5920 travel park circle gilroy ca 95020

Garlic Farm Inn

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About Garlic Farm Inn

• Motel Room You’ll have direct access to the parking lot
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi and Parking for free

Garlic Farm Inn is located in Gilroy and offers guests free Wi-Fi. It also features laundry facilities and a 24-hour reception.

Garlic Farm Inn has 16 well-appointed rooms that are accompanied by a variety of essential amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.

For those guests who enjoy making the most of local eateries, there is a wide variety right on the doorstep. San Jose and Salinas are also an easy drive away.

Latest deals for Garlic Farm Inn

Amenities at garlic farm inn.

• Free parking
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable or satellite TV
• Laundry facilities
• ATM on-site
• 24hr front desk
• Air-conditioned
• Smoke alarms
• Fire extinguisher

Media and entertainment

• Shared lounge/TV area
• Private bathroom
• Toilet paper

Services and conveniences

• Mini-market on site
• Fax/photocopying

Parking and transportation

Accessibility and suitability

• Non-smoking rooms available

Things to do

Reviews of Garlic Farm Inn

• "Nice place, good location" in 6 reviews
• Top location and great staff in 7 reviews
• The bed was very comfortable. in 13 reviews
• Homeless people hanging around the stairs. in 9 reviews
• Tumach light poor tv system dirty carpet in 4 reviews
• "Carpet was very dirty, stained, and stretched." in 8 reviews

Show reviews that mention

You did not say that this was a truckstop inn inside of a gas station it was all night noise and people talking trucks moving gas being pumped you need to explain to people that that’s the type of facility this is I was misled by the photographs in the ad the room was stinky smelled of cigarettes and mold I stayed because I was exhausted and already paid Bait and switch advertising not very happy with KAYAK misleading.

Pros. Nice place, good location.

Pros. AC and TV worked.

Cons. Staff is poor, you check in where people are buying there Beer and Cigs. Carpet needs to be torn out and replaced. People who hang out here are of concern, this is not a place for a family to spend the night.

The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information. See more

They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.

What can I expect from the beds at Garlic Farm Inn?

Guests have mentioned that the beds at Garlic Farm Inn are very comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep.

Is parking readily available at Garlic Farm Inn?

Yes, there is free parking available for guests at Garlic Farm Inn, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

How is the food quality at Garlic Farm Inn?

While there are nearby eateries, some guests have expressed concerns about the cleanliness and quality of the rooms at Garlic Farm Inn.

What is the cleanliness like at Garlic Farm Inn?

Some guests have reported concerns about the cleanliness of the rooms at Garlic Farm Inn, including issues with the shower, water pressure, and overall room condition.

What is the customer service like at Garlic Farm Inn?

While some guests have praised the staff at Garlic Farm Inn, others have expressed dissatisfaction with the check-in process and the overall service quality.

Opt for a Room Away from Noise

Some guests reported noise disturbances from nearby areas and other guests, so consider requesting a room away from potential sources of noise.

Check Room Amenities

Before settling in, ensure that all room amenities, such as the air conditioning and refrigerator, are in working order to avoid any inconveniences during your stay.

Be Mindful of Safety

Several guests mentioned feeling unsafe due to the hotel's surroundings and the presence of certain individuals. Exercise caution, especially if traveling alone or with children.

Consider Alternative Accommodations

If cleanliness and safety are top priorities, consider exploring alternative accommodation options in the area to ensure a comfortable and secure stay.

Verify Room Privacy

Some guests experienced privacy issues due to broken blinds, so it's advisable to check the privacy features in the room before finalizing your booking.

Plan for Early Check-In

If you have a late-night schedule, consider requesting an early check-in to accommodate your travel plans, as some guests found this option helpful.

Explore Nearby Attractions

Take advantage of the convenient location off US101 and the proximity to attractions such as Rapazzini Winery, Gilroy Premium Outlets, and Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park for a well-rounded experience.

