten Botanical Garden remains a peaceful and shaded escape just minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Recognized for their botanical and community contributions, the Moortens have been honored with Golden Palm Stars on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

Why You Should Visit:
To explore one of the best succulent collections in SoCal – there's a pretty exciting section of rare varieties!

Tip:
There are lots of plants to buy, starting at $1 for baby plants and going up depending on size. Tons of variety!
The staff helps answer all questions on what plants to pick for your purpose and any other general questions.