If your trip to Gilroy is all locked in but your travel itinerary is a little on the empty side, let us give you a few hints and tips.Think of Gilroy and then say the first thing that springs to mind. You probably said “Gilroy Premium Outlets,” right? Being such an iconic attraction, you can’t miss seeing it. Throw your luggage into the car and check it off your bucket list.Near the city center, Las Animas Park is one spot you might like to consider adding to your to-do list. Satori Cellars and Farmer’s Market are also not far away and worth a detour.

You might be wondering what else is nearby. Venture outside of Gilroy and you’ll find world-class sights. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk barely needs an introduction. Located about 25 miles away in Santa Cruz, your itinerary should include this must-do attraction.

There’s nothing quite as nice as rolling down the car window and feeling the cool, salty breeze on your skin while you’re cruising along the seaside. Bring along some yummy food and spend an afternoon relaxing at one of the stunning beaches near Gilroy. Top options include:

• Sunset State Beach (18 miles away).
• Manresa State Beach (18 miles away).
• La Selva Beach (18 miles away).

If you’re eager to get out and mix with new people, attending an event at Mount Madonna Center is a terrific idea. You’ll find it 10 miles from Gilroy, so browse the schedule and see if something grabs your attention.

A good road trip begins with a great car. And if you’re planning to soak up the highlights of Gilroy, like Gilroy Premium Outlets, you’ll need a set of wheels that fits all your needs. Get ready to meet the mini or compact car. These small vehicles will help you navigate this vibrant city’s labyrinth of streets, traffic and pedestrians. If you’re traveling with friends or family, you’ll want to think bigger. Drive in comfort and fit all your suitcases with an SUV. These wheels can tackle any terrain, which makes them ideal if you want to get out and explore the sandy shores around the region.

Sometimes the journey is more significant than the destination, which makes choosing the right car important. If you’re about to embark on an epic road trip around Gilroy, a roomy SUV could be the perfect solution. If you want the cheapest price possible and plan to stick to city driving, a budget compact is hard to beat. All you need to do is work out what will suit you best, pack up the car, and start clocking up those miles.

You’ll need to keep right while driving in Gilroy. Also, take a little extra care if it’s your first time in the driver’s seat here. Once you’re familiar with how the locals drive, you can relax and start enjoying the scenery!

Getting a place to park in Gilroy isn’t always quick and easy. That’s why many visitors look for a hotel that has its own parking. When leaving the car around the city, keep a close eye on the signage. Overstaying the permitted time limit could land you a substantial fine.

As with many cities, roads get busier in the rush hours before and after work. However, thanks to its smaller population of approximately 53,200, traffic congestion isn’t a huge concern in Gilroy.

Most residential areas in the city of Gilroy have a 25mph speed limit. Outside these areas, the speed limits generally range between 15mph and 70mph.

In most cases, your rental car company will charge the amount fined to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may share your contact information with the relevant local law enforcement agency so they can issue a fine to you directly.

It is prohibited to use your cell phone while driving around Gilroy, and you may also be issued a fine for simply handling your phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. That said, the use of hands-free or Bluetooth functions is permitted, as long as your attention remains on the road.

In Gilroy, it’s against the law to operate a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) over 0.08%. If you’re thinking of having a couple of drinks with lunch or dinner, leave the car behind.

Road rules in Gilroy permit drivers at a red light to turn into the lane nearer to them, without having to wait for a green signal. Before making the maneuver, the vehicle must come to a complete stop and the driver must be sure that the way is clear before continuing on.

You bet. Although, there may be exceptions for certain vehicles run by public transportation systems.