Gilroy Gardens is the only horticultural-themed amusement park in California, located about 30 miles south of San Jose. Discount Gilroy Gardens tickets are available from several sources, so the best choice depends on your visit.
We’ve been tracking California theme park ticket prices for years. Whether you’re going once, multiple times, or for a special event, here are six options to choose from.
Key Takeaways
Why Visit Gilroy Gardens
This is one of California’s truly unique theme parks, located within an hour of Santa Cruz, Monterey/Carmel, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Must-See Attractions
- The Famous Circus Trees – These intricate, sculpted trees are a one-of-a-kind feature and a must-see for garden enthusiasts.
- Botanical Gardens – A vast array of plant species creates a beautiful, educational experience for visitors.
- Family-Friendly Rides – Perfect for younger children, the gentle rides ensure fun without overwhelming crowds.
- Bonfante’s Splash Garden – A great spot to cool off on warm days with water play areas for kids.
- Monorail & Roller Coaster – Scenic views and a thrilling ride offer something for everyone.
Gilroy Gardens is designed for families with younger kids. The rides are gentle, and the main draws are the gardens and water play, not big-thrill attractions.
Gate Prices for Gilroy Gardens Tickets
Here are the standard 2026 gate prices for Gilroy Gardens single-day tickets:
- General Admission (ages 12+): $80
- Children (ages 3-11): $70
- Ages 2 and under: Free
Best Ways to Buy Gilroy Gardens Discount Tickets
Since this is a smaller park, there are fewer authorized ticket resellers. Even so, we found several options worth considering.
1. Good Any Day Discount Gilroy Gardens Tickets
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to save on Gilroy Gardens admission is through our tickets site, powered by aRes Travel, an authorized seller of tickets to this theme park and others across the United States, including LEGOLAND parks and Disneyland.
Tickets are sent instantly via email, with no hidden fees or taxes.
Good Any Day Ticket
Valid any operational date through 12/31/26. Includes access to water attractions! Price: $42/ages 3+
2. Purchase Tickets Directly from Gilroy Gardens Online
You can also buy tickets directly from Gilroy Gardens, where special promotions and seasonal discounts may be available. Prices vary based on the season and promotions they run throughout the year.
- Single-Day Ticket: starts at $65
Special event tickets are required for the new Voyage to the Islands, Carnival Nights, The Great Big BOO, North Pole Nights, and New Year’s Eve.
3. Get a Membership Pass
If you plan to visit multiple times, consider purchasing an annual membership. These passes offer unlimited visits throughout the year, often including additional perks such as free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, and special event access.
- 2026 Premium Memberships ($104):
- Bring a friend for free every Friday
- Unlimited visits through December 31, 2026
- Free parking ($25 value per visit)
- Free admission to special seasonal events
- Discounts on food, merchandise, and cabana rentals
- Unlimited admission to 2026 NEW Voyage to the Islands, Cherry Jubilee, Carnival Nights, The Great Big BOO, North Pole Nights, and the New Year’s Eve Dance Party
- Tax-deductible
- 2026 Value Memberships ($70):
- Unlimited regular-season visits through August 9, 2026
- Parking fee not included
- Special event tickets are required for special seasonal events
- Unlimited admission to 2026 NEW Voyage to the Islands, and Cherry Jubilee
- Tax-deductible
4. Gilroy Gardens Vacation Packages
Gilroy is a small town, and most hotels near Gilroy Gardens are mid-range or budget chains. The most popular options within a few miles of the park are Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy, Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy, Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn, and Quality Inn & Suites. If you want a luxury stay, CordeValle (a Rosewood resort with a golf course and spa about 15 minutes north) is the standout option in the area.
Many families turn the visit into a longer trip by combining Gilroy Gardens with Monterey, Carmel, or Santa Cruz, all within about an hour’s drive. If you’d rather bundle your tickets and hotel in one transaction, our vacation package tool compares rates across 31 nearby hotels.
Tip: La Bahia is a gorgeous new hotel in Santa Cruz where we can book you with added VIP perks. Reach out if you’d like help with a Santa Cruz stay.
5. Military and First Responder Discounts
Gilroy Gardens offers free admission to active-duty military, veterans, and first responders during select holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veterans Day.
