Offering a perfect blend of nature, history and entertainment there are plenty of things to do in Gilroy CA. It is the southernmost city in the San Francisco Bay Area and can provide you with a variety of attractions and activities that can keep you busy.
Known for its garlic production, Gilroy CA is a great place to explore on weekends and short holidays. Whether you are looking to enjoy slow-paced holidays or seeking adventure, Gilroy in California can offer you experiences that will keep you satisfied.
Quick Book Guide to Gilroy CA
Short on time? Choose from our top picks –
Top Hotels in Gilroy CA
Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy CA
Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy
Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn
Top Tour for Gilroy
This tour has a stop in Gilroy and is worth the buck – Private Tour to Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, & Carmel
Things to Do in Gilroy CA for a Memorable Holiday Experience
1. Spend Time at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
When you are visiting Gilroy CA with your family and loved ones you should consider exploring Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. This is one of the best things to do in Gilroy with kids and family. Known for its horticultural theme, this place is perfect for nature lovers who want to have fun amidst lush gardens and trees.
Circus Trees is one of the top attractions here where you can find trees shaped in various forms and designs. Apart from this, the garden also has themed gardens like Monarch Garden and Claudia’s Garden. Families can have a great time with family rides and educational exhibits available here.
2. Save Money at Gilroy Premium Outlets
One of the things to do in Gilroy California is to shop some of the big brands and get some interesting discounts. Shopaholics can have a great time exploring Gilroy Premium Outlets which is one of Northern California’s largest outlet centers.
Here you can find some excellent deals on some of the top brands. With 145 outlet stores to choose from you can enjoy the shop-till-you-drop experience. Apart from popular clothing brands, you can also shop at various boutique stores that offer unique products.
3. Go Hiking at Coyote Lake Park
If you are looking for outdoor adventures hiking at Coyote Lake Park sounds like a good idea. This park can provide you with ample opportunities for boating, camping, fishing and hiking. If you are unsure what to do in Gilroy for a day you can choose to spend a day in this park.
Hikers can choose to explore the Mummy Mountain Trail, a 3.9-mile loop trail which is moderately challenging and can provide you with a perfect hiking experience in Gilroy. You can also look out for rental bikes that you can use for this trail.
4. Participate in the Gilroy Garlic Festival
First held in 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival is an annual festival and local tradition that celebrates the region’s garlic production. The festival includes various types of events that focus on history, culinary delights, entertainment and activities.
If you are visiting Gilroy CA in July this is one of the best things to do in Gilroy where you can interact with locals and enjoy garlic-themed cooking events and games. This family-friendly event brings food enthusiasts from all over the country for a wonderful time.
5. Explore Gilroy Historic Paseo
If you want to know more about the past of this town and region you should explore Gilroy Historic Paseo. This is one of the top attractions in Gilroy CA and has historical plaques and artefacts that tell stories about the town’s development.
You can also look out for various walking tours that would allow you to know more about this charming part of the town. As you walk by you can see an eclectic mix of eateries, shops and local businesses.
6. Relish Local Food in Gilroy
One of the important things to do in Gilroy for first timers is enjoy local food. Gilroy is known for offering delicious local meals infused with garlic. Hence, even if you are unsure what to explore you can head out for popular restaurants that offer a variety in their menu.
You can look out for authentic Mexican food as well infused with the region’s fresh garlic. To end your meal you can head out to places where you can enjoy some garlic ice cream.
7. Do Wine Tasting at Local Wineries
Apart from garlic, Gilroy is also known for producing excellent wines. The town is a part of the historic Santa Clara Valley known for wine production. Hence, you can head out to various local wineries for some wine-tasting tours.
This is a great way to enjoy delicious local wines and learn about the winery’s history. Some of the popular wineries are Guglielmo Winery, Solis Winery, Hecker Pass Winery, Kirigin Cellars, Fortino Winery and many others.
8. Picnic at Las Animas Veterans Park
If you plan to relax and unwind with your loved ones, you can head out to Las Animas Veterans Park. This is one of the popular community parks equipped with sports fields, a skate park, and a play area for kids.
This is one of the best places in Gilroy where you can bring your kid and let them play around. Perfect for a day picnic and family outing, this park is a must-visit when you are exploring Gilroy.
9. Sip Delicious Craft Beers
One of the things to do in Gilroy at night is hopping various breweries and bars where you can sample and sip delicious craft beers. Gilroy breweries and bars can provide you with the perfect night out experience.
Hence, if you are someone who enjoys nightlife can visit some of the popular breweries like Alehouse Bistro, Pour Me Taproom, Bartenders Union, Promised Land Brewing Company and many others.
10. Explore Downtown Gilroy on Foot
If you are visiting Gilroy on short notice and are unsure about what to do you can put your shoes on and explore the downtown area. Gilroy has ample restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, boutiques and local shops that would keep you interested.
You can browse through a variety of local shops and retail stores, spend your time window-shopping in Gilroy and look out for souvenirs you can carry home.
With a variety of outdoor activities, historical places, wine-tasting experiences, and family-friendly locations there are plenty of things to do in Gilroy CA to keep you busy throughout your trip to this city.
