The cactus garden during the holidays.
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Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden

4.6
·2k reviews·Henderson, United States

Indulge in gourmet chocolates and explore a stunning desert oasis with over 300 species of cacti.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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The cactus garden during the holidays.

Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Indulge in gourmet chocolates and explore a stunning desert oasis with over 300 species of cacti.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Sweet treats and stunning cacti make this a must-visit spot for a delightful escape!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Chocolate Sample! :chocolate_bar:

You'll get a complimentary sample of milk or dark chocolate upon entering the factory tour area.

Garden is a Must-See :cactus:

Don't skip the cactus garden, even if it's hot! It's beautiful and offers great photo ops.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Self-Guided Factory Tour

Self-Guided Factory Tour

Chocolate Factory

Watch chocolates being made through viewing windows and enjoy a complimentary sample!

Botanical Cactus Garden

Botanical Cactus Garden

Outdoor Garden

Wander through over 300 species of desert plants in this vibrant, expansive garden.

Chocolate & Wine Pairing

Chocolate & Wine Pairing

Tasting Area

Indulge in a guided tasting experience, pairing gourmet chocolates with fine wines.

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Planning Your Visit

Sweet Treats & Greenery

Combine your love for chocolate with a stroll through a unique desert oasis. Plan for a quick factory peek and ample time to explore the stunning cactus garden, especially if visiting during cooler months. Consider a tasting experience for a deeper dive into their confections.

Timing Your Visit

While the factory tour is brief, the botanical cactus garden offers a more immersive experience. Weekday afternoons can be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of both the sweet and the succulent. Check for special events like holiday light displays.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Evening (holiday season)
Why
Magical light displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨Living our sweetest lives.✨ Chocolate, wine, and cacti vibes 🌵🍫✨ Enjoyed a delicious and informative chocolate & wine pairing (led by chocolatier, Mindy, a free self-guided factory tour, and the stunning botanical cactus garden at Ethel M Chocolates! @ethelmchocolates Las Vegas chocolate factory Henderson chocolate factory
mywilsonshine
0 likes • 205 views

Free Chocolate Sample! :chocolate_bar:

You'll get a complimentary sample of milk or dark chocolate upon entering the factory tour area. Reddit

Garden is a Must-See :cactus:

Don't skip the cactus garden, even if it's hot! It's beautiful and offers great photo ops. Instagram

Ethel M Chocolate factory 📍2 Cactus garden dr Henderson no 89014 ☎️ 702 435 2608 Esta es una de las mejores actividades navideñas en Las Vegas la visita a la fábrica de chocolates @ethelmchocolates en Henderson y caminar por sus jardines decorados para navidad hasta podrás conocer y tomarte una fotografía con Papá Noel 🎅 Santa Claus este es una lugar navideño hermoso para visitar con toda la fami...
yandrygarciaoficial
1.3K likes • 39.5K views
🍫🌵 Chocolate & Cactus Vibes in Henderson! 🏡 Where else can you get freshly made gourmet chocolates AND explore a stunning cactus garden with over 300 species? Only at Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden! 🌟 Living in Henderson means having amazing experiences like this right in your backyard! Thinking about making a move? Let’s find your perfect home! 📩 DM me to start your home s...
davidhamlv
4 likes • 306 views

Self-Guided Tour is Quick :clock1:

The factory tour is a short walk-through with viewing windows, about 10 minutes. Reddit

Instagrammable Moments :camera:

Pose by the giant chocolate box wall for a fun, shareable photo. Instagram

reddit.com

Best Chocolate in Vegas?

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Chocolate Sample! :chocolate_bar:

You'll get a complimentary sample of milk or dark chocolate upon entering the factory tour area. Reddit

Garden is a Must-See :cactus:

Don't skip the cactus garden, even if it's hot! It's beautiful and offers great photo ops. Instagram

Self-Guided Tour is Quick :clock1:

The factory tour is a short walk-through with viewing windows, about 10 minutes. Reddit

Instagrammable Moments :camera:

Pose by the giant chocolate box wall for a fun, shareable photo. Instagram

Consider a Tasting Event :wine_glass:

Special tasting events can offer a unique and delicious experience, though some find them pricey. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the complimentary chocolate samples and the beauty of the Botanical Cactus Garden, calling it a sweet escape. While the factory tour is brief, the unique desert flora and the option for tasting events add significant appeal. Some find the tasting events a bit pricey, but the overall experience is considered delightful and worthwhile for a quick, enjoyable visit.

