Take a twirl in a garlic bulb or swing through the air on a mushroom chair at the world’s only produce and agriculture-driven theme park, Gilroy Gardens! Just off Highway 152 west in Gilroy, California, the park offers rides, education, food and natural wonders for all ages.
It’s Not Just About The Rides at Gilroy Gardens (but the rides are awesome)
Gilroy Gardens offers rides for all ages, and multiple water play areas with cabanas for grown-ups. Each ride is produce, garden or agriculture themed, with fun educational opportunities throughout the park as well. In addition to the theme park staples, Gilroy Gardens is home to many gorgeous gardens as the name implies – and the Circus Trees.
See the Circus Trees
The weird, whimsical, wonderful Circus Trees are actual living trees. The trees were originally shaped and grafted by Axel Erlandson, a Swedish immigrant to California, in the 1920s. Decades later, the trees were rescued and carefully moved from the Santa Cruz Mountain, to be transplanted and cared for by park founder Michael Bonfante.
Some of the Circus Trees, like the incredible Basket Tree, majestic Arch Tree, and awe-inspiring Four-Legged Giant, are featured in prominent locations throughout the park. Others are little harder to find – 18 Circus Trees live in the park in total. Guests often do a “tree treasure hunt” to find them all.
Food + Events at Gilroy Gardens
You might think the food is a big part of the produce-theme-park experience, and you’re right! In addition to the family-friendly offerings you’d expect like burgers and corn dogs, Gilroy Gardens offers lots of California Grown favorites. Look for staples like Garlic Fries, Garlic Funnel Cake, Artichoke Pizza and California wines year round, plus seasonal dishes like Grilled Sweet Corn, Lemon & Lavender Funnel Cake and Apricot Freezes.
The park hosts events throughout the year with specials offerings too. The “Cherries Jubilee” takes place from June through early July with over 30 different cherry delicacies to sample. October brings “The Great Big BOO” followed by “North Pole Nights” – all with their own on-theme treats and decor.
Planning Your Visit:
Check out the park calendar to plan your visit. Save time by getting tickets for Gilroy Gardens in advance (kids 2 and under are free), along with parking passes and cabana rentals or fast lane wristbands if you’re visiting on a busy weekend and want to hit lots of rides.
Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a change of clothes if you think it’s possible you may visit the water play areas.
Gilroy Gardens Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy, CA 95020
Find more Only in California original locations like this one!
Article by K.C. Cornwell. Photos by James Collier, Hilary Rance and courtesy of Gilroy Gardens