Gilroy brings together distinct themes for a stay: local history, rides, garlic, and wine. For planning, it is worth considering these highlights separately. The museum and historic walking tours explore the city’s history; Gilroy Gardens adds rides and Circus Trees to the itinerary, while garlic shops, restaurants, and wineries make up the culinary side.
History at the Museum and in the City Center
The Gilroy Museum is housed in the historic Carnegie Library building, dating from 1910. Its collection includes more than 25,000 objects related to the history of Gilroy and southern Santa Clara County. The museum’s collection thus connects the city’s history with a broader regional perspective on the southern part of the county.
The Paseo features historic murals and information panels about the city’s past. A map for a self-guided tour of historic sites is also available for the historic city center; check whether the map is available before your trip. GilroyPathways is a city GIS map for bicycle and pedestrian routes. Its map details may change. The two offerings cover different themes: historic sites on the one hand, and bicycle and pedestrian routes on the other.
If you prefer exploring in a group, consider the walking tours of the historic neighborhoods. Members of the Gilroy Historical Society lead them for free on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This two-hour time slot distinguishes the format from the self-guided tour using a map. Check the current schedule before you arrive.
Rides and Circus Trees
Gilroy Gardens offers rides for all ages, ranging from rides suited to young children to thrilling roller coasters. The park also features 19 Circus Trees, which are considered living sculptures. The rides and Circus Trees offer different highlights, so the park has special garden features as well as attractions.
Garlic Cuisine and Festival
Garlic in Gilroy is not associated with just one occasion. You can enjoy genuine Gilroy garlic year-round at garlic shops and restaurants. Offerings at individual shops and on menus may change. Garlic ice cream is promoted as a Gilroy specialty and is available, among other places, at LJB Farms or Garlic World; check availability if you are specifically looking for it.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival takes place annually in late July at the Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center and lasts three days. The program includes food, live music, arts and crafts, cooking competitions, and family activities. As a time-limited event, the festival differs from the year-round availability of garlic at shops and restaurants. Check the specific festival dates and venue before your trip.
Wine and Visiting Hours
Family-owned vineyards in Gilroy produce wines from Italian and Rhône grape varieties. Individual wineries may offer different experiences, and these may change. The Cinnabar Winery tasting room is located in a 12-acre vineyard on Dryden Avenue in Gilroy’s eastern foothills.
As of 2026, Sarah’s Vineyard tasting room and outdoor patio are open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome. As of 2026, the Solis Winery tasting room is open daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., except on major holidays. Check visiting hours in advance.
Discover more destinations: Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Coyote.
For the main travel overview: Santa Clara.
