Busch Gardens Map and Brochure (1972)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Years Active: 1954–1979
Busch Gardens is the name of two amusement parks in the United States, owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The original park is in Tampa, Florida, and the second park is in Williamsburg, Virginia. There were also previously Busch Gardens parks in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California (1964–1979) and Houston, Texas (1971–1973).
The “Busch Gardens” name was earlier used to refer to the gardens developed by Adolphus Busch near his home in Pasadena, California, which were open to the public from 1906 to 1937.
The Busch Gardens amusement parks were initially developed as marketing vehicles for Anheuser-Busch and featured hospitality houses with samples of Anheuser-Busch products. They also included stables that housed many of the company’s Clydesdale horses, which have been associated with Anheuser-Busch since 1933.
Eventually, rides and attractions were added to the parks and over time were developed into full theme parks while still promoting Anheuser-Busch. Busch Entertainment Corporation, now called SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, was created as a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Companies to run the various parks in 1959.
What happened to Busch Gardens in California?
Busch Gardens in California, originally located in Van Nuys, no longer exists. The park was a popular attraction from its opening in 1966 until it closed its doors in 1979. Anheuser-Busch, the brewing company that owned and operated the park, decided to close it due to financial challenges and increased competition from other theme parks in the region. The land was eventually sold, and the park’s assets were disbanded, marking the end of Busch Gardens in California.
When did Busch Gardens Van Nuys close?
Busch Gardens Van Nuys closed its doors in 1979. The closure came after over a decade of operation as a popular theme park in Southern California. The decision to close the park was primarily driven by financial difficulties and the competitive nature of the theme park industry in the region during that time.
How many locations does Busch Gardens have?
Busch Gardens currently operates two locations in the United States. One is located in Tampa Bay, Florida, known as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The other is in Williamsburg, Virginia, known as Busch Gardens Williamsburg. These two parks are still owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and continue to be popular destinations for visitors, offering a wide range of thrilling rides, animal exhibits, and entertainment options.
