In-Park Educational Programs & Tours

Gilroy Gardens' mission is to educate our guests. We pride ourselves in creating special "Edutainment" opportunities throughout the Park. "Edutainment" is the ability to learn while experiencing all the fun and excitement that Gilroy Gardens has to offer. In some cases Guests don't even realize they are learning! Gilroy Gardens offers a variety of low-impact educational experiences including five self-guided tours, interactive learning exhibits, a cell phone audio tour, and our Did You Know? sign program.

Docent Guided Tours
Gilroy Gardens offers an opportunity for our Guests to get information about our beautiful Gardens from our volunteer staff of Docents. They provide multiple daily tours educating participants about our wonderful flowers, trees and natural elements throughout the Park. Docents are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about our Gardens or answer any of your personal gardening questions.

Self-Guided Tours
Guests can pick up these free brochures at Information, Please! or by clicking one of the links below. Tours include Guide to the Circus Trees, Agriculture, Gardens, History and Culture, and Water and Environment. Be sure to pick up these valuable learning guides to enhance your educational experience at Gilroy Gardens. And don't forget about our wonderful volunteer Docents who are on hand to answer any questions you may have while on your self-guided park tour. Adobe Reader required to open these files.

Agriculture Tour - Gilroy Gardens is located in South Santa Clara County which is a home to major agricultural cities that provide many varieties of food all over the United States and the world. The Park has designed many rides and experiences to highlight this local agricultural region.

Gardens Tour - The Park is designed with 6 distinct Gardens for our guests to enjoy, however, the beauty and unique horticultural displays continue throughout the Park. This self-guided tour provides you with information about our Gardens and other points of interest.

History & Culture Tour - Gilroy Gardens is not only about flowers, agriculture and trees. It is also pays homage to many historical sites in our geographical area. This tour provides information about parts of our property's themed sites that have historical ties.

Water & Environment Tour - Water is an important resource and vital to continue life. As such, each of our six Gardens and many of our other attractions have water elements included in their design to help demonstrate the importance of this resource. This tour will provide you with detailed information of these water elements throughout the Park and information on biofiltration, the Water Cycle and groundwater. 

Guide to the Circus Trees - Gilroy Gardens is proud to be Home of the Circus Trees!® and to be able to share these wonders of nature. This guide provides information about the trees used, the man who created them and the creative construction of these unique wonders.

Look. Listen. Learn. - Cell Phone Audio Tour
Gilroy Gardens has developed over fifty audio tour locations throughout the Park that highlights and provides wonderful information about our environment, specific horticultural elements and more. Guests should look for the blue Look. Listen. Learn. signage throughout the park. This audio tour is conducted on your personal cell phone at no additional charge* by calling 408-795-2167. (*Any cell phone carrier's charges still apply.)

Did You Know? Sign Program
Guests can enjoy learning throughout the park while enjoying our many rides and attractions. Strategically placed throughout our park are Did You Know? signs. These signs provide our Guests with "Fun Facts" about surrounding plant life, local agricultural information, and much more.