Gilroy is a city that is full of history, food, wine, and culture. A trip to this part of California takes you on a journey that allows you to explore the outdoors through the many hiking trails, spend time enjoying the sunset sipping on wine at a private vineyard or visit the famous Gilroy Gardens Theme Park filled with lots of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. Gilroy offers something to do for all age groups, whether you someone who likes to spend time chilling by the sun, sampling different wines or going on some thrilling adventure experiences, you will definitely find your fit. The city is well known for housing some of the best garlic shops in the country, so, if you are a garlic lover then make sure that you try the famous garlic fried ice-cream. To see a list of all the fun activities you can do here, check out the list of things to do in Gilroy, California.
1. Enjoy birdwatching at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
This abundant natural park is surrounded by shrubs or trees, some indigenous to the area. There is a large lake in the heart of the park with sectioned off areas dedicated for campers and boat launches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a space that includes a large lake with camping grounds and boat launch facilities. Spend time spotting the variety of bird species that frequent the area and take hikes at the many trails available. Coyote Bear is home to some indigenous flora and fauna. You can expect to find various species of birdlife to exotic trees and some mammals such as California tiger salamander and the black-tailed deer. If you planning on spending time camping here make sure to take note of the following: all sites have access to water and electricity and campers will be able to enjoy hot showers. There are 73 sites for RV’s and tents.
Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
Address: 10840 Coyote Lake Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
2. Watch live performances at the Limelight Actors Theater
No visit to Gilroy is complete without experiencing the arts and culture that this place has to offer. Take advantage of those rainy evenings and head on over to the Limelight to watch some of Califonia’s upcoming artists showcase their talents with a live theatre production. Limelight Actors Theater offers locals and visitors the opportunity to come and witness amazing talent showcased in the form of a stage production. This is a great activity for those rainy nights or if you have an appreciation for arts and culture. Guests have the option of bringing their own dinner, or you can order something from The Milias Restaurant.
Limelight Actors Theater
Address: 7341 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Limelight Actors Theater
Price: 25 USD
3. Try the reds at Satori Cellars
Posted by Satori Cellars on Wednesday, 24 May 2017
This tranquil hideaway located in the Wineland region of California offers visitors a chance to come to enjoy the tranquil setting while sipping on some of the finest wines produced in this region. The award-winning Satori Cellars invites wine lovers to come to taste some of the best wines in town. The space is suitable for the entire family to enjoy, and this includes your furry members. The laid back vibe is what keeps visitors coming back, with a live band playing some of your favorite music while you sip on some estate-grown reds: Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.
Satori Cellars
Address: 2100 Buena Vista Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Satori Cellars
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
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4. Dine at The Milias Restaurant
Posted by The Milias Restaurant on Tuesday, 12 July 2016
If you like the idea of dining at a place with a heartfelt story, and that has been the kitchen for many generations, then make sure to visit The Milias Restaurant. The spot is synonymous with American plates and cocktails served in an old-school dining room. Visitors can enjoy live music six days of the week and, the restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Some of the classic dishes you should try during your next visit include a start of Spicy Shrimp with blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery followed by a main of Roasted Pork Tenderloin stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, brie, and herbs. Served on a bed of risotto with sauteed green beans and ending off your meal with Vanilla Crepes filled with a strawberry cream cheese mousse.
The Milias Restaurant
Address: 7397 Monterey St Gilroy, California 95020
Website: The Milias Restaurant
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11:30am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
5. Enjoy exciting times at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Posted by Gilroy Gardens on Friday, 18 May 2018
Treat your kids to a fun day in the sun where you will get to experience some thrilling rides and activities while enjoying the many sites and attractions that this park has to offer. The space is open to all age groups and if the rides are not your thing, then you can enjoy watching the kids while you spend time on the manicured lawns over a picnic.
This garden-themed park is the perfect day escape for a family to enjoy fun activities in a gorgeous and colorful setting. The park has 22 rides and five attractions. It is also home of the Circus Trees, created by Axel Erlandson. Start the day off with the fun rides before making your way to the tranquil garden to ease off some of the excitement. A top tip is to keep a lookout for the many events taking place during the school holidays
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Price: 58 USD
6. Admire the stunning vineyards at Solis Winery
Come witness the art of winemaking at this stunning vineyard located Vanni Estate. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample a variety of wines in the well-decorated tasting room boasting stunning views of vineyard nestled against the Gabilan mountain range. All the award-winning wines are grown, produced and bottled at Vanni Estate. This estate also forms the perfect backdrop for hosting some of your favorite events and special occasions. Speak to the friendly staff to assist you in creating memories at Solis Winery.
Solis Winery
Address: 3920 Hecker Pass Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Solis Winery
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
7. Participate in the fascinating Gilroy Garlic Festival
If you're thinking about entering one of our cooking competitions like Champions for Charity, Garlic Chef Jr. and the...
