Dubai Miracle Garden: A Colorful World You Think You've Seen Until You Haven't

The Dubai Miracle Garden was not on my radar at the time that I came across the tiny brochure at the cafe in the vicinity of Mall of the Emirates. Flowers... in a desert? I was thinking that was a no-no. But I went in anyway with a mix of curiosity and skeptical, and those first steps made me feel like I was in some sort of floral fantasy that isn't possible in the hot weather. However, it does. And it's enormous. And strangely comforting.

The place, which is officially the world's biggest natural flower garden, is sprawled out in a manner that you have to stop your sentence mid-sentence. Or lose your sentence completely.

Why Dubai Miracle Garden Hits Differently
Perhaps it's the or the. One would expect glass, skyscrapers traffic, desert sand however, there's an enormous explosion of colors--like the rainbow was spilled by someone and it just took root. More than 150 million flowers (so they claim... which I didn't however it does feel right).

While walking through, I was asking myself why the flowers here more vibrant than the flowers that I have on my front porch back home? The air is also softer, kind of sweet, a bit earthy with a dash to "I can't believe this is real."

Your camera will perform over time. My camera has overheated. Literally.

Getting In: A Quick Note on Miracle Garden Ticket Choices
Do not get caught up in the mystical garden ticket scenario. The prices are fairly simple, and lines are often long, and sometimes not. What's the best tip? Get up a little earlier. Don't wake up early. But... just before big crowds arrive (you are the ones who have caps that match).

Tickets are available in person at the event or on the internet. Online's easier, obviously. It's also true that there aren't any fancy extras. Keep your ticket in the bag since you'll likely have to have to stop 10 times in front of the gate, taking pictures of the gate.

That Famous Heart Tunnel & Other Spots You Can't Miss
There's this heart-shaped path that you've seen on Instagram. I was walking in and thought, "Okay, super cliche." Then I looked closer and saw the flowers laid out like the paint was applied one flower at one time. It's difficult to not slow down. People perform that tiny half-step as they continue to look around for a different picture.

The heart tunnel isn't the only center of the show. See the huge Airbus A380 covered in flowers--yes it's an actual plane structure decorated with flowers. The floating lady... I do not know how they came up with it without making it look weird. It's beautiful and haunting in an appropriate way.

I saw one man proposing near the umbrella walkway. The girl agreed. Everyone clapped. Even the children who had sticky ice cream fingers.

Exploring Miracle Garden - Street 3 - Dubai
If you type the magic garden street number 3 Dubai on your maps, it's exactly the area you'll find yourself in. The road you're on informs you that traffic is slowing and people wearing flower crowns begin to appear as well as a slight floral smell that isn't appropriate in a location that's with a desert surrounding it.

Street 3 is where the majority of rides drop you off, and you'll hear five different languages spoken simultaneously. The mix of languages creates a garden that feels more international, like a miniature flowering UN.

Visiting Dubai Miracle Garden at Night
Here's the deal. If you are able, consider going to Dubai Miracle Garden at night too.
Or instead. Or both, if your an kind of person who isn't sure what to do.

The area changes, with lights tucked in between the flowers, soft light reflecting off the sculptures and finally the temperature declaring, "Alright, I'll give you a break." I can remember being near the castle's structure and it was completely covered in blooms, and the lighting made it appear like something from a book... but it was more charming, and less pretentious.

Nighttime visits also mean less crowds. Also, fewer kids playing around. If it's not a weekend or a holiday, then you're lucky, but it's nevertheless, it's worth it.

Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Went
Wear shoes that are breathable. Not cute shoes. Not new shoes. Believe me.

Bring water. Yes, they'll sell it inside, but it's almost like your brain doesn't realize your are in the desert, because everything looks so gorgeous.

Don't rush. The garden may appear tiny when you look at the maps... but it's not.

If you're using a taxi make sure you book your return in advance. Street 3 becomes chaotic at closing time: cars honking, pedestrians shouting at drivers, and the entire scene.

Pictures look better when taken from random corners rather than from the "main" spots. You can wander off-path and find more tranquil corners.

Final Thoughts on Dubai Miracle Garden
I walked out of the garden after about three hours, from sunset to night, with my phone running at the 5% mark and my head pulsing with the colors. Dubai Miracle Garden is one of those places that should not exist, but is which is perhaps why it's so special.

If you're looking for the ideal Miracle Garden tickets or just interested in Dubai Miracle Garden at night or simply navigating to Miracle Garden - Street 3 in Dubai and you'll probably walk away with more photos than you anticipated and an eerie appreciation for the people who keep the millions of flowers in bloom in this scorching heat.

It's an area I'd love to visit again. I'm sure I'll be more cautious next time.

And yes... this ticket is worth it. The ticket is also worth it. and the slightly smoky return trip.