Gilroy: Your Central Hub for California Adventures

Start Here: Explore the Best of Gilroy

Before you even hit the highway, there’s so much to experience right here:

• Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park: There’s simply no place in the world quite like Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, a nature-based park perfect for families and garden lovers alike to explore the majestic gardens, unique rides, water attractions, and over 10,000 trees—including the whimsical world-famous Circus Trees.

• Local Wineries: Sip award-winning wines in Gilroy and along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail. If you're craving an authentic wine tasting experience, you'll love the locally grown varietals and down-to-earth atmosphere—no crowds, just incredible pours and scenic views.

• Downtown Gilroy: Discover hidden gems in trendy boutiques, antique and vintage shops, a comic book and collectibles store, and a metaphysical crystal shop. Explore artisan goods with local flair, grab brunch, peruse an art gallery, savor flavorful dishes at locally owned restaurants for dinner, and toast the evening with a craft beer from one of Gilroy’s friendly breweries and taprooms.

• Gilroy Premium Outlets:
  Shop more than 100 name-brand stores offering incredible deals on fashion, footwear, accessories, and more. Whether you're hunting for luxury labels or everyday essentials, this shopper’s emporium can turn a quick stop into a full day of retail therapy, all just minutes from your hotel, downtown Gilroy, and other local attractions.

• Outdoor Adventures:

  • Mount Madonna County Park: Hike through misty redwood groves and fern-lined trails.

  • Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park: A fascinating stop full of Indigenous cultural history and tradition.

  • Coyote Lake–Harvey Bear Ranch and Henry W. Coe State Park: Explore miles of rolling hills, native wildlife, and unforgettable views.

Then, Venture Out: Day Trips from Gilroy

Use Gilroy as your launchpad for day trips to the California Central Coast along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the greater Bay Area, and more nearby destinations:

• Santa Cruz – Surf, boardwalks, and beach town vibes (40 mi.)

• San Francisco & the Bay Area – Iconic sights, culture, and city energy (80 mi.)

• San Juan Bautista –  Rich with early California history (15 mi.)

• Pinnacles National Park – Hike through towering rock spires, caves, and condor habitat at California’s newest national park (45 mi.)

• Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – Coastal charm and marine wonders (45 mi.)

• Big Sur – Jaw-dropping cliffs and Pacific views (75 mi.)

• Watsonville – Agriculture meets ocean breezes (20 mi.)

• Half Moon Bay – Rugged coastlines and seaside serenity (70 mi.)

And after your adventure? Return to Gilroy to unwind and get ready for what tomorrow holds.