Baywalk Sanctuary

The Baywalk Sanctuary is located inside of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. The area features an elevated boardwalk platform so visitors are able to look out over the Sarasota Bay, we well as the area's mangrove swamp. Surrounding the sanctuary are the gardens of the Selby family. The gardens measure more than 14 acres, with the Selby mansion a part of the grounds. The mansion now houses the Garden Museum. The plant collection includes more than 20,000 greenhouse plans, as well as all of the flora and fauna in the outdoor area. There are eight greenhouses including the Tropical Conservatory, which offers displays and blooms year-round. The Center for Tropical Plant Science and Conservatory is located on the property and provides space for the Orchid Identification Center, the Selby Gardens' Herbarium and the Bromeliad Identification Center. The garden and sanctuary welcome more than 180,000 visitors every year. Visitors are able to dine in the gardens and enjoy coffee and tea in the café located in the Selby House. The menu also includes pastries, cookies, wraps, salads, sandwiches, ice cream and snacks. Tea Tastings are available everyday from 11 am until 5 pm. Visitors can sample more than 25 loose leaf teas and shop for tea accessories.