Be Prepared for Limited Amenities

While the hotel offers essential amenities, be aware that some guests found the air conditioning and water pump to be subpar, so it's best to be prepared for potential limitations.

Stay Informed About Local Eateries

If you enjoy exploring local dining options, take note of the variety of eateries in the vicinity, as mentioned by several guests.

Be Cautious of Surroundings

Some guests reported encountering homeless individuals and other concerning activities around the hotel, so it's advisable to be mindful of your surroundings during your stay.

What's nearby

• Rapazzini Winery 1.4 mi
• Gilroy Premium Outlets 2.7 mi
• Las Animas Park 3 mi
• Eagle Ridge Golf Club 3.2 mi
• Gilroy Golf Course 4 mi
• Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park 4.3 mi
• Bonfante Gardens 4.3 mi
• Solis Winery 5.1 mi
• Hecker Pass Winery 5.8 mi

Essential information about Garlic Farm Inn

When to book a room at garlic farm inn, top tips for your stay at garlic farm inn.

• If you’re after a cheap room at Garlic Farm Inn, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in January and May.
• Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Garlic Farm Inn, plan to stay on a Wednesday or Monday. The most expensive day is usually Sunday.
• The cheapest price a room at Garlic Farm Inn was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $94, while the most expensive was $94.
• How long should you stay at Garlic Farm Inn? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at Garlic Farm Inn

Where is garlic farm inn located.

Garlic Farm Inn is located at 5920 Travel Park Circle, 1.6 miles from the center of Gilroy. Rapazzini Winery is the closest landmark to Garlic Farm Inn.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Garlic Farm Inn?

Check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is 11:30 AM at Garlic Farm Inn.

Does Garlic Farm Inn offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Garlic Farm Inn offers free Wi-Fi.

Does Garlic Farm Inn offer free parking?

Yes, Garlic Farm Inn offers free parking.

How far is Garlic Farm Inn from the airport?

Garlic Farm Inn is 31.7 miles from Monterey Regional. Garlic Farm Inn is 32.8 miles from San Jose.

How does KAYAK find such great Garlic Farm Inn hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Garlic Farm Inn in Gilroy and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Garlic Farm Inn and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Garlic Farm Inn.

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Garlic Farm Inn

5920 Travel Park Circle, Gilroy, CA, 95020, US

Rooms & Rates

Standard Queen Room

Room amenities, details, and policies

This room provided a desk, cable TV and an private bathroom.

• 24 hour front desk
• ATM Machine

Standard 1 Queen Bed

find available rooms

About Garlic Farm Inn

Under a 10-minute drive from Gilroy Premium Outlets, this Gilroy, California hotel is a 1-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport. Each room provides a desk, cable TV and a private bathroom at Garlic Farm Inn. A 24-hour front desk is available at Inn Garlic Farm. A laundromat is on site. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is 40 miles away. San Jose International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Garlic Farm Inn.

Frequently Asked Questions

The property is located at 5920 Travel Park Circle in Gilroy.

Prices vary based on dates and availability. Select the dates of your stay above to find the best price on all available rooms.

No, this hotel does not have a pool, but it has other amenities for guests to enjoy. Please see the hotel description above for more information.

No, this hotel does not have an on-site restaurant. Check out the hotel description and the location map to explore local dining options as well.

Breakfast may be available at Garlic Farm Inn, and may come free with your room, depending on your selection. Please check for dates and room availability above to see what's included with your stay.

We offer a wide variety of rates on Garlic Farm Inn. Discounted rates are available throughout the year, depending on your travel dates. Search for your dates above and we'll show you our lowest prices.

By logging into our site using the login banner above, you'll receive an instant discount of 5% on your booking today with no limit to how much you can save. Log in, claim your promo code, select your dates and room and apply your code at checkout.

Garlic Farm Inn 5920 Travel Park Circle, Gilroy , CA, 95020, US

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4 REASONS TO BOOK WITH Guest Reservations TM

As an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide, we can get you the same deals you expect with a bigger travel agency or direct from the hotel. We compile the best rates from several top suppliers to make it easy to book the perfect room. Combine these deals with our all-devices booking engine, strict privacy focus, and world-class support and you have the Guest Reservations TM difference. Learn more about us .

