Does anyone know if there was ever a Busch Gardens theme park in the L.A. area? I have vague memories of going there when I was small. It would have been in the early '70s. Did I just dream that or was it real? :confused:

Will D.

Your memory serves you correctly, there was a Busch Gardens at the current site of the Brewery in the San Fernando Valley. In the 60's it was basically a park, with a boat ride around the park to view the wildlife and plants, and a elevated tram that took you through the brewery and explained the process of brewing beer. In the park itself they had a bird/animal show, and of course, free beer tasting. They added a log flume ride in the 70's, along with a couple of other minor attractions.

Due to the cost of land, and that Budweiser was getting very popular at the time, and expanding their product line, the decision was made to close the park. They now use the whole site for the brewery. Due to space limitations, it's the only Anheiser/Busch brewery that does not offer a tour of the facilities.

Yes, you do remember correctly! I was a tyke then, but I was really sad when I found out they were closing it. I loved that tram ride, and I remember getting a little scared thinking what would happen if we fell into one of those giant vats!:D Hey, it was my first thrill ride!:D

How many Busch Gardens parks are there? The only other one I've been to is Williamsburg, and I LOVE that one!

there is sea world san diego.... they might turn that into a busch gardens park if they add more rides and stuff

I grew up about 5 miles from Busch Gardens, Van Nuys CA. In the '70's the park expanded South over the railroad tracks to include a log ride and other attractions. In addition to the suspended monorail brewery tour, there was another elevated tram called the Sky Trolley that took you from the front to the back of the park.

The park could not compete and soon was converted into Busch Bird Sanctuary, which consisted of gardens, a bird show, boat ride and the brewery tour.

Busch knew it could make more productive use of the land manufacturing beer, so the whole area is now factory buildings and truck parking. Alas, nothing is left of the original park except for the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks and the remote parking lot on the northeast corner of Roscoe and Woodley. :(

now the only cool thing over there is Tommys.:)

Yes, although that is a rather scary Tommy's after-hours.:eek:

Busch Gardens was never expanded because after the park presented their plans to expand, the neighbors around the park made their voices heard that they did not want a park. I bet they are sorry today. All they have now is a brewery that puts out a terrible smell 24/7, lower property values due to the numerous apartment buildings, motels, and gangmembers, and an endless line of trucks getting on and off the 405 fwy.

Seems like a theme park would have been the better option. I know if I owned a house across the street, it would have been a short while before they came asking to buy it at an inflated price.

People also buy houses near airports, then complain about the airplanes, but I digress.

On the subject of Busch Gardens LA, there is a cool overhead shot of the complex in one of the older "Above Los Angeles" photo books. I do remember the log flume ride(s). And lots of aviary attractions.

-- Karl

Yes, my friend had that Above Los Angeles book. And regarding the airport comment, it's funny, but the neighbors have both a brewery AND an airport in their backyards! :D