Posted by Gilroy Garlic Festival on Thursday, 25 April 2019
Gilroy prides itself in hosting some of the best culinary events in California, and when it comes to anything to do with garlic, no place can top this spicy town. An event that sees food-lovers from across the globe is the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Come and experience the world’s largest summer food festival in the heart of Gilroy. This food lover’s extravaganza showcases a variety of dishes centered around garlic. World-renowned chefs, home cooks, and vendors bring you the most delicious aspects of garlic gastronomy. Visitors will be entertained by live musicians and fantastic meals such as Gilroy garlic fries, garlic bread and, they even make garlic ice-cream. A top tip is to bring plenty of breath mints because this is bound to be an aromatic experience.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
Address: 7050 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Gilroy Garlic Festival
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 42.99 USD
8. Taste local chocolate with premium wines at Aver Family Vineyards
Come and experience decadent treat with this wine and chocolate pairing at Aver Family Vineyards. The family-owned winery opened its doors in 2005 and welcomes visitors looking to sample some of the best wines in Santa Clara Valley. Sustainable farming is at the forefront of the winery and grapes used in the wines are primarily estate grapes that are grown with holistic farming practices. This is a great way to come learn about the art of wine pairing and will score you top points at your next dinner party.
Aver Family Vineyards
Address: 2900 Soma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Aver Family Vineyards
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
9. Look for Circus Trees at Gilroy Gardens
Posted by Gilroy Gardens on Thursday, 14 March 2019
This tree haven was established over 25 years ago when it was still a nursery before a theme park was incorporated. The park houses 24 uniquely designed Circus Trees that were grown and shaped with multiple trunks, basket-weave patterns, and hearts. The trees were created by the Swedish born Axel Erlandson. Axel was inspired by observing a natural graft between two trees where he began to shape his trees.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Circus Trees at Gilroy Gardens
Opening hours: Sat-Sun: 10am - 6pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 5pm
Price: 58 USD
10. Drink Italian wines at Hecker Pass Winery
Hecker Pass is a low mountain pass across the Santa Cruz Mountains of central California, connecting Watsonville on the Pacific coast to Gilroy and the Santa Clara Valley. Here you will find this family-owned winery was established in the 1900s by a third-generation vintner from Italy. Wines here are produced European style through dry farming, head pruning, handpicking, and wild yeast fermentation. Visitors have the option to come and spend the day in the tranquil space sampling some of the best Italian wines while enjoying the gorgeous scenery. If you are one to impress then make sure to stock up on their vintage selections and some of the classic wines that Hecker Pass Winery has to offer.
Hecker Pass Winery
Address: 4605 Hecker Pass Rd Gilroy, California 95020
Website: Hecker Pass Winery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
11. Enjoy a family dinner at Westside Grill
COME TRY OUR NEW BLACK ANGUS STEAK SPECIAL!! $11.99
Posted by WestSide Grill & Bar on Thursday, 9 May 2019
Westside Grill is a favorite spot amongst locals looking for the perfect breakfast place and weekend brunch. The all-American restaurant specializes in serving the freshest seafood dishes and succulent mouth-watering steaks. This family-friendly eatery is also open for lunch and dinner and there is an intimate bar area serving delicious cocktails. If you are planning an event or function, the friendly staff at Westside Grill are happy to assist you with planning your special day. Some of the must-try meals include the Linguini and clams - freshly prepared clams in white wine, garlic, and lemon-butter sauce served over pasta that is cooked to perfection. Follow up the dish with a serving of New York cheesecake.
Westside Grill
Address:8080 Santa Teresa Blvd #100, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Westside Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10pm; Sat: 9am -10pm; Sun: 8:30am - 9pm
12. Hike through the lovely Christmas Hill Park
This park is located in Santa Clara County. It is the perfect spot to come enjoy a day out with the family. The park houses a variety of hiking trails, jogging trails and bicycle trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There is also dedicated picnic areas and fields where you can play soccer, baseball, and football. The park is surrounded by multiple trees giving the space peace and tranquility.
Christmas Hill Park
Address: 7050 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Christmas Hill Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
13. Catch a concert at Sarah's Vineyard
Pair your love for music with a holistic experience of dance, food, and wine under the California sun. Sarah’s Vineyard is a great summer spot featuring some of the best musicians and delicious treats. Guests can enjoy sampling award-winning wines from Pinot Noir to world-class chardonnay. This is a truly unique experience and visitors will be greeted by the warm hospitality.
