There’s more to Arizona than boring dirt and rocks (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise)! If you have some free time over the weekend and you're looking for some peace, consider visiting one of these beautiful public Arizona gardens... especially in the springtime, when wildflowers abound. Spring in Arizona is amazing - come experience it to the fullest.

The 21-acre Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is home to a natural history museum, a zoo, and a botanical garden. Not only are the grounds beautiful but you’ll also see plenty of wildlife in the zoo and around the gardens.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff houses more than 2,500 native and non-native plant species across its sprawling 200-acre property. Check it out if you’re looking to find out more about plants in Flagstaff and its surrounding communities. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to attend one of their workshops highlighting different animals native to the area, like this red-tailed hawk.

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in the state at 323 amazing acres; it's also an amazing natural setting to help you see a wide variety of desert plants in their natural habitats.

Perhaps the most popular garden in the state, the Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful site that highlights the unique plants we have in Arizona. The 140-acre garden is home to more than 50,000 plants and also has kid-friendly activities.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the bustle of city life, take a slow stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden. It sits on a small 3.5 acres in downtown Phoenix along the I-10 and features a tea house, waterfall, and koi garden. The garden is open from October through May. You may even make a friend!

While the temple itself is closed to visitors, the grounds are a beautiful location perfect for a quiet walk. The Mesa Mormon Temple is also a popular visit during the winter months when they set up light displays.

The Sharlot Hall Museum Territorial Women’s Rose Garden was created as a tribute to more than 400 women who resided within the Arizona Territory prior to statehood. In addition to the rose garden, the museum also hosts an herb garden and kitchen garden.

Sitting on a small 49 acres, Tohono Chul Park is dedicated to helping people connect with Arizona's nature, culture, and art.

The five-acre Tucson Botanical Gardens used to be an estate and is actually a collection of several different gardens that form a peaceful location to relax.

What other Arizona gardens do you enjoy visiting? Tell us in the comments - we love hearing about your favorite places! Visiting and need a place to stay? Check out all the awesome offerings from our friends at Booking.com.