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GARLICFARM INN PHILOSOPHY

We offer numerous amenities and services to make your stay at garlic farm inn a pleasure. We’re dedicated to blending comfort and convenience to provide you with the attention and luxury you deserve. Featuring impeccable accommodations and an attentive staff, we guarantee you’ll have a pleasant experience as goodmotel here. 

5920 Travel Park Circle

 Gilroy, CA 95020

(408) 847-9702

[email protected]

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Gilroy Hwy. 101 & Monterey Rd. Shell Gas Station

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5920 Travel Park Cir. Gilroy, CA 95020

(408) 847-9702

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Partner with TOGO'S to raise money for your school, organization, sports team or non-profit. Invite your family and friends to dine with us and we’ll donate back a percentage of net sales! Contact the manager at our location to learn more.

About TOGO'S Gilroy

Located at 5920 Travel Park Cir., TOGO'S serves up big, fresh, and meaty sandwiches, wraps and salads. We use only premium fresh sliced turkey and pastrami piled high to the heavens, top-grade ham, mortadella and capicola that make true Italians sing their praise, and tender, hand carved roast beef slow roasted with proprietary secret seasonings that make taste buds do the happy dance. As for freshness, our avocado is scooped fresh from the skin, not squirted from a plastic thingamabob. Whether you dine in, order online, or have us cater your next meeting or event, you won't be disappointed by our team in Gilroy. TOGO'S. True to the sandwich!

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5920 Travel Park Cir

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Overall rating

This Shell station's at a great stop right before the pass to Salinas. Prices aren't terrible, but their machines are slow and it can get hectic. Be sure to use a saver card to save a whopping five cents a gallon!

Large area gas station and we needed a pit stop. Glad to find a place with restrooms. Also bought snacks and drinks. Didn't look at the price. Pump worked quickly and overall the place was clean and tidy. We've stopped here a couple times and we'll do it again I suspect. :)

Avoid like the plague. Gas prices are more than 25% higher than the adjacent travel gas station. This child literally shares a mini mart with a gas station with much cheaper gas prices.

This Shell gas station is located at The Garlic Farm in Gilroy California it is right off Highway 101 at the Monterey Highway exit. The current gas prices range from 3.55 9/10 to 3.89 9/10 per gallon. There are six new pumps and they all work well! The general store that is associated with this gas station has a variety of items to buy and food choices for snacking. They also carry an assortment of garlic mustard, sauces, and garlic braids. There's a section of items for trucks and cars located in the back. If you're so inclined... You can also buy a shirt that reflects the local flavor of Gilroy! I've been here at all times of the day and night because I drive through this area to go to and from work! It's always been safe... And they always have the restrooms open. That's a plus because sometimes the other stations in this plaza don't have their bathrooms open at night. The clerks and the owner of this particular station are very pleasant and nice! They always joke around with me when I come here! I love stopping here because I can get in and get out and on my way real quickly! So if you're driving south on 101 I highly encourage you to stop at this Shell Gasoline Station! And always remember to drive safely as you go on your way!

Great pit stop for fuel, propane, RV dump station and some food. Not the cleanest place... but def a lot of room to maneuver a 32' FIFTH WHEEL.

See all photos from Beck B. for Shell

This station is not your typical Shell station. The pump didn't read my card (I never have trouble with my card)so I had to go in and the cashier, who was very rude said I couldn't fill up; I had to tell her how much I wanted to put on my shell card AND there are no refunds. Unfortunately I didn't use as much as I put on my card so I lost $7 in the transaction. The equipment outside is not all in working order so I am sure that is why it wouldn't read my card. I will never use this station again.

