Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota (must see)

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens cover 15 acres, 9 of which are display gardens, featuring more than 20 thousand living plants. Spectacular and serene, the site is a great place to visit if you enjoy walking through beautiful gardens. Plant enthusiasts will rejoice at the possibility to see and learn about the multitude of species and specimens displayed, and the most devoted aficionados can visit the Selby Gardens Research Library hosting more than 8 thousand volumes, including rare and hard to find botanical books.

All the plants are divided into separate gardens. You’ll find a tropical conservatory, a fern garden, a bamboo garden, a fragrance garden, and more. Children will enjoy the Kid’s Corner in the Selby House. Besides, you’ll get the chance to marvel at the mesmerizing koi pond, tropical and coastal palms, mangrove walkway and majestic views of the Sarasota Bay, butterfly garden, waterfalls and plenty of other wonders featured on site.

Why You Should Visit:
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ uniqueness is given by the fact that it’s the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the study and display of epiphytes and their canopy ecosystems. As more than 150 expeditions to the tropics and subtropics have contributed to these collections, it now features a huge collection of living plants and many other on-site wonders.

Tip:
When visiting with kids, don’t miss the rainforest adventure area.
If you are a student or a member of a different botanical garden, you can benefit from certain discounts. Don’t forget to grab the corresponding ID with you.
If you are a bugs’ beloved target, bring bug spray with you.
Note that there is plenty of walking and a lot to explore, so get some comfortable shoes.
There might be lines at the restaurant. Plan your time accordingly.