The World’s First Cactarium — Attraction in Palm Springs

You can already tell it's going to be good as you pull up—there’s this beautiful old house on the property, with gardens that spill out like an invitation. It has that feeling of a place that’s been loved for a long time. Moorten Botanical Garden, home to the world’s first Cactarium, is small but full of wonder. It’s not polished in a commercial way—it’s personal, soulful, a little wild.

The Cactarium itself is tucked into a curved greenhouse, and it’s one of the coolest little spots I’ve ever wandered through. The variety of cacti is insane. Some are tiny and delicate, others towering and alien-looking. It’s like nature’s version of a surrealist art gallery. You can spend a good chunk of time just marveling at how these plants manage to survive and thrive in the harshest conditions.

The staff were friendly and clearly passionate. One told me about the birds that pass through the garden, and a little hummingbird named Toby who likes to hang out near the entrance. That detail alone made the place unforgettable.

They also have a great little selection of cacti and desert plants for sale near the front—and it’s the kind of place where you actually want to take something home with you, just to hold onto a bit of the magic.

Only open on weekends, so plan ahead. But if you're in Palm Springs and appreciate quiet beauty and strange plants, this...

The Cactarium is basically like a super nice side yard for some amazing home owners. They created a spectacular display of plants and cacti showing off the significance of each plant in different areas of North America. It was a $5 entry fee per person and definitely...

Very cool spot, something like I’ve never seen before. Being from the southeast and seeing all the cacti and other plants was so enjoyable. Also loved the turtles and saw a roadrunner for...