California Welcome Center - Gilroy

The city of Gilroy is part of the historic Santa Clara Valley, one of California’s oldest wine growing regions and home to more than 35 family-owned wineries and tasting rooms, many of them dog-friendly. Even though some of Gilroy’s wineries have been around since the turn of the century, the region is still one of California’s best-kept secrets when it comes to wine tasting! more »

Gilroy, a small city near the coast in Santa Clara County, might be known as the garlic capital of the world, but it’s also filled with dog-friendly open spaces ideal for spring exploration. Mount Madonna County Park, encompassing 4,605 acres 10 miles west of Gilroy, rising to 1,900 feet in elevation and offering panoramic views of highly varied terrain. For a good workout, choose the Sprig Lake Trail, which has an elevation gain of 600 feet over 3 miles. more »

Gilroy is a pet-welcoming destination that makes a great getaway any time of year.  The "Garlic Capital of the World" features outstanding restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, outlet shopping, and plenty of outdoor adventures for you and your four-legged friends.

Start by booking a pet-friendly hotel room at Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn, Motel 6 Gilroy or Quality Inn & Suites Gilroy so you can stay and play for more than just one day. Then make your first stop the California Welcome Center Gilroy (in Gilroy Premium Outlets) for helpful maps, valuable coupons, and insider tips to make the most of your stay. Taste your way along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, where many wineries like Kirigin Cellars, Satori Cellars, and Sarah's Vineyards welcome dogs (and may even have some special treats waiting for them!). Take a stroll through historic Downtown Gilroy and indulge in the town's signature spice at Garlic City Cafe. There are many other outstanding restaurants that also welcome dogs, from authentic Mexican food at Los Pericos and Victoria's Mexican Restaurant to Asian cuisine at Ginger Cafe and Saigon 2 Siam Bistro.

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors on dog-friendly hiking trails at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Park, Mt. Madonna, and the Uvas Creek Levee. You can even meet up with other four-legged friends at the Heartland Dog Park, which has separate areas for large dogs and small dogs.

Plan your great Gilroy getaway today at VisitGilroy.com! more »

Lots of California wineries welcome dogs, but Kirigin Cellars near Gilroy goes above and beyond. "One of our goals is to be the world's most dog-friendly winery," says Maria Bruhns, who oversees the 94-year-old establishment's tasting room. more »