"Well, this was an experience. This is a special location that offers a cactus garden and a chocolate factory tour. Rather, the ‘tour’ is just a bunch of windows you can walk through quickly.

However, I like the service and the treats here. I really liked my brownie and I’m sure the other treats are delicious as well. Overall, good for a quick visit and you have nothing else to do."

Landon Bellamy

"In all of our years going to Vegas, we finally made it to the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory. If you have a car, it's an easy 20 minute drive from the Strip. When we arrived, we were greeted by one of the workers and given two small pieces of complimentary chocolates. I picked the dark and my better half, the milk chocolate. We did the self-guided tour, which for us took about ten minutes. Aside from two other people in the shop, we were the only ones there on a Thursday afternoon. After the tour, we took a fun picture by their chocolate box wall, which is very Instagram worthy. And of course, we hit up the shop. We bought a tiramisu bar and a single bourbon dark chocolate barrel. The bars of chocolate are all $9.50 and the chocolates by the piece are $3. I loved my bourbon barrel which had a nice cream center and you could actually taste a bit of the alcohol flavor. Our next stop was the Cactus Garden Cafe, where George took great care of us and made a perfect cup of coffee. A small coffee was $3, and you can beat that in Vegas. Also for sale in the cafe, they had chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered orange slices. Our last stop was the cactus garden, which we loved walking around in and taking some cool pictures. We just wish it wasn't 97 degrees out in September, so we could've stayed in the garden longer without melting. If you go to the museum, definitely don't pass up the garden."

Adriana Fokshey

"A few friends and I went to the Ethel M’s Mimosa and Chocolate tasting event this evening. It was very interesting and delicious. They share the history, discuss details about how the chocolates are processed and made in to the delightful little treats. Absolutely would do this again!"

Lori A

What People Like

Free chocolate samples
Beautiful cactus garden
Unique tasting experiences

What People Dislike

Tasting events can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

It's about a 20-minute drive from the Strip. Renting a car or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is the most convenient way to reach the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden. Reddit

Yes, there is ample free parking available at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden, making it easy for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

While public transportation options exist, they can be time-consuming. Rideshare or a personal vehicle is generally recommended for a more efficient visit. Check local bus routes for current options.

Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden is located in Henderson, Nevada, just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Instagram

The address is 8901 W. Bernard Ct, Las Vegas, NV 89143. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Botanical Cactus Garden is free, and it's a highlight for many visitors. Instagram

Yes, the self-guided chocolate factory tour is free to enter, and you'll receive a complimentary chocolate sample. Reddit

The garden hours typically align with the factory and shop hours, usually open daily. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information, especially for holiday hours. TikTok

Yes, Ethel M Chocolates offers various tasting experiences, including chocolate and wine pairings. These often require advance booking and a fee. Reddit

While the factory tour and garden are free, special tasting events have a cost. Keep an eye on their website or social media for any promotions or seasonal deals. TikTok

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Ethel M offers a wide variety of gourmet chocolates, including truffles, caramels, chocolate bars with unique flavors, and assorted gift boxes. Reddit

Prices vary, with chocolate bars typically around $9.50 and individual chocolates costing about $3 each. Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe where you can enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and treats like chocolate-covered strawberries. Reddit

Absolutely! They offer delicious hot chocolate, perfect for a sweet treat. Reddit

Ethel M is known for creative flavors alongside traditional ones, so be sure to explore options like bourbon dark chocolate barrels or tiramisu bars. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the Botanical Cactus Garden provides stunning backdrops, and the giant chocolate box wall is a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos. Instagram

