America's Most Beautiful Theme Park?

[Nicole]

I have been promising to post pictures from Gilroy Gardens, since I keep saying it is prettier than BGW at this point. I was there in May and tried to get representative photos to give people an idea of the park. I apologize for the picture quality; I had to use my phone and I didn’t want to make my friend stand around waiting for me.

Some truth in advertising. I noticed that things were not being as well-maintained as when the park was being managed by Cedar Fair. I imagine their resources are much more limited now. That said, this tiny, independent park still manages to be beautiful and charming, while other huge chains have seemingly given up entirely on aesthetics.

Anyway, here are some images to give you an idea of what you will find on their fully landscaped, shady, and meandering paths.

Guests are greeted at a charming entrance.






The park is known for its Circus Trees; here are a few example:







They also have several themed rides. Here are a few examples:





There are a variety of charming rides through their gardens. I particularly love the Rainbow Garden Round Boat Ride.






















The paths wander from themed garden to themed garden. Here just a few.





























They also had cute rides hidden in their gardens.








They have a water play area.




They even sell themed food.

 

[mtpelepele]

That has to be the most European looking park in the US. It looks to have a charm that most parks here have grown away from.

 

[Blauer]

You are probably right but Gilroy probably will never win that award, because that award is a pure popularity contest.

After clearing all the trees down the center of the park, BGW isn’t the most beautiful any more.

I think the Dollywood won the award, but that is a misgiving award with all the trees they have cut down in that park The top part of the park looks awful.

 

[Nicole]

You probably aren't aware of the discussions on this Forum for the past several years about the validity of BGW continuing to receive the "Worlds Most Beautiful " award (and, yes, they still win it in at least one fake poll).

@Zachary and I have made the case several times that Gilroy Gardens is dramatically more attractive than current BGW. People always ask what it looks like, since so few of our members have ever been there. That is why I created this thread.

Obviously, Gilroy can't win. And obviously it isn't a valid competition. In fact, @Zachary has made efforts in the past to challenge it.

I would argue, BTW, that BGW doesn't deserve it for many reasons other than the clear cutting for the gas line.