Just south of San Jose and the San Francisco Bay Area, is a small but up and coming community-driven town called Morgan Hill. On the surface, this town looks like many of the quaint small towns you’d find all over California. But underneath, it’s unlike any town we’ve ever visited. We had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Morgan Hill California, and loved it so much we’ve put together what an ideal weekend in Morgan Hill might look like!
WHERE IS MORGAN HILL CALIFORNIA?
If you haven’t read our 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE SAN JOSE AREA, make sure to head over there after you’ve finished reading this article to learn more about the whole San Jose area.
Morgan Hill California is located roughly 30 minutes south of San Jose, and around 1.5 hours south of San Francisco. It’s sort of nestled perfectly between the Diablo and Santa Cruz mountain ranges. The next closest town of Gilroy is another 20 minutes south. Being located JUST outside the Bay Area, while still within driving distance has made this an up and coming area for those working in the Bay Area. It’s a perfect distance for a day-trip or weekend getaway!
ABOUT MORGAN HILL
THE HISTORY OF MORGAN HILL
We mentioned earlier that Morgan Hill seemed like many other towns on the surface, but underneath was so very different. What did we mean by this? Well after spending a weekend there, we found that every establishment and business we visited, was not only friends or acquaintances with the proprietors of the other businesses, but that they actually work very closely together and with one another! Stepping in to or visiting one establishment, and you are likely to see products, materials, and inspirations that come from other local businesses. This was easily something we had never experienced in any other town before, and we’ll get in to that more down below.
Prior to western civilizations taking over the land, this land was once the land of a number of Native American tribes. After Spanish and Mexican expeditions in the late 1700s, multiple families owned portions of the land that is Morgan Hill today. In 1882 the marriage of Diana Murphy and Hiram Morgan Hill led to the combination of lands equalling over 20,000 acres, where they would build their estate: Morgan Hill Ranch. In 1906 the city officially became Morgan Hill. The population then was 1,000 people.
MORGAN HILL GROWTH
Nearly 70 years later, the population had only grown to 7,000 people. Fast forward to today, the population is around 45,000. Compare that to the nearby San Jose with 980,000 people.
This small town feel draws people there every day. And its close proximity to Silicon Valley has made it a new home for many who work in the tech valley. Housing isn’t quite as expensive, and so you’ll find a lot of younger people, couples and families here. The people, and the community are what make Morgan Hill, Morgan Hill. And the food and the wine. You’ll see.
WEEKEND GETAWAY ITINERARY
While you might think “small town, not a lot to do”, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Morgan Hill and the surrounding area has a TON to do. Especially if you like food, wine, beer and everything in between. Which is what we are going to focus on in this itinerary. So empty those bellies and get those taste buds ready, cuz this is gonna be a fun ride!
ACCOMMODATIONS
We mentioned Morgan Hill is a small and quaint town. So if you’re looking for Park Hyatt’s, Westin’s, Waldorf Astoria’s, then you may want to consider somewhere like Santa Barbara. The focus in Morgan Hill is the people, the food and drinks, and the experiences. We’re trying to get you OUT of your hotel, not in it, haha. That being said, you’ll find a number of different hotel accommodations from Hilton, Marriott and others to stay at in Morgan Hill. Unfortunately none of these are in the downtown area, but are only a 5 minute drive away. We stayed at the Hampton Inn.
DAY 1
Going with a typical Friday to Sunday itinerary, we are going to plan as though one would be arriving on the afternoon/evening of Friday. Odds are you just want to get settled in to your hotel or accommodation and grab some dinner. So we’re going to make Day 1 pretty easy and simple!
SUSHI CONFIDENTIAL
For dinner, we’re heading downtown to Sushi Confidential! If you aren’t a sushi lover, do not eat fish or have other dietary preferences, not to fret! There are a ton of places to eat downtown, and we’ll list some alternatives at the bottom of this article.