Sarah's Vineyard
Address:4005 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Sarah’s Vineyard
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
14. Relish garlic-flavored dishes at Garlic City Cafe
This American and Mediterranean fare showcases decadent dishes with garlic being the stare of most of the meals here. Garlic lovers will enjoy the wide selection of delicious meals offered here. Come try the garlic calamari steak sandwich, garlic cheeseburger, garlic fries, garlic ice cream, and more. The family-owned restaurant offers warm hospitality and a pleasant family-friendly environment.
Garlic City Cafe
Address: 7461 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Garlic City Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sun: 8am - 1pm
15. Sample tasty wines at Kirigin Cellars Winery
?Sale Alert ?Rose and Zinfandel are on special this week until Friday! Each varietal is available at $5.90 per bottle by...
Posted by Kirigin Cellars on Tuesday, 2 April 2019
Kirigin Cellars Winery offers wine-lovers a unique tasting experience where guests get to sample a variety of wines made with grapes grown on the farm. They also offer a selection of coffee- and chocolate-infused Vino de Mocca. You will get to sample wines made with over 11 different grapes while enjoying the scenic location boasting some amazing views of the vineyard.
Kirigin Cellars Winery
Address: 11550 Watsonville Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Kirigin Cellars Winery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
16. Stick to gluten-free diet at Barbeque 152
Treat yourself and the family this Memorial Weekend to some perfectly smoked BBQ. You know just where to find...
Posted by BBQ 152 on Saturday, 25 May 2019
This meat-lovers restaurant is set in a casual setting providing some of the best barbecue dishes in Gilroy. Time is taken in preparing each meal using fresh cuts of meat that are barbecued to perfection on a daily basis. Meat is cooked the old-school way using plenty of oak wood. Try one of the combo meals that allow you to choose between two or three pieces of meat of your choice. We also recommend the family combo which consists of a full rack of pork ribs, half chicken, beans, and coleslaw. This makes for a great takeaway meal to share with your friends and family.
Barbeque 152
Address: 8295 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Barbeque 152
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9pm (daily)
17. Taste award-winning wines at Martin Ranch Winery
Come spend a weekend sampling some amazing award-winning wines at Martin Ranch Winery. The vineyard has Cabernet Franc, Nebbiolo, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, in addition to the original Cabernet Sauvignon vine, producing over 10,000 cases of wine annually. Each wine that’s made tells a story of the people and the hands that played a part in creating the wine.
Martin Ranch Winery
Address: 6675 Redwood Retreat Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Martin Ranch Winery
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
18. Visit Garlic World to buy aromatic gifts
Posted by Garlic World on Saturday, 29 September 2018
Garlic World is your one-stop place for sourcing the freshest garlic and the best gourmet food in Gilroy. Expect to find a selection of garlic products at the garlic capital of the world. Visitors can purchase gift items of garlic braids, fresh garlic, pickled garlic, garlic seasonings, dehydrated garlic, garlic olive oils, or you can use this experience as an opportunity to glance through the different offerings and see what you can create from your own kitchen.
Garlic World
Address: 4800 Monterey Road, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Garlic World
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 6pm ; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
19. Admire lovely art collection at the Gilroy Arts Alliance
Come and admire some unique art pieces curated by local artisans. The Gilroy Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization aimed at advocating on behalf of the arts in Gilroy and the surrounding areas and support the artistic and cultural activities of the creative talent in our community. Regular events are hosted at the center, where visitors have the opportunity to take part in fun interactive activities. The paint and sip evening is a great opportunity to get together with the girls for an artistic evening of creativity while enjoying some of California’s wine offerings.
Gilroy Arts Alliance
Address: 7341 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Gilroy Arts Alliance
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 2pm - 6pm; Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
20. Check out historic murals at The Gilroy Historic Paseo
Posted by The Gilroy Historic Paseo Project on Tuesday, 16 May 2017
The Gilroy Historic Paseo takes you on a journey that tells the story of the foundation of Gilroy using murals. Visitors will see the various eras that help form this place from the early settlers to the cowboy era. Shops and restaurants are easily accessible from the historic streets, making this a great pathway for visitors looking to take an educational stroll.
The Gilroy Historic Paseo
Address: 7453 Monterey Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: The Gilroy Historic Paseo
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
21. Eat authentic Mexican food at Carnitas Michoacan
Come tantalize your tastebuds with a serving of delicious Mexican dishes from a quaint eatery in Gilroy. This restaurant brings you the best of authentic flavors from home-style burritos to quesadillas and freshly made guacamole. The budget-friendly eatery is ready to serve you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come with your friends or family and have a grand meal together.
Carnitas Michoacan
Address: 7484 Monterey St, Gilroy, CA 95020
Website: Carnitas Michoacan
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
22. Have a hearty laugh at the Pintello Comedy Theater
Posted by Pintello Comedy Theater on Friday, 5 April 2019
Come enjoy a night of laughter with family and friends at the most popular theater in Gilroy. Local acts are performed at the historic Gilroy Grange Hall, with nights of fun and laughter by talented artists and actors. Guests can enjoy some of the best local wines while they keep giggling at the most brilliant acts of comedy.
