Mac Rating: 0.00 | Votes: | Date: 03/06/2026 14:02:00

In the rolling hills south of San Jose near the garlic-growing town of Gilroy, Gilroy Gardens is a family-oriented theme park built around an unusual horticultural premise, the combination of conventional amusement-park rides with vast living-tree sculptures, an idea unique among major American theme parks. Originally developed by a local nursery owner as Bonfante Gardens and opened in June 2001 at a cost of more than 100 million dollars, the park was later sold to the City of Gilroy in 2008 and operates today as a non-profit foundation focused on family entertainment and environmental education. The park's defining feature is its collection of more than two dozen Circus Trees, living trees shaped over decades into elaborate geometric forms including loops, hearts, zigzags and ladders, created by the late horticulturalist Axel Erlandson. The trees were transplanted to the park from elsewhere in California after years of careful study and are now its most photographed feature. Beyond the trees, the park offers some forty rides arranged among extensive themed gardens. A historic carousel, a paddlewheel boat ride through a lush bayou, an antique-style mini-train that circles the park, several family roller coasters and a series of vegetable-themed rides including the giant Garlic Twirl and Mushroom Swing all draw enthusiastic crowds of families. A children's splash area, an indoor water-play centre, a tilt-a-whirl, a tiny ladybug coaster and a popular Yellow Cab attraction round out the offering for younger visitors, while a calendar of seasonal events including Lights of the World illuminations in the autumn and a Christmas evening event add seasonal variety. Modestly priced compared with the great California theme parks, with an emphasis on younger children rather than thrill-seekers, Gilroy Gardens makes a refreshingly relaxed, gently educational day for families exploring the South Bay. A separate water park, Gilroy Gardens Water Oasis, opened on the property in 2010 and adds several waterslides, a wave pool, a children's splash area and a lazy river to the offering during the warm summer months. Combined tickets covering both parks are available at a substantial saving. The park is open seasonally from spring through autumn, with reduced winter hours during the popular Lights of the World festival. Free parking, ample picnic areas and a small selection of casual dining options make the venue an easy, relaxed day trip from the wider Bay Area.