Our Blog

An Insider’s Guide to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onJanuary 17, 2022 in Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota, Events, Historic Sarasota, Relaxation, Sarasota, Sarasota Museums, Siesta Key, Things To Do.

Sarasota is bursting with activities, culture, nature’s beauty, relaxation, and fun ways to spend time with friends and family. One thing that encompasses all of these is visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the allure and amazement of Florida history through the eyes of native botanicals. The brilliant colors of petals, leaves, tropical flowers, and exotic plants will open your mind to the wonders of Mother Nature as you admire her spectacular gifts. With your family, friends, or even meandering about the gardens alone, you will find peace, relaxation, and serenity at every turn. The local experts here at Best Western Siesta Key are sharing everything you need to know about planning a visit to the Selby Gardens. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 

Choose between two convenient locations in Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973 after Sarasota resident Marie Selby left her 1920’s home and beloved garden to her community. Since then, the Sarasota community has come together to ensure the garden continues operating, servicing, and educating the public. From botany and horticulture to historical preservation and education, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrate Florida history spanning approximately 5,000 years. 

The Living Museums

With over 45 acres of botanical gardens between its two locations, this “tropical urban oasis” is more than a garden. It’s a place where people come together for yoga and other events, and children of all ages come to play, explore, and learn. Before planning your trip to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, be sure to look at their packed calendar of events for special exhibits, workshops, performances, and yoga classes. That way, you can be sure you can catch a few fun and truly unique experiences and exhibitions among Mother Nature’s work at either campus. 

Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Downtown Sarasota 

Nestled on Sarasota Bay, less than 6 miles, or a 15-minute car ride, away from Best Western Siesta Key, is the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Downtown Sarasota. Here, you will be met with 15 acres of breathtaking Florida native plants and flowers. The downtown campus of the Selby Gardens is the only one in the world that dedicates its grounds to the public display of botanicals and the study of these tropical plants. Unique to these gardens are events that differ from those at the Historic Spanish Point campus, such as the Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica exhibit. 

Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Historic Spanish Point

A ten-minute car ride to Osprey, just about 5 miles south of Best Western Siesta Key, will lead you to the Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Historic Spanish Point. This campus is double the size of the Selby Garden located downtown as it spans across 30 acres. The Selby Gardens in Historic Spanish Point is one of the largest botanical preserves that showcases state native plants and flowers accessible for public viewing and admiring. This campus also offers regular workshops and special events in the garden, for instance, Colored Pencil Art, Yoga on the Point, and even live music and performances. Many of these incredible experiences sell out quickly, so look ahead to plan your perfect trip when visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Historic Spanish Point. 

When planning the details of your trip to Sarasota and Siesta Key, aside from making reservations here at Best Western Siesta Key, check out what’s happening at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Dive into the wonderful world of tropical plants, flowers, and adventure.