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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236-726
941-366-5731
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Ranked #5 of 70 attractions in Sarasota
Type: Gardens, Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas
Activities: Viewing foliage
Description: A sprawling botanical garden.
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447 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
rochester, ny
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

My husband and I love these gardens; a wonderful way to relax, and take in the beauty nature has to offer. Whether you're an orchid lover or not, this makes for a great visit. Stop for some tea in the tea house and relax. The only thing that would have made this a better visit is a lower admission fee.... More

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Tampa
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

This small but beautiful botanical garden is relaxing just to walk around and enjoy the well manicured trees, shrubs, and outstanding tropical plants. The various orchids are lovely so don't forget to bring a camera! The staff is friendly and truly dedicated to this facility.

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See 6 more reviews by karenair57 for Sarasota
Elmira, NY
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

I have visited Marie Selby Gardens in both spring and fall. Each time was a different experience, based on what was blooming. The otter was a nice surprise in the water. The tea house near the main building is a refreshing surprise and a great treat to taste locally produced teas.

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See 2 more reviews by pouncethetravelcat for Sarasota
Sarasota FL
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Great place for quiet visit on Sarasota Bay. Loved the bromiliads and hibiscus. New children's Garden under construction.

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See 9 more reviews by jkennedy2021 for Sarasota
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
49 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed walking the grounds and seeing the incredible variety of plants and trees. The seating area by the water was a perfect area for relaxing. The tour guide was impressively knowledgeable.

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See 11 more reviews by Susan M for Sarasota
Camberley, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 60 cities Reviews in 60 cities
95 helpful votes 95 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

This is a great place to spend a few hours in peace and tranquility. During this visit we encountered a mother duck and her chicks which were extremely tame (but not to be fed!) and a bird of prey sitting in a tree oblivious to the smaller birds trying to scare it away. The Orchids in the conservatory are absolutely... More

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Dallas, Texas
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW via mobile

These are beautiful gardens with many interesting species. Walking is mostly shaded and some parts are indoors. We missed part of the gardens just because we didn't pay attention to our map or ask, but even still, this is not an attraction to be missed.all the volunteers are awesome and are just dying to answer any questions.

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See 3 more reviews by 1molly1234 for Sarasota
Fairfax, Virginia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

When we step on the entrance garden I think we will get bore and only spend 1 hour inside but I was wrong completely the garden is beautiful, clean, many wonderful view you can enjoyed it . I love the koi pond I was found 5 baby duck with their mother . We spent more than 3 hours without we... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ley s for Sarasota
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

We have been coming to Siesta Key for 5 years and this was our first visit to the gardens. I wish we would have been here sooner. This place is amazing and the history behind this place is so interesting. The gardens have over 600 volunteers and a full staff of caretakers too. The view of the bay is breath... More

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See 7 more reviews by Misha00 for Sarasota
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

Really nice place to visit, orchid hothouse and great gardens. Display of Sierra Leone Balsa Wood masks in the house which one could buy, unfortunately they were all sold so missed out. They were beautifully carved and painted.

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See 6 more reviews by Brijan34 for Sarasota

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