Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Morgan Hill, CA

  • Published 2022/12/28

Visit the city of Morgan Hill in Santa Clara County, California, if you want to experience a luxurious getaway with endless recreation opportunities.

The city is located in the southern part of Santa Clara Valley, bounded west by the Santa Cruz mountain range and east by the Diablo mountain range.

It is home to 45,342 people as of the July 2021 census.

It is also located in the southern part of Silicon Valley, the home of several start-ups and large technology companies.

Despite being near big tech establishments, Morgan Hill has preserved its charming and small-town atmosphere with plenty of open spaces and greenery still around.

The city boasts award-winning wineries, lush farms, golf courses, and nature trails, attracting an estimated 1.2 million visitors annually.

If you want to experience the city’s unique beauty, start planning your trip and make sure to save this list of the best things to do in Morgan Hill, California!

Explore the Historic Villa Mira Monte

Exterior view of Villa Mira Monte

Hydrargyrum, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Learn a piece of local history when you tour the Villa Mira Monte.

The estate features the Morgan Hill House, the 1884 Queen Anne-style country home of Hiram Morgan Hill, a local rancher.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house is now operated by the Morgan Hill Historical Society.

Facade of Villa Mira Monte

Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today, the facility may be used for special events like weddings and corporate events.

The landscaped grounds of the house offer picturesque and elegant views coupled with a peaceful atmosphere.

If you wish to learn more about the place’s history, feel free to take the Centennial History Trail!

Go Wine Tasting at P and V Winery

A great way to kick off your trip to Morgan Hill is to try one of the city’s distinguished wineries.

P and V Winery, located in the heart of Coyote Valley, is the perfect place to hang out with friends and family while sipping handcrafted wines.

Named after its founders, Paul and Vicki, the winery offers wine made from homegrown varieties of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The estate also sources other grape varieties from different regions to produce various wines.

You may drink your wine while lounging in their outdoor area to get a glimpse of the grounds.

If you’re planning to visit P and V Winery, don’t forget to reserve a table in advance!

Taste Award-Winning Wine at Guglielmo Winery

Visit Guglielmo Winery and its vineyard estate to know what Morgan Hill’s local wines are all about.

Operating since 1925, the winery was established by Emilio Guglielmo, the family patriarch, and is still run by the dedicated family to this day.

Guglielmo Winery produces about 40,000 cases of wine per year.

Among its award-winning offerings are the Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Nebbiolo.

Whatever your preference may be, you’ll find a perfect match among the wide variety of wines here.

The winery’s vineyard grows Private Reserve wines, which have garnered plenty of awards.

You won’t just enjoy the drink but also the Guglielmo Winery’s Old Italian-style tasting room.

Lovers of wine shouldn’t pass up on this exceptional winery at Morgan Hill!

Visit the Alma Bonita Animal Rescue Farm

Animal lovers would find Alma Bonita Animal Rescue’s farm an interesting stop.

The 40-acre site is home to over 50 rescue animals, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, sheep, and alpacas, among others.

Sheila Murphy, who started the rescue farm, is a life coach with a background in education and leadership.

Through her knowledge, she offers group visitors different programs on animal ownership, leadership, and responsibility.

Feel free to inquire and book a tour if you plan on visiting Alma Bonita Animal Rescue.

If you want to help, you may also volunteer, donate, or adopt a rescue animal.

Pick Up Fresh Fruits at Andy’s Orchard

Drop by Andy’s Orchard and pick up locally grown fruits.

Depending on the season, the orchard harvests a variety of fruits, including apricots, plums, persimmons, cherries, peaches, and nectarines, among others.

The orchard was established in 1957 by the Mariani family, who emigrated from Europe in the 1930s.

The estate started only growing apricots and prunes but eventually added cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums.

Soon other fruits like heirlooms and specialty varieties were added to the orchard.

Andy’s Orchard also offers confections made from fruits, nuts, dried fruits, and even gift packs!

Try Local Beer at Kelly Brewing Company

Kelly Brewing Company may be a small brewery and taphouse, but it is also a local favorite for a good reason.

The place produces excellent-tasting beer using filtered local water, high-quality malted barley and hops, and carefully selected yeast strains for open fermentation.

Kelly Brewing Company claims to be one of the few remaining breweries in the country that still does open fermentation, which is known to make more flavorful beers.

You may also bring family or friends and play around with the place’s pool table, foosball, dart boards, and shuffleboard, among other video and board games.

You won’t just have a fantastic beer at Kelly Brewing Company but also get a glimpse and learn the stories of Morgan Hill’s local community.

Learn About Local History at the Morgan Hill Museum

The Morgan Hill Museum, which houses archive collections of the local area, is situated within Villa Mira Monte.

It is housed inside local orchardist John Acton’s farmhouse, which was built in 1911.

It was originally located at Warren Avenue on Nob Hill but was later moved by the Morgan Hill Historical Society near the City Hall.

In November 1984, the museum opened to the public.

The Acton House was relocated again in 2005 to its present location in Villa Mira Monte.

