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Gilroy Gardens Alphabet Chapter 3: HIJK
Our A-to-Z journey through Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park continues! Each month in 2026, we’re highlighting a new set of letters and sharing the rides, attractions, and experiences that make our park so special.
H is for Holly Garden
Holly Garden is one of six themed gardens at the park. It’s a charming “pathway garden” that’s a little tricky to find, as it’s hidden away on the western end of Coyote Lake (look for the entrance across from The Green Barn).
The Holly Garden is definitely worth looking for, as it features a unique collection of over 20 different varieties of holly trees, holly shrubs, and whimsical holly topiaries.
This garden was designed to show the variety in holly leaf sizes and growth habits. Did you know that hollies can range from low-growing 12-inch shrubs all the way up to full-size trees of 75 feet or more? Holly plants can be either evergreen or deciduous, but they all produce colorful berries in the fall.
One of our favorite secret places in the Holly Garden are the hidden observation decks where you can catch stunning views of the Lily Pond and waterfalls cascading into Coyote Lake. These are great places to relax, enjoy a little peace and quiet, and take some amazing family photos!
What else starts with “H” at Gilroy Gardens?
- Hall’s Mercantile: The best place to shop for Gilroy Gardens souvenirs
- History: Many park attractions are inspired by local history, including Sugar Plum Farm, South County Backroads, Quicksilver Express, and San Juan Grill
I is for Illions Supreme Carousel
This fan-favorite carousel, one of the most ornate ever built, was created by Marcus Charles Illions. Born in Russia c. 1871, Illions honed his woodcarving skills in Germany and England. He later moved to America and became a master carver of wooden carousel horses at Coney Island in New York. He became so good at his craft that the New York Times called him “The Michelangelo of carousel carvers.”
The Illions Supreme Carousel at Gilroy Gardens was one of three in the “Supreme Carousel Series,” built in the 1920s, and was once part of the Los Angeles County Fair. The 48 horses are fiberglass replicas of the wooden originals. The rest of the carousel includes 1,200 lights, 64 beveled glass mirrors, 96 carved figures, and 2 dragon chariots. Park staff spent more than 8,500 hours (and over 3 years!) to completely restore this carousel to its former glory.
FUN ACTIVITIES: A single original wooden horse from an M.C. Illions carousel is worth over $50,000 today!
What else starts with “I” at Gilroy Gardens?
- Voyage to the Islands (an all-new event coming May 2-31)
- ICEEs and ice cream (found at Oasis Bar, South County Cones, Sugar Plum Farm, and Sweet Station)
J is for Jubilee
To be more specific, the Cherry Jubilee! This award-winning festival of food and family fun is filled with cherry-infused delights, live entertainment from The Merry Cherry Bunch, CherryDome Challenges, and so much more!
Cherry Jubilee debuted at Gilroy Gardens in 2025 and won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Food & Beverage Event. This award celebrates innovation, originality, and impact in the global attractions industry and recognizes special events that elevate the guest experience in new and exciting ways.
Cherry Jubilee returns to Gilroy Gardens June 5 through July 5, 2026. This “cher-rific” event is included with regular park admission and is FREE for Gilroy Gardens Premium Members.
Want to learn more about the sweet fruit that inspired this event? Check out our blog: Let’s Learn About Cherries!
What else starts with “J” at Gilroy Gardens?
- Japanese Maples (you’ll find over 40 of them growing in Claudia’s Garden!)
K is for Keep the Magic Growing!
More than just an amusement park, Gilroy Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution whose 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.
Our park is supported by park Memberships (which are tax-deductible donations) as well as public entrance fees, grants from local, regional, state and national governments, and private foundations. That vital support allows us to maintain this beautiful park and continue expanding the quantity and quality of educational projects.
Every visit and every Membership (and every kid who loves Gilroy Gardens) helps keep our gardens — and our mission — growing for generations to come.
If you’d like to join the family, learn more about becoming a Premium Member today!
What else starts with “K” at Gilroy Gardens?
- Teriyaki Chicken Kebobs at Uncle John’s Grill
- Kickin’ Cherry BBQ Wings – available exclusively during Cherry Jubilee
Catch up with our other Gilroy Gardens Alphabet blogs—and stay tuned for more to come!