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A Self-Guided Cactus and Succulent Tour of Southern California
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Patty H
Discover SoCal’s most stunning cactus and succulent spots—from iconic gardens and desert trails to hidden art installations and unique nurseries. A must-do adventure for plant lovers and desert dreamers!
Sections
6
 
Art and Sculptures
 
Botanical Gardens
 
Can You Eat That Cactus? Absolutely—And It’s Delicious!
 
Desert-Inspired Apparel
 
Natural Areas
 
Specialty Nurseries and Shops

Art and Sculptures

Explore the creative side of cactus culture with desert-inspired public art, towering metal sculptures, and whimsical installations. 

 
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A colorful, translucent installation along the Santa Monica Blvd median—made from dichroic film and tinted resin.
Cacti (James Peterson) | City of West ...
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Located on Tahquitz Canyon Way, between the airport and downtown.
16-Foot-Tall Cactus Sculpture Made of Vintage Cadillac Parts
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Giant rectangular metal cactus sculptures (14–20 feet tall) near Smurr Street by the Indio Chamber of Commerce.
Colossal Cacti Sculptures | Coachella Valley
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Botanical Gardens

Stroll through world-class collections of cacti and succulents at SoCal’s top botanical gardens. 

 
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One of the largest and oldest desert gardens in the world.
Desert Garden The Huntington (San Marino)
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Has a dedicated Desert Garden area. Great views and trails to explore with a variety of succulents.
South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation (Palos Verdes Peninsula)
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Features a desert garden and rare succulents from around the world.
San Diego Botanic Garden (Encinitas)
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Combines a zoo with stunning desert plant displays.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Springs)
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Free or low-cost entry with an excellent desert plant collection.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton
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Includes a charming cactus and succulent garden among its themed botanical areas.
Sherman Library and Gardens (Corona del Mar)
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A "living museum" with over 3,000 cactus and succulent varieties, including rare and miniature desert plants.
Moorten Botanical Garden (Palm Springs)
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See a variety of cacti, succulents, and other plants from a desert terrain—as well as panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Getty Center Cactus Garden (Los Angeles)
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A tiny cactus garden complete with an archway entrance.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard Cactus Garden
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Can You Eat That Cactus? Absolutely—And It’s Delicious!

Across Southern California, chefs are serving up fresh, zesty dishes made with nopales and prickly pear—from tacos to salads to cocktails. Here’s where to dig in and taste the cactus craze for yourself.

 
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Known for Nopales con Huevos, a cactus-and-egg dish.
Casa de Nati (Mission Hills)
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Reddit recommended as a favorite for cactus dishes.
Mi Casita (Sunland)
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Cactus-infused dishes like molcajete with nopales.
La Corona (Van Nuys)
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Nopal Cactus Leaf Pads that are wild crafted, sustainably harvested and sun dried.
BareOrganics Nopal Cactus Powder | USDA Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free | Super Fruit, 8oz
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Desert-Inspired Apparel

Celebrate your love for cacti in style! This collection features cactus-themed clothing —perfect for plant lovers who want to wear their desert vibes wherever they go.

 
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Cactus print shirt
The North Face Kids Short Sleeve Amphibious Button-Down (Little Kids/Big Kids)
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Cactus shirt
Men's Not A Hugger Botanical Cactus T-Shirt
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Cactus shirt
Men's Cacti Chart Drawing Short Sleeve Crew T-shirt
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Thorsun's Cactus Fan shirt is adorned with a desert-inspired pattern.
Thorsun Cactus Fan Button-Front Shirt | Saks Fifth Avenue
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Embroidered desert scene.
Levi's® The Trucker Embroidered Denim Jacket
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Natural Areas

Experience cacti and succulents in their native habitats across Southern California’s deserts, parks, and scenic trails. Discover wild landscapes filled with prickly beauty, perfect for hiking, photography, and quiet desert moments.

 
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While best known for its Joshua trees, it also has plenty of cholla, barrel cactus, and Mojave yucca.
Joshua Tree National Park
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Wild, remote, and beautiful—great if you're up for an adventure.
Mojave National Preserve
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High desert habitat with diverse succulent populations.
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
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Specialty Nurseries and Shops

Find rare succulents, unique planters, and expert advice at Southern California’s best cactus nurseries and plant boutiques. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, these hidden gems are a plant lover’s paradise.

 
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Family-run nursery with a huge variety of rare and exotic cacti and succulents.
Cactus Center (Pasadena)
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Great succulent selection for gardeners and hobbyists.
Plant Depot (San Juan Capistrano)
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Specializes in succulents and drought-tolerant plants.
OASIS Water Efficient Gardens (Escondido)
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“Dig your own” cactus bins, art, and desert charm.
Cactus Mart (Morongo Valley, near Joshua Tree)
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A local favorite offering artisanal cactus & succulent arrangements, eco-friendly vessels, and garden design services.
PLANT THIS Palm Springs | Cacti, Succulents, Staghorn, Bespoke Pots
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