The Flourishing Gilroy City is amongst Northern California’s hidden treasure sites. It is a place full of life, festive celebrations, an inviting community, and natural wonders.
It is close to the vibrant city of San Jose city and has been considered the southernmost area in the Bay Area of San Francisco, not mind that the location is close to Monterey Bay. As a result of the setting, both residents and visitors enjoy a lot of sunny days and balmy weather.
This is a characteristic of the area. The pleasing climate and the area’s fertile soil make Gilroy city a good place for agriculture to thrive.
Even more, it has been recognized as the World’s Garlic Capital because of its healthy garlic production. In addition, the place has a perfect wine scene and a lot of vineyards sprouting both in the city and along its outskirts.
Therefore, not minding if you are a nature lover, adventurer, or foodie, there is something to enjoy in this mind-blowing destination.
Things to Do in Gilroy, CA
1. Fish at the Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
Credit: CoyoteLakeHarveyBearRanchCountyPark / Facebook
It is found on the east of Gilroy City hills. The area is a nature-given attraction that you can easily access from town. The destination occupies 6695 acres; then Pristine Coyote Lake occupies 449 acres.
Due to undisturbed surroundings, the park has successfully become Northern California’s native species refuge. As you explore the trails, look out for a peculiar pond turtle of the west, the tiger salamander of California, the Bay checkerspot butterfly, and a magnificent bald eagle.
The lake is blessed with wildlife and world-class games like bluegill, black bass, and Eurasian crappie.
Address: 10840 Coyote Lake Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
2. Visit Gilroy Museum and tour the Halls
Credit: GilroyHistoricalMuseum / Facebook
For one to understand or learn about how the city links with numerous attractions, festivals, and the history of the city, stop at the Museum. This facility preserves the city’s historical past by displaying artifacts from different eras of Gilroy.
You will find collections, items, and photographs in the popular 1910 Carnegie Library; all these things tell the Gilroy story from the past to the present.
Due to the fact that the building is in a library that is old, you will see so many books as well as other materials which give a detailed document on numerous important events. As a history buff, the shelves offer a tiny paradise.
Address: 195 5th St, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
3. Check out tasty Drinks at the Satori Cellars
Credit: SatoriCellars / Facebook
Gilroy is conducive for one to grow succulent grapes. Thus, the city is known to produce fine wine bottles from its local wineries. Satori Cellars remains amongst the highly visited spots with a lengthy list of award-winning wines.
When you arrive at the place, you will discover a number of colors in Satori Cellars. These features make it a friendly and whimsical atmosphere created by the owners.
Their vineyards are stunning, but the premium bottles are everything that you are expecting; a real treat. Join one of the tasting tours to sample the Cabernet francs, whites, merlots, and some other varieties. After taking a few sips or more, you will be eager to buy one of the bottles.
Address: 2100 Buena Vista Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
4. Attend the Gilroy Garlic Festival and taste the Garlic Ice Cream
Credit: GilroyGarlicFestival / Facebook
The event happens in summer (middle of the period) an excessive number of individuals attend from different countries come to celebrate the festival. The event lasts for three days, and there is a vast number of foods that attract thousands of visitors every year.
Why wouldn’t you want to taste the peculiar garlic ice cream? One may assume that the taste will be unfavorable but otherwise is the case.
The frozen treat is extremely tasty. Apart from the garlic ice cream, you will see other treats that have the garlic twist, such as drinks, pasta, fries, and bread.
There are other booths that offer garlic-themed furniture, costumes, artwork, and braids of quality garlic. Ensure that you take home a couple of these products to your home.
5. View the Peculiar Rides of Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Credit: GilroyGardens / Facebook
This amusement facility is a beautiful attraction that combines different elements of sculptures, botanical gardens, and exhilarating rides to create a stunning attraction for an entire family.
The slogan is “The Fun Grows on Trees” the park incorporates the attractions into life plants, giving you the feeling that rides can grow on trees. Get ready to see a lot of sights like rides that are plant-themed, water features that are surrounded by different trees, et cetera.
