The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are perfect when staying in one of our Siesta Key vacation rentals. Not only do you have the opportunity to connect with nature and the history of the area, but you get to experience seeing some of the world’s most beautiful plants. There are plenty of things to do in Siesta Key, but there is nothing like enjoying everything that the garden has to offer.
If you are in the area and are considering visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, you have come to the right place to learn everything there is to know about it and the different events that the location offers for you to enjoy on your next Siesta Key vacation.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens History
The gardens were founded in 1973 and were originally the home of Marie Selby, a gardener who was passionate about her plants and wanted them available for the public to enjoy. The 15-acre original area has plenty of plants to look at, many of which were planted by Marie Selby and her husband themselves. The gardens are the only ones in the world that are solely dedicated to the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, and ferns, including many other tropical plants. As a matter of fact, scientists from the Selby Gardens have made it their goal to find and identify some of the most unique plants in places all over the world. Now, what started as a 15-acre piece of land owned by a husband and wife has developed into 45 acres of nature filled with tropical plants where anyone can connect with nature.
About Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are now in two different locations. One of them is the Downtown Sarasota Campus, while the other is the Historic Spanish Point Campus. The Historic Spanish Point Campus is a huge resource, and the gardens serve as a way to preserve its history. Here you will find different things to do, including tours, dining, and even a butterfly house that is such a unique and exciting experience for everyone!
The Downtown Sarasota Campus offers plenty of greenhouses for you to enjoy, making it feel like you are in a tropical rainforest! From orchids to bromeliads, you can definitely find a variety of flowers in the Downtown Sarasota Campus. You will also find the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, which is a perfect spot where kids experience what it is like to travel through the treetops! Additionally, you will find an extraordinary 12-foot waterfall here, making you feel like you are in the middle of a rainforest. Other spots that you can find on the Downtown Sarasota Campus include the Banyan Grove, Bamboo Garden, and Bromeliad Garden.
Events
There are plenty of events that the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts, which you can be a part of! Let’s dive right into some of the events to give you an idea, and you can decide which ones are of more interest to you.
Lights in Bloom
Lights in Bloom is an event offered at the Downtown Sarasota Campus location of the Marie Selby Gardens. It offers a spectacular view of the gardens, illuminated by over two million lights within the garden and walkways. It is an award-winning holiday show, and you won’t want to miss it if you are visiting the area during the holiday season.
New Year’s Eve Gala
The New Year’s Eve Gala is an annual event on New Year’s Eve. It is a luxurious, black-tie event filled with classy dinners and drinks. The event attendees also get to enjoy the millions of lights that adorn the garden and ring in the new year with fireworks and music played by a DJ. This is definitely an event you will want to attend if you are in the area and are looking for a festive event.
The Orchid Ball
The Orchid Ball is another elegant night in the Downtown Sarasota campus. This Siesta Key event is meant as a fundraiser, and proceeds from it will be put towards various education programs around the community as well as research, conservation, and world-class horticulture displays around the Marie Selby sanctuaries. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this event for a great cause.
Plan Your Siesta Key Vacation
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Garden Music Series
If you are in the mood to listen to some amazing music of different genres, then the Garden Music Series is the event for you. At this event, you will have the opportunity to listen to anything from classical, folk, country, and Latin music to jazz, pop, soul, and rock and roll! The live music events vary, and you will have to check the website to find out who is performing during your visit; their website has everything you need to know, and you can also register for the event on it.
Fourth of July
If you are looking for an event filled with an explosion of colors with a beautiful view, then you won’t want to miss the Fourth Of July All-American Cookout. The event features everyone’s American favorite meals and various games for the entire family to participate in. Let’s not forget the beautiful fireworks show to tie the night together! If you are looking for fun for everyone during the summer, this is the event for you.
Selby Spooktacular
Fall vacationers will be happy to hear that the Gardens offer a Selby Spooktacular Halloween event in the Downtown Sarasota Campus. Join in on the fun while you participate in various Halloween activities like trick or treating, arts, and crafts. Definitely, one the kids will enjoy!
Garden Tours
For those who want to learn everything there is to know about the Marie Selby Gardens, the Downtown Sarasota Campus offers group tour programs that are interactive and full of knowledge, guided by their experienced staff. You can even experience the gardens by boat or purchase the self-guided tour option for a little more independence during your experience.
Your Stay with Vunique Vacations
At Vunique Vacations, we offer luxurious Siesta Key rentals that are perfect for a memorable vacation. Our Siesta Key vacation rentals give you the comfort that you need while on vacation from the time you check in to the time you check out! Additionally, our rental properties are within close proximity to amazing activities and attractions, including the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
In between outings around town, you’ll love heading back to the grandeur of our Siesta Key luxury rentals. Enjoy a range of fabulous amenities, from high-speed internet to safety cameras and noise monitoring. There are many reasons why staying with us is the perfect choice for your Siesta Key vacation. Our vacation homes even include game consoles, a fully stocked kitchen, barbecue grills, washers and dryers, bikes, beach chairs, and more to make your stay enjoyable, but more importantly, to make it easy to keep you and your guests entertained. Don’t hesitate to book with us, where you can count on impeccable homes with everything that you need for an amazing vacation. With knowledgeable and friendly staff that are ready to help you with anything you need, rest easy in the height of luxury. Book your next vacation with us today and have an amazing experience in Siesta Key.Â
