Gilroy Gardens

After a very delicious California Omelette at Black Bear Diner, we made our way to Gilroy Gardens. We got there about noon, and met up with Bri who brought Landon with her. After getting our tickets, we made our way into the park.

Once we got in, I was taken aback when I saw how their swinging ship ride wasn't a ship, but a Banana. They called theirs Banana Split, and Nate, Bri, and Grandma Sue rode with me. I love swinging ships, and this one was so fun to ride.

After riding Banana Split, we ALL decided it was time to ride the Carousel. It was Landon's first ride he ever rode, and he wasn't very sure if he liked the horses or not. I thought the carousel was very neat, and charming for the families this park targets.

After the carousel, Nate, Grandma Sue, and I rode Timber Twister. It's just like Catwoman Whip and Cobra, but unlike its Six Flags cousins it takes two laps. I liked how it had a ride photo. Afterwards, we would take a stroll through the park to see the different gardens scattered around.

Walking around the park, Nate's family was pointing out all the different beautiful parts of the park. With the park being a loop, you can see the lake in the middle from most places in the park. I found it so peaceful. I could tell that Landon was also having a good time, he seemed very interested by all the different things.

Eventually we made it to Quicksilver Express, Gilroy Gardens' mine train. I rode it twice because it had no line, and I thought it was a cute mine train.

After Quicksilver, we took some time to visit the butterfly gardens. I wished I could have spent more time in here, it was very nice. I thought it was neat that the train passed right through. After the butterfly garden, I took a ride on the Mushroom Swings, before taking an ice cream break. After our ice cream break, Bri and Landon left as he was getting cranky and needed a nap.

Once we said our goodbyes to Landon and Bri, Nate, Grandma Sue, Nate's Mom, and I rode Artichoke Dip. Its a simple ride, but it was very fun. Nate and I would follow with a ride on Garlic Twirl, where I would spend most of the ride fighting the spin as much as possible. Nate and I would ride Apple & Worm, and the South Country Backroads before ending our day on Rainbow Garden.

Gilroy Garden's is the most beautiful park I have been to. I know the park is targeted towards young families with young children, but I felt this park was perfect. Nate made a good call to bring me to here, the gardens are beautiful. I think enthusiasts sleep on this park because they see it as a kiddie park, and not the gardens attached to it. Knowing the park was celebrating its 25th anniversary, I had to tell myself that it was much younger compared to other parks, but it didn't feel like it. If you have young children, you should visit.

Photos of Gilroy Gardens