Return visit to Marie Selby Gardens during winter trip to Sarasota. This is a must see spot in Sarasota. Beautiful gardens, walking trails, and possibly the best view of Sarasota bay. The exhibits now feature Alexander Calder’s mobiles and art in the gallery and the gardens. This is a great spot to spend a few hours just wandering around enjoying the day! The new parking garage is fantastic, there is a new gift shop and a gourmet restaurant. Phase 2 of their master plan is under construction so some parts are closed but it is still a great place to visit!

– Linda McKinley

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota — Beauty With a Story

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a peaceful, inspiring escape that blends natural beauty with purpose and history.

From the moment you enter, the gardens impress with their waterfront setting along Sarasota Bay, winding paths, and lush tropical plantings. The collection is especially known for its orchids, bromeliads, and other epiphytes—plants that grow on trees and rocks rather than in soil—creating a landscape that feels both delicate and dramatic.

As you move through the gardens, subtle details stand out: massive banyan trees, carefully curated displays, and rare plant species that reflect Selby’s role as a leader in botanical research and conservation. The gardens are not just visually stunning; they represent decades of scientific study and global collaboration focused on preserving plant diversity.

Beyond the plant life, the setting itself invites you to slow down. Views of the water, shaded benches, and thoughtfully designed spaces make it easy to linger and reflect. It’s a place where nature, science, and serenity come together effortlessly.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers more than a beautiful walk—it provides a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of protecting it.

– Nancy Moore (Needham Realtor)

This is a lovely Garden in a metro area. They focus on preservation and education about the local flora and fauna. Gardens are well-maintained with a beautiful Lily Pond, a wonderful subtropical recreation with (I believe) Banyan trees which is a nice multi-level experience allowing you to take in the views and learn about the various levels of growth of plants from the ground to the Treetops. There's impressive number of orchids and other air plants so don't forget to look up to appreciate these beauties!
They have a good array of classes and special events, including the most recent Orchid show and holiday lights and an upcoming presentation by Patti Smith in the sister property in Osprey.

I was torn between a five star and a four-star rating because I signed up to be a member, and without warning I discovered that they were under construction and access to the grounds are limited on a rotational basis. That stinks but membership benefits the improvements in the garden. The renovation plans are exciting including a brand new Greenhouse that should provide an exciting experience when complete. They do try their best to still provide a worthwhile experience while they're under construction and I don't mind the membership donation because it does support as well as the research that they do worldwide to preserve and protect flora. They do have a lovely little cafe that gets great reviews I haven't visited it yet but I do enjoy their gift stop. It's thoughtfully stocked with a lot of educational items and some Whimsical items. There's plenty of stuff for kids to enjoy so if you're not interested in putting out the money don't take them in there! Of course proceeds benefit the gardens they're a little bit pricey but they do have quality Goods.

It's a nice little Oasis in the city and well worth the visit. I'm going to head down to their sister campus to check that out soon

– Julie