Los Gatos Travel Guide

Approximately 60 miles from San Francisco is the city of Los Gatos. It's a city that is rich in greenery and offers diverse landscapes ranging from flat valley floors to wooded hillsides and slopes. The landscape’s sharp contrast forms the background for the scenic city, which itself, is beautiful as it features a number of old, historic buildings and fun things to do.

Things to Do in Los Gatos

Travelers lucky enough to find themselves in Los Gatos can look forward to rock climbing in Castle Rock State Park, hiking the Los Gatos Creek Trail, wine tasting and scenic vineyard views at Loma Prieta Winery, sailing on the Lexington Reservoir, and taking an indoor cycling class at SoulCycle.

For a history fix, the New Museum of Los Gatos takes visitors back into the city’s past, showcasing its unique history through complex photographic, informational, and interactive exhibits. Many visitors also choose to tour the Los Gatos Museums Gallery, Whitney Modern Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, and the historic Forbes Flour Mill which was built in 1854.

Best Places to Stay in Los Gatos

With scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains from every angle and location, vacation rentals in Los Gatos are truly one-of-a-kind. Many of the rentals are luxurious, spacious, and offer modern amenities such as TVs, internet, full bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens with updated appliances. The Fairview Plaza and Almond Grove historic districts are two of the most popular residential areas in which vacation homes are located.

Best Time to Visit Los Gatos

The best time to take a trip to Los Gatos is from June to September when the weather is at its peak for summer activities.

Best Events in Los Gatos

One of Los Gatos’ most beloved annual events is the 4th of July Symphony in the Park, which is a family-friendly event that features a photo booth, face paintings, lawn games, inflatables, a beer garden, food vendors, and live performances by local bands and performers. The Spring into Green celebration, which focuses on sustainability and green-living, is another popular event. It features rock climbing, a photo booth, face painting, kids crafts, tree planting, a donation cart, and a meet-and-greet with Smokey the Bear.

Things to Do for Families in Los Gatos

Oak Meadow Park is the perfect outdoor space for children, and it's home to a playground, ball fields, picnic areas, a small train, and shady areas for relaxing. The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is another fun family-friendly activity. The train takes riders through both Vasona and Oak Meadow Park, thrilling children and parents alike, as it allows them to feel the wind on their face and the sunshine on their skin. Shopping in Old Town Center is a great way to spend a day with the family, as the area offers stores like Banana Republic, ThredUp, The Gap, and Anthropologie.