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Los Gatos sits at the southwestern edge of the Santa Clara Valley, where Highway 17 enters the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is a town of about 33,500 people, incorporated in 1887, with one of the most appealing downtowns in the Bay Area: Victorian storefronts, a town plaza with fountains, boutiques and restaurants, all backed by forested hills.
From Palo Alto it is about 20 miles away, far enough to feel like an outing but close enough for an easy day. Walk downtown, follow the creek trail to Vasona Lake and ride the miniature railroad with kids. This guide covers distances and transit, the town's story, its main areas, parks, events and why you might go.
Where Los Gatos is and how far
Los Gatos is in Santa Clara County. It borders Saratoga to the west, Campbell and San Jose to the north and east and the mountains to the south. Highway 17 cuts through town on its way to Santa Cruz, about 20 miles beyond. Downtown San Jose is about 10 miles to the northeast.
Downtown Los Gatos is about 20 miles from University Avenue. Outside rush hour the drive takes about 30 minutes.
Getting there from Palo Alto
- Car: Take Interstate 280 south to Highway 85, then Highway 85 south to Highway 17 and exit for downtown. Highway 17 traffic is heavy on summer weekends with beachgoers, so allow extra time.
- Transit: There is no train to Los Gatos. VTA light rail ends at Winchester station in Campbell, a few miles north. From Palo Alto that means Caltrain to San Jose Diridon, light rail toward Winchester and then a VTA bus. It works, but it is slow. Use VTA's trip planner and our VTA guide.
- Bike: From Winchester or downtown Campbell, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is a car-free path into town. Our biking guide covers the Palo Alto end of a long ride.
What Los Gatos is known for
The cats and the mill
Ohlone people lived along the creek for thousands of years. In 1839 the Mexican government granted the land as La Rinconada de Los Gatos, named for the mountain lions and bobcats in the hills. In the mid-1850s James Alexander Forbes built a flour mill on Los Gatos Creek and the town grew around it. The mill's stone storage annex still stands beside the creek trail.
Lumber, fruit and art
Los Gatos became a stop for loggers coming out of the mountains, then a center for apricots, grapes and prunes. About 20 oil wells were drilled nearby between 1891 and 1929. By the 1920s it had a reputation as an arts colony. It grew into a suburb after World War II and was largely built out by the 1980s.
Earthquake and rebuilding
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake badly damaged downtown and several brick buildings were lost. The district was rebuilt with care, which is why it still looks old-fashioned. Today Netflix has its headquarters in Los Gatos and the town's 2021 financial report listed it as the largest employer.
The main areas
Downtown
Downtown is centered on North Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street. North Santa Cruz Avenue is the main shopping street, lined with boutiques, home stores, galleries and restaurants. Main Street crosses it at the Town Plaza, a small park with fountains that hosts the farmers market and holiday events. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce is at 10 Station Way and the town library is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vasona and Oak Meadow
North of downtown along the creek, Vasona Lake County Park and the town's Oak Meadow Park sit side by side. Together they form the town's big green space, with the lake, lawns, playgrounds and the railroad.
The hills
South and west, homes climb into the mountains. Lexington Reservoir, at the top of the creek trail, marks the start of the Santa Cruz Mountains proper.
Parks and the creek trail
Los Gatos Creek Trail
The Los Gatos Creek Trail runs from Lexington Dam above town past Forbes Mill, through Vasona Lake County Park and north through Campbell to Meridian Avenue in San Jose. Through Vasona and Campbell it is mostly flat. The section up to Lexington Dam is much steeper. It is busy with walkers, runners and cyclists on weekends. You can look for a bike rental if you want to ride it without bringing your own.
Vasona Lake County Park
Vasona Lake County Park surrounds Vasona Reservoir, formed by damming Los Gatos Creek. A marina rents paddle boats and row boats from early spring to early fall. Our Vasona Lake County Park guide has more on the park. Private watercraft and swimming are not allowed. The Youth Science Institute runs a nature center in the park with live animals and exhibits. Santa Clara County charges a day-use parking fee at most of its parks, $6 in most, so check the county's page for current rates.
