California's Underrated Amusement Park Offers Family-Friendly Fun And Scenic Gardens

If you are planning a family-friendly, theme park-focused vacation in the U.S., chances are you'll be thinking of Orlando, Florida. The Sunshine State is home to some of the world's most famous amusement parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Walt Disney World – dubbed "the most magical place on Earth." 

But a family trip to Florida can be expensive, and visiting Orlando often means dodging tourist traps. Luckily, there are wonderful theme parks all over the U.S., and California has some superb family-friendly destinations, with magnificent roller coasters and exciting rides. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a delightful blast from the past as it retains an authentic, retro charm. It's a fantastic amusement park that's ideal for young children, parents, and garden lovers.

Situated on the edge of the City of Gilroy in central California, just off the South Valley Freeway, the site is one of the best amusement parks within driving distance of San Jose. It's a little over 30 miles southeast of San Jose, and close to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The nearest airport is Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), which can be reached by car in about 40 minutes. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is also relatively accessible, as it's approximately 70 miles and just over an hour's drive away.

Gilroy Gardens has been delighting kids and families since 2001. Originally opened as Bonfante Gardens by its founder, local businessman Michael Bonfante, it changed its name to its current one in 2007. It covers 536 acres and combines thrilling rides; enjoyable, family-friendly attractions; and six gorgeous green spaces, as well as a varied program of annual events.

There are 40 rides in Gilroy Gardens. Inspired by the historic mercury mines in nearby Almaden, the Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster is a highlight, as it hurtles through a grove. The Timber Twister – which is in the shape of a rattlesnake – is another exhilarating ride, while the Garlic Twirl offers the unique experience of being flung around inside an enormous bulb of garlic. The park also has excellent water play areas which are perfect for cooling off on hotter days, as well as a forest-themed playground, boat rides, and a monorail.

Gilroy Gardens' exceptional landscaping makes it stand out from other amusement parks. Bonfante  cherished trees and put horticulture at the heart of the park. Visitors can explore spaces dedicated to camellias and holly and a greenhouse with Monarch butterflies, then hop in a convertible 1920s roadster or 1950s sports car to explore the South County Backroads Garden. Eagle-eyed guests will also spot Circus Trees dotted around the grounds, cultivated by Swedish immigrant Axel Erlandson in the 1920s in the Santa Cruz Mountains and brought to the park when it opened.

Gilroy sits within the Santa Clara Valley, which is known for its exceptional vineyards. There are a number of hiking routes shaded by redwoods that wind past them, up and down gentle hills.

The city is a great place to explore, as it boasts a series of bold and bright murals, which can be discovered along a Mural & Art Trail. Casa de Fruta is another terrific spot for families. Once just an orchard and roadside stand selling fresh produce, it's now also a restaurant named by USA Today as "The Most Delicious Place for Pie in California." It has attractions, too, including a carousel, miniature locomotive, and turtle pond.

If the kids haven't had enough fun, then head to Sky Zone. This adrenaline-pumping indoor trampoline park also offers dodgeball, arcade games, and a gladiator-style sky joust challenge.