Everyone knows about Sarasota's picturesque beaches, but that's not the only scenery the city has to offer. There are several beautifully maintained botanical gardens that are open for visitors to enjoy.
Many of these displays have been adding to the area's natural beauty for years by collecting great local flora and some of the world's most exotic plant life. Explore them all by visiting the places on our list of botanical gardens in Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
There are over 20,000 plants on the 9.5-acre property that houses the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. They're particularly well-regarded for their collection of over 6,000 orchids and their internationally-recognized botanical research as well as their plant identification efforts.
The research staff at Selby Gardens has collected much of what you see planted during over 150 scientific expeditions in the wild. One of the coolest features is the one-acre Children's Rainforest Garden that recreates the environment of South America's tropical rainforest.
Related content: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Exotic Plants, Beautiful Scenery
The Ringling is home to the site of Mable Ringling's original Rose Garden and is the current home of Bayfront Gardens. While none of Mable's original roses have survived, many of the 1,200 rose plants on-site today are typical of the ones she planted.
There are several other gardens on the property that feature exotic trees and plants. The state's largest collection of Banyan is here as well as six varieties of bamboo.
The Sarasota Garden Club is impeccably maintained and features both native and tropical plants. Many butterflies and hummingbirds come to visit the hibiscus and bromeliad gardens.
Sarasota Garden Club members have access to special educational programs and help maintain the gardens and clubhouse. This non-profit facility is open to the public for free anytime.
With ten acres of lush tropical gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is its own adventure. The park's educational bird interaction area and daily reptile shows help make it one of the best family attractions around.
There is a "Kiddie Jungle" that makes families feel even more invited and keeps your young ones occupied for hours with a tree house, haunted tree, tiger swings, and custom wooden train. Adult general admission tickets are $17.99 and kids ages four through 16 get in for $12.99.
Learn more about the plant kingdom right in your own backyard and njoy all that these Sarasota botanical gardens have to offer!
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Cover photo courtesy of PxHere
