Skyline to Sea Trail is a picturesque hiking trail that starts from the mountain ridges of Castle Rock State Park and ends at Waddell Beach, which features a waterfall, old-growth redwood forests, and a variety of wildlife along the way. This is an ideal way to escape the city's hustle and bustle and experience the majesty of Northern California's natural wonders.
The Winchester Mystery House is a bizarre and captivating Victorian mansion in San Jose, California, that is said to be haunted by ghosts. The house features many architectural oddities, such as doors that lead to nowhere, windows that open into walls, and staircases that lead to ceilings. The mansion also has many acres of gardens and other outdoor attractions.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park that has been in operation since 1907. This attraction features arcade games, classic American food vendors, carnival games, and several thrilling rides, including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, which was built in 1924.
Mount Umunhum is a mountain summit located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The summit was once a military base but has now been converted into a public park that offers hikers and sightseers panoramic views of Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium located on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. The aquarium features exhibits that showcase marine life from around the Pacific Rim, including otters, sea turtles, jellyfish, and various species of sharks. One highlight is the Open Sea exhibit, which is home to a 90-foot-long kelp forest and a million-gallon tank with schools of tuna, sardines, and other large ocean fishes.
Visitors should rent a car because Los Gatos is a small town, and its attractions are spread out across the region. Many of the town's iconic and historic places, such as parks and trails, require transportation to get to. Cab services are available, but visitors may find them more expensive than renting a car. Most attractions offer parking spaces, and the traffic flow is easy in the region. Estimated costs for a rental car range from $40-$60 per day, depending on the type of vehicle chosen. Visitors should anticipate driving for at least two hours each day.
If visitors are interested in adventure activities and outdoor pursuits, it is best to plan trips during the summer months. The weather is generally mild with fewer chances for rains, which improves the outdoor activities' conditions. Visitors who are more interested in cultural and learning experiences might prefer the winter months when many museums and places organize workshops and exhibitions. Those who have less time can drop the Winchester Mystery House tour, as it is relatively less adventurous when compared to the other attractions on the itinerary. Everyone should plan a day trip to the beautiful coastal town of Capitola, which is just minutes away from Los Gatos.
Los Gatos is primarily served by San Jose International Airport (SJC), located just 17 miles from the town center. The airport code is SJC, and it offers flights to and from many destinations in the U.S. and internationally. Visitors can also choose to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 58 miles northwest of Los Gatos. SFO offers flights to many international and domestic destinations.