The signature feature of this place is its sculpted trees that have been carefully shaped as the years go by, making them form unusual shapes. You will easily find these on the trails and gardens and close to the exhilarating rides. You will see quirky trees in the place.
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
6. Have fun with Big Birds at the Gilroy Ostrich Farm
Credit: GilroyOstrichFarm / Facebook
This place is almost equivalent to a zoo. In addition, the attraction is home to incredible animals, and this includes a good number of different ostriches. You will find the farm at a far distance from Gilroy, with a lot of space for creatures to play and roam around.
At the place, you will see large ostriches, rabbits, cows, goats, and alpacas. Visitors are allowed to snuggle, feed, and pet them because they are very friendly to humans.
Address: 5560 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
7. The Westside Grill
Credit: WestsideGrill / Facebook
In 2006, the Grill was opened for the locals and, since then, has remained a favorite for weekend dinner, lunch and brunch. A family has successfully managed the restaurant.
The place features a mind-blowing menu for everyone, and they constantly have a full bar with daily specials. The customer service is very commendable.
The Westside Grill opens on a daily basis for dinner, then from Mondays to Fridays, it opens for lunch, and finally, it opens on Sundays and Saturdays for brunch. Banquet facilities are equally available for parties, business meetings, and receptions at the Westside Grill.
Address: 8080 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020, Phone: 408-847-3800
8. You can Bounce at Rockin’ Jump Gilroy
Credit: Rockin’JumpTrampolinePark-Gilroy / Facebook
It hardly rains at Gilroy; thus, the temperature is usually too hot. Regardless, there are places like Rockin’ Jump Gilroy that are not affected. This destination opens the entire year, unlike some other attractions that open seasonally in Gilroy.
The trampoline park is spacious and offers many sections, especially for numerous jumping and bouncing activities. You can easily exercise and have fun at the place. The major arena is the Jump Arena; every corner of it is covered using power trampolines.
They have modified Other sections to give room for kids to play the bouncy game, dodgeball, or basketball. If you are interested in challenges, you can participate in wall rock climbing to test your upper body and endurance level.
Address: 1901 Monterey Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
9. Las Animas Park Veterans Park to Play Sports
Credit: CityofGilroy / cityofgilroy.org
This location is a recreation facility that has been dedicated to the soldiers who faithfully served California. The plan occupies 31 acres and is amongst the city’s biggest green spaces, placing it in the highly visited areas for people when they need peace.
The place has multiple attractions and modern amenities; thus, these add to the general experience that visitors experience. You can equally participate in the games like tennis, basketball, diamond fields, horseshoe pit, and baseball.
The place also has a properly paved skatepark made for people who enjoy shredding on rails and ramps. The place has shady spots and picnic benches if you need a more relaxing feature. Visitors are welcome to be in the place as they please.
Address: Mantelli Dr, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
10. Visit Debell Uvas Creek Preserve and Hike
Credit: DebellUvasCreekPreserve / Facebook
This place used to be a spot for mining sand and gravel, but the residents of Gilroy had better plans for the place. So conservation and restoration efforts have been made, and this led to the stunning view that the Preserve offers.
The place occupies 125 acres, and there you will find meadows, forest patches, and meandering Uvas Creek, which cuts across the landscape. This irrigates the land that surrounds the area, leading to lush vegetation.
Nature lovers frequently visit the area. The trail offers multiple trails for exploring the hidden views. The place is a very peaceful attraction that is close to Gilroy. The wildflowers bloom during summer and spring.
11. Go to Gilroy Farmers Market and buy Fresh Produce
Credit: GilroyFarmersMarket / Facebook
Gilroy features bountiful harvests; thus, stop over at the market and buy the things you need. It is a gathering of growers, vendors, and farmers.
They open every Saturday. You will see multiple stalls offering quality products from Gilroy, California. Ensure you check out different seasonal fruits, vegetables, and root crops. The stalls equally have gourmet coffee, preserves, baked goods, and fresh flowers.
If you are unable to attend the Garlic Festival, this market is the second-best place to be in. Here, you can buy quality garlic. Occasionally, you can buy fine bottles of wine from local wineries.
12. Marvel at the Petroglyphs of Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park
Credit: ChitactacAdamsHeritageCountyPark / Facebook
This is a natural attraction that sits close to Gilroy’s northwest borders. The gorgeous location occupies a 4.5-acre destination that is enclosed with trees.
There are open spaces in case you are interested in sightseeing. This park is not as developed as some other parks in the city. Nonetheless, the park retains its cultural significance.
The place features things like bedrock mortars and ancient petroglyphs; these items were carved by the native inhabitants a thousand years ago. Due to the fact that few places in Gilroy offer these features, the park has become a place of rigorous conservation efforts.
One can follow a specific path to view the various artifacts. You can also check the popular interpretive center to read about the old/ancient art and the park’s history.
Address: 10001 Watsonville Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
13. Visit Christmas Hill Park and have fun with your family
Credit: Wikipedia / wikipedia.org
This spot is amongst the frequently visited ones in Gilroy. The attraction is heavily wooded, and people love visiting because of the numerous amenities.
Thus, the amenities give room for playing sports, bonding with families and friends, or hosting events. This area occupies 51 acres, and you will find softball and baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a vast ranch for people that enjoy horseback riding.
The ranch also provides a center for education, giving room for one to learn about the wildlife and history of Gilroy.
Ensure that you take a tour of the property’s paved trails that take you into the park’s pine forests. You can equally go jogging, ride a comfortable bike or walk along the park paths.
Address: 7050 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
14. Visit Hunting Hollow to see Wildflowers
Credit: HuntingHollow / Facebook
Hunting Hollow is not a well-known attraction. This hiking area begins at the creeks, most especially the highly notable Coyote Creek (a tributary of Coyote Lake).
From the place, hikers can take one of the two trails to get to the Hunting Hollow surroundings, a little forested valley. In spring, many people come around to see the wildflowers because the slopes will usually be covered in small blooms of different colors.
The place is a magical and rare sight unknown to people; thus, make sure to visit before people crowd the place.
15. Go to Eagle Ridge Golf Club and Practice Your Swing
Credit: EagleRidgeGolfClub / Facebook
If you are eager to learn how to play golf or you enjoy playing golf, this golf spot is good for you. It is one of Northern California’s hidden gems.
It is known to be amongst the best of Silicon Valley’s golf courses, as it always offers a mind-blowing golf round. Golfers are challenged to play on the spot.
In addition, they equally offer lessons as well as a driving range, two putting greens, and one practice bunker. Guests are allowed to enjoy drinks and dishes of different kinds, including a vast wine list in the hotel’s bar and restaurant.
Address: 2951 Club Dr, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
16. Visit Limelight Actors Theater and catch a performance
Credit: GilroyDispatch / gilroydispatch.com
This Theater features extraordinary and mind-blowing productions. The setting is a very cozy cabaret where numerous entertaining performances are provided.
The “thrust stage” architecture seats two tables deep, right on three sides of their vast stage, ensuring that the audience is brought close enough to the action. In addition, it has a cutting-edge lighting system.
You can come with your friends to savor the atmosphere, enjoy your drink and food (or place an order from a caterer), and come with your wine. This has increased the number of available alcoholic beverages to add to your meal.
The Theater usually opens 11/2 hours before the show begins, giving people time to come in, buy tickets and have a good drink or meal before the performance.
Address: 7341 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
17. Come with your entire family to the Gilroy Rodeo
Credit: GilroyRodeo / Facebook
Apart from the garlic Gilroy offers, people flock to the area for the recently revived rodeo. Since 1930, the rodeo has remained strong, and every June, it used to serve as a community event that occupied a whole stadium. In 1956, the last of all rodeos happened.
