Frequently Asked Questions
Gilroy sits in a uniquely connected part of Northern California, where the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Santa Clara Valley, and the Central Coast all overlap—a natural starting point for exploring coastal drives, wine country, agricultural landscapes.
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Gilroy is best known as the “Garlic Capital of the World,” with deep agricultural roots and a long-standing reputation for celebrating food, wine, and community festivals. Beyond garlic, it’s also known for its wineries, walkable historic downtown, shopping at the Gilroy Premium Outlets, nearby outdoor recreation, and easy access to and from the Bay Area, Central Valley, and California’s Central Coast.
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The Gilroy Garlic Festival traditionally occurs on the last 3-day weekend in July, spanning Friday-Sunday. Festival officials typically announce dates in the Spring on their website and social media channels.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival went on temporary hiatus from 2020-2024, returning with a smaller footprint at a new venue in 2025. The Gilroy Garlic Festival has always been hosted in Gilroy, California. Although celebrations and events centered around the aromatic bulb may be held in different capacities in other places, Gilroy has been home to the world famous Gilroy Garlic Festival since 1979. Learn more at GilroyGarlicFestival.com
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You can find specialty garlic-forward dishes in many of our restaurants. If you're looking to bring home some Gilroy garlic, you can find a host of garlic treasures at Garlic Shoppe, Garlic Worlds, LJB Farms, as well as nearby Casa de Fruta. Discover more Garlic Dining.
In late summer, just around Garlic Festival season, you can find fresh garlic on the shelves, and the coveted garlic braids that make a beautiful gift, or souvenir to enrich your own homecooked dishes.
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Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a family-friendly destination featuring rides, attractions, gardens, and the world-famous Circus Trees. Designed especially for younger children and families, the park offers seasonal events, water play areas, and educational experiences set among beautifully landscaped gardens.
Gilroy Gardens, Inc., in addition to having rides and attractions, is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution whose mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees in our lives by providing fun and memories in a beautiful garden setting. Learn more at GilroyGardens.org
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Families visiting Gilroy can enjoy Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, seasonal farm experiences like U-pick berries and stone fruit, local parks and playgrounds, easy hiking trails in nearby county, state, and national parks. Downtown Gilroy adds even more family-friendly fun, with stops like Savvy’s Downtown Sweets and Gilroy Bowl, offering classic entertainment and sweet treats right in the heart of the city. Throughout the year, enjoy community and family-friendly events including La Ofrenda Festival and the Holiday Festival & Parade. Visitors can also explore nearby roadside attraction Casa de Fruta, known for its family-friendly activities, sweet treats, and dining options.
From hands-on agricultural experiences and community celebrations to outdoor adventures and seasonal attractions, Gilroy offers plenty of activities for families with children of all ages.
For families staying multiple days, Gilroy can also serve as a convenient home base for regional theme park outings. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is the local favorite, while the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in nearby San Jose offer two additional nearby options, each with its own unique mix of rides, attractions, and family fun.
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The Gilroy Taco Trail is a self-guided food experience that highlights nearly 30 local taquerias and Mexican-inspired eateries throughout the city. It encourages visitors to explore Gilroy one stop at a time, sampling a variety of authentic flavors, local favorites, and unique taco styles across participating restaurants
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Yes. Gilroy is home to 16 wineries, and part of the Santa Clara Valley wine region - many of which are family-run businesses. From boutique wineries to larger venues, you can easily spend a weekend (or 2) exploring the different flavors of our wine county. You may very well meet the owner or wine maker on your visit! More than just wine, many have live music on the weekends, and host specialty events all year long.
Gilroy is also part of the broader Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, making it easy to plan a full day or weekend of wine tasting.
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Yes. There are 3 craft breweries and multiple taprooms in Gilroy, all located in our walkable downtown. Each with their own character, and easily accessible, you can even find fun events on their calendar, like themed trivia nights and game tournaments. The Gilroy Ale Trail makes it easy to discover them all and experience Gilroy's growing craft beer scene
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Downtown Gilroy blends history and local flavor with small-town atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants, antique, vintage, and specialty shops, public art, and open gathering spaces, while exploring Gilroy's Mural Trail, and learning about the city's past through the Gilroy Museum and Gilroy Historical Society. Guided downtown walking tours are also available on select first Saturdays throughout the year.
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From shaded forest trails among redwood trees at Mt. Madonna County Park about 10 miles west, to sweeping ridgeline views just east of town roughly 10–15 miles away, and the rugged desert-like landscapes of Pinnacles National Park about 45 miles south, the region offers a wide range of terrain to explore. Additional nearby options include Henry W. Coe State Park and Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, both offering extensive trail systems for hiking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration. Options for hiking and biking range from casual nature walks to more challenging hikes, making it easy to find a route that fits your group’s experience level.
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Visitors can explore local farms and orchards, shop for fresh produce, flowers, garlic products, and gourmet foods, or discover family-friendly experiences that connect them with the region’s farming heritage.
Throughout the year, guests can visit popular farm stands and specialty markets such as LJB Farms, Garlic World, Garlic Shoppe, and Casa de Fruta, while seasonal operations offer opportunities to pick berries, cherries, flowers, and other crops directly from the field. Several wineries along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail also offer guided tours and educational experiences by appointment, providing a closer look at the region’s long-standing agricultural and winemaking traditions.
The Gilroy Farmers Market runs every Sunday, 9 AM–2 PM, in the parking lot at the corner of Eigleberry and 7th Street where visitors can browse and sample fresh produce, local goods, and seasonal finds.
Visitors can attend seasonal farm-to-table dinners hosted at Terra Amico Farms, where local ingredients and agricultural storytelling come together in a unique countryside setting.
Explore current farm stands, tours, wineries, and seasonal experiences on our Farmstands, Tours & Ag Experiences page. For an even broader look at agricultural destinations throughout the region, browse the Santa Clara County Agricultural Experiences Map.
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Gilroy is known for community-centered festivals and events that reflect its local culture and agricultural roots. Gilroy is famously recognized as the Garlic Capital of the World, largely attributed to the Gilroy Garlic Festival and it's legacy as a food festival destination. Gilroy is also known for the Gilroy Rodeo, Tamal Festival, Heart of Gilroy Wine and Art Stroll, Downtown Live Summer Concert Series, Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, and seasonal holiday celebrations that bring the community together throughout the year. Nearby, the Northern California Renaissance Faire at Northern California Renaissance Faire is a popular regional event that many Gilroy visitors and residents attend each fall.
View our calendar of events to see what's happening in Gilroy.
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Yes. Gilroy offers a variety of venues to fit your vision, including vineyard estates, historic downtown spaces, private dining venues, hilltop settings, and golf course properties. Options range from rustic outdoor backdrops to full-service event facilities.
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Gilroy is approximately 30 miles from San Jose, about 40 miles from Monterey, and about 40 miles from Santa Cruz.
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Gilroy offers a convenient inland home base to pair with a Monterey visit on the coast. Visitors often combine coastal sightseeing with wine tasting, outlet shopping, and dining in Gilroy, adding a different landscape and experience to their trip along the Central Coast. Favorite stops on the way include Gizdich Ranch for U-pick orchards and fresh-baked pies and Martinelli's Company Store & Tasting Room to sample the famous apple ciders.
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If you’re attending major Monterey events, Gilroy is a nearby budget conscious option for your stay, providing a quieter alternative inland base while still keeping you close enough for coastal day trips and events. Gilroy wine tasting, dining, and shopping opportunities round out an easy inland base for a relaxed Central Coast itinerary.
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If you’re in the area for sports, the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center is a great hub for sports tournaments, 10 miles from the heart of Gilroy.
After a day on the field, players and spectators can refuel with local dining, breweries, and wood-fired pizza at High & Mighty Pizza Joint, or a fun team outing at Gilroy Bowl. Seasonal events and nearby parks also offer easy options for downtime and fresh air between match schedules.
For overnight stays, Gilroy hotels with swimming pools provide a comfortable place to relax and recharge—so you’re ready for the next day’s competition.
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If you’re traveling into the region for business, San Jose Mineta International Airport serves as a convenient gateway to Silicon Valley and the South Bay, providing direct access to surrounding business and leisure destinations.
Just south of the metro area, Gilroy offers a practical alternative for business travel stays. With a range of hotels, a quieter setting compared to the urban core, and easy access to dining, wineries, and shopping at the Gilroy Premium Outlets, it works well as a comfortable and efficient base for regional travel.
Whether you’re attending meetings in San Jose or throughout the South Bay, Gilroy provides a balanced option that supports both productivity and downtime, with straightforward access back into the Silicon Valley corridor. Traveling with a group, or looking for some team-building opportunities? Explore group activities in Gilroy.
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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a favorite stop for many families visiting the Central Coast. For a well-rounded regional experience, Gilroy offers an easy inland complement to a day on the coast. Just a short drive away, visitors can shift from oceanfront attractions to rolling foothills, farm country, and California wine country experiences.
In Gilroy, you’ll find wineries, casual dining, and shopping at the Gilroy Premium Outlets, along with annual and seasonal events and a more relaxed pace that contrasts with the energy of the boardwalk—making it an ideal inland extension to a Santa Cruz visit.
Still Planning Your Trip?
If you’re looking for more details on things to do, seasonal events, or where to stay, we’re here to help. Reach out or explore more resources to plan your visit with confidence.
