Took my mother in law there for Christmas. They wouldn't give me a military discount, active duty only which was odd, we are retired military. The lady was very rude about it. A bit over priced at the gift shop, but was able to find a plant at a great price and a t shirt. The cafe was way over priced, especially them not making anything there. Wasn't able to get my wrap the way I wanted, (ie without mayo)it was already made. The gardens and land was very beautiful otherwise. I gave it 4 stars because of the over pricing.
I am disappointed in how rude the manager up front is. As a member I had addressed a concern I had and my concern was met with rudeness, bitterness, and her treating me with demeaning nature. She had short grey hair and made it very clear she was the manager.
I will not be renewing my membership and will not be back. I will also not suggest this place to friends and family.
It's a beautiful garden, very small and not worth 20 bucks to get in, but it is pretty and very well maintained. However like I said, if management is going to go out of their way to be rude I will not be returning or spending my money here, or at Michaels on East ever again.
It's a shame one person had to ruin it but they certainly did! I'll take my money elsewhere
The most amazing botanical gardens available locally. Always clean and well maintained. The views of the bay are great. So many great picture opportunities. Huge kids area, interactive exhibits. Helpful staff and free tour guides if interested. The Cactus gardens, great lawn, waterfront views, banyan trees are all amazing too. So many things to see here. My friend proposed here (she said yes of course) and the pictures are great. You can also have professional staff take pictures for engagements and proposals. There's a garden center outside with a lot of plants and things for sale. Very competitive prices too. All in all this is a great place to spend the day.
This is a wonderful Botanical Garden with many areas that are themed. Has a wonderful walk around path and a large Pavilion with stained glass windows around the top overlooking the ocean that is perfect for weddings and other such events. There is a house with a museum type exhibit that changes periodically. There are always people there to answer your questions. It's a wonderful place to walk around and see the amazing plant and all the birds that come in to enjoy the area. Selby Gardens is Bayside so you have wonderful water views as well. The entrance admission is reasonable and it's a wonderful place for a day for family friends and out-of-town visitors
I came here with my family while on vacation from St Louis. It was a great break from the beach for the day. The Marie Selby Botanical Garden accepts reciprocal memberships, so my husband and I got in for free with our Missouri Botanical Garden membership (which is awesome). The garden itself is a nice easy walk that you can get through at a leisurely pace. The path around the garden is fairly well manicured so it would even be good for people who have a hard time with uneven surfaces. If you have an afternoon to kill, considering checking out some of the cool plants at the botanical garden!
Spent a couple hours exploring the extensive exhibits and the lovely grounds. I enjoyed walking in the beautiful landscaping the most! Experiencing the verdure and views of Creation.
orchids were beautiful, gardens were lovely. very relaxing to walk through. reminder - DO NOT touch the cactus. great little snack shop inside, very fun tree house for the little ones (and adults ; ) ) to play in
Just a wonderful way to spend a day if you like nature, plants, ORCHIDS and trees. Very peaceful with benches here and there especially near the bay. Has a wonderful children's garden with boardwalks in the trees, waterfall and learning center in the trees. ❤
The best part beside the beauty is their dedication to research and protecting flowers throughout the world. I only give them a three out of five because they are charging adults something close to $20. That means a family with two adults and three children will find the experience requiring a bank loan. The fault is the miserly nature of the Florida government. They say they love tourists. They don't show it and it appears that we may be out pricing ourselves as a tourist destination. PS I worked there for 5 years as a volunteer gardener. I loved every minute of it, I just don't go very often anymore
I LOVED it! The gardens were beautiful and the plants were well tended. The kids place where the canopy walkway was also REALLY cool. I was able to climb a banyan tree with no problem. But in the cafe line don't make any calls because they weren't quite nice to me. But over all it was fun,educational, and just REALLY fun.
Nice place to walk around next to Sarasota Bay. I would say it was a good 3 hours walking around and visiting the sites. The guide in the morning was very informative and friendly. If you want an easy going walking tour, I would recommend!
BEST botanical garden in all of FL! well kept and beautiful . Pleasant and informative staff, plenty of shaded areas and amazing views of the gulf . They even had a water station with funnel cups for an easy and free way to hydrate. All ages will enjoy this place . Food and beverage options available and clean restrooms
This place is magical. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is not just a garden, but also a research facility. It contains well over 20,000 species of orchid, and has the second largest orchid collection in the world, seconded only to the Royal Botanic Gardens in the UK. When I went, they were also having a special exhibit of Marc Chagall's work, which included screens replicating his stained glass window pieces and a few paintings. The gardens are not especially large, but one will spend at least 2 hours wondering around the various greenhouses, magnificent banyan trees, mangroves, and palms. Tours are highly recommended.
Selby is one of the best and brightest stars in Sarasota. Beautiful views in a beautiful setting. It can be a truly tranquil experience or a fun and bustling event, but the gardens never disappoint! The children's garden us spectacular. Host any event here!!!! Can't wait to see what the future holds!
Beautiful gardens that will refresh and revive you. I love the new focus on Marc Chagall art. Always enjoyable are the beautiful collection of live orchids in the greenhouse where the garden tour begins! It's a lovely and relaxing time to wander about the wide lawns, pathways of bamboo, and gorgeous water views! Lunching in the garden one never wants to leave! The gift shop is inviting and and sells live plants and a variety of books and good. Definitely a must see in Sarasota!