Gilroy California Day Trip: World’s Garlic Capital Things To See

Gilroy, California, is a Santa Clara County town with a population of around 60,000. It is known as a bedroom community for the famous Silicon Valley and offers a well-balanced blend of agriculture, residential, and retail offerings. When many people hear about Gilroy, they often associate it with garlic.

Although Gilroy is considered the World’s Garlic Capital, it is not the leading producer of Allium sativum, the scientific name for garlic. The town is associated with garlic because Gilroy Farms, the largest garlic processor, produces it in various forms, such as minced and powdered. It is not unusual to smell garlic when driving in Gilroy.

Things to do in and Around Gilroy, California

Gilroy Family Gardens Theme Park

Gilroy Family Gardens is a theme park that offers rides, attractions, a water play area, picnic grounds, and an opportunity to get close to nature. The park is open on weekends from April through December and daily during summer and winter break. One of the most popular attractions during the summer is its water park, Water Oasis. In the winter, Gilroy Gardens features a holiday light extravaganza. Compared to larger theme parks, admission prices are a bargain. Like Legoland California, Gilroy Family Gardens is geared toward families with younger children. Website.

Visit Garlic World Gilroy, CA

A trip to Gilroy would only be complete with a visit to Garlic World. This roadside store is situated next to Highway 101 and offers a variety of garlic-related products, including garlic ice cream, garlic chocolate cookies, fresh garlic, and braids. In addition to these products, Garlic World also features a range of fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, honey, preserves, and local Gilroy wines. It’s a popular stop for anyone passing through the area. Address: 4800 Monterey Highway, Gilroy, California. Website.

Casa de Fruta: Fresh Produce, Train Ride, & Restaurant

Situated 15 miles east of Gilroy along state route 152, Casa de Fruta is a world-famous stop that was once a simple roadside fruit stand. Over time, it grew in size and beyond the scope of just a fruit stand. It displays antique farm equipment, retail outlets, and a 24-hour restaurant. The kids might enjoy a ride on the train, and the one in your group with a sweet tooth will want to experience Casa de Sweets to enjoy home-baked treats and freshly made candies. Address: 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy Hollister, California. Website.

Wings of History Museum

The Wings of History Museum is in San Martin, six miles north of Gilroy. It is open on Tuesday and Saturday and features a restoration shop, a library, and a propeller shop. The museum boasts two large hangars filled with aircraft and aviation-related items. This hidden gem is a must-visit if you enjoy planes and aviation history. The museum is located at 12777 Murphy Ave, San Martin, California. Website.

LJB Farms Roadside Stand and Store

Gilroy is situated in the agricultural heartland of the vast Central Valley, making it an excellent place to find fresh produce straight from the field. If you’re looking for good quality, seasonal fruits and vegetables, the LJB Farm stand in San Martin, California, is one of the best places to visit. They offer friendly customer service and a fantastic seasonal selection of fruits, vegetables, pies, and garlic products. 585 Fitzgerald Ave San Martin, California. Website.

Gilroy Premium Outlets

If you love shopping or want to update your wardrobe, Gilroy Premium Outlets is the perfect place. The mall has a wide variety of outlet stores and high-end options. Spread across four separate buildings, it offers everything from designer clothing, shoes, and handbags to jewelry, accessories, luggage, kitchenware, and homeware. The address of the outlet mall is 681 Leavesley Rd, Gilroy, California.

Madonna County Park

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, Gilroy has several beautiful places to explore, including hiking trails, biking routes, and serene parks for leisurely walks. You’ll find many points of interest nearby, such as Mt. Madonna, Coyote Lake/Harvey Bear Ranch, and Anderson Reservoir. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, there are city parks where you can unwind and plan your next adventure in Gilroy.

Visit Nearby Old Mission San Juan Bautista

Old Mission San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797, is 15 miles south of Gilroy. In addition to the mission, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park features four historical museums: the Plaza Hotel, Zannetta House, The Plaza Stables, and the Castro-Breen Adobe. You can also view the historic jail, a blacksmith shop, and an early American settler’s cabin—address: 19 Franklin St, San Juan Bautista, California.

The Gilroy area is peppered with boutique wineries offering tastings and tours for something more adult. Grapes have been grown in the Santa Clara Valley for nearly 100 years. So whether you are looking for the zing of garlic, some family thrills at an amusement park, or a nice picnic with wine, make Gilroy your destination for a fun day with friends or family. There is something for everyone, more than you could ever imagine.

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