Sushi Confidential is a regional sushi chain, with 7 different locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. And despite being a chain, the sushi here is fresh DELICIOUS! The head sushi chef and founder of Sushi Confidential Randy Musterer, previously a cancer researcher, focuses on an ever-evolving menu or unique and providing a fun and engaging atmosphere. If you like sushi, trust us, you’ll love the food (and the drinks!) here.
Our recommendations: If you like sushi, you can’t go wrong!
Dog Friendly? No
MOHI SOCIAL
If you aren’t quite ready to hit the hay yet, and are looking for a nightcap, then MOHI Social is the place to go. This outdoor pop-up cocktail lounge and restaurant is located where a future hotel (and the only hotel downtown) Granada Hotel & Spa will be located. Whether you’re looking for wine, beer or something stronger, you’ll find it here.
Our recommendations: We did not eat any of their food, but let us tell you, their cocktails are incredible!
Dog Friendly? YES!
Day 2 is going to be a packed day, so get some rest and maybe even sleep in a little bit.
DAY 2
MORGAN HILL FARMERS MARKET
First stop of the day, is the Morgan Hill Farmers Market. This farmers market runs all year long, every Saturday from 9am-1pm. You’ll find local produce, breakfast pastries, hummus and pitas, meats and fishes and so much more. Our recommendation, buy some fruit or pastries and eat light. You’re going to want room for food and drinks!
Dog Friendly? No
ALARA WINERY
Just around the corner from the Farmers Market, is Alara Cellars. Alara was started by Janu and Jason Goelz who wanted to bring together two of Janu’s loves, wine and fashion. All around the tasting room, and on the labels of their wines, you’ll find prints of dresses which were designed using the tasting notes of the wines as inspiration. Their story is quite amazing, and their wine is delicious.
Pro tip: if you can, share a tasting with someone. Knowing there will be more wineries and brewers on the itinerary, this will help prevent a less-than-ideal morning after.
Dog Friendly? Outdoor seating only
CRAFT ROOTS VEGAN BAR AND GRILL
Hopefully you didn’t eat too much at the Farmers Market, cuz you’re going to eat here! Craft Roots is easily one of our favorite places in Morgan Hill. Not only do they have a great craft beer selection, but ALL of their food is plant-based! But don’t be discouraged or dissuaded. They have pizzas, burgers, sliders, Mac and cheeses, chili cheese fries and so much more. And it is all vegan. Even if you are a meat eater, trust us, go check this place out. They’re family owned and operated, the owner and staff are incredible, and the food is delicious! Don’t have too many beers though, cuz a brewery is next on the itinerary.
Our recommendations: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, Chili Cheese Fries, Bourbon BBQ Burger or any pizza.
Dog Friendly? YES!
KELLY BREWING COMPANY
Right around the corner is Kelly Brewing Company, a family owned and operated brewery. We don’t talk about it much, but we LOVE craft beers. Between the two of us, we’ve tried well over 500 different beers. So when we find a place that we truly enjoy the beers from, we will be loyal to that place through and through. And Kelly Brewing Company is one of those places.
Our recommendations: Farmer Nelson Hazy IPA, Go Nuts Cream Ale, A Beer For Chuck Hazy Double IPA.
Dog Friendly? YES!
THE RUNNING SHOP AND HOPS
If you’re feeling full at this point, you’ve got about a 5 minute walk to walk it off. The next stop is The Running Shop and Hops. This taproom features over 100 different rotating beers on tap, and even more that are canned in their fridges. One of the best places to find local and regional California beers!
Dog Friendly? YES!
AR WORKSHOP
This one will require some forethought and planning. But right next-door from The Running Shop and Hops, is AR Workshop. AR Workshop has a ton of different locations all over the country, and are DIY workshop. They have all the materials and tools to help you create your own decor. And they’ll help you along the way too. So whether you’re visiting with a family, or looking for a fun and unique date night activity, this place is perfect!