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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Garlic Farm Inn

5920 Travel Park Circle, Gilroy, CA 95020, United States – Show map

Garlic Farm Inn Reserve now

Cleanliness

Value for money

Located less than 10 minutes’ drive to Gilroy Premium Outlets, this Gilroy, California hotel is 1 hours’ drive to San Francisco International Airport. Each room provides a desk, cable TV and an en suite bathroom at Garlic Farm Inn. A 24-hour reception is offered to guests at Inn Garlic Farm. A launderette is available. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is 40 miles away. San Jose International Airport is 40 minutes’ drive away from Garlic Farm Inn.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Free parking
• Non-smoking rooms

Property highlights

Free parking available on-site

Loyal customers

끖 There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, property surroundings, facilities of garlic farm inn.

• Toilet paper
• Bath or shower
• Private bathroom
• Outdoor furniture
• Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable channels
• Accessible parking
• Daily housekeeping
• Shared lounge/TV area
• ATM/cash machine on site
• Fax/photocopying Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• 24-hour front desk
• Invoice provided
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke alarms
• Minimarket on site
• Air conditioning

House rules Garlic Farm Inn takes special requests - add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 6 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

The fine print Need-to-know information for guests at this property

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), please ensure that you are only booking this property following the local government guidelines of the destination, including but not limited to the purpose of travel, and maximum allowed group size.

It is not possible to stay at this property for Coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

A damage deposit of US$200 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full in cash, subject to an inspection of the property.

Legal information

Faqs about garlic farm inn, what are the check-in and check-out times at garlic farm inn.

Check-in at Garlic Farm Inn is from 14:00, and check-out is until 11:30.

How much does it cost to stay at Garlic Farm Inn?

The prices at Garlic Farm Inn may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

How far is Garlic Farm Inn from the centre of Gilroy?

Garlic Farm Inn is 1.6 miles from the centre of Gilroy. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What type of room can I book at Garlic Farm Inn?

What is there to do at garlic farm inn.

• Golf course (within 3 km)

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Cat Scales - The Garlic Farm Center

We're a cat scale located at 5920 Travel Park Circle in Gilroy, CA. Call us at (408) 847-9702. Cat Scale provides the professional truck driver a reliable, accurate, and certified weight through the cooperative relationship with our truckstop partners. We will guarantee the highest quality at a fair price.

When it comes to reliable truck weighing services, look no further than Cat Scales - The Garlic Farm Center located in Gilroy, CA. Our 5920 Travel Park Circle location is equipped with state-of-the-art CAT scales to ensure accurate weight measurements for trucks of all sizes. Whether you're a commercial truck driver or fleet manager, our team is here to provide efficient and precise weight readings to keep your operations running smoothly.

At Cat Scales - The Garlic Farm Center, we understand the importance of having access to a trustworthy weighing facility that you can count on. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing top-notch customer service and helping you get back on the road quickly. With our convenient Gilroy location and reliable equipment, you can trust us to deliver accurate weight certificates that meet industry standards.

Give us a call at (408) 847-9702 to learn more about our truck weighing services or to schedule a weigh-in for your vehicle. Whether you're passing through Gilroy or based in the area, Cat Scales - The Garlic Farm Center is here to meet your weighing needs with precision and professionalism. Trust us for all your truck weighing needs and experience the difference of working with a trusted CAT Scale facility.

For accurate and efficient truck weighing services in Gilroy, CA, trust the experts at Cat Scales - The Garlic Farm Center. With our advanced CAT scales and experienced staff, we are committed to providing reliable weight measurements for commercial trucks of all sizes. Contact us today at (408) 847-9702 to learn more about our services and experience the precision and convenience of Cat Scales - The Garlic Farm Center.

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New bbq beef, cheese steaks, french dips, hot chicken, new #40 bbq beef.

