If you love the nostalgic vibe of a good 20th-century seaside amusement park, don’t miss the Paradise Gardens area of Disney California Adventure Park. It had been so long since I visited this area of the park that I hadn’t realized it was its name. The last time I was there, it was still part of the old Paradise Pier, which is now Pixar Pier. This part of the park was reimagined in 2018, drawing inspiration from iconic California boardwalks, such as the Santa Monica Pier and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. For me, Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY, is what I’m nostalgic for. I spent every summer there from the time I was five until I was just about sixteen, and have fond memories of those years.
Located along the edges of Paradise Bay, Paradise Gardens Park is one of the most laid-back and charming spots in Disney California Adventure Park. Imagine breezy strolls, nostalgic rides, and vibrant bites around every corner. It’s the perfect combination of old-school fun and Disney magic, making it a go-to spot when you want to slow down and soak it all in, which is precisely what I did during my time there.
The attractions in Paradise Gardens Park are mostly family-friendly, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Little ones can take a breezy ride on Jumpin’ Jellyfish; in fact, this was the first attraction we allowed our kids to ride alone together. Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, while the same as it is in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, is a great one for the whole family, too. For a bit more excitement, Goofy’s Sky School delivers some wild twists and turns with Goofy’s signature chaos. And if you’re into more classic boardwalk vibes, the Silly Symphony Swings and Golden Zephyr offer beautiful park views as you swing around.
Food lovers, take note – Paradise Gardens Park is a great place to grab a bite. Paradise Garden Grill updates its menu throughout the year, serving dishes inspired by seasonal celebrations such as Lunar New Year and ¡Viva Navidad! Just steps away, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta is perfect for easy, crowd-pleasing meals in a relaxed, shady spot.
And if you’re in the mood for something classic, Corn Dog Castle never disappoints. There’s something extraordinary about enjoying a simple, albeit amazing, corn dog and a bag of Lay’s classic chips on a beautiful day while looking out at Paradise Bay. And for $10.99 (pictured drink not included), you really can’t beat it for the most perfect lunch.
During events like the Food & Wine Festival, the whole area transforms with pop-up booths offering creative eats and tasty sips you won’t want to miss.
Entertainment is where Paradise Gardens Park truly comes to life. Throughout the year, you might stumble upon “A Musical Celebration of Coco” – a vibrant mix of music, dancing, and heartfelt nods to family and tradition. Seasonal events, such as Plaza de la Familia during Día de los Muertos, add even more color and meaning to the area, giving returning guests something fresh and special to enjoy every time.
When the sun goes down, there’s no better place to watch World of Color than along the edge of Paradise Bay. With lights, music, water, and that signature Disney magic all coming together, it’s the perfect grand finale to your day. Paradise Gardens might not be the flashiest part of Disney California Adventure, but it’s got a quiet charm, a cozy vibe, and just enough whimsy to make you fall in love with it every time you visit.
