Arizona Garden — Attraction in Palo Alto

This garden could be so much more than what it is considering its history and collection. Absolutely worthy of a visit, but sadly, the university provides no interpretive materials or signage to assist visitors. There is information online, but so much more is needed for this unique campus asset.

Volunteers manage the garden, so kudos for keeping it alive and so vibrant with species I have never seen before. The major piece that's missing is plant identification through labeling or mapping. I understand that the original design by a famed landscape architect specified each planting bed for specific regions of the world. Is this still true? Hard to say without proper mapping.

The garden is also difficult to find due to a lack of wayfinding signage. It leaves the impression that this garden is an obligation rather than an enhancement to the bittersweet narrative of the Stanford family. It can also be a place to discuss larger subjects about history, of course, but also plant ecologies, climate change, and environmental design. But go see it anyway, because there are really wonderful photo...

Beautiful little cactus garden located in Stanford University. Has a wide variety of different cacti, flowers, places to sit, and areas to take photos. Parking nearby can be confusing due to requiring permits, but you should be fine for a short while. Worth visiting to take Instagram photos, admire the birds and cacti, and just relax.

[The Garden] The garden is well organized and beautiful. What immediately strikes you is all the birds in the trees. It sounds amazing. They have many different cacti, some with flowers blooming. There are tall trees and areas to take photos in the shade as well. Best time to take photos here is early morning or late afternoon due to the harsh sunlight. Doesn't seem too busy, bring a nice wide lens and you're set!

[The Location] The garden is located right in the middle of Stanford University. Directions can be a little confusing due to side streets and limited parking. The parking lot we found was permit only, so that made it a little difficult. The park is about the size of a large house or two, so not too big in terms of parks. Totally worth...

Smallish garden tucked away behind a parking lot. I didn't see any identifying signs to say it was the Arizona cactus garden, but many of the plants here look very old so it has been here for a while. Paths are flat and dirt. There are no facilities here for public use, and not many seating areas from what I remember, so if you want to picnic with cacti, bring a blanket. The garden itself is in full sun, but there are a lot of shade trees all around.

Do be careful when heading to far side of the garden (furthest away from the parking lot). I unfortunately stumbled upon what I think was a wasp nest, and got stung a few times in that area. Ouch!

The garden itself is beautiful and to see how certain cacti grow as it ages is like artwork. If you love succulents and cacti (this includes agaves, aeoniums, and euphorbias), and you find yourself in the neighborhood, do stop by. The parking lot is only open to the public on weekends and any time after 4pm during the week, I believe. I've added the pic I made of the sign in the...