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#10 Pastrami Reuben

#32 Pepper Jack Melt

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#49 Pastrami Dip

#33 Triple Dip

#7 Roast Beef - Cold

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#8 Roast Beef, Turkey & Cheddar - Cold

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NEW #38 Bacon Ranch Chicken

#37 Brewpub Chicken

#39 BBQ Chipotle Chicken

#1 Chicken & Cheddar

#36 California Club

#31 Clubhouse Melt

#24 Turkey & Avocado

#26 Turkey, Ham & Cheddar

#3 Turkey & Cheddar

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#5 Turkey & Cranberry

#16 The Italian

#20 Albacore Tuna

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#23 Genoa Salami & Provolone

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Asian Chicken Salad

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Farmer's Market Salad

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TOGO’S Menu Info

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This West Coast City Is the 'Garlic Capital of the World' — With a Theme Park Featuring Fruit- and Veggie-inspired Rides

Here's how to plan a trip to Gilroy, California.

Julie Tremaine is a freelance writer who’s passionate about travel, food, wellness, and road trips. She is the Disneyland editor for SFGate and has also contributed to The Boston Globe , CNN Travel , Travel + Leisure , Thrillist , and Marie Claire , among other publications.

Gilroy Gardens

Other things to do, places to stay, places to eat, getting there.

Scott Strazzante/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

As you drive toward Gilroy, you won’t need signs to inform you that you’re approaching the “Garlic Capital of the World.” Your nose will tell you. The scent of fresh garlic, as you pass field upon field of growing plants, is unmistakable. But there will also be other indicators that you’re nearing somewhere special. The roads into the city are dotted with fruit stands, selling berries picked that day, freshly baked pies, and produce — sometimes 10 avocados for $1 — that will make you wonder whether you’re dreaming. Although the city is famous for its association with the “stinking rose,” and there are some very unusual ways to experience garlic when you’re there, there’s a lot more to Gilroy than just those bulbs.

A city of just under 60,000 people, Gilroy and its surrounding area grow over 100 million pounds of garlic annually, about half of what America consumes. (The Central Valley as a whole provides about 25 percent of the U.S.’s produce .) “When I first moved there, I was thinking, ‘Wow, my neighbor is an amazing chef. The air outside just smells like the cooking from her window,’” Erika Mailman, a travel journalist and former Gilroy resident, told Travel + Leisure. “It took me about a week to figure out that she wasn’t cooking this wonderful Italian food. It's just that the aroma of Gilroy really is garlic.”

The city leans into that agricultural legacy. Gilroy’s historic downtown is full of murals and public art celebrating its biggest export and excellent restaurants serving up garlic for every meal. The city’s most famous attraction, Gilroy Gardens, is a theme park with a distinctly farm-grown vibe. Originally started as a recreational area for locals to enjoy unusual trees and plants, it’s now a theme park dedicated to the local bounty. Before you ask: Yes, there is a garlic ride, and yes, it’s as quirky and delightful as it sounds.

Courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

A theme park that grew out of a love for green spaces, Gilroy Gardens isn’t your average roller coasters-and-popcorn attraction. The park is full of lush gardens, with waterfalls spilling into lagoons and unusually beautiful trees — some with trunks grown into intricate patterns — casting blissful shade on walkways below. But make no mistake: While there is definitely a botanical element to the park, it’s also full of rides, many of which are locally themed. Some are easy and fun, like the Strawberry Sundae, where guests climb into giant strawberry-shaped swings that glide around in a gentle circle, and South County Backroads, which allows little drivers to take a tour of the Santa Clara Valley as it was a century ago in antique-looking ride vehicles.

Some are more thrilling, like the Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster, which has a ride queue decorated with historical pictures and tidbits about the area’s mining history, and the Banana Split, an enormous swinging banana that catapults riders high into the sky. The absolute highlight, though, is the Garlic Twirl, where riders climb into “James and the Giant Peach” - sized bulbs of garlic and turn a central post to make the bulb rotate as it twirls around on a large plate in the ground. Just the pure kitsch factor would make it fun, but the ride really does give you a good spin. Other highlights include a water splash pad area, duck paddle boats, and, of course, the most intensely flavored garlic fries you’ll ever eat.

Sundry Photography/Getty Images

Go hiking or horseback riding in Mt. Madonna County Park.

“There's a fantastic hiking trail system over Mt. Madonna,” Mailman said. “It’s an awesome day trip to go up there, hike, and get pie at Gizdich Ranch ,” where they have tables for you to sit and enjoy the view as you eat your homemade pie.

Explore historic downtown Gilroy.

The revitalized city center has historic buildings and gorgeous murals tucked away in side streets telling the city’s story. Antique shopping is especially good downtown, with well-curated stores like Ashford’s Heirlooms (the family has owned a business in that same spot since 1951) and Garbo’s Antiques & Collectibles. If you can’t get enough history, stop by the Gilroy Museum , housed in the original 1910 library, to see how the city was founded and how it became so garlicky.

Travel the Road to Garlic.

Garlic is so deeply ingrained in Gilroy’s identity that there’s a bulb drawn into the “G” in Gilroy on all the city signs — so of course, there are a lot of ways to immerse all your senses in it. Visit Gilroy compiled a Road to Garlic : a list of the restaurants, farm stands, and food shops where you can experience garlic in all its forms, including desserts.

Taste through the Santa Clara Valley wineries.

Gilroy is part of the Santa Clara Valley AVA, and there are many tasting rooms and vineyards within city limits, like Cinnabar Winery and L&M Vineyard, with more just outside of the city. The Santa Clara wine map will guide you on your tasting journey.

Enjoy the local bounty.

Gilroy has a long, almost year-round growing season, and it’s easy to find seasonal roadside fruit stands, especially along major thoroughfares like Freeway 101 and State Route 152. Shop for locally-grown fruits and vegetables or grab some baked goods. If just garlic bulbs alone won’t scratch the Gilroy itch, stop at the Garlic Shoppe or Garlic World ; both have foods with near-infinite uses of garlic, from sauces, spices, oils, and rubs to ice cream.

Just outside of Gilroy in San Martin, CordeValle is a luxury choice for travelers exploring the region. The property, next door to a vineyard, has an 18-hole golf course and expansive views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Its Californian-Italian restaurant Il Vigneto ages its own meats.

National Chain Hotels

The Best Western Forest Park Inn is an affordable option with fireplace rooms and a large pool with a hot tub. Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy has king and double queen hotel rooms and offers free parking and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant. Gilroy’s Hampton Inn & Suites offers king and double queen hotel rooms and suites; all rooms have microwaves and refrigerators and include free parking, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast.

Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Garlic City Cafe

Garlic City Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; not everything has garlic in it, but some of the restaurant’s most popular signature dishes are cream of garlic soup, the Garlic City Burger (which comes topped with a dozen or so roasted garlic cloves), and real, honest-to-goodness garlic ice cream, which is a signature offering of the city.

Old City Hall Restaurant

Housed in Gilroy’s former city hall building, Old City Hall is an unmissable landmark on Monterey Road. The extensive menu serves a mix of elevated comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As you’d expect, there’s a lot of locally-grown garlic in dishes like whole Gilroy roasted garlic with crostini, roasted garlic chicken vegetable soup, and garlic citrus chicken.

Tacos Ameca

There is so much excellent Mexican food in Gilroy that the city has its own taco trail , but Tacos Ameca is so popular that it has two locations on Monterey Road. The open kitchen churns out grilled meats and fresh tortillas by the hundreds, and the restaurant serves an outrageous michelada garnished with grilled shrimp.

Gilroy is less than an hour's drive from San Jose International Airport (SJX) and about 90 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). You can arrive by Caltrain , but Gilroy is the southernmost terminus of the system and only has service during commuter hours on weekdays. If you do choose public transportation, once you’re in Gilroy, the historic downtown is easily walkable, including the 1918 train station.

However, part of the joy of a Gilroy trip is just getting in the car and exploring the nearby mountains and Monterey Bay. Although it has a charming, small-town feel, it’s close to a lot of marquee locations.  “One of the things I think is really unusual is it has this incredible access to Silicon Valley, and yet it's really an agricultural community,” Mailman said.

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