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Gilroy is a city at the southern end of Santa Clara County, about 30 miles south of San José, where the Santa Clara Valley narrows between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range. It takes its name from John Gilroy, a Scottish sailor who settled here in 1814 and is often called the first non-Spanish settler in California. The town grew around Monterey Street as a stage stop and farming center and incorporated in 1870, and its downtown still has handsome buildings from that era, including the towered Old City Hall of 1905.
Gilroy's fertile fields made it famous as the Garlic Capital of the World, and on summer days the smell of garlic drying and processing can drift across town. The Gilroy Garlic Festival, started in 1979, grew into one of the country's best-known food festivals, celebrating everything from garlic fries to garlic ice cream. Today the city is home to around 60,000 people, with farms, orchards and wineries still surrounding its neighborhoods.
For visitors, Gilroy mixes family fun with countryside escapes. Gilroy Gardens is a horticultural theme park famous for its living Circus Trees, and the Gilroy Premium Outlets draw shoppers from across the Bay Area. West of town, the Hecker Pass wine trail leads past family wineries toward Mount Madonna County Park, where redwood trails climb high above the valley with views to Monterey Bay.
Gilroy Gardens is a family theme park built around gardens and trees, with gentle rides, a garden railroad, water play areas and seasonal events. It suits young children better than big thrill parks. Open mainly from spring to fall plus holidays, so check the calendar, and bring sunscreen on hot days.
The Circus Trees inside Gilroy Gardens were grown by Axel Erlandson, who shaped living trees into loops, zigzags, ladders and baskets from the 1920s on. About two dozen survive and are displayed around the park. You need park admission to see them, and the main group is near the entrance area.
Historic Downtown Gilroy runs along Monterey Road, with older brick buildings holding Mexican restaurants, bakeries, cafes, antique shops and wine tasting rooms. The old city hall from 1906 is a landmark. Visit during a street event or farmers market to see it busy, and park free on side streets.
The Gilroy Museum is housed in the town's 1910 Carnegie library building and covers local history, from the native Ohlone people and Spanish ranchos to farming, the garlic industry and the railroad era. Exhibits include old photos and artifacts. Admission is free, with limited weekly hours, so check first.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival made the town famous as the garlic capital of the world, with garlic-flavored food from garlic fries to garlic ice cream, cooking shows and music. It was held in late July at Christmas Hill Park for decades. Its format has changed in recent years, so check the official site for current events.
Garlic World is a roadside store on Highway 101 in Gilroy selling braided garlic, garlic sauces, pickled garlic, local produce, wines and gourmet foods, with free tastings of many items. It is a classic stop on drives between San Francisco and the Monterey coast. Allow about half an hour to browse and taste.
Gilroy Premium Outlets is one of the larger outlet centers in Northern California, with about 145 brand-name stores spread across several open-air sections beside Highway 101, plus places to eat. Plan for several hours, wear comfortable shoes and arrive early on weekends to get closer parking.
The Hecker Pass Wine Trail follows Highway 152 west of Gilroy toward the Santa Cruz Mountains, passing family wineries that grow grapes in the Santa Clara Valley's southern end. Many tasting rooms have picnic areas and vineyard views. Choose a designated driver and check hours, as many open mainly on weekends.
Mount Madonna County Park sits on a ridge west of Gilroy, with redwood forest trails, a campground, views over the valley and Monterey Bay, and the ruins of cattle baron Henry Miller's summer estate. A pen of white fallow deer is a park curiosity. The road is winding, and a day-use fee is charged per car.
Christmas Hill Park is Gilroy's largest city park, set along Uvas Creek on the west side of town, with playgrounds, a ranch-style picnic area, sports fields, a creek trail and an amphitheater. It long hosted the Garlic Festival. Reserve picnic areas ahead for groups, and parking is free in the lots.
Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park lies northeast of Gilroy, with a reservoir for boating and fishing, a campground and rolling hill trails through oak woodland on a former ranch. It is lovely in spring when the hills are green and wildflowers bloom. Bring water, as summer days are hot and dry.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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