The old adage “the best things in life are free” applies to the Desert Botanical Garden in Tucson once a month. Known as “Community Day,” the second Tuesday of each month is admission-free, and it’s the perfect day trip for families or anyone looking to explore Arizona on a budget.

Nestled amidst the red rocks of the Papago Buttes, Desert Botanical Garden spans 140 acres of rugged southern Arizona landscape.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden It features an impressive 500,000 plants belonging to over 4,000 different species.

The second Tuesday of each month is Community Day, which means everyone gets in for free.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden It’s the perfect opportunity for a family outing, date with your special someone, or bonding activity among friends. All you have to do is register your group ahead of time on the Desert Botanical Garden website.

Five nature paths wind through the garden, each one following its own unique theme.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden You’ll learn a little bit of everything, from all the vibrant wildflowers that thrive in the hot, dry climate to fascinating information about the cultural history of the Sonoran Desert.

The garden hosts various art installations throughout the year, so you never know just what you’ll see.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden From mesmerizing light shows to larger-than-life sculptures, creativity blooms in myriad forms.

Seasonal events also keep things fresh, ensuring the garden is a place you can visit year-round without getting bored.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden The holiday season brings Las Noches de las Luminarias, which features more than 8,000 luminarias along the walkways. It’s such a magical experience!

Closing time isn’t until 8 p.m., so visitors can enjoy the splendor that is an Arizona sunset.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden There’s just something magical about hundreds of Saguaro silhouettes against the multicolored sky. We couldn’t imagine a more picture-perfect scene.

Hours change with the seasons and are currently 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily (with 7 a.m. opening time for members).

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden Outside of Community Day, general admission ranges from $14.95-$29.95 for adults and $9.95-$14.95 for youth 3-17. Children under three, members, and active military personnel get in free.

Visit the garden’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden

It features an impressive 500,000 plants belonging to over 4,000 different species.

Facebook/Desert Botanical Garden

It’s the perfect opportunity for a family outing, date with your special someone, or bonding activity among friends. All you have to do is register your group ahead of time on the Desert Botanical Garden website.

You’ll learn a little bit of everything, from all the vibrant wildflowers that thrive in the hot, dry climate to fascinating information about the cultural history of the Sonoran Desert.

From mesmerizing light shows to larger-than-life sculptures, creativity blooms in myriad forms.

The holiday season brings Las Noches de las Luminarias, which features more than 8,000 luminarias along the walkways. It’s such a magical experience!

There’s just something magical about hundreds of Saguaro silhouettes against the multicolored sky. We couldn’t imagine a more picture-perfect scene.

Outside of Community Day, general admission ranges from $14.95-$29.95 for adults and $9.95-$14.95 for youth 3-17. Children under three, members, and active military personnel get in free.

Have you ever been to the Desert Botanical Garden on Community Day? If so, tell us all about your experience! Can’t get enough Arizona sunsets? Check out our previous article for some of the most striking skies our state has ever seen.

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Address: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA