Known for its beautiful parks, a vibrant arts scene, and a walkable downtown, Gilroy is filled with activities and attractions that are big on fun but won’t break the bank.
From strolling our mural trail dotted with original art to treasure hunting in our downtown shops, spending a day — or night — in Gilroy offers a bounty of budget-friendly activities.
Meander through our charming downtown and pick up a coffee at Camino Coffee or Fifth Street Coffee before visiting our shops and boutiques. Peruse the paperbacks at Dream Weaver Books and rifle through the bookcase filled with free books outside the shop. For one-of-a-kind finds, check out Ashford’s Heirlooms, Garbo’s Antiques, and Apothecary Vintage, the latter of which offers a curated assortment of vintage clothing and accessories.
Enjoy a virtual walking art gallery represented in Gilroy’s murals dotted throughout town. The mural trail brings to life the city’s history, culture, and civic pride. Murals include farmers harvesting garlic in a field covering a wall at the corner of Fifth and Monterey streets, a train rolling across the side of 5th Street Coffee, flowers blooming on the back of the Neon Exchange building in Gourmet Alley, a giant American flag emblazoned on the Gilroy Veterans Hall, and an eclectic scene representing the past, present, and future of Gilroy on the 6th Street Studios & Art Center. A nearby pathway tying Monterey Street to adjacent free parking lots is lined with historic murals and interpretative panels.
Enjoy free art exhibits in our downtown art galleries, including the Clove Art Complex, Moya Art Gallery & Studio, 6th Street Studios & Art Center, and the Gilroy Center for the Arts. To glimpse a bird’s eye view of downtown, enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar at Covale Taproom.
In the evening, downtown comes alive with free trivia and open mic nights. Test your knowledge at free rotating downtown trivia nights at our downtown taprooms and breweries, including Pour Me Taproom and Settle Down Brewery and Taproom.
Go back in time and discover Gilroy’s past at the Gilroy Museum, located on Fifth Street. Offering free walks the first Saturday of the month, the museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, as well as the first and second Saturday of each month.
For outdoor lovers, Gilroy offers lots of opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, our walking paths and stunning parks have got you covered.
On the west side of Gilroy, Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park is 4.3 acres of beauty and history focusing on the indigenous Mutsun-speaking people, who once called it home. Dotted with Oak trees and set beside Uvas Creek, the park is a peaceful respite as well as a unique heritage site. Enjoy a self-guided .4-mile trail taking you through multiple photographs, art, and buildings highlighting the culture of the Mutsun-speaking people.
Spanning the entire city, the Uvas Creek Levee Trail is a four-mile paved biking, walking, and jogging trail that crisscrosses the town. It runs from the Gilroy Sports Park to Hecker Pass/Highway 152. There are scenic spots to enjoy along the way, including Christmas Hill Park and Hecker Pass Park.
Just south of Gilroy, the Mission San Juan Baustista, located in the San Juan Bautista Plaza Historic District, is free to tour year-round. The 15th and largest of the 21 California Missions constructed along El Camino Real, it was founded in 1797. Having withstood two major earthquakes and undergone multiple renovations, it remains an active parish within the Diocese of Monterey. Visitors can book docent-led tours by appointment.
A bit farther southeast, stop at Casa de Fruta for fresh produce or a quick snack. Starting out as a roadside fruit stand, Casa features waterwheels, antique farm machinery, fruit orchards, a restaurant, and a miniature locomotive offering rides for children. Be sure to pick up homemade candy and fresh-baked treats at the Casa de Sweets.
In the mood for a little shopping? There are always sweet deals to be discovered at our Gilroy Premium Outlets. With more than 145 stores offering deep discounts, the Outlets are a bargain hunter’s dream. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the California Welcome Center (near Forever 21). It’s the ideal spot to pick up helpful maps, guides, and coupons to help you make the most of your time in Gilroy.
The next time you’re looking for activities and attractions that pack a lot of fun while being affordable, head to Gilroy. From parks to art and everything in between, Gilroy offers frugal fun for all ages.
