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The Living Desert Plan your visit header image The Living Desert Plan your visit header image

Plan Your Visit

Unleash Your Wild Side

Plan Your Adventure at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

DownloadOur

App
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Make the most out of your visit with The Living Desert's FREE mobile app!

  • Explore the park with the GPS-enabled map.
  • Add must-see Keeper Connections and activities to your day planner.
  • Delve deeper into the desert with interactive garden experiences.
  • Save the day's memories with fun photo frames.
  • Stay up to date with the latest news from the Zoo, no matter where in the world you are!

Download the iOS or Android version and let the app-venture begin!

Your Journey Begins Here

Welcome to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens! Get ready to explore the Zoo and discover the wonder of the world’s desert wildlife and wild places!

Pardon our desert dust as we expand our facilities at the Zoo! Please be aware that pathways may undergo temporary alterations during the construction process. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience. 

Please note:
On Saturday, February 24, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will be closing early for our annual Zoobilee Gala. On that day, the park will close at 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:00pm.

hours

Open Daily
October 1 – May 31
8:00am – 5:00pm

Last admission at 4:00pm

Closed December 25

*On February 24, the park will close at 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:00pm

summer hours

Open Daily
June 1 – September 30
7:00am – 1:30pm

Last admission at 12:30pm

Advantures

Adventures are Better Together: Group Rates

Have a bigger herd? Contact Us for groups of 20 or more.

Discounts and special offers

  • Military Discount

    Take advantage of a variety of discounts we offer: 
    Military (active and retired with valid ID) $2.00 off admission

    For questions contact Guest Services at (760) 346-5694 or email GuestServices@LivingDesert.org.

     

    Military (with valid ID)
    $37.95
  • Museums for All (SNAP/EBT)

    Museums for All (SNAP/EBT) — EBT card holders may purchase up to 4 reduced Zoo admissions tickets for the price of $3.00 each (valid for daytime admission only). A valid SNAP/EBT card and valid photo ID (of EBT cardholder) must be presented during purchase at The Living Desert in order to redeem discounted admission. The Living Desert does not accept the P-EBT card for the Museums for All promotion; only State-issued EBT cards are accepted. EBT card holders with valid ID must be present at the time of purchase to receive the discount.

    Museums for All (SNAP/EBT)
    $3.00
  • Reciprocal Zoo Admissions

    Receive 50% off admission with an active membership card and valid photo ID to other reciprocal Zoos, Aquariums, and Gardens. Please note that we are unable to reserve reciprocal zoo admission tickets online or over the phone. To redeem the reciprocal discount, tickets must be purchased at the admissions window. (Please see the reciprocal list for more details.)

  • Glow All Day Glow in the Park + Zoo Admission

    Plan an all day adventure to the Zoo, enjoy Glow in the Park... and SAVE!

    Glow wild at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and create magical memories to last a lifetime with our limited time Glow All Day bundle!

    Bundle to save up to $17 on ONE epic day-to-night experience including ✅ Daytime Zoo admission ✅ A FREE giraffe feeding ✅ Nighttime admission to Zoo's lantern festival, Glow in the Park.

    Click here to learn more.

  • Xerophilous 2-Day Pass

    Travel the worlds deserts as we celebrate the Living Deserts 52 award-winning botanical gardens at The Living Desert's first ever Xerophilous event!

    Get $10 off when you purchase adult daytime admission tickets for April 6 and 7 together. Click here to book your bundle tickets! (Scroll toward the bottom of the page and select "Xerophilous 2 Day Admission.")

Dear Valued Guests,
Effective immediately The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will no longer be participating in the Bank of America Museums on Us program. We have enjoyed a partnership with this fine institution for some time now and have been honored to work with them. We are exploring this relationship for future opportunities but will be ending the Museums for Us program effective January 1, 2024. We thank you for your patronage and support and look forward to presenting you with more exciting opportunities at The Living Desert.

There's More to Explore  

Get a head start on your adventure by reserving your spot for an experience that gets you up close and fur-sonal with nature.

What to Know Before You Go

  • General Park
    How do I get to The Living Desert?

    From Highway 111 in Palm Desert, turn south on Portola Ave., then it’s a quick 1.5 miles up the road. Take a left at the main entrance.

    From Interstate 10, take the Monterey exit and head south. Go approximately 6 miles and turn east (left) on Highway 111. Turn south on Portola Ave., then it’s a quick 1.5 miles up the road. Take a left at the main entrance.

    How much is parking?

    Parking is free.

    Do you offer stroller or wheelchair rentals?

    The zoo offers wide, paved pathways throughout, making exploring accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.  Child strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available for rental at the Zoo's entrance. Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Availability and pricing is subject to change at any time.

    Daily Rentals:

    Single Strollers: $8.00*

    Double Strollers: $10.00*

    Wheelchair: $15.00*

    Electric Scooter/Electric Convenience Vehicle: $30.00* 

    *All rental prices are plus tax.

    Can we bring our own food in?

    You can! We have multiple picnic tables throughout the park where you can sit and enjoy lunch or a snack. For the safety of other guests and the animals, please do not bring any glass containers or alcohol.

    How much time does it take to see the entire zoo?

    You should allow 2-3 hours to see everything at a comfortable pace. Make sure to check our Daily Schedule prior to arrival to plan ahead.

    Can I smoke in the zoo?

    For the safety of our guests and animals, we maintain a smoke and vape free environment throughout Zoo grounds, which includes the parking lot.

    Who do I contact to make a donation for my upcoming fundraiser?