Pintello Comedy Theater
Address: 8191 Swanston Ln, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Pintello Comedy Theater
23. Bring your kids to Wheeler Tot Lot
Gil and Roy can't wait to welcome your family to Gilroy Gardens! Join them this sunny weekend 10am-6pm. www.gilroygardens.org
Posted by Gilroy Gardens on Friday, 26 April 2019
Located inside the Gilroy City park is a kids haven featuring play equipment and a playground for your little ones. Wheeler Tot Lot is the perfect spot for spending a day out with the family. Visitors can enjoy some downtime at the available patches of grass after an eventful day of entertaining the kids. This is the perfect activity for families traveling with toddlers.
Wheeler Tot Lot
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Wheeler Tot Lot
Price: 58 USD
24. Buy the sweetest treats at Jelly Belly Factory Store
Are you #TEAMPINK or #TEAMBLUE? Give us a ? for Jewel Bubble Gum or a ? for Jewel Berry Blue!
Posted by Jelly Belly on Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Spend the day in candy land exploring the vibrant and colorful Jelly Belly Factory Store. This enchanting store is a sweet-lovers paradise with free self-guided tours offered where you can explore the factory at your own pace while taking in the free samples. Visitors also have the option of purchasing some sweets from the in-house factory store.
Jelly Belly Factory Store
Address: 681 Leavesley Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Jelly Belly Factory Store
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
25. Gear up for fun at Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs
This California Historical Landmark is a favorite among visitors for its offering of mineral hot springs. The historic site was built by the early settlers and Japanese immigrants. Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs is the perfect place for a day out with friends and family. Make sure you call in to secure your spot.
Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs
Address: 13800 Gilroy Hot Springs, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs
26. Get to know the Chinese culture at Lumination festival
Gilroy Gardens plays host to one of the most famous cultural festivals in Gilroy. The Lumination festival is a celebration of Chinese culture, where visitors get to experience displays of porcelain dragons and imperial peacocks. Guests can feast on amazing cuisine while touring the park and learning about Chinese culture and history.
Lumination festival
Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Website: Lumination festival
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
27. Try global cuisines at Hecker Pass Plaza
Hecker Pass Plaza is a shopping center that houses some of the best international gastronomy in Gilroy. If you having a tough time deciding what to eat then why not stop over to come to sample a variety of meals from the different eateries available. The plaza also boasts some cool boutiques and places to purchase gifts for your loved ones.
Hecker Pass Plaza
Address: 1300 1st St Gilroy, California 95020
Website: Hecker Pass Plaza
28. Hike through The Las Animas Veterans Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Take your gym routine to the next level by switching things up at this fun outdoor space. The Las Animas Veterans Park is a sports and adventure sanctuary, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore the hiking trails or try their hand at a game of baseball. Bring your group of friends for a competitive day out in the sun. Features you can find at the park include a tennis court, grill area, basketball court, and much more.
The Las Animas Veterans Park
Address: 400 Mantelli Drive Gilroy, CA 95020
Website: The Las Animas Veterans Park
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
29. Play golf at Gilroy Golf Course
Happy Mother's Day weekend to the ones who always encouraged us to keep trying, no matter where the ball landed at first.
Posted by Gilroy Golf Course on Saturday, 11 May 2019
Tee off at this state-of-the-art golf course in the heart of Gilroy. The 11-hole golf course boasts a relaxing, picturesque backdrop with a well-manicured green. The family can enjoy a delicious lunch at the on-site restaurant while waiting for daddy to round-up a game of golf.
Play golf at Gilroy Golf Course
Address: 9402, 2695 Hecker Pass Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States
Website: Play golf at Gilroy Golf Course
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 88 USD
30. Buy fresh orchard produce at Casa de Fruta
If the thought of fresh fruits and flowers excites you, then make sure to visit Casa de Fruta. This place sources some of the best fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce. Your guests will be impressed by the fresh scent of the orchards as they enter your living room. Other items you can secure from this store include organic gift items.
Casa de Fruta
Address: 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister, CA 95023, USA
Website: Casa de Fruta
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Spend time exploring the highlights of Gilroy
Aside from being home to some of the best properties and estates in the United States, California is also synonymous with world-class wine and brings great weather throughout the year. Come enjoy a vacation in the sunshine state where everyone looks great and the beaches boast long stretches of white sands and palm trees. One of the must-do activities when in the area is to visit the land of winemaking. Gilroy offers something to do for the entire family. If you plan for an entertaining vacation in California that is packed with activities, then check out this list of fun things to do in the area.
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