Imagine stepping into a world where the lush embrace of nature merges seamlessly with cutting-edge sustainability and historical richness. This is exactly what awaits you at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, recently hailed by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s greatest places to visit in 2024. This prestigious recognition is not just a nod to the garden’s beauty but a testament to its significance on a global scale, making it a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike.

Every year, TIME Magazine curates a list that showcases the pinnacle of global destinations, focusing on innovation, impact, and the extraordinary. The inclusion of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in this list underscores its unique blend of botanical diversity, historical preservation, and sustainable innovation. The garden’s recognition followed a stringent 12-month evaluation by the International Living Future Institute, highlighting its standout achievements among nominations from TIME’s extensive international network.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens stands as a beacon of nature’s tranquility and human ingenuity in Sarasota, Florida. Marking its exclusive place on TIME’s list, Selby Gardens is celebrated as the only botanical garden worldwide to cut and holds the singular honor of being the only Florida destination in its category. This recognition is a culmination of the garden’s efforts toward becoming the first net-positive-energy botanical garden complex, reinforcing its commitment not just to conservation but to leading the way in sustainable living and education.

What sets Marie Selby Botanical Gardens apart is not just its breathtaking landscapes but its rich tapestry of history, innovation, and dedication to the environment. Founded with forward-thinking principles, Selby Gardens blends its unique focus on epiphytic plants with ongoing exhibitions and educational programs, aiming to inspire and educate visitors. Its journey from a local treasure to a global marvel epitomizes the garden’s unyielding commitment to conserving nature’s splendors while pioneering environmental sustainability.

Embarking on a sustainable future, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens unveiled an ambitious multi-million-dollar expansion in January 2024, positioning itself as the world’s inaugural net-positive energy botanical garden complex. This innovative leap includes The Green Orchid restaurant, a standout feature that exemplifies Selby’s dedication to sustainability through its solar-powered, electric cooking facilities, and a “roof-to-plate” dining concept. By coupling green technology with culinary excellence, Selby Gardens offers a dining experience that is as delightful as it is environmentally conscious.

However, the marvels of Selby Gardens go beyond its green technologies and sustainable initiatives. It offers a plethora of immersive experiences for visitors, from expertly guided tours highlighting the garden’s extensive botanical collection and research initiatives to the Sarasota-Manatee EcoFlora Project, which allows guests to engage with the flora on a deeper level. Selby Gardens invites everyone to partake in its journey, embracing a world where nature, history, and future innovations converge in harmony.

Stepping into Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is more than just a visit; it’s an experience that invites you into a world where nature’s beauty meets human creativity at its best. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s greatest places, it beckons you to explore its lush landscapes, innovative sustainability practices, and unique visitor experiences. Whether you’re a local or a traveler in search of your next great adventure, Selby Gardens offers an unparalleled experience that promises to enchant, educate, and inspire.

So, why not make plans to visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens today? As a destination celebrated on the global stage, it offers more than just a glimpse into the wonders of the botanical world; it offers an invitation to become part of a larger story—a story of preservation, innovation, and beauty. Join in the celebration and discover why Selby Gardens is not just a place to visit but a world-renowned treasure to cherish.