Los Gatos City Guide

The food scene focuses on fresh California cuisine with many international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are good. Late-night food is limited.

Nightlife centers on upscale bars and wine bars downtown. It's relaxed rather than lively with limited club options.

Good coffee scene with independent shops and specialty roasters. Community vibe.

Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and personal services (15-20%). Smaller tips or rounding up are common at coffee shops.

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile stores sell SIM cards. eSIM is available with some phones. ID is usually needed for post-paid plans.

Streets are clean and waste services reliable. Sanitation issues are rare.

Limited 24/7 options. Some chain pharmacies and minimarts nearby. Most services close by late evening.

Safeway, Lunardi's, and Whole Foods are main supermarkets. You can find Asian and Mexican ingredients, but specialty items may need a trip to San Jose.

Most businesses take credit or debit cards, so you rarely need cash here.

Bank ATMs like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo are common. Out-of-network ATMs charge around $2.50 to $5.00.

Local schools include Los Gatos High School and Fisher Middle School. Instruction is mainly in English. Check district sites for admissions info.

Small digital nomad community. Networking mostly through local business groups.

Parks and trails are well-maintained with good access to green spaces.

Several safe running routes, including Los Gatos Creek Trail with scenic views and community groups.

Several gyms offer classes and personal training.

Public tennis courts are available in parks with mostly first-come booking.

Padel courts are rare in Los Gatos but can be found in the wider Bay Area.

Many yoga studios offer various styles with English-speaking instructors.

Dojos for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, and boxing/kickboxing with English-speaking instructors.

Closest ski resorts are 3-4 hours away in Sierra Nevada, like Lake Tahoe. Ski season is November to April.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are common at local lakes. Sailing is available at larger bays nearby.

Good surfing spots along Santa Cruz coast 30-40 minutes away. Wetsuits are needed year-round. Options for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Monterey Bay diving sites an hour away offer good marine life and visibility depending on conditions.

El Camino Health Los Gatos Hospital and local clinics have English-speaking staff. Quality private care is good.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards.

Parks like Oak Meadow and Vasona Lake have playgrounds and kid activities. Many restaurants welcome kids and outdoor seating is common.

Generally accepting and inclusive region with strong legal protections. Nearby San Jose has a bigger LGBTQ+ scene.

Very pet-friendly with parks, dog-friendly businesses, and vet services.