Built when Naples was under Spanish rule, Palazzo Reale is one of the four royal residences around Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their reign over the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Today, the grand palace and its sprawling grounds are home to the Teatro di San Carlo, the Teatrino di Corte, the National Library, and a captivating museum that offers a glimpse into 17th to 19th-century history through the exquisitely decorated royal apartments. The Royal Gardens, an enchanting sanctuary within, boast tree-lined avenues adorned with rare plants, statues, and hidden gardens, adding to the historical allure of this magnificent landmark.

Spanning 1,200 acres, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is home to a fascinating array of wild animal species from the deserts of North America and Africa. More than just a zoo, its mission is to preserve desert ecosystems and educate visitors about the importance of these unique environments and the species that thrive in them. Explore the expansive desert habitats, where you’ll encounter everything from majestic giraffes to desert tortoises, and discover the incredible adaptations that help these animals survive in some of the harshest climates on Earth.

Moorten Botanical Garden showcases over 3,000 plant species collected from deserts across the globe, all thriving on the historic Moorten family estate. The garden is filled with intriguing varieties of cacti, succulents, ancient fossils, and striking mineral specimens. A guided tour is well worth it—led by one of the Moortens or a seasoned guide, you’ll get a closer look at rare plants and stories of the garden’s evolution.