MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are situated on the edges of Sarasota Bay. An extensive collection of Orchids are the main attraction here but there are plenty of mature trees, an area of mangroves, a small pond and a well stocked butterfly garden that ensure plenty of wildlife will be seen as well. Well worth the entry fee.

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PRESERVE

It is a great place to see Alligators in their natural environment. You just have to remember that they are wild creatures and not as sleepy or relaxed as they appear - they have the ability to move extremely quickly when they wish! The park has several different types of habitat that provides homes for many species of birds, reptiles and animals

THE CELERY FIELDS

The Celery Fields has long been a birding hot spot near Sarasota. There are two short board walks for bird watching or photography and a new visitor centre has recently been completed. During our last visit to Florida we called in here on our way back from the Myakka river State park.