TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MORGAN HILL
There is so much to discover about Morgan Hill, California whether you've lived here for years or are visiting for the first time. Situated just minutes south of San Jose, Morgan Hill is the hidden gem, small-town escape where the state’s high-tech capital unfolds into rolling hills and open space.
Morgan Hill is the ideal low-key staycation or weekend getaway for foodies, wine lovers, and nature seekers! Get get ready to feel a world away, whether for the first time or all over again!
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#1 Get outside
With over a dozen Morgan Hill parks, getting in touch with nature is easy! Pack or pedal through miles of winding trails and get some fresh air in the majestic oak-dotted hillscapes of Henry W. Coe State Park, Northern California’s largest State Park. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve gives sweeping views of the South Santa Clara Valley and Uvas Canyon County Park is a waterfall chaser’s dream. Cyclists love Morgan Hill, and the Coyote Creek Parkway is a favorite for it’s smooth paved path that meanders for 15 miles along a trickling creek and wildflower meadows all the way to San Jose.
#2 Grab a bite
With buzzworthy spots like Craft Roots Vegan Bar & Grill, MoHi Farm restaurant, and the Michelin Star chef headed Odeum, it’s no surprise that Morgan Hill dining is making a name for itself as the culinary destination in South Santa Clara County. Downtown Morgan Hill is the place to choose from over 30 eateries with inviting patios for a memorable al fresco experience under lush olive trees, glowing neon, and twinkle lights. Almost all of downtown’s restaurants are independently owned, so the variety is unmatched! Find over 100 restaurants city-wide in this thriving culinary hub.
#3 Sip something new
Try the local wine, beer, and cider and you’re sure to find a new brag-worthy favorite! Morgan Hill wineries are part of the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, an approachable wine region with award-winning wines. Take a tour aboard the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley, a classic cable car replica on four wheels. Or, visit the family-run tasting rooms at some of the longest continually operated wineries in the state, such as Guglielmo Winery. More of a beer person? Choose a pint of open air fermented ale from Kelly Brewing Company, something from The Running Shop and Hops’ 86 rotating taps and plentiful cold case options, or a locally crafted hard cider from TenFiveOne Cider Co.
#4 Enjoy farm-fresh bounty
Agriculture is a major industry in California, and Morgan Hill is no exception! In fact, Morgan Hill farms are home to the widest variety of stone fruits on the West Coast, with orchards of cherries, apricots, and plums — some which you can pick yourself seasonally. Year-round, swing by a local farm stand and the Farmer’s Market to discover Morgan Hill’s heirloom and artisan food goods! Immerse in the farm life with a family farm days or pick your own strawberries and flowers! Come fall, many farms transform into fun pumpkin patches and Christmas tree markets.
#5 Check out downtown
Morgan Hill’s downtown district is the heart of the community, where residents and visitors come to enjoy fantastic restaurants, shopping and Morgan Hill’s signature events, like the Farmer’s Market or the summertime Friday Night Music Series. After a delicious meal at one of our popular downtown eateries, grab a sweet treat and meander the quaint streets and find murals and art nodding to our agricultural history. The Third Street Garage features a glass-enclosed staircase depicting the Morgan Hill poppy jasper stone and a unique lighted tartantula sculpture. Check the event calendar for local performances and entertainment at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse or Downtown Amphitheater. Resident company, South Valley Civic Theater produces 5 shows a year and the Chamber of Commerce rocks with free Friday Night concerts in the summer.
#6 Recreate
Morgan Hill outdoor recreation and sports are a great way to get balanced and centered, where the pace is a little slower and the community values wellness and athletics. Connect through movement and focus with a round of golf at Coyote Creek Golf Course or lap swim at the Morgan Hill Aquatic Center. For the mini-golfers, we have a new Pop-Up Putt-Putt mini golf course downtown. Morgan Hill has one of the Bay Area’s most desirable sports complexes, the Outdoor Sports Center, boasting 12 turf fields for a multitude of sports & events—the complex is also home to the Bay Area Panthers IFL team! After all of your recreational adventures, never underestimate the power of a theraputic massage!
#7 Shop local
Peruse the creative offerings of Morgan Hill’s retail shops, many of which are small, local, and independent. Find boutique clothing, accessories, home decor, books, toys, and more! If you’re light on trunk space, you can even purchase gift certificates or gift cards. See our shopping itinerary! Twice a year during the spring and fall, Morgan Hill’s 3rd Street comes alive with Sidewalk Saturdays, an open air makers market. Running consecutive Saturdays, adjacent to the Morgan Hill Farmers Market, this is the perfect place to pick up special gifts and sustainable items for yourself. Check out Buy Local Morgan Hill for special offers and deals, and support the success of local businesses and what they bring to the community!
#8 Explore by bike
Morgan Hill cycling culture is deep-rooted for both road and mountain biking. With the headquarters to Specialized Cycling Components here and our beautifully scenic backroads, hills, and trails it’s no mystery why! The Coyote Creek Parkway is great for all skill levels, with its paved, multi-use path meandering between Morgan Hill and San Jose… you may even spot some wildlife as you cruise by! Get outfitted for a new bike or chat with local enthusiasts at our downtown bike shop.
#9 Stay the night
When you’re ready for a refreshing getaway, Morgan Hill hotels offer the perfect, no-fuss staycation or easy road trip. Conveniently located on Highway 101 south of San Jose, Morgan Hill is a great central meeting point for you and your friends and family. Our array of trusted independent and branded hotels offer clean, comfortable, and relaxing stays so you can enjoy all there is to do in Morgan Hill. If you can’t get away from work, most hotels offer premium wi-fi, so “WFH” can take on new meaning as you work from hotel!
#10 Plan your event
Morgan Hill event venues know how to throw to a beautiful party… and safely welcome weddings, birthdays and other celebrations! Get a jump on your planning and scope out the perfect winery, restaurant, or special event space for your small, family events or large gatherings. Morgan Hill provides a convenient location for out-of-town guests to convene and top-notch service in beautiful settings. While you’re at it, sample from Morgan Hill’s fantastic bakeries, florists, and salons!
Bonus…
#11
Enjoy the Local History
Take a docent-led tour of Villa Mira Monte, Morgan Hill's downtown history park. Explore the Hiram Morgan Hill House (1884-86). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Queen Anne style country estate was built by the City’s namesake, Hiram Morgan Hill and his wife Diana Murphy Hill, daughter of the pioneering Murphy family. The site also features the Morgan Hill History Museum (1911), and the Centennial History Trail, which highlights 100 local, state and national milestones in history.