Although many deserts lack basic amenities such as running water and Wi-Fi cactus spots, some come equipped with every luxury one might expect from a five-star ecosystem. Lease a sandy suite with today’s Groupon: for $25, you get a one-year family membership ($50 value) to Tohono Chul Park, located on Paseo del Norte. Two adults can nestle under the sun umbrella of a family membership, while admission for all children and grandchildren 17 and under is free.

Tohono Chul Park is an oasis of botanical gardens where guests can explore and learn about the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The park, which has received numerous awards for botanical excellence, houses a huge collection of night-blooming cereus, amongst other brilliant blossoms. A host of trails, threads across the park, through beautiful gardens, and art exhibits that represent the Southwest’s nature and culture. The park also features its own geocache for GPS-equipped treasure hunters. Discover what happens in the desert when the sun goes down with free admission to Bloom Night and Park after Dark or release an inner child from your knapsack while listening to traditional tales during Stories in the Garden for Children.

A plethora of additional perks awaits new members, such as two one-time-use guest passes and discounts at the museum shop and for classes and special events. Other benefits include a new member reception and guided tour, when desert sages will explain the difference between sand and baking soda. Check the park’s calendar for scheduling information, and prepare for a delightful stroll through the desert.

Reviews

Tohono Chul Park has received a great deal of awards including being named one of the World's Ten Great Botanical Gardens by Travel + Leisure magazine and a featured in the Tucson Lifestyle Best of the City 2010. It is Frommer's Highly Recommended, and National Geographic featured it on its list of top US and Canadian gardens. Eight TripAdvisors and eight Yelpers give it 4.5 owl eye and star averages, respectively.

• Single-handedly correcting the widespread misconception of desert flora (most people picture some version of the Looney Tunes Road Runner backdrop), Tohono Chul is a 49-acre study in color and variety. – Travel + Leisure
• It combines art, culture and nature of the region. The lunch is great too and the prickley [sic] pear cactus lemonade is a must! – visitingthewest, TripAdvisor