A panel of experts for USA Today nominated the best botanical gardens in America, and Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg and Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota are finalists. Vote for the Best Botanical Garden here. Voters can cast nominations once per day until Wednesday, March 10. The top 10 winners will be announced on March 19. 
Sunken Gardens is a hidden oasis in St. Pete
Starting as a sinkhole 100 years ago, where wild hogs roamed rampant, Sunken Gardens is now a renowned attraction showcasing stunning flora and fauna. The garden houses 50,000 exotic tropical plants and birds from around the world.
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Visitors will encounter an iconic flock of flamingos, vibrant parrots and macaws, enchanting Japanese gardens, butterfly and cactus gardens, orchids, bougainvilleas, and many other bright treasures.
You can learn how to become a member, plan your visit, and research more of its history on its website.
Location: 1825 4th St N
Selby Botanical Gardens is worth the drive over the Skyway Bridge
At the Downtown Sarasota campus sprawled over 15 acres along Sarasota Bay, visitors can immerse themselves in diverse ecosystems, including rainforest, desert, and native Florida gardens. Don’t miss the bayfront mangrove walkway, offering serene strolls with breathtaking views.
The Historic Spanish Point campus is just a short distance south, spanning 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay. Here, delve into the region’s rich native and pioneer history while exploring well-preserved nature trails and boardwalks adorned with native Florida plantings.
The Downtown Sarasota campus on Sarasota Bay is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants. Learn more about the gardens online.
Location: 1534 Mound St
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