Up to six family members can enjoy discounted admission during these events. Present a valid military or first responder ID at the front gate. Check the Gilroy Gardens website closer to each holiday for specific dates and details.
6. Online Discounts & Deals On Optional Upgrades
Save time and money by purchasing add-ons in advance:
- Prepaid Parking: $25 – Save time at the gate by purchasing parking ahead of time.
- Single-Day Fast Lane wristband: $32.50 (online) – Skip the lines on more than 20 popular rides. Buy three or more for $27.50 each, or get an All-Year Fast Lane Wristband for $80.
Buying add-ons online in advance locks in the best price and saves time at the gate.
Special Events at Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park hosts a series of special events throughout the year. Signature 2026 events include Voyage to the Islands (new for 2026), Cherry Jubilee, Carnival Nights, The Great Big BOO (Halloween), North Pole Nights (holidays), and the New Year’s Eve Dance Party. Premium Members get unlimited access to all signature events.
Year-round events such as Family Camp Nights and Educational Field Trips offer additional opportunities for fun and learning. For the latest details and scheduling, visit the Gilroy Gardens Event Calendar.
Important Tips for Planning Your Visit to Gilroy Gardens
Visiting Gilroy Gardens can be a wonderful experience for families and solo travelers alike. Here are some key tips to make the most of your day at this charming theme park.
- Plan Ahead: I always recommend buying your tickets online. Not only is it convenient, but online tickets often come with discounts on both admission and parking, saving you time and a few bucks at the gate.
- Check the Park Calendar: Visit the calendar page to confirm operating hours on the day you’d like to visit. The park is usually open on weekends and select weekdays from March through December, and daily from June through mid-August.
- Arrive Early: The park has a variety of attractions that appeal to everyone. If you’re like me and want to beat the crowds, arrive when the park opens.
- Must-Ride Attractions: Be sure to check out the monorail for a scenic ride, the roller coaster for thrills, and the carousel, which is a classic favorite.
- Thrilling Rides and Water Fun: The Bonfante’s Splash Garden and other water play areas are perfect during warm days. I can attest to how refreshing they are, especially for little ones eager to cool off.
- Seasonal Highlights: Don’t miss North Pole Nights, the park’s holiday lights celebration, if you’re visiting during the festive season.
- Dining Options: While the park offers a range of food options, bringing a small bag of snacks can be handy. Just remember to check park policies on outside food.
- Consider Fast Lane Passes: If you want to maximize ride time, Fast Lane wristbands allow you to skip regular lines on select attractions. Prices start at $32.50 online.
- Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, CA 95020
- Phone: 408-840-7100
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Gilroy Gardens Promo Codes or Coupon Codes?
Gilroy Gardens does not publish general-use promo codes or coupon codes for 2026. The best way to get a discount is to buy through an authorized reseller like our ticket site, where 1-Day tickets are $42 (no code needed). The park occasionally runs seasonal promotions on its website, so check gilroygardens.org before your visit.
Does Costco Sell Gilroy Gardens Tickets?
Costco does not currently sell Gilroy Gardens tickets online. In prior years, some Costco warehouse locations carried discounted passes seasonally, but availability varies by store and is not guaranteed. For a reliable discount, buy tickets through an authorized seller.
Is There a Gilroy Gardens AAA Discount?
Gilroy Gardens does not offer a standard AAA member discount. Some local AAA chapters may occasionally offer promotions, so it is worth checking with your local office. The most reliable savings come from buying discounted tickets online in advance.
Is There a Non-Rider Ticket at Gilroy Gardens?
No. Gilroy Gardens has one-price admission for everyone ages 3 and older, whether they plan to ride or not. The park is multi-faceted with gardens, gift shops, restaurants, and shows, not just a ride park.
Can You Bring Food Into Gilroy Gardens?
Gilroy Gardens allows small snacks and water bottles, but outside meals and coolers are generally not permitted inside the park. Check the official park policies before your visit for the most current rules.
Final Thoughts
Gilroy Gardens is one of California’s more unusual family parks, blending gentle rides with a real botanical garden. It’s designed for younger kids, not teens looking for big-thrill coasters.
For a single visit, our any-day ticket is the easiest way to save. For families going more than twice a year, a Premium Membership is the better value.
Katie Dillon
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