    Please submit a Community Donation Request. Due to the large number of requests we receive, please allow 45 days from the event date for us to review and process the request. We are unable to respond to follow-up emails or phone calls. Phone, e-mail, mail and drop-in requests will not be considered.

    Can I bring my dog?

    Pets are not allowed at The Living Desert. For safety reasons, do not leave a pet in your car.

  • Accessibility

    The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Welcomes You!

    We are an Access Friendly Organization that is committed to ensuring that our park is welcoming to all and that our programs and services are accessible to the broadest range of people with disabilities.  This is a pledge made by all our employees. We strive to provide a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment where visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy connecting to nature.

    We are committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Access Laws. This guide addresses many of the reasonable accommodations The Living Desert provides to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all park services, programs, and activities.

    If you have needs or questions, please call Guest Services at the Zoo at (760) 346-5694, or email us at GuestServices@LivingDesert.org.  You will find that we are able to best serve you if you call at least two weeks prior to your visit.  We always welcome calls, comments, and suggestions from our guests.  On the day of your visit, please feel free to discuss any special needs you have at our Guest Services office, adjacent to the front entrance. 

    Please note that access is a field that changes frequently as new information, technology, and laws evolve. We reserve the right to modify this guide and our accessibility policies as appropriate.

    FOR GUESTS WHO HAVE SENSORY PROCESSING NEEDS:

    The Living Desert's objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests, including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our team members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests:

    Sensory Recourses 

    Sensory resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Admissions windows or the Guest Services Office, located just past the Zoo Entrance. Items available for checkout include fidget tools, noise canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and other resources.

    Sensory Maps

    Sensory Maps provide our guest with information regarding loud, interactive, crowded, smelly and dark areas. The map also guides guests to quiet and calm areas. 

     

    FOR GUESTS WITH MOBILITY NEEDS:

    The zoo offers wide, paved pathways throughout, making exploring accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Child strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available for rental at the Zoo's entrance. Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Availability and pricing is subject to change at any time.

    Daily Rentals:

    Single Strollers: $8.00*

    Double Strollers: $10.00*

    Wheelchair: $15.00*

    Electric Scooter/Electric Convenience Vehicle: $30.00* 

    *All rental prices are plus tax.

     

    FOR GUESTS WITH SIGHT IMPAIRMENT:

    Monocular*

    The zoo offers monoculars to aid our sight impaired guests.  If a sight-impaired guest is accompanied and needs assistance by an aid, the aid is offered a complimentary daytime admission ticket to the Zoo.

     

    FOR GUESTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT:

    Assistive Listening Device* 

    The zoo offers an Assistive Listening Device that can aid hearing.  If a hearing-impaired guest is accompanied and needs assistance by an aid, the aid is offered a complimentary daytime admission ticket to the Zoo.

     

    *These items require that our guests fill out an Equipment Checkout Form and provide an ID and credit card number.  There is a $50 charge for any equipment that is not returned.  

  • Service Animals

    Only working service animals are permitted. If you require a service dog, you must notify the Admissions staff to alert our Animal Care Department. Certain areas of the Zoo are restricted. Please view our complete Service Animal Policy.

    Pets are not allowed in the park. For safety reasons, please do not leave a pet in your car.

  • Policies and Zoo Rules

    For the safety of all our guests, animals and plants, the following rules must be adhered to while in or around The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. We reserve the right to restrict entrance or require a guest to leave Zoo grounds if these rules are not followed. We also reserve the right to restrict the use of any items or behavior which may be harmful to other guests, animals, or plants.

    • Please respect the animals and treat them as you would like to be treated.
    • Entrance into ANY animal exhibit including the crossing of any barriers, fencing, or gates is strictly prohibited and is considered unlawful under California Penal Code Section 602.13. Parents, guardians, and chaperones should pay close attention to their children at all times.
    • For your safety, proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. We highly recommended hats and sunglasses, as well as the use of sunscreen.
    • If you require first aid, encounter a problem, or have an emergency, please contact any staff member throughout the park.
    • Recreational devices such as skateboards, scooters, inline skates, bicycles or shoes with built-in wheels are not are permitted at the park. The zoo offers wide, paved pathways throughout, making exploring accessible for strollers, ECVs, and wheelchairs.
    • Pets of any kind are prohibited in the park and are not permitted to be left alone in vehicles for any amount of time. Working service dogs that perform tasks for their owners are permitted.
    • The Living Desert maintains a smoke-free environment.
    • The Living Desert is a natural reserve and home to a variety of native wildlife such as spiders, scorpions and snakes that come and go from our grounds and could pose a potential risk. Please refrain from turning over stones or logs and stay on designated paths. If you are fortunate enough to see some of this wildlife, please notify a staff member or volunteer to resolve any situation.
    • By entering the park, through membership or ticket purchase, you acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and used for marketing purposes.


    Please refrain from any behavior that may be deemed inappropriate or offensive. We strive to maintain a family-friendly environment for all our guests to enjoy. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

  • Photo and Video Image use Policy

    Upon entering The Living Desert, you acknowledge and agree that you may be photographed or videotaped and any such image may be used for advertising or commercial purposes (including, but not limited to: social media, print, television, online, website, and promotional purposes) at the discretion of The Living Desert.

  • Media Policies

    No person may sell or promote for commercial purpose, any image, video, or other medium taken while visiting The Living Desert without contractual permission granted by The Living Desert. The use of The Living Desert’s facilities for artistic purposes including commercials, TV shows, publication shoots, and model shoots must be approved and scheduled through The Living Desert’s Marketing and Public Relations Department. For more information, please call (760) 346-5694.

Please help us keep The Living Desert a fun, safe place where we can continue our important mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. Have a Wonderfully Wild day!

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