Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens is an especially lovely and unique amusement park that caters to families with young children. Its gorgeous setting of landscaped gardens, lake and waterfalls creates a beautiful setting for this enchanting theme park. Founders, Michael and Claudia Bonfante (of Nob Hill Foods), initially purchased the land to provide a home for 29 rescued Circus Trees. (Circus Trees are an unusual creation of trees whose branches are bent into complex and compound designs—19 are on display in the park.) A Carousel Ride, a Balloon Flight and whimsical Duck Paddle Boats are just some of the 40 fanciful rides. Attractions include splash gardens, a Monarch butterfly exhibit, docent garden tours, even a refreshing walk under cascading waterfalls. Gilroy Gardens is succeeds in fulfilling the Bonafante's dream to provide a fun theme park enhanced by educational exhibits all-the-while sharing their love of horticulture.