I've always loved Los Gatos, California. Before we had Silicon Valley, we had the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains and the cute little town in the foothills near San Jose. Los Gatos is a quick 20 minutes away from the bustling San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC) and so it's easy to access. Steeped in history, Los Gatos has retained historic charm while becoming a trendy destination for foodies and shoppers who love the small boutiques and specialty stores.
Los Gatos History
Founded in the mid-1850s, Los Gatos was a logging town with a flour operation, Forbes Mill. A mill building is still standing off Los Gatos Creek and has been preserved as a museum.
In the early 20th century, the town became an agricultural center. Apricots, grapes and prunes were grown in the area. By the 1920s the Los Gatos area had a local reputation as an arts colony, and that atmosphere remains today.
The name derives from the 1839 Spanish land-grant that encompassed the area, which was called La Rinconada de Los Gatos, (Cat's Corner). The famous cats, still visible in yard ornament form, were probably bobcats, rather than the domesticated variety.
Touring Los Gatos
When you visit Los Gatos, walking is key to enjoying the town. The downtown area and surrounding historic Victorian homes is what makes Los Gatos fun. Be sure and stay in a downtown hotel so you can step out your door for coffee in the morning or an upscale restaurant in the evening.
You can walk the Los Gatos Trail for exercise and take a map-guided walk of the beautiful Victorian-era homes. The South Bay Striders Walking Club offers a free map-guided walk. Another nice walking tour of Los Gatos is available through the Chamber of Commerce.
Enjoy our Photo Gallery of walks through Los Gatos taken on a lovely fall weekend. You'll soon get a sense that this little Santa Cruz Mountain foothill town is special.
Day Trips from Los Gatos
The San Francisco Bay area is full of exciting things to do. Since Los Gatos is in the Santa Cruz Mountain Foothills just off Hwy 17, you can drive through the mountains to the ocean beach resort town of Santa Cruz. Take Hwy 9 and visit Big Basin State Park with its stately redwoods.
If you go when traffic is reduced, like on Sunday morning, you can drive from Los Gatos and spend a day in San Francisco.
Where to Stay in Los Gatos
Sometimes you just have to luxuriate and get fully rested. The Hotel Los Gatos & Spa is ideal for that. One morning I sat on my little balcony and watched the mist drifting down from the mountains. One rainy afternoon I enjoyed the large gas fireplace in the room and watched the rain cleanse the air.
Dining at Dio Deka is a must. My friends, who own The French Cellar in Los Gatos and who travel frequently to Europe, told me it was the best in town. I agree!
Whether you live and work in Silicon Valley or are planning to travel from afar for a great vacation, I would highly recommend The Hotel Los Gatos. There is so much to see and do in the area but you might just find yourself wanting to laze around the hotel to decompress from your busy life. Full Story and Review.
More Information
Hotel Website
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
Photo Gallery of a Weekend in Los Gatos
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