You can take photos of the viewing windows and the chocolate-making process from the designated tour path. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and cooler temperatures, ideal for capturing the beauty of the desert plants. Instagram

The chocolate box wall is a must-do for a fun shot. The diverse cactus species also offer unique photographic subjects throughout the garden. Instagram

For personal use, photography is generally welcome. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the venue in advance to inquire about their policies.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ethel M Chocolates is a fantastic outing for families! The free chocolate factory tour is engaging for children, allowing them to see how their favorite treats are made. The complimentary chocolate sample is always a hit! Reddit The Botanical Cactus Garden offers a safe and interesting space for kids to explore and learn about different plants. During the holidays, the light displays in the garden are a magical experience for the whole family. Instagram Pack snacks and water, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in the garden during warmer weather.

💰 Budget Travelers

This destination is a great option for budget-conscious travelers as many of the main attractions are free! The self-guided factory tour and the Botanical Cactus Garden cost nothing to enter. Instagram You'll also receive a free chocolate sample to enjoy. Reddit While the shop and tasting events have a cost, you can enjoy the core experience without spending a dime. Consider it a sweet and scenic outing that won't break the bank.

💖 Couples & Date Nights

Ethel M Chocolates offers a charming and sweet experience perfect for couples. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Botanical Cactus Garden, which provides a romantic and picturesque setting. Instagram Consider booking a Chocolate and Wine Pairing for a sophisticated and intimate tasting experience. Reddit During the holidays, the festive light displays in the garden create a truly magical atmosphere for a memorable date night. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sweet Science: Inside the Factory Tour

The Ethel M Chocolates Factory tour offers a fascinating, albeit brief, glimpse into the world of chocolate making. Visitors walk along a designated path with large windows overlooking the production floor. Here, you can witness the magic of chocolate bars, caramels, and truffles being created, from mixing ingredients to the final packaging stages. The self-guided nature of the tour means you can move at your own pace, pausing to read informative signs that explain the process. It's a delightful experience for all ages, providing a sweet education on how your favorite treats come to life. Reddit

As a special treat, guests are often greeted with a complimentary sample of either milk or dark chocolate, a perfect introduction to the quality and taste of Ethel M's confections. This small gesture adds a personal touch to the visit and is a recurring positive point in visitor feedback. Reddit While the tour itself is short, it sets the stage for the main event: exploring the extensive chocolate shop and the beautiful botanical gardens.

A Desert Oasis: The Botanical Cactus Garden

Beyond the allure of chocolate, the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is a true gem, showcasing over 300 species of desert flora. This meticulously maintained garden is a vibrant display of the resilience and beauty of plants adapted to arid climates. Visitors can wander through winding paths, admiring a diverse collection of cacti, succulents, and other desert plants, each with its own unique shape, texture, and color. It's a peaceful escape and a photographer's dream, offering countless opportunities for stunning shots. Instagram

During the holiday season, the garden transforms into a spectacular wonderland of lights, with thousands of twinkling bulbs illuminating the cacti and pathways. This festive transformation makes it a popular destination for families and couples looking for a unique holiday experience in the Las Vegas area. Instagram Even outside of the holidays, the garden provides a refreshing contrast to the manufactured glitz of the Strip, offering a natural and serene environment to explore. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Tasting Experiences: Beyond the Free Sample

For those seeking a more in-depth culinary adventure, Ethel M Chocolates offers specialized tasting experiences. These events, such as the popular Chocolate and Wine Pairing, are designed to elevate your appreciation for their gourmet creations. Led by knowledgeable staff, these sessions delve into the nuances of flavor profiles, the art of chocolate making, and how to best complement sweet treats with beverages. It's an opportunity to savor a curated selection of chocolates and learn from the experts. Reddit

While these tasting events are highly praised for their educational and delicious aspects, some visitors have noted that the pricing can be on the higher side, especially for the quantity of chocolates and drinks provided. Reddit Despite this, many find the experience worthwhile for the unique insights and the chance to sample premium offerings. It's recommended to check the schedule and book in advance, as these events can sell out, particularly during peak seasons or holidays. TikTok

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