The Arizona Cactus Garden (Stanford University, California)
Posted by Grace on February 8, 2023
Quick Facts
- Location: Inside Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States (Map)
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Cost: Free
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Dog Allowed: Yes
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking lot and entrance
The Arizona Cactus Garden is a small botanical garden specializing in cactus and succulents, inside the prestigous Stanford University.
Contrary to its name, the Arizona Cactus Garden is not located in Arizona but rather within the prestigious Stanford University. The name Arizona refers to the meaning of "arid", as the garden showcases a collection of drought-tolerant cactus and succulent plants.
Cacti Inside the Arizona Garden
History of Arizona Cactus Garden
The history of the Arizona Cactus Garden is closely tied to the history of Stanford University.
California Senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane, founded the university in memory of their son who passed away in 1884. Between 1880 and 1883, they planted the garden next to where their mansion was to be built. After their son's death, they decided to use their resources to fund the Leland Stanford Junior University, which later became known as Stanford University.
Agaves Inside the Arizona Garden
The Arizona Cactus Garden remains a beautiful and educational landmark on the university's campus, serving as a testament to the legacy of the Stanford family.
Cacti and Aloe Vera Inside the Arizona Garden
Plant Varieties
This garden is packed with unusual plants. You'll find selections from the Cacti family, including columnar, barrel, and monstrose forms. The succulent selection is equally impressive, with Aloes, Crassulas, and stunning rosette-forming Agaves.
Find plant locations on this map (source)
Our experience
When my family was living in Palo Alto, the Arizona Cactus Garden was one of our favorite places to take a walk. It may not be huge, but certainly beautiful.
If you're in the Bay Area, make sure to stop by and enjoy.
