Palm Springs
ALL Tours, Sightseeing, Museums & Attractions
A family-friendly Zoo and botanical garden spread over 80 acres! Come face to face with amazing species from the deserts of the world, including giraffe, zebra, black rhino, Mexican wolf, and wallaby – just a few of the incredible animals that take you from Africa to Australia to North America.
The Living Desert is named one of the “10 Best Zoos in America” by Conde Nast Traveler and USA Today, and a top family pick on TripAdvisor. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, The Living Desert ensures the highest standards of animal care, education, and public service. Each visit to The Living Desert supports the Zoo’s world-class animal care and helps fund more than 60 conservation projects, spanning 12 countries, to protect endangered species and restore their native lands.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ new Rhino Savanna habitat brings visitors into the heart of the African savanna with majestic black rhinos, nimble springbok, and iconic avian species. Discover the world down under in the immersive Australian Adventures, where wallabies bounce alongside visitors, kookaburras sing, and free-flying budgies welcome and delight. Be one with nature in blooming botanical gardens or explore miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views.
DELICIOUS TREATS Treat yourself at one of our delicious restaurants, which feature vegetarian options. There are also several specialty snack and beverage locations with tasty options for both children and adults. If you want to skip the line, mobile ordering is now available at Thorn Tree Grill. With lots of picnic tables and scenic sitting areas, The Living Desert is also a great place to bring your own food for a scenic outdoor picnic!
BEHIND-THE-SCENES ANIMAL CARE Visit the Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center for an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at the high level of care the Zoo’s residents receive. Open to the public during normal park hours, you can view medical exams and procedures, hear animal care stories from volunteers, tour the facility, and peruse the exhibits and displays.
HIKE THE COLORADO DESERT Discover the beauty of the pristine Colorado Desert through a series of nature and hiking trails. Three different trails ranging from ¼ mile to 3.5 miles offer scenic views and a skill level from beginner to adventurous. Entrance to the trails is included with admission or membership to The Living Desert. Open October 1 through May 30, the trail system is a memorable way to experience Coachella Valley nature at its best.
TIPS FOR A WONDERFULLY WILD DAY Please plan your visit according to the season in which you are visiting and the forecasted day’s temperatures. Hours are adjusted for the summer season, June 1 through September 31. The Living Desert offers many shaded walkways, paths, and gardens as well as refreshing misted rest spots throughout the park.
So many things to see and do! So, book online today. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert will educate, motivate, and entertain you beyond your wildest expectations.
Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably closed toe. Hats, sunscreen, even an umbrella is recommended for all seasons. Winter day temperatures sometimes warrant a jacket or sweater. Plan an early hour visit in the summer as temperatures can reach 100 degrees by noon. Paved pathways throughout The Living Desert make exploring accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Adult wheeled strollers and Zebra-themed children's strollers are available for a $3.00 donation | First aid stations, baby changing stations, pay phones and ATMs are available No locker facilities are available Photo Credits: Bert Buxbaum, The Living Desert