Oak Meadow Park and the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad
Next door, the town's Oak Meadow Park is home to the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, an 18-inch gauge miniature railroad. William "Billy" Jones built it on his ranch after finding its steam locomotive in 1939. After his death in 1968, residents bought the railroad and moved it here and it opened on July 24, 1970. A nonprofit runs it. The steam engine usually runs on weekends from late spring through fall, with diesels covering other times. Beside the depot is the W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel, a historic English carousel that turns clockwise. Our Palo Alto with kids guide has more family ideas.
Shopping and food
Downtown Los Gatos is a shopping destination in its own right, with independent clothing boutiques, home decor stores, galleries, gift shops and jewelers. Restaurants range from cafes and bakeries to wine bars and long dinner menus, with Italian, Mexican, Japanese and California cooking all within a few blocks. The hills above town are part of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region and the visitor site suggests a wine tasting itinerary. Because shops and restaurants change, walk the street and decide on the spot.
Events
- Los Gatos Farmers' Market: Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Plaza at Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue, year-round. See our farmers market guide for Palo Alto's markets.
- Summer music: The town's visitor site lists Jazz on the Plazz on Wednesday nights and Music in the Park on Sundays in summer.
- Holiday season: In 2025 the town lit its tree at the Town Plaza on the first Friday of December and held the Children's Holiday Parade, organized by the Lions Club, Los Gatos-Saratoga Parks and Recreation and the town, the next day. The 2026 dates had not been posted in late October.
- Fantasy of Lights: Vasona Lake County Park hosts an annual December light show that began in 1999. Check the county's site for 2026 dates and tickets.
The Town of Los Gatos calendar and Visit Los Gatos have current listings.
Why a Palo Alto visitor might go
- A downtown worth the drive. Los Gatos has one of the prettiest small downtowns in the region.
- Family time. The railroad, the carousel and paddle boats on Vasona Lake make a full kids' day in the warmer months.
- A creekside walk or ride. The trail links downtown, the lake and Campbell without cars.
- On the way to the beach. Los Gatos is the last town before Highway 17 climbs over the mountains to Santa Cruz.
- Sunday market. The year-round Town Plaza market pairs well with brunch downtown.
Good to know
- Highway 17 is narrow and winding over the mountains. Drive it in daylight if you are new to it.
- The Sunday farmers market draws crowds to the Town Plaza, so expect a busier downtown on Sunday mornings.
- County parks charge a day-use parking fee. Oak Meadow is a town park with its own rules.
- The railroad and carousel are run by volunteers. Check bjwrr.org for hours, especially in winter.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Los Gatos from Palo Alto?
Downtown Los Gatos is about 20 miles southeast of downtown Palo Alto, roughly 30 minutes by car outside rush hour via Interstate 280, Highway 85 and Highway 17. There is no train to Los Gatos, so most visitors drive.
When is the Los Gatos farmers market?
The Los Gatos Farmers' Market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town Plaza at Main Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue, according to its operator. It runs year-round with seasonal produce from Santa Clara County.
Where does the Los Gatos Creek Trail go?
The trail follows Los Gatos Creek from Lexington Dam above town, past Forbes Mill downtown and through Vasona Lake County Park, then north through Campbell to Meridian Avenue in San Jose. It is used for walking, running and cycling.
When does the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad run?
The miniature railroad in Oak Meadow Park is run by a nonprofit. Its steam engine usually runs on weekends from late spring through fall, with diesel engines on weekdays in summer and weekends in winter. Check bjwrr.org for current hours before you go.
What does Los Gatos mean?
Los Gatos is Spanish for The Cats. The name comes from the 1839 Mexican land grant La Rinconada de Los Gatos, a reference to the mountain lions and bobcats in the local hills.