Huntington Desert Garden

Huntington Desert Garden is a botanical garden in San Marino featuring thousands of cacti and succulents arranged across tiered landscapes and interconnected pathways. The collection spans multiple regions and climates, with each area showcasing plants adapted to different desert environments.

The garden was established in the early 1900s by Henry Huntington, a railroad magnate, as part of his broader development of the San Marino estate. Over subsequent decades, the collection expanded significantly through the acquisition of rare and endangered species from across the globe.

The garden serves as a place where visitors encounter plants from desert regions around the world and learn how they survive in harsh climates. Walking through the different sections, you notice how these species have adapted to extreme heat and dryness in their native lands.

Advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and visiting early in the day offers better light and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the paths involve slopes and uneven terrain throughout the garden.

Some specimens from Madagascar in the collection are over a century old, demonstrating how botanists have successfully maintained desert plants across generations. These ancient plants are living proof of the garden's long-term commitment to preserving rare species.

Location: California

Part of: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

GPS coordinates: 34.12720,-118.11000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48