South County Staycation:
The Gilroy & Morgan Hill We Know and Love
by Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY
Henry W. Coe State Park
Ask anyone who lives here and they’ ll tell you— one of the best things about the South County is how much there is to do without ever going far. Gilroy and Morgan Hill blend great food, open space, family fun, and community connection into everyday life. For visitors, it all feels like a discovery. For locals, it’ s the stuff we already love— and sometimes forget to brag about.
A Day in Gilroy: Flavor, Hills, and a Little Nostalgia
Morning
Many locals start a Gilroy day with a great cup of coffee at Fifth Street Coffee or Camino Coffee – both on Monterey Street in downtown. Others like getting out into the fresh air. A walk or hike at Mt. Madonna County Park, or a scenic stroll at Henry W. Coe State Park offer oak-studded hills, quiet trails, and wide-open views that remind you how much natural beauty surrounds our city.
Midday
Any day in Gilroy doesn’ t feel complete without mentioning Gilroy Gardens Theme Park. Generations of locals have grown up at Gilroy Gardens— riding the gentle attractions, cooling off in the water play areas, wandering shaded pathways, and, of course, spinning through the iconic Garlic Twirl. It’ s one of those places that feels unmistakably Gilroy.
When it’ s time to eat, locals know the Gilroy Taco Trail isn’ t just a slogan— it’ s a way of life. Favorites include Tacos Ameca for amazing tacos and a great menu, Flor de Jalisco for incredible street tacos and a delightful, authentic menu, and Carnitas Michoacán, where the carnitas are the best you will ever taste and everything on the menu is worth the trip.
28
( Continued...)
Mount Madonna County Park
Fifth Street Coffee Gilroy
WINTER 2026 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com