ODEUM MODERN ARTISANAL CUISINE
One more building over, and you’ll find Odeum, a modern artisanal cuisine restaurant. This restaurant is on the finer end, so a trip back to the hotel to get cleaned up and dressed up might be in order.
The head chef and proprietor of this restaurant is Salvatore Calisi, a Michelin Star awarded chef. He and his restaurant have won countless awards for their food and dining experience. So while visiting here may be the most expensive thing you do in Morgan Hill, it will absolutely be worth it! Especially if you are foodie.
Our recommendations: The menu is constantly changing, but when we went, we enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass, Eggplant Parmesan, and Pita Bread and Sauces.
Dog Friendly? No
MOHI SOCIAL CHAMPAGNE ROOM
If you are not absolutely stuffed and pooped, then we may have failed. That being said, if you’re up for it, you should go back to the MOHI Social and visit their champagne room. They’re taken the old Granada Theater and converted it in to a giant champagne room. A very cool and unique way to enjoy a nightcap.
Dog Friendly? No
DAY 3
GVA CAFE
Much like Day 2, we’re going to start the day off taking it easy. Right on Monterey Rd in downtown Morgan Hill, is GVA Cafe (Grinds, Vines and Automobilia Cafe). From the owner:
“Grinds symbolizes our carefully selected organic fair trade coffee. Vines represents our collection of local wines and automobilia symbolizes a personal connection and relationship with my grandfather. Since a young age, I had a strong passion for cars and found joy in helping him with his car mechanics… Starting GVA was more than starting a business; it was creating an environment in our community where people feel loved and accepted.”
For breakfast, you’ll find great coffee, and a ton of breakfast options including vegan and vegetarian breakfast burritos and sandwiches. A perfect place to start the day!
Our recommendations: Veggie or vegan burrito
Dog Friendly? VERY! They have a designated turf pad and water bowls right out front for dogs that are visiting or passing by.
ANDY’S ORCHARD
One of the coolest experiences we had visiting Morgan Hill, was Andy’s Orchard. Andy’s Orchard began when his father Joseph emigrated to the U.S. in the 1930s, and purchased the land that this orchard is on in the 1950s. Since then, the Mariani family has been deeply rooted in not only the Morgan Hill agriculture business, but all of California.
Touring Andy’s Orchard is by reservation only, so you’ll need to visit their website to view upcoming tour schedules. That being said, they do have a store on the property where you can visit, see and purchase fruit, nuts, olive oils and more from their land.
Dog Friendly? No
GUGLIELMO WINERY
Next up, is probably our favorite winery in all of Morgan Hill; Guglielmo. Not only is the wine delicious, and the winery beautiful, but it’s also family owned and operated and has a wonderful family history. Their story began in 1883 when Emilio Guglielmo (Gool-yell-mo) left his hometown in Italy and moved to America. In 1925, Emilio and his wife Emilia purchased the land the winery sits on today. Two generations later, Emilio’s grandsons George E. and his brother Gene run the winery with the third and fourth generation family members handling all of the wine making and day to day operations! Definitely a must visit!
Dog Friendly? YES!
TEN FIVE ONE CIDER
Speaking of really cool stories, Ten Five One has such a cool and unique story! The husband and wife owners and operators began making hard ciders at their home as a hobby, and over time as they got better and better, they decided to market and sell it out of their home. As business continued to grow, they eventually remodeled their entire back yard in to a beautifully unique outdoor tasting room venue with a basketball court, lawn games and more. Oh, and the ciders are delicious!
Note: The name Ten Five One was inspired by the police code 10-5-1 which means that a subject is drunk.
Our recommendations: Go with your gut on these and try as many as you can!
Dog Friendly? YES!
PALMERINO’S
Looking for some authentic homemade Italian market and deli, look no further! The story behind Palmerino’s is long and beautiful. The owner and operator Tommy Palmer, had grown up in a kitchen where his grandmother did much of the cooking. And he loved it. Later in life, after his grandmother passed away, he decided to go to Italy and enrolled in the 2019 Master of Italian Cuisine program at the Italian Culinary Institute in Stalettì, Italy. With the help of an unexpected friend at Terra Amico Farms (we’ll touch on that next!), Tommy was able to then open his own market and deli in 2021. Trust us when we say you can feel and taste the love and passion in Tommy’s food.
