Located in Sarasota, Florida, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a refuge for natural beauty, education, and cultural history. This remarkable destination seamlessly combines botanical displays, scientific research, and environmental stewardship across two unique campuses: the Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses.

Offering visitors an immersive experience with tropical plants and the rich history of the region, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has earned international recognition for its contributions to botany, horticulture, and historical preservation.

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature or explore the stories of Florida’s past, this living museum provides an unparalleled experience for all ages and interests.

About

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens spans 45 acres along Sarasota Bay, offering two distinct locations where the beauty of nature is intertwined with progressive environmental practices. The Downtown Sarasota campus is a global hub for the study and display of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and other tropical plants.

Notably, it features the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden complex, serving as a benchmark for sustainable design. The Historic Spanish Point campus is located just 10 miles south along Little Sarasota Bay and is one of Florida’s largest native plant preserves.

With an archaeological record spanning approximately 5,000 years, it offers visitors insight into the cultural and historical legacy of the region. As a Smithsonian Affiliate and an institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Selby Gardens provides visitors with an experience that blends contemporary research with historical context. 

Exhibitions and Events

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is more than just a botanical sanctuary—it is a dynamic cultural and educational space. Throughout the year, it hosts a rotating series of exhibitions that highlight botanical art, environmental topics, and historical themes.

Whether you prefer the works of contemporary artists or exhibits that delve deep into Florida’s rich history, you’ll find the programming at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens both enriching and engaging.

These exhibitions complement the living collections of plants, encouraging visitors to appreciate nature through multiple lenses.

Additionally, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts seasonal events that bring the community together. Art walks, educational seminars, and garden celebrations are just a glimpse of what visitors can expect.

For current schedules and updates, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens website offers the most accurate information to ensure you don’t miss out on the latest happenings.

Youth & Family Programs

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an excellent destination for families looking to enjoy time outdoors in a space that fosters creativity and curiosity.

The gardens provide interactive opportunities for children and families, offering everything from hands-on workshops to multi-generational experiences in both campuses’ lush landscapes.

Special family-focused events ensure that younger visitors are engaged, whether exploring the gardens or learning through play. With unique trails, colorful plant life, and educational opportunities scattered across the grounds, children can let their imaginations run wild while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world.

For parents in search of memorable family excursions while staying at one of our Anna Maria Island condo rentals, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is just a short drive away.

Collections

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is renowned for housing one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of epiphytes. This includes living collections, preserved plants, rare books, and terabytes of digital research.

Over the decades, Selby Gardens has amassed extensive data and contributions from leading botanists and researchers. The result is an institution that not only serves as a visual marvel but also makes an active contribution to global botanical science.

From rare botanicals to historical documentation, the collections provide incredible depth and breadth. Guests can admire scientifically significant plant specimens or marvel at rare botanical art plates that illustrate the intricate details of tropical flora.

These collections serve as a link between artistic representation, scientific discovery, and environmental advocacy, making Selby Gardens a destination worth visiting.

Where To Stay in Anna Maria Island

After exploring all the enriching experiences Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has to offer, guests can retreat to the tranquil shores of Anna Maria Island.

Island Vacation Properties offers a variety of accommodations, such as our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, ensuring you have the perfect place to call home during your Florida escape.

Combining luxurious comfort with proximity to award-winning beaches, our Anna Maria Island beachfront rentals allow you to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico’s beauty while being within driving distance of Sarasota’s cultural hub.

Whether your focus is relaxation or exploration, Anna Maria Island provides the ideal complement to a day spent at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, ensuring your visit is both relaxing and fulfilling.