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Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a truly unique place to visit—and makes for a great story!
Originally created by park founder Michael Bonfante to share his love of trees, this magical wonderland includes 28 acres with more than 10,000 trees, six themed gardens, and over 40 family-friendly rides and attractions that were inspired by local history and agriculture.
We welcome inquiries and visits from credentialed members of the news media for the production of high-quality news features and programs about our park.
MEDIA FACTS
WHAT: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is California’s only horticultural-themed amusement park, featuring over 40 rides and attractions, majestic gardens, and the world-famous Circus Trees.
WHEN: Gilroy Gardens is generally open on weekends and select weekdays from March through December, and open daily from June through mid-August. Check website calendar for current operating schedule.
WHERE: Gilroy Gardens is located at 3050 Hecker Pass Highway in Gilroy, California—known as the “Garlic Capital of the World.” The park is about 30 miles south of San Jose International Airport and within a one-hour drive of Santa Cruz, Monterey/Carmel, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
WEBSITE: GilroyGardens.org
PHONE: 408-840-7100
MEDIA CONTACT: Trevor Wilson
[email protected] • 408-840-7185
ADVERTISING CONTACT: Jason Raby
[email protected] • 408-852-3514
Gilroy Gardens Photo Gallery
These images are approved for general use in digital or print publications. If you require additional photo or video assets, email us here.
Press Releases & Statements
- Eat, Drink and Be Cherry: The All-New Gilroy Gardens Cherry Jubilee Opens on June 6
- Statement from Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park – May 15, 2025
- Gilroy Gardens Salutes Military and First Responder Heroes on Memorial Day Weekend
- Statement Regarding Garlic Festival – March 28, 2025
- 25 Years and Still Growing: Gilroy Gardens’ 25th Anniversary Season Starts March 22
- Gilroy Gardens Hosts 2025 Job Fair on February 15
25th Anniversary Spring Celebration
Twenty-five years is something to celebrate! Join us as we celebrate 25 incredible years of learning, love, and laughter at Gilroy Gardens. March 22 – May 26.
*NEW* Cherry Jubilee
Come eat, drink, and be cherry! Experience “Cherrymania” during the Gilroy Gardens Cherry Jubilee, a sweet celebration of food and family fun during June 6 through July 6. This all-new event celebrates Gilroy’s cherry harvest with spectacular entertainment, cherry-infused delights, interactive games, and cheerful cherry characters throughout the park.
The Great Big BOO!
Our immersive Halloween event, The Great Big BOO, gets bigger and better every year. Join with Vinnie the Vampire, Wolfgang Werewolf, and Princess Priscilla to save Halloween from the curse of Wendella the Witch—and enjoy tricks and treats for all ages.
North Pole Nights
Bundle up for winter fun during the North Pole Nights winter holiday celebration. The entire park is transformed into the North Pole, with a live musical show featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other jolly characters. Guests also enjoy traditional favorites like ice skating under the stars, incredible light displays, festive food and drinks, plus a New Year’s Eve dance party and fireworks show.
More Gilroy Gardens Fun!
Uncover the Fun Within the Park and the Story Behind It All!
Rides
Gilroy Gardens features 21 different rides, ranging from gentle toddler-friendly rides all the way to thrilling rollercoasters.
Water Play
Explore popular water play areas at Gilroy Gardens and other places to cool off on a hot summer day.
History
Dive into the story of Michael Bonfante's vision of building a park that would inspire young people to appreciate the beauty of trees.
Educational Programs
Gilroy Gardens is more than just a theme park—it’s a place where kids can learn and grow! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution, our mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees in our lives by providing fun and memories in a beautiful garden setting.
The Green Barn
In this unique learning space, the natural world is the inspiration for creating works of art in the studio and the basis for scientific discovery and exploration through the Nature Exchange.
Natural Science Days
On select dates, Gilroy Gardens Docents lead groups of students (grades K-2 and 3-5) during Natural Science Days through presentation, investigation, and experimentation models in life and earth sciences.
Monarch Butterfly Exhibit
At various times during the operating season, visitors can observe caterpillars changing into Monarch butterflies at an exhibit inside the semi-tropical Monarch Garden greenhouse.
Water Conservation
Water Oasis was designed as a place for children of all ages to learn about water while playing in it—with interactive features and informative signs that encourage conservation of this precious resource.
Tour Brochures
Visit the Welcome Center to pick up brochures that feature detailed information about the park’s gardens and trees as well as agriculture, water features, and history and culture.
Gilroy Reads Program
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is proud to partner with the Santa Clara County Gilroy Library for Gilroy Reads, a community reading initiative that celebrates the power of books and rewards local residents with a complimentary ticket to the park!
Fun Facts about Gilroy Gardens
- Gilroy Gardens covers over 26 acres in park.
- There are over 10,000 trees at Gilroy Gardens!
- The most planted tree in the park is the Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). These trees are the tallest in the world, with some growing to a height of 364 feet.
- There are over 200 topiaries in the park.
- The land on which Gilroy Gardens was built was once home to Costanoan Indians and later part of a Spanish land grant called Rancho Solis. It was previously used as a cattle ranch and vineyard (with some original grape vines still located near the corner before the parking toll booths).
- Park staff spent 8,500 hours and 3 years restoring and reassembling the Illions Supreme Carousel.
- Gilroy Gardens recycles the water used for watering plants and filling the park’s lake, creeks and waterfalls.
Media Passes
If you are a credentialed member of the media, we’d love to welcome you (and your family) to our beautiful park. Please complete this Media Tickets Request Form, and a representative will contact you within 5 business days.