Selby Gardens—Historic Spanish Point Campus

A 30-acre waterfront preserve on Little Sarasota Bay, Historic Spanish Point (now part of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens) hosts a plethora of native Florida plants. Through August, check out the onsite art exhibit (imbued with augmented reality technology) called Seeing the Invisible: An Augmented Reality Contemporary Art Exhibit. It features works by more than a dozen international artists, such as Ai Weiwei, Refi k Anadol, El Anatsui and Timur Si-Qin.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center

Brave the heat at the Crowley and reserve a 90-minute guided nature walk through undisturbed native Florida lands. Learn about the plants, birds, animals and bugs of five habitats (Pine Flatwoods, Oak Hammock, Maple Branch Swamp, Tatum Sawgrass Marsh and the Myakka River) along the way. You can also experience Old Florida history at the museum, pioneer cabin, blacksmith shop and working sugar cane mill.

Palma Sola Botanical Park

Northwest Bradenton’s Old Palma Sola area is home to Palma Sola Botanical Park—a 10-acre haven of rare palms, subtropical plants, fruits and flowering trees. Experience the serenity of this idyllic site by engaging in some year-round “Yoga in the Park,” which is off ered by various instructors nearly every day (mornings and some evenings). There are three serene lakes and tons of butterflies onsite to keep you company as you gently restore your mind, body and soul.