Nestled in the vibrant coastal city of Sarasota, Florida, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens at 1534 Mound St. is a lush, 15-acre tropical paradise that elevates your beach getaway with nature’s artistry. Established in 1975 to honor botanist Marie Selby, this world-renowned garden specializes in epiphytes—orchids, bromeliads, and air plants—set against a backdrop of banyan groves and mangroves along Sarasota Bay. Its stunning bayfront views and 45,000+ plant species make it a haven for nature lovers. Unique features include the Tropical Conservatory showcasing rare orchids, a butterfly garden, and interactive exhibits like the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden with treehouses and rope bridges. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 4-17, with free parking. TripAdvisor reviews average 4.7 stars, praising the “serene beauty” and “educational tours.” For justbeachfl.com travelers soaking up Siesta Key’s powdery sands, Selby Gardens is a refreshing escape—stroll through orchid displays after morning swims or explore mangroves post-kayaking, just a 10-minute drive away. Families love kid-friendly scavenger hunts, while couples enjoy romantic bayside walks at sunset. Accessibility includes wheelchair paths, and pet-friendly outdoor areas welcome leashed dogs. Seasonal events like the Orchid Show or Lights in Bloom tie into Sarasota’s cultural scene, complementing beach activities like paddleboarding or shelling. The on-site cafe serves local bites, perfect for lunch after beachcombing. Selby Gardens weaves Florida’s coastal ecology into your vacation, transforming sandy days into vibrant explorations of nature’s wonders, creating unforgettable memories where Gulf breezes meet botanical bliss.
