Afield, Gilroy has a total of 440 acres of parkland with parks ranging from 1/8 acre to 125 acres in size. Gilroy has won more park design awards from the California Park and Recreation Society than any other city in California.

Outdoor recreation is superb here - in addition to its extensive city park system, within a 15 minute drive from the center of Gilroy is Mt. Madonna Park, a 3,200 acre park with some of California's finest Coastal redwoods; Henry Coe Park, the second largest state park in California with 90 lakes and ponds and five ecological systems open for camping, backpacking fishing, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; and the Adams-Chitactac Park, an original site of the Ohlone Indians.

Gilroy is also surrounded by reservoirs which provide a full complement of water-related sports and recreational activities. Recreation also means golf, and golf enthusiasts enjoy the Eagle Ridge Golf Club, located in the western foothills of Gilroy. The spectacular 18-hole championship golf course - designed by golf legend Johnny Miller - is open to the public. The Gilroy Golf Course offers a nine-hole course, and within the region there are 11 courses to choose from.

But let's return to Gilroy's root: garlic. Indeed, Gilroy's claim to fame is being the "Garlic Capital of the World," a title validated each summer when Gilroy plays hosts to more than 125,000 visitors at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. In addition to the culinary fireworks, a festival highlight is the crowning of the "Belle of the Bulb," the Miss Gilroy Garlic Queen.

Gilroy's growing reputation is further enhanced at the Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park. It's a great new attraction where rides (including a vintage 1927 carousel), restaurants and attractions come alive in a 600-acre rural setting of majestic waterfalls, lush gardens and astounding Circus trees. Families absolutely adore Bonfante Gardens - it offers something for all ages.

Goldsmith Seeds is headquartered in Gilroy along Highway 152. The 59-acre site is the chief research and development arm of the company. Visitors are welcome to view the "Field of Dreams" - a 6 acre planting of experimental bedding plants in the summer or visit the one-acre courtyard garden and koi pond during the year. Tours are also available.

Gilroy is a great stop in the heart of the California Countryside. To plan a visit or stay, see the information box for the Gilroy Visitors Bureau.

<< previous
<< Back to All Destinations