The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a zoo and botanical garden at 47900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, with animal areas, desert gardens and visitor facilities. A visit can include the African Safari Trail, Wild Americas and its gardens, so check the seasonal schedule and arrange tickets before setting out.
- Location: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
- October 1–May 31: Open daily, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; last admission is at 4:00 p.m.
- June 1–September 30: Open daily, 7:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; last admission is at 12:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Advance purchase is required; general admission prices vary by age and may vary by visit date.
What to expect at The Living Desert
The Living Desert brings animal habitats and botanical gardens together in a Palm Desert setting. Its named areas offer different ways to spend your time: the African Safari Trail features black rhinos and giraffes, while Wild Americas combines animals with gardens and views of animal-care work.
Pathways are wide and paved. If you need a stroller, wheelchair or electric scooter, rentals are available at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis; availability and prices can vary. Sensory resources, including fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and weighted lap pads, can be borrowed at no cost from Admissions or Guest Services with an ID left while borrowing them.
Animals, gardens and visitor areas
The African Safari Trail pairs animal viewing with a family-friendly stop at the Petting Kraal in Village WaTuTu. In Wild Americas, you can see animals alongside botanical gardens such as Baja Oasis and Hummingbird Garden, with views of animal-care work as part of the area.
The Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center is open during normal park hours. For a ride, the Endangered Species Carousel operates daily from October 1 through May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; rides cost $3 each or $8 for unlimited rides.
You may bring your own food and use the picnic tables, but glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. The park is cashless apart from third-party-operated retail outlets; complimentary reverse ATMs are available on-site to convert cash to a prepaid debit card.
Tickets, hours and seasonal details
General admission costs $44.95 for adults ages 18 and older, $34.95 for children ages 3–17, and is free for children under 3; prices may vary by visit date. Active and retired military admission costs $37.95, with valid military ID required at the gate. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The zoo is closed on December 25. The operating schedule and some visitor services follow seasonal hours, so check the official site before you go. Parking is free.
How do you get to The Living Desert from Palm Springs?
From Highway 111 in Palm Desert, turn south onto Portola Avenue and continue about 1.5 miles to the main entrance. If you are driving from Interstate 10, take the Monterey exit and head south about 6 miles, turn east onto Highway 111, then south onto Portola Avenue for about 1.5 miles.
The Living Desert is about 18.0 miles from Delos Reyes Palm Springs, with a supplied travel estimate of 30 minutes. For a broader look at routes and practical checks for outings from the city, use this Palm Springs day-trip planning guide.
Planning time for the visit
- Hours
- Crash Cafe is open daily from 8:30 a
Use the seasonal closing and last-admission times to shape your visit: the summer schedule ends earlier in the day than the schedule from October through May.
Choose the animal areas and gardens you most want to see, then leave room for a meal or picnic without losing sight of the day’s closing time. If you are arranging a broader city itinerary around the outing, this one-day Palm Springs itinerary lays out a practical sequence.
Food outlets have different hours: Crash Cafe is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Bighorn Cafe from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Thorn Tree Grill from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check current opening details before planning a meal around a specific outlet.
Only working service animals are permitted, and some areas are restricted to service animals; notify Admissions staff. Pets are not allowed, and the zoo advises against leaving them in vehicles.
FAQs
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance ticket purchase is required.
Is parking free at The Living Desert?
Yes, parking at the zoo is free.
Can you bring food into the zoo?
You may bring your own food and use picnic tables. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
Are strollers and wheelchairs available to rent?
Strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability and prices may vary.