Step back in time to visit Busch Gardens in Los Angeles

September 3, 2026, 5:39 PM · The final Super 8 home movie this week is from Busch Gardens Los Angeles, which operated in Van Nuys from 1966–1979.

This is a tough park for me to remember. I last visited when I was six, and since I did not visit again before the park closed, there's nothing to tie those memories to, if that makes sense. It's not like I can visit the park again today in the hopes that it triggers some memory of a visit past, like I can do with other places that I visited as a child.

That said, it's not like there really was much to this park. It was very much a "gardens," more than a collection of rides. My memories are mostly vibes, as illustrated by the boat ride captured here.

I hope that you have enjoyed this week's step back in time with these Super 8 visits: Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,

Like Theme Park Insider? Sign up for more travel and theme park news by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter, or upgrade to a paid subscription for exclusive monthly content.

Replies (5)

September 3, 2026 at 10:41 PM

Thank you for posting that video. I enjoyed seeing it very much. I remember going there with my parents and doing that boat cruise through the gardens. And then a few years later, they opened an expansion across the railroad tracks, which was very nice. It had a log ride I remember enjoying and a fun walk-through funhouse called Turvy Manor. Pleasant memories from long ago.

September 3, 2026 at 11:20 PM

If you had video of Busch Gardens Pasadena THAT would be impressive.

September 3, 2026 at 11:32 PM

How about photos? https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201005/1935/

September 4, 2026 at 8:51 AM

Again, I was there summer of 1973. I remember a log ride that went through a bird aviary and that hanging monorail. I do remember the gardens being beautiful but my biggest memory is how "tipsy" my brother-in-law got on all the beer samples. He inherited all of the ones my dad, mom, sister and brother didn't drink. Luckily, he was a happy drunk LOL.

September 4, 2026 at 10:35 AM

I have loved these videos, Robert, and I never knew this particular park even existed until today.

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.