Nestled along the serene shores of Sarasota Bay, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers a harmonious blend of botanical beauty, historical richness, and environmental innovation. Spanning 45 acres across two distinct campuses, Selby Gardens stands as a testament to Sarasota’s commitment to preserving nature and culture.
🌿 A Dual-Campus Experience
Downtown Sarasota Campus
Located at 1534 Mound Street, this 15-acre urban sanctuary is renowned as the world’s only botanical garden dedicated to the study and display of epiphytes—plants like orchids and bromeliads that grow upon other plants without harming them. Visitors can explore diverse gardens, including tropical conservatories, banyan groves, and mangrove walkways, all while enjoying panoramic views of the bay.
Historic Spanish Point Campus
Situated less than 10 miles south in Osprey, this 30-acre site offers a journey through 5,000 years of Florida history. Guests can explore ancient shell mounds, pioneer-era buildings, and native plant habitats, all set against the backdrop of Little Sarasota Bay.
🌸 Botanical and Artistic Wonders
Selby Gardens boasts an impressive collection of over 20,000 living plants, including 5,500 orchids and 3,500 bromeliads. The gardens also house the world’s second-largest spirit collection of preserved plant specimens.
Beyond its botanical offerings, Selby Gardens serves as a cultural hub, hosting rotating exhibitions that intertwine art and nature. Notable past exhibitions include “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life,” which delved into the Beatles guitarist’s passion for gardening.
🌱 Sustainability at the Forefront
In 2024, Selby Gardens unveiled Phase One of its Master Plan, introducing the Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF). This state-of-the-art structure not only serves as a parking facility but also generates more energy than it consumes, making Selby Gardens the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden complex.
🕰️ Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Day)
- Admission:
- Downtown Sarasota Campus: Adults $28, Ages 5–17 $12, Ages 4 and under Free
- Historic Spanish Point Campus: Adults $20, Ages 5–17 $12, Ages 4 and under Free
- Membership: Members enjoy free admission to both campuses, discounts on events and shop purchases, and exclusive previews of exhibitions.
Whether you’re a botany enthusiast, history buff, or someone seeking a tranquil retreat, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers an enriching experience that celebrates the intersection of nature, art, and sustainability.
For more information and to plan your visit, please see the official website of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.