Our recommendations: We had the Bandiera and Nicky Parmigiana sandwiches, and LOVED them!
Dog Friendly? YES! (Outdoors)
TERRA AMICO FARMS
Prior to visiting Terra Amico Farms, we didn’t really have any idea of what we were walking in to. What exactly is there to see at a farm, other than animals and produce? Well, we were absolutely surprised! Sure, they have animals and produce on their farm, but what we didn’t know was just how beautiful their property is, how intertwined they are in the Morgan Hill community, and how ethical, eco-friendly and sustainable their business is. We were blown away. Remember when we mentioned above how the owners of Terra Amico Farms helped Tommy Palmer with opening his market and deli? That is only a sliver of how big a part of the community Terra Amico is.
Much of their produce is sold and used at local eateries, visiting these same eateries and businesses and you’ll likely find furniture and decor that was designed and built by Terra Amico Farms, and was likely up-cycled using materials from local places! They also practice regenerative farming, meaning food scraps and things that don’t get used in one area of the farming process, get passed on to the animals on the property, or get replanted for regrowth. Nothing goes to waste!
Visiting Terra Amico Farms would be in the form of going on a farm tour where you could learn about the farm, what they do, and how they do it. They also have Family Farm Days, workshops and classes! We would highly recommend visiting.
MAURIZIO’S ITALIAN CUISINE
Sadly, there must be an end to every trip. Or maybe there doesn’t. Maybe you just moved to Morgan Hill and get to enjoy all of these places on a regular basis! But for those who are not moving here, we will end your trip on a high note, visiting Maurizio’s Italian Cuisine. Maurizio’s is a finer Italian dining, and one that is perfectly fit for ending a wonderful weekend. Sit outside, enjoy the fresh air, a glass of wine and some delicious food. You won’t regret it!
Our recommendations: Burrata con Prosciutto (without the prosciutto), Fettuccine al Pesto, Salmone.
ALTERNATIVES
Ok, so we covered quite a few restaurants. And we understand that everyone has different tastes and dietary preferences. So with that, we want to provide you with some alternate food and drink options in the event we listed something that didn’t interest you.
WINERIES
RESTAURANTS
- Main St Bagels – Bagels & Pastries
- Mr. Falafel – Mediterranean Cuisine
- Willard Hicks – Steaks & American Fare
- Opa! – Authentic Greek
- Noah’s Bar & Bistro – Restaurant & Lounge
- Trail Dust BBQ – Barbecue
- Ladera Grill – Fine Dining
- La Playa Ice Cream – Ice Cream Shop
Still haven’t quite found anything that jumps out at you, check out the places to dine on the Visit Morgan Hill website.
A WEEKEND IN MORGAN HILL CALIFORNIA
Being only 30 minutes south of San Jose, Morgan Hill has become one of our favorite weekend getaways. Whether we go for wine or beer tasting, visiting their farmers market, a date night out with some fine dining, Morgan Hill has it all. And combine that with being such a small town where you can virtually walk everywhere, well it’s easily one of favorite towns in California. And we hope that it becomes one of yours too!
Let us know what you thought of this, and if you plan on making Morgan Hill part of your next trip to Northern California down below in our comments!
And if you’re looking for some other California inspiration, check out some of our other California articles:
- 10 THINGS TO DO NEAR SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA
- 12 TOWNS TO VISIT ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST
- 9 WAYS TO VIEW GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
- 11 UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN CALIFORNIA (THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T HEARD OF)
- 10 NATIONAL PARKS IN THE U.S. YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED
If you aren’t following us on Instagram, then check us out there as this will be the best place to follow our van life journey and adventure!
Thanks for stopping by!
Ryan & Katy