Thus, in 2017, after 62 years of absence, Kendra and her husband, Erik Martin, started reviving Gilroy’s western culture by bringing back the rodeo.
Furthermore, in 2018, the rodeo finally went back to South Bay Area, where traditional rodeo cowboy traditions caught up with the recent cutting-edge ways. The GR tagline, “where the past meets the present,” reflects the eclectic sense of activities, open for everyone.
Address: 2365 Dunlap Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
18. Visit Gallery 1202
Credit: Gallery1202 / Facebook
In 2019, specifically in San Francisco Bay Area, Emily McEwan-Upright opened the gallery known as Gallery 1202.
This gallery is located at Neon Exchange that focuses on women. The place features six online exhibitions, eight in-gallery annual shows, and four or five yearly fairs (art fairs) around the US.
The gallery aims to support worldwide underrepresented artists, people of color, women, and working artists that have young children while providing an inviting and safe venue for the residents.
In addition, it promotes people who explore nonmainstream perspectives or themes of nontraditional techniques. You can buy a good set of quality books that have documented previous exhibitions. In 2020 (during summer time), they showcased exhibits in 3-D form.
You should definitely visit this place when you come to Gilroy.
Address: 7363 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
19. The Promised Land Brewing Company
Credit: PromisedLandBrewingCompany / Facebook
The Brewing Company is located in the business park, north, and it has its taproom and brewery. The place has seventeen different beers that you can pick from, including lagers, ales, and blends of different flavors under experiment. The Company is on the less big side.
That notwithstanding, you can enjoy excellent brews that are local and fresh in Gilroy. This is the best place you can be. Not minding if you want a mellow, fruity, or hoppy brew, this brewing company has everything in stock.
You can enjoy your breweries even with your dog around. In addition, Food Trucks equally visit, allowing customers to get something tasty and satisfying.
Address: 7419 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
20. Visit La Vie Dansante Wines
Credit: LaVieDansanteWines / Facebook
This is one of the wineries (out of three) partly located at the Blended. The studio is available for purchasing and tasting wines of different kinds.
The place opens on weekdays by appointment or booking. If a guest buys a bottle of wine, the wine-tasting fee is thus returned to the guest.
During the wine tasting, visitors are allowed to pick five unique wines from the available(the ones open to be tasted) wines at Blended. The name “La Vie Dansante” has the meaning “The Dancing Life.” Go and have a tasty drink.
Address: 6500 Brem Ln, Gilroy, CA 95020, Phone: 408-852-0779
21. The popular Garlic City Cafe
Credit: VisitGilroy / visitgilroy.com
In 2007, the cafe opened for the first time, allowing locals and visitors to visit. This cafe offers delicious pasta dishes, omelets, salads, soups, sandwiches, tortilla wraps, desserts, and waffles.
Their menu is in line with the name of the cafe, as it features a good variety of garlic meals, like garlic calamari steak sandwiches, garlic ice cream, garlic cheeseburgers, garlic fries, et cetera for people that want to taste it. Visit this site whenever you come to Gilroy.
Address: 7461 Monterey St, Gilroy, CA 95020, Phone: 408-847-7744
22. The Rapazzini Winery at Gilroy, CA
Credit: RapazziniWinery / Facebook
This site features wine-tasting tours for visitors. This includes a menu of 5 unique wines with different tastes in their open-beamed room tasting wines. Every bottle of wine offers an additional thing because the wine is well-aged and ready to be taken.
The Winery was opened in 1962 by Jon Rapazzini. The room is very comfortable and friendly. It features stained glass windows and a 40-foot copper bar.
Address: 4350 Monterey Highway, Gilroy, CA 95020, Phone: 408-842-5649
Conclusion
Gilroy lies at the center of Santa Clara Valley, a destination for an entire family. From epic-themed parks to garlic festivals, from expansive lakes to small museums, there are several things you can do and see at Gilroy, regardless of your interests.