Located at the southernmost base of Santa Clara County, Gilroy is a city situated between San Martin and San Juan Bautista. It was incorporated on March 12, 1870 and is named after Scottish seaman John Gilroy.

The city of around 50,000 residents is best known for its production of garlic. Gilroy has captured the nickname “Garlic Capital of the World” and coordinates the Gilroy Garlic Festival, one of the largest food festivals in the US. The Gilroy Garlic Festival is held annually on the last weekend of July at Christmas Hill Park.

In addition to the Garlic Festival, Gilroy has other family activities and destinations including Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch and Gilroy Gardens, a garden themed family amusement park.