Morgan Hill, Northern California’s Culinary Destination
Nestled in Northern California's Santa Clara Valley, Morgan Hill offers the perfect mix of outdoor recreation and one-of-a-kind agricultural experiences. From nightshades to night caps, kick back for a meal on a farm or knock back a few local beverages right at the source.
Situated between the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east, Morgan Hill in Northern California is literally surrounded by outdoor opportunities. Fertile farmlands in between turn out juicy stone fruits, heirloom produce, and award-winning wines and ciders. This mix makes it easy for locals to live healthy, active lives and enjoy the culinary bounty harvested right from their own backyard. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a one-of-a-kind culinary destination, Morgan Hill deserves a spot at the top of your itinerary.
This story was created in partnership with Visit USA Parks.
Work Up an Appetite
Morgan Hill is an active community, where locals enjoy access to world-class sports facilities and take pride in being the home of cycling powerhouse Specialized. Within minutes from downtown you can find yourself hiking or biking along oak-studded hills and pastoral greenbelts.
Encompassing 87,000 acres, Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California. Miles of multi-use trails can be enjoyed year-round, but springtime is perhaps the best—or at least the most colorful—time to visit. Seasonal wildflowers start popping up in February, with new blooms continuing through May. If large, eight-legged critters don’t scare you, plan a trip during October; each fall brings the tarantula migration and annual Tarantula Fest.
One of the easiest outdoor access points is Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians are all welcome on the four-mile Arrowhead loop, with options for shorter routes. Nearby Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers 33 miles of multi-use trails as well, with Coyote Lake offering ample opportunities for paddlers and fishermen.
If you’re a road cyclist, runner, or walker, hop on the Coyote Creek Parkway. This path winds alongside Coyote Creek, eventually connecting Morgan Hill with San Jose for 15 miles of car-free pavement.
Farm Fare
Food doesn’t need to travel far to make it onto your plate here; in fact, it might not have to travel at all. At Odeum, Michelin-starred chef Salvatore Calisi fires up fresh Mediterranean fare sourcing ingredients from their on-site garden and orchard. Sip on the Bada Bing cider from TenFiveOne Cider Co for a bubbly take on local cherries, or go straight to the source and pick your own at U Pick Orchards when they’re in season. Downtown you’ll find dozens of other restaurants supporting local farmers and purveyors, such as the farm to table newcomer MOHI Farm and 100% plant-based Craft Roots.
Tomato connoisseurs (I am proudly one myself) should look no further than Terra Amico Farms, your one stop shop for all things tomatoes. Whether you’re looking to buy starter plants for your own garden, take a farm tour, or pick up some fresh heirloom tomatoes from the fruit stand, this is where all your tomato dreams come true. If tomatoes aren’t exactly the type of fruit you’re after (yes, they are technically a fruit), book a summer tasting tour at Andy’s Orchard, which specializes in heirloom stone fruits, cherries, and persimmons.
Wine Down
In a region well-known for wine, Morgan Hill distinguishes itself by offering an approachable, affordable, and more laid back vibe. Situated right in the middle of the Santa Clara Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), the rich soil and Mediterranean climate provide excellent grape-growing conditions. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varietals dominate here, which can be sampled at over a dozen nearby wineries. Long time staple Guglielmo has been churning out award winning wines for nearly 100 years, a solid tenure for Northern California’s oldest wine region. Lightpost Winery focuses its attention on French varietals, such as Rhone and Bordeaux style blends. For further exploration, hop on the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, featuring over 60 tasting rooms throughout the region.
With picturesque landscapes, all-you-can-eat local foods, and world class wines, you’ll be sure to leave Morgan Hill more than satisfied. But with ongoing events and a growing (pun-intended) farm to table culture, there are plenty of reasons to return.