Gilroy is affectionately referred to as the garlic capitol of the world. The California agricultural town is just 30 miles south of San Jose. In Gilroy’s historic downtown you’ll find shops that span the old and new, including antique shops, unique boutiques with local and handmade goods, and restaurants serving garlic-flavored favorites. Free concerts take place on Thursday nights. Self-guided walking tours explore Gilroy’s history, which is painted in mural form along the Historic Paseo between fifth and sixth streets. The Road to Garlic Map highlights everything garlic. The Gilroy Garlic Festival takes place each year the last weekend of July.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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