Desert Arboretum Park
A compact 2.5-acre desert plant collection on the ASU campus, featuring cacti, succulents, an amphitheater, and dining area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Desert Arboretum Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact 2.5-acre desert plant collection on the ASU campus, featuring cacti, succulents, an amphitheater, and dining area.
"While small, it's a pleasant spot on campus for a brief escape into desert flora."
Free Admission, Pay for Parking
Entry to the park is free, but be prepared to pay for parking on campus. :parking: Plan your visit accordingly.
Compact Size
Don't expect a vast garden; it's a small, curated space. Enjoy it for what it is! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Desert Plant Collection
ASU Campus
Explore a variety of desert flora, including cacti and succulents, showcasing the resilience of arid-region plant life.
Amphitheater
ASU Campus
A charming outdoor venue, perfect for small gatherings or simply enjoying the desert ambiance.
Dining Area
ASU Campus
A pleasant spot to relax and refuel amidst the unique desert landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission, Pay for Parking
Entry to the park is free, but be prepared to pay for parking on campus. :parking: Plan your visit accordingly.
Compact Size
Don't expect a vast garden; it's a small, curated space. Enjoy it for what it is! :camerawithflash:
Check for Events
The arboretum doubles as an event space. Check the ASU calendar to see if any events coincide with your visit. :calendar:
Plant Identification
Some visitors note missing or unreadable plant tags. :magnifyingglasstilted_right: Bring your own plant ID app if you're curious.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission, Pay for Parking
Entry to the park is free, but be prepared to pay for parking on campus. :parking: Plan your visit accordingly.
Compact Size
Don't expect a vast garden; it's a small, curated space. Enjoy it for what it is! :camerawithflash:
Check for Events
The arboretum doubles as an event space. Check the ASU calendar to see if any events coincide with your visit. :calendar:
Plant Identification
Some visitors note missing or unreadable plant tags. :magnifyingglasstilted_right: Bring your own plant ID app if you're curious.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Desert Arboretum Park are mixed, with many visitors finding it smaller than expected and noting issues with plant identification and maintenance. Some appreciate the free admission and its campus location, while others feel it's a poor representation of an arboretum.
"Poor excuse for a arboretum, especially for a university. Less than an acre of plants. Most id. tags were missing or unreadable. The tags that were there provided little information. Lots of dead plants. Not worth the effort to go, even though admission is free. If you do go, don't pay for more than a hour of parking."
Victor McDaniel
"This is not an arboretum. It’s a small outdoor events center with a handful of cactus and plants on the sides located at the ASU campus, which this review is NOT about.
I’ve seen more plants in front of many private homes in this area. Google map is misleading."
Mike Lee
"While visiting Tempe I wanted to see a large cactus and the ASU Arboretum was a great option and free!"
Ian Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Desert Arboretum Park is located on the Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe campus. You can access it by car, and parking is available on campus (fees may apply). Public transportation options to the ASU campus are also available. +1
Yes, parking is available on the ASU campus near the arboretum. Be aware that parking fees typically apply, especially during weekdays and event times.
Absolutely! The ASU Tempe campus is very walkable and bike-friendly. If you're on campus, it's a pleasant walk or bike ride to the arboretum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Desert Arboretum Park itself is free. However, you will need to pay for parking if you are driving to the ASU campus.
As it's part of the ASU campus, the arboretum generally follows campus accessibility. It's best to visit during daylight hours when the campus is open. Specific hours can vary, so checking with ASU campus information is recommended.
No advance booking is required for general visits to the Desert Arboretum Park as admission is free. If you are planning a large event, you would need to contact ASU event services.
🎫 🌵 Onsite Experience
The park features a collection of desert plants, including various cacti and succulents, showcasing the flora of arid regions.
The arboretum is relatively small, about 2.5 acres. It's ideal for a short, leisurely stroll or a brief stop rather than an all-day excursion.
Restrooms and water fountains are typically available on the ASU campus, though not always directly within the arboretum itself. It's advisable to check campus maps for their exact locations.
Yes, photography is welcome! It's a great spot for nature photography, especially of desert plants.
The park is generally accessible, being a relatively flat area on campus. However, some paths might be uneven, so caution is advised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has a designated dining area. Additionally, numerous dining options are available across the ASU Tempe campus, ranging from cafes to full-service restaurants.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the designated dining area or on the campus grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the diverse desert plants, especially cacti and succulents, and the unique textures and colors they offer. The amphitheater also provides a nice backdrop.
While it's a desert environment, the park is on a busy campus. You might spot small birds or lizards, but it's not primarily a wildlife photography destination.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, which is ideal for photography and avoids the harsh midday sun.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the park's size; it's best for a short visit. Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited directly within the arboretum. Exploring the wider ASU campus might offer more kid-friendly activities.
🎓 Students and Campus Visitors
Remember that parking fees apply on campus, so factor that into your visit. The free admission makes it an attractive, low-cost addition to a campus exploration.
📸 Nature Photographers
Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best lighting. Be aware that plant identification tags may be inconsistent, so having your own plant identification knowledge or app can be helpful.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Desert Arboretum Park
While some visitors have noted that the park is smaller than anticipated and that plant identification tags can be challenging to read or missing, it still offers a pleasant environment for a brief visit.
For those visiting ASU, the Desert Arboretum Park can be a convenient and free addition to their campus exploration. It's best enjoyed as a short stop to appreciate the desert landscape and the university's efforts in maintaining a unique botanical collection.
ASU Campus Life and the Arboretum
Social media content often highlights the general atmosphere of ASU, with mentions of campus beauty and student life.
It's worth noting that the park's function can extend to pre-game festivities, as mentioned in some reviews, indicating its role in the broader social fabric of the university.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit