Exploring The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: Part One

When you own or rent a luxury RV lot at Outdoor Resort Indio (ORI), you’re not just choosing a beautiful resort—you’re stepping into a vibrant Coachella Valley community filled with world-class attractions. One of our favorites—and one that many fellow ORI owners hold annual passes to—is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert. This remarkable destination is just a short drive from ORI and is a perfect reason to make the resort your seasonal home base.

A Zoo Unlike Any Other

The Living Desert isn’t your typical crowded zoo. While you’ll find beloved favorites like giraffes, meerkats, wolves, and wallabies, the experience is refreshingly open and peaceful. The grounds are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with winding walking paths, shaded alcoves, and quiet seating areas perfect for reflection. Instead of cramming animals into every corner, the Living Desert blends its exhibits seamlessly into its natural desert surroundings, creating a calm, immersive atmosphere.

Stroll Through Stunning Desert Gardens

Much of the Living Desert’s magic lies in its spectacular botanical gardens. These are not traditional flower gardens—instead, they celebrate the beauty and resilience of desert flora from around the world. Towering cacti, vibrant succulents, and other native plants showcase the diversity and color of arid landscapes. The result is a living tapestry of the desert’s natural charm, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful morning walk.

Adventure for Every Age

Families love the Living Desert’s mix of attractions. Children can cool off at the new interactive water play area, which features gentle fountains, splash pads, and one small slide—perfect even for toddlers. Animal lovers of all ages can enjoy feeding the giraffes (watch out for those long, nimble tongues!), walking among free-roaming wallabies in the Australian habitat, or visiting the petting zoo. There’s also a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts: a five-mile hiking trail accessible only through the zoo—perfect for exploring once the temperatures drop.

Dining with a View

When it’s time to recharge, the Living Desert offers three casual dining spots. The Bighorn Café is the largest and features simple, family-friendly fare like pizza and ice cream. What sets it apart is its massive glass wall looking out onto a rugged hillside, where native Bighorn Sheep roam—an unforgettable dining backdrop you won’t find anywhere else.

A Perfect Local Escape from ORI

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful morning walk, a family adventure, or simply something new to share with visiting friends and grandkids, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens adds incredible value to the ORI lifestyle. It’s a place that rewards repeat visits and offers something new each season, just a short drive from your coach.

So next time you’re at Outdoor Resort Indio, treat yourself to a day at this desert oasis. Who knows—you might even become one of the many ORI owners who proudly carry an annual pass.

See you at the zoo,
Pete & Linda Sutton

‍