Today, Morgan Hill Museum serves as a repository of the city’s history, giving visitors a glimpse of the city’s rich culture and agricultural heritage.

Take Your Kids to the Magical Bridge Playground

If you’re traveling with kids, you should take them to the Magical Bridge Playground in Morgan Hill’s Community Park.

The playground is all-inclusive and is always open to the public.

The innovative area features swings, a treehouse, slides, a laser harp, and a spin zone, among others!

Your kids will enjoy spending time here and meeting new friends.

The area also hosts different events, from dance parties to art projects.

Drop by the Magical Bridge Playground to give your kids some time to play outdoors.

Go For An Adventure at Anderson Lake County Park

Stunning view of Anderson Lake County Park

Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

Anderson Lake County Park, accessed through Morgan Hills, is the largest reservoir in Santa Clara County.

The 4,275-acre area features multiple-use trails like the Coyote Creek Parkway, the historic Jackson Ranch, a place of Burnett Park, and Moses L. Rosendin Park.

You may access various recreational areas through this park, which is why it is popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Top view of Anderson Lake County Park

Tom Pavel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll find all sorts of adventurers here, including hikers, power boat enthusiasts, equestrians, bicyclists, runners, and nature lovers.

If you just want a peaceful time, you may also find a spot and read a book or go for a picnic.

Get more in touch with nature while staying at Anderson Lake County Park.

Spend Some Time at Morgan Hill Aquatics Center

Active travelers will enjoy spending some time at the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center.

The place features an outdoor pool where you can lap or take aqua fitness classes.

It also has an 18-hole miniature golf course which you may enjoy with family and friends.

If you’re looking for an area where you can host a gathering, feel free to check their picnic areas, cabana rentals, and party rooms, all up for reservation.

The Morgan Hill Aquatics Center is the perfect time to spend quality time with loved ones, so make sure to add it to your list of places to visit when you’re in the area.

Book Your Tee Time at the Coyote Creek Golf Club

Both amateur and competitive golf players will have a good time at the Coyote Creek Golf Club.

The place features two premier golf courses that you may choose from.

The 18-hole Tournament Course has a series of lakes and waterfalls that serve as the centerpiece of the course.

Another course in Coyote Creek is the Valley Course, which is made for all golfers regardless of skill level.

The par 72 course stretches up to 7,066 yards and features a bit flatter greens than the Tournament Course.

The place also hosts special events and houses a bar and grill for your dining needs!

Whether you’re an expert golfer or just starting to learn how to play, you should visit Silicon Valley’s Coyote Creek Golf Club.

Drop by and Buy Local Produce at Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market

Pick up some fresh local produce at Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market at the Train Depot Station parking lot.

The market now has over 35 farmers and vendors from Morgan Hill and the nearby cities of Gilroy and Hollister.

You may get organic and local produce here, including heirloom vegetables as well as different varieties of fruits that are being sold by the farmers themselves.

You may bring along your family, and you’ll feel a sense of community while shopping!

Open year-round, Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market also hosts a Kid’s Craft event with fun educational projects for children.

Try Local Wine at Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery

Another award-winning winemaker in Morgan Hill is Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery.

Your wine tour can’t be completed without visiting this winery.

The place offers handcrafted wine aged in oak made from homegrown grapes.

The estate also has a vineyard where the critical ingredients for winemaking are grown, decorating the outdoor area.

You may even try wine tasting while lounging in their European-style gardens.

Among Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery’s award-winning wines are the 2013 Petite Verdot, 2012 Castle View Petite Sirah Estate, 2014 Merlot, and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, among many others.

Feel free to explore the estate and sit near the pond to complete the idyllic experience at Castillo’s Hillside Shire Winery.

Catch a Game at Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center

If you’re lucky enough, you may catch a game or two at Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center.

The state-of-the-art sports facility serves as a venue for different sporting events and festivals.

It has two all-weather turf field stadiums, 28-acre grass fields, LED field lights, and concrete walkways.

Audiences of sports matches will have a great time at this sports center.

Of course, a concession area with catering services are also available depending on the event.

Make sure to check the game and event schedules at Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center before dropping by.

Bring your RV and Stay at Morgan Hill RV Resort

If you’re planning to explore the vineyards in the city, Morgan Hill RV Resort is a good place to stay.

The resort is surrounded by nearby vineyards and Santa Cruz Mountains’ rolling hills, giving nature’s best and most scenic views.

The 66-acre RV campground itself is also an amazing venue for a retreat to nature.

It features an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, a playground, and a miniature golf course.

Bring your family or friends and find solace in this place while not being too far away from modern conveniences.

You’ll even have a relaxing view of the Uvas Creek from the Morgan Hill RV Resort.

Final Thoughts

Views of sprawling mountains and marvelous vineyards will welcome you when you visit the city of Morgan Hill in California.

The unique beauty of this place lies in its picturesque nature and exceptional hospitality amid a modern and technologically advanced region.

For sure, you’ll escape the mundane and get closer to nature when you visit this city.

But before you hit the road, check out this list of the best things to do in Morgan Hill, California!

© All rights reserved.