Morgan Hill is in Santa Clara's wine country, the area is renowned for their many vineyards and wineries, almost all of which have tasting rooms where you can relax and indulge in a glass of wine. The valley produces premium concentrated wines made from Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Between Monterey Road and Depot Street between 1st and 3d Street there are several restaurants and shops in the downtown area. We've listed out a few restaurants below: Odeum Restaurant, in the Granary at 17500 Depot St/1st St – The Owner/Chef earned a Michelin star at Dio Deka in Los Gatos so expect some tasty dishes. Trail Dust BBQ, 17240 Monterey St/3d St – Good local BBQ. Main Street Bagels, 17300 Monterey Rd/3d St – A local’s hangout for coffee and bagels. MoHi Social: 17440 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 - Seasonal cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch.
You don’t have to go to the north bay to see redwood trees. In about 20 minutes from Morgan Hill you can get transported to a forest of redwood trees. The park is located on highway 152 (Hecker Pass Highway), 10 miles west of Gilroy.
Gilroy Premium Outlets, 9 miles south of Morgan Hill at Highway 101/Leavesley Road – definitely worth checking out if you interested in going a mini shopping spree for brand name outlet stores. This is the best outlet mall in the SF Bay area carrying names from Lululemon, Calvin Klien, Nike, Levi, Adidas, Columbia, Coach etc.
Santa Cruz is known for some of its amazing beaches and historic boardwalk. It’s about 45 minutes away from Morgan Hill and if you’re interested in hanging out by the beach or taking a surf lesson this is the place to go.
FUN FACT: Aaron and I got engaged in Carmel. If you have been wanting to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (U.S. 1 and U.S 101), this is where you want to go during your visit. The 17 Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel is short but the sights you will see during that drive will be absolutely stunning. During the drive they have rest stops for you to go out and take photos and there are fancy restaurants you can make a reservation at so you don't have to pay the fee for the park. Monterey: Mostly know for Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay. It's a bit more touristy but there are several activities like whale watching or going to the aquarium. Carmel: Have you ever seen a Thomas Kinkade painting? That is Carmel, it's a small beach town with European cottages. You will find a bunch of stores and tasting rooms in their downtown area. If you are feeling adventurous we would recommend driving to Big Sur and going for a hike.
Wine Country is about 2 hours from Morgan Hill. Sonoma is closer to the city and has several wineries, they typically don't seem to be as busy as Napa wineries. Napa has all the famous wineries you've probably have seen in movies. They are known for having more upscaled wineries that require appointments and dress code. You can also do downtown Napa which has tasting rooms and nice restaurants. Some of our favorites in Sonoma: - Jacuzzi Winery: Italian wines and olive oil tasting - Cline Winery: Sister winery to Jacuzzi but has great chardonnay, cuvees and rosés - Downtown Sonoma: Walk around the square, it has an old west vibe with a bunch of tasting rooms and restaurants Some of our favorite spots in downtown Napa: - Feast it Forward: Cool tasting bar that often has events on the weekend - Shadowbox Wines: Unique organic wines - Quilt & Co: Great brunch - Archer Hotel Rooftop Bar: If you need a break from wine - Oxbow Market: Grab a quick lunch and get a frozé
Fisherman's Wharf is the most touristy areas in San Francisco. A few things to checkout while you are here: - Pier 38: This is where you will find the best views of Alcatraz, the sea lions and you can jump on one of the Bay Area cruises. - Musée Mécanique: 20th-century penny arcade games and artifacts along the water. - The Buena Vista Cafe: Known for inventing the Irish Coffee - Ghirardelli Square: Formally the Ghiradelli chocolate factory and has been renovated with shops, restaurants, wineries and SF Brewery.
North Beach is San Francisco's Italian neighborhood and has many great restaurants and bars. We've listed out a few of our favorites below: Restaurant: - Sotto Mare: Oysteria & Seafood authentic Italian restaurant, they are always packed but if you have the chance to go here the food is amazing and if they ask you to sit at the bar do it. - Betty Lou's: Family run Italian restaurant that has classic pasta dishes and seafood. You should try the Ciopinno here and at Sotto Mare, they are amazing. - Il Pollaio: Casual chargrilled chicken. If you go here try the chicken and spicy sausage and don't forget to ask for the hot sauce to top it off. Bars: - Devil's Acre: 50's theme that has amazingly put together cocktails. They have happy hour Mon-Sat until 7 PM and all night on Sunday! - 15 Romolo: Back-alley bar that serves cocktail drinks and bar bites.
The most popular Redwood forest near San Francisco it's about an hour and half from the city. Our recommendation to head to Muir Woods early and pack yourself a lunch for the hike. You can also try and swing by some vineyards on your way back into the city. In addition, you can also go to Armstrong Woods which is about a half-hour further. It may not be as packed because it's further from the city and will be easier to park at.