Do you love theme parks? Think you’ve heard of all the theme parks California has to offer? You might be surprised to hear that the small town of Gilroy in central California has a theme park that’s so unique it’s in a class all its own. Gilroy Gardens is a hidden gem with a small town feel. It combines the magic of an amusement park with the beauty of a botanical garden. Want to plan a visit? Check out these Gilroy Gardens tips to make the most of your time there.
tips for visiting Gilroy Gardens
planning your trip
check the seasonal calendar
Like most central and northern California theme parks, Gilroy Gardens is opened seasonally. Before you plan your trip, check the seasonal calendar to make sure it’s open. Being the horticulture heaven that it is, they also have different plants in bloom and various events throughout the year. Make sure your trip aligns with what you want to see and do! Whether it’s the vibrant spring tulips or the warm hues of the changing leaves in fall, timing your visit enhances the your visit to this unique theme park. Check out their seasonal calendar here.
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buy your tickets ahead of time
Save time at the park entrance by purchasing your tickets online. Buying your ticket ahead of time also gives you a discount on your parking. It also helps streamline the entrance process so you can get into the park and start having fun faster! One of the best Gilroy Gardens tips? If you have a Get Out Pass you can get one free admission to Gilroy Gardens! Use LITTLEDOVE for a discount when purchasing your Get Out Pass.
finding your way around Gilroy Gardens
don’t miss the botanical gardens
As soon as you step through the ticket turnstiles, you realize Gilroy Gardens is not your average theme park. A walk past the themed rides, such as the Banana Split and the Garlic Twirl, confirms this is a unique place. Gilroy Gardens is just as much Botanical Gardens as it is theme park. From the vibrant Rainbow Garden to the serene Monarch Garden, each area offers a beautiful place to rest and take in the scenery. Make sure you take the time to explore these spaces, especially the world famous Circus Trees. The Circus Trees of Gilroy Gardens are living works of art, made by intricately grafting trees together. You can find them throughout the park and are a can’t miss attraction at Gilroy Gardens!
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attractions for all ages
The gardens may steal the spotlight, but there are plenty of rides for kids of all ages to enjoy. There are thrilling rides like the Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster and the Timber Twister Coaster, and lots of kid-friendly rides. We especially loved the family-friendly Sky Trail Monorail and the Rainbow Garden Round Boat Ride. Plan your day to make sure you have plenty of time for the rides you don’t want to miss, as well as touring all the gardens.
cool off in the water park
splash pads and slides
One of my kid’s favorite things about Gilroy Gardens was the small water park and splash pad area that’s park of the park. It’s the perfect spot to cool off in the middle of a hot central California afternoon. Gilroy Gardens’ Water Oasis offers water slides for kids of all ages, as well as plenty of room to run and splash around. There is even a brand new water area opening in summer of 2024 called Lakeside Splash.
rent a cabana to relax
On those hot afternoons the water area can really fill up, so one of my biggest Gilroy Gardens tips is to consider renting a cabana. There are 12 cabanas to rent in total and not only do they offer comfy seats with shade, but you can have meals delivered right to your cabana so you don’t have to stop playing! Each cabana also comes with a refrigerator stocked with Coca-Cola beverages and 4 complimentary swimming towels. You can check out the cabana rentals by clicking here.
more Gilroy Gardens tips
dress for comfort
Comfort is key at any theme park, but keep in mind that the heat in summer in central California can be intense. Keep an eye on your favorite weather app and plan accordingly. Thankfully, there’s lots of shade in this beautiful park, btu it’s still a good idea to bring a hat or sunglasses. Make sure to bring your swim suits and towels to cool off in the Water Oasis! Bring your water bottles to stay hydrated too.
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pay attention to special events
Gilroy Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from seasonal festivals to exclusive promotions. Stay informed about upcoming events and specials by following the park’s social media accounts and checking their website regularly. Plan your visit around these times so you don’t miss what matters most to you!
Our family’s can’t miss attractions at Gilroy Gardens:
- See the famous Circus Trees
- Ride the Sky Trail Monorail
- Splash off at Water Oasis
- Explore in the Green Barn
- Ride the Quicksilver Express
Have you ever been to Gilroy Gardens?
