The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — Exploring Wildlife in the Coachella Valley
Location & City Context
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located at 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260, in the heart of Southern California’s Coachella Valley.
Palm Desert, part of Riverside County, is known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and desert landscapes. It sits adjacent to Palm Springs and is surrounded by other desert communities such as Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Cathedral City. Together, these cities form one of California’s most popular resort destinations, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and year-round sunshine.
History of The Living Desert
Origins: The Living Desert began in 1970 as a desert conservation area, dedicated to preserving desert ecosystems and educating the public about desert plants and animals.
Expansion: By 1974, the site opened to the public as a zoo and botanical garden, combining live animal exhibits with desert gardens.
Growth: Over time, The Living Desert expanded to include African and North American desert habitats, breeding programs, hiking trails, and educational centers.
Today: Covering over 1,800 acres, with 80 acres developed for public exhibits, it is recognized as one of the top zoos in North America and a leader in desert conservation.
Exhibits & Attractions
Visitors to The Living Desert can explore a variety of habitats and experiences:
African Safari: Features giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and ostriches in expansive savanna-like enclosures.
North American Habitats: Includes mountain lions, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and birds of prey native to the Southwest.
Botanical Gardens: Showcases desert plant life from around the world, with themed gardens highlighting cacti, succulents, and wildflowers.
Australian Adventures: An immersive exhibit where guests can walk among kangaroos and wallabies.
Hiking Trails: Scenic desert trails within the property allow visitors to connect with the surrounding mountains and desert ecosystems.
Family Activities: Interactive areas such as petting kraals, model train displays, and seasonal events make it family-friendly.
Surrounding Areas & Attractions
The Living Desert is ideally located near many Coachella Valley highlights:
Palm Springs: Known for its mid-century modern architecture, spas, and cultural scene.
Indian Wells & La Quinta: Famous for luxury golf resorts and world-class tennis events.
Joshua Tree National Park: A short drive away, offering dramatic desert landscapes, hiking, and stargazing.
Coachella Valley Preserve: Home to the Thousand Palms Oasis and rare desert wildlife.
Driving Directions
From: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260
To: 565 Oleander Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Head north on Portola Avenue toward Magnesia Falls Drive.
Turn left onto Fred Waring Drive.
Merge onto CA-111 North toward Palm Springs.
Continue on CA-111 through Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, and into Palm Springs.
Turn left onto E Ramon Road.
Turn right onto S Sunrise Way.
Turn left onto Oleander Rd.
Arrive at 565 Oleander Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264.
(Always use GPS or a maps app for the most accurate, real-time directions.)
Why Visit The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is more than just a zoo—it’s a conservation center, botanical garden, and educational experience that highlights the beauty and importance of desert life. It offers something for everyone, from wildlife lovers and hikers to families seeking an unforgettable day in Palm Desert.
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