The Living Desert: Good Fun, Great Price

Bighorn sheep at The Living Desert.

The Living Desert in Palm Springs could charge the $12.50 admission for each of its three attractions: zoo, botanical gardens or model train display.

But you have to pay only once for all three. It’s a pretty good deal and a nice way to round out a trip to swinging Palm Springs.

Besides, it’s only $11 per person with the discount for seniors, AAA members and military personnel. Admission is $7.50 for children 12 and under, and free for children 3 and younger.

My daughter and I spent most of the day at The Living Desert yesterday. It reminded me of another desert zoo, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, another favorite of mine.

The Living Desert focuses on desert wildlife, including javelina, bighorn sheep and other animals that inhabit the Mojave Desert, as well as African species. They’re kept in big, natural enclosures among the botanical gardens.

The  gardens are extensive, including areas with local plant life and others themed to different regions of the world. The palm garden is amazing, with a vast variety of palm trees from around the world.

We were surprised to find an elaborate model train display, which covers and acre and includes models of historic sites. Whatever. It’s great. The petting zoo, with some very friendly goats, is also fun for kids.

Of course, there are ways to spend more money. There’s a $2 charge for admission to the butterfly and hummingbird exhibit (worth it) and a $6 charge for the trolley (didn’t need it.)