Bonfante Gardens
A non-profit horticultural theme park in Gilroy, California, Bonfante Gardens is the only one of its kind in the state. Originally designed for families with young children and garden lovers, it has now evolved into a choice venue for weddings, corporate meetings, birthday parties, and camping. Nevertheless, the park still managed to retain its family friendly atmosphere.
The Gardens was a product of a vision of Michael Bonfante, who sold the Nob Hill supermarket chain to build the park. His vision of building a place where everyone could be able to appreciate the beauty of nature in a fun and lively setting took around twenty (20) years to build. It became a sort of a novelty because of its “circus trees”- unique and beautifully grafted trees taking the shape of different figures and patterns. The trees were creatively done by Axel Erlandson, a Swedish immigrant. Out of his seventy (70) creations, only twenty-five (25) are still in existence, and nineteen (19) of those are found at Bonfante Gardens.
However, it proved that a noble vision wasn’t good enough to ensure the success of an endeavor, for shortly after its opening in early June 2001, the gardens closed due to lack of attendance. At that time, it became uncertain if the park would ever open its gates again. However, it did open again in 2002 only to prematurely close for the second time in as many years. Paramount Parks stepped up and managed the park on contract beginning with the 2003 season. The third season brought in a little profit, and future prospects became rosier for the first time in the park’s existence. The park closed for the season in mid-November 2003 after extending their seasonal operation that year by three (3) weeks.
The park continues to operate at present. It currently features nineteen (19) rides, (27) attractions, six (6) majestic gardens, and the ever-popular circus trees. Bonfante Gardens’ attractions are designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of nature. It aims to educate its visitors and foster a greater appreciation of the natural world as well as man’s ability to shape it.
Bonfante Gardens deviate from the acquired image of present-day theme parks. The park has refrained from installing any adrenaline pumping rides. It has chosen to stick to its collection of low key rides which contribute to the parks more relaxed atmosphere compared to the excitement and exhaustion provided by most theme parks. In addition to its nature friendly setting, the rides and attractions all have agricultural themes and names. And although visitors are not allowed to bring foods inside the park’s premises, foods and beverages in Bonfante Gardens are more reasonably priced compared to other theme parks that no one should have any fears of going hungry while inside. Best of all, Bonfante Gardens boasts of excellent maintenance – from the park grounds to the rides and attractions.
Its high time that one should come and visit Bonfante Gardens for a wonderfully unique experience. Relax and enjoy the facilities of the park while communing with Mother Nature.
Bonfante Gardens Information
NOW OPEN DAILY!
Saturday-Sunday 10am-8pm
Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm
Friday 10am-7pm
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy (Hwy 152), Gilroy, CA 95020
Phone #(408) 840-7100
Parking at Bonfante Gardens is $8.00 per vehicle.
How to get to Bonfante Gardens
Bonfante Gardens is proudly located in Gilroy, California at 3050 Hecker Pass Highway (Highway 152) Gilroy, CA 95020.
From San Jose/San Francisco:
Take Highway 101 SOUTH to the MASTEN AVE exit, which turns into FITZGERALD AVE.
Turn LEFT at the stop sign where FITZGERALD AVE intersects SANTA TERESA BLVD.
Turn RIGHT onto HIGHWAY 152 WEST (Hecker Pass Hwy).
The Bonfante Gardens entrance is on your left side just after Gilroy Golf Course.
From Fresno:
Take HIGHWAY 99 or INTERSTATE 5 to HIGHWAY 152 WEST (Hecker Pass Hwy).
Stay on HIGHWAY 152 WEST through the City of Gilroy.
The Bonfante Gardens entrance is on your left side just after Gilroy Golf Course.
From Monterey/Salinas:
Take Highway 101 NORTH to the MONTEREY ST exit.
LEFT onto MONTEREY ST.
LEFT onto WEST LUCHESSA AVE.
LEFT onto THOMAS ST.
RIGHT onto SANTA TERESA BLVD.
LEFT onto HIGHWAY 152 WEST (Hecker Pass Hwy).
The Bonfante Gardens entrance is on your left side just after Gilroy Golf Course.
From Santa Cruz/Watsonville:
Take HIGHWAY 152 WEST (Hecker Pass Hwy).
The Bonfante Gardens entrance is on your right side after Solis Winery.