Visit the Sarasota Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

When staying in one of our Siesta Key beach rentals, you’re probably planning to spend plenty of time outdoors. The beach itself is a pretty obvious attraction, but there are tons of other Siesta Key outdoor activities for you to discover! You can bike up and down the island to explore the sites, stroll through a local nature preserve, or walk up and down the streets to visit the shops and restaurants lining the shore.

If you are looking to experience one of the most popular outdoor activities in the area, you’ll want to take a quick day trip to Sarasota to experience the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

About The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have been one of the most popular outdoor things to do in Siesta Key for years now. The campus of the gardens is just a quick drive from our Siesta Key rentals and was first founded in 1973. According to their website, this destination is the sole botanical garden in the world “dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, and other tropical plants.” You’ll find 15 acres of breathtaking nature to explore throughout the Sarasota campus. (In 2020, the gardens opened a second campus at Historic Spanish Point, but here, we’ll only be talking about the main Sarasota campus.)

Marie Selby Gardens Location

To get to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, you’ll need to head to 1534 Mound Street in Sarasota. Guests are welcome to visit any day of the year except Christmas Day. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Thanksgiving, when they close at 3 p.m.). The Marie Selby Gardens are great for those traveling on a budget since adults get in for just $25 and kids between ages 5-17 get in for $10. Kids 4 and under get in for free!

When you arrive, you’ll find some parking at the Gardens themselves, but there are also alternative parking locations if you can’t find a spot. You may park at the Selby Gardens Lot at 740 South Orange Avenue, the Suncoast Blood Center at 1760 Mound Avenue, or the Senior Friendship Center (only on weekends and evenings) at 1888 Brother Geenan Way.

What to Expect and How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

Guests are welcome to stroll around the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens at their own pace to see all the beautiful scenery. You’ll quickly understand why this is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Sarasota, Florida! Many guests opt to explore the Gardens through a self-guided tour (eight-person minimum). You’ll receive an educational orientation from a staff member, supplemental reading and learning materials, and an educational audio tour. These tours cost $18 per person. 

If you want a bit more information and would like to head through the Gardens with a guide, guided tours are available. You can embark on a Gardens Tour, an Art Tour, or a Conservatory Tour. If you want to cover more than one topic, you can combine programs for a bundled rate! Just like on the Self-Guided Tours, you’ll get an orientation, supplemental materials, and an audio guide. You’ll also have an educator walking with you and teaching you about the Gardens and all the beautiful sights you see along the way. These tours cost $29 per person. 

Ongoing Events

In addition to the Gardens themselves, this destination frequently features fun events that locals and visitors alike are welcome to attend. Be sure to participate in at least one of these events while you’re in town!

One of the most popular recurring events at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the Exhibition Evenings. While the exhibitions themselves may rotate, Exhibition Evenings are a staple. During these events, guests are welcome to come to the garden and experience the exhibition as it has never been seen before, typically coupled with a cocktail reception and a performance by a local performing arts organization. Throughout the spring of 2022, the facility will be welcoming the Sarasota Opera, Strings Con Brio, and the Sarasota Ballet. These events are typically held once per month.

Another notable event is the Orchid Evenings, which is easily one of the best ways to view the stunning orchids on display here at the Gardens. During this event, guests experience a memorable evening viewing of the orchids at the Gardens and a special performance by a local group. For instance, in November 2021, the Gardens welcomed the Circus Arts Conservatory.

You may also be interested in the Floral Design Evenings, incredible events that bring together floral design from the area’s most renowned designers and light refreshments and incredible company. In March 2022, the Floral Design Evening centered around Tailored Twig and featured the respected wedding florist Darin Bahl.

Outdoor Things to do in Siesta Key

If you don’t happen to catch one of these events or you are in town for a special occasion, you might be able to check out one of the annual events held at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. These events typically coincide with major holidays and are a great way to make extra special memories with the ones you love most.

To start, Halloween at Selby Gardens typically brings both a trick-or-treating celebration as well as interesting evening tours. The Selby Spooktacular allows you and your family to dress up in costume, trick-or-treat throughout the Gardens, and participate in fun crafts and activities. You can also return in the evening for a special tour that reveals the fascinating (and perhaps spooky!) past of the area.

If you’re in town during the holiday season, you definitely don’t want to miss Lights in Bloom. During this celebration, the Gardens are lit up by over 2 million lights that make for incredible photo opportunities everywhere you look! You can also experience plenty of arts and crafts, activities, entertainment, and delicious food from local restaurants.

Ring in the New Year with the New Year’s Eve celebration here at the Gardens. This exclusive event lets you dress up in your most sophisticated black tie apparel to enjoy private access to the Lights in Bloom show, a delicious four-course dinner, an open bar, entertainment by a local performing arts group (to bring in 2022, it was the Sarasota Ballet), and a stunning view of the fireworks over the Bay as you count down to the New Year. 

Last but not least is the July 4th All-American Cookout. You’ll have an incredible view of the fireworks set off by the city of Sarasota and can also explore the Gardens and purchase a wide range of All-American favorites.

Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties  

During your stay in our Siesta Key gulf view vacation rentals, be sure to take a trip to Sarasota to experience the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for yourself. Siesta Key Luxury Rental Properties is happy to help you secure the ultimate Siesta Key vacation rental with a pool for your dream getaway. Our rental properties are fully stocked with upscale amenities and furnishings, situated in picturesque locations, and complemented by the incredible service of our team. Contact SKLRP today to learn more!