Things To Do
Morgan Hill Farmers' Market
If you are looking for a great way to kick off your Saturday morning, definitely stop by the Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market. Located right at the Caltrain Station (3rd St. & Depot St.), it runs every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Downtown Morgan Hill
Just minutes away from our venue, Downtown Morgan Hill is the perfect spot to spend a few hours. This charming, walkable stretch along Monterey Road is packed with award-winning restaurants, local boutiques, and cozy tasting rooms. Whether you’re looking for a morning latte, a midday craft beer, or a celebratory pre-wedding dinner, you’ll find plenty of local flavor to enjoy!
Municipal Rose Garden
Ranked as "America's Best Rose Garden," this historic 5-acre park is a stunning place for a low-key morning or afternoon stroll. Since the wedding is in late September, the garden is typically in its second "peak" bloom of the year, offering vibrant colors and incredible fragrances.
Santana Row
Visit Santana Row for window shopping and people-watching, as well as Valley Fair, the mall right across the street.
Winchester Mystery House
A world-famous architectural curiosity located in San Jose. This massive Queen Anne Style Victorian mansion is known for its "stairs to nowhere," doors that open into drops, and its eccentric history.
Almaden Quicksilver Hacienda Entrance
With over 30 miles of trails, hikers can explore "Mine Hill" to see old mining structures and expansive views of the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s famous for its panoramic views and historical ruins that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The hills will likely be golden. Bring water and a hat, as the trails are quite exposed to the sun!
San Francisco Premium Outlets
For those who want to do some serious shopping, this is the largest outdoor outlet center in California. It features over 180 brands, including high-end designers like Prada, Gucci, and Nike. It is an expansive, modern outdoor mall. Because it is in Livermore, it is often much warmer and sunnier than San Francisco or the coast. About 30–40 minutes east of San Jose for serious bargain hunting.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you want to walk among ancient giants, this is the place. Henry Cowell is home to a spectacular grove of old-growth redwoods, some of which are over 1,500 years old and tower nearly 300 feet tall.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
For guests who want a bit of "city energy" by the sea, the Boardwalk is a world-famous classic. It’s the oldest surviving amusement park in California and is full of nostalgia and ocean breezes. You can walk the entire length of the boardwalk to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smell of saltwater taffy. Even if you aren't a fan of thrill rides, the adjacent Santa Cruz Wharf is a great spot to walk out over the water and watch the sea lions. Check the weather, as the coast can get much cooler than San Jose.
Natural Bridges State Beach
If you’re looking for that iconic California coastline, this is the spot. It’s famous for its massive natural mudstone arch just offshore and is one of the most photographed beaches in the state. Great for a classic beach day or a sunset walk. During late September, you might even catch the beginning of the Monarch butterfly migration in the park’s eucalyptus grove. This is an excellent choice for guests who want to see the ocean without a hike. The view of the arch is easily visible from the paved parking lot and overlook, and there is a flat, accessible path leading down to the sand.
Capitola Beach
This is arguably the most charming and colorful beach town in Northern California. It’s famous for its bright, multi-colored Mediterranean-style cottages sitting right on the water. Also, check out Shadowbrook Restaurant for a nice meal in great scenery (this is where we had dinner just before getting engaged).
Davenport Beach
If you want to escape the crowds, head about 10 minutes north of Santa Cruz to this tiny, rugged coastal hamlet. It offers some of the most dramatic cliffside views in the state. Visit Shark Fin Cove to see the massive rock formation that looks exactly like a shark’s dorsal fin. For a low-cost treat, stop by the Davenport Whale City Bakery for their famous pastries.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in the world, this is a must-see for anyone interested in marine life. It is located at the end of historic Cannery Row. The "Open Sea" and "Kelp Forest" exhibits are massive and mesmerizing. You can see sea otters, sharks, and penguins up close.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just a short drive south of Monterey, Carmel is a charming, one-square-mile village famous for its artistic history and "fairytale" architecture. It is famously "dog-friendly" and known for having no street addresses, no chain restaurants, and no neon signs—giving it a truly magical, old-world feel. Start at the top of Ocean Avenue and wander down past high-end art galleries, hidden courtyards, and local boutiques. At the very bottom of the street, you’ll reach Carmel Beach, a stunning crescent of white sand framed by wind-swept cypress trees. If you prefer not to walk the hills of the village, the Scenic Road Drive allows you to see the beautiful beach and the famous "Butterfly House" from the comfort of your car.
Pebble Beach
This is one of the most famous scenic drives in the world, taking you through the exclusive Pebble Beach community and along the rugged Monterey Peninsula coastline. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress (standing on its rock for over 250 years), Bird Rock, and world-class golf courses. It’s the ultimate way to see the coast from the comfort of your car. It's ~$10 fee per vehicle to enter, and stop at The Inn at Spanish Bay around sunset to hear the bagpiper play—it’s a beautiful tradition that signals the end of the day.
Elkhorn Slough
Located just north of Monterey, Elkhorn Slough is one of the best places in California to see wildlife at water level. It is a calm, protected estuary that is world-famous for its massive population of southern sea otters. You can rent a kayak from Monterey Bay Kayaks or Kayaking Connection. As you paddle through the calm water, you’ll likely see sea otters floating in the kelp, harbor seals lounging on the banks, and hundreds of species of birds. Grab lunch at Phil's Fish Market & Eatery right down the road in Castroville.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Perched on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific, this resort looks like a grand Scottish castle. Even if you aren't staying here, it is a spectacular place to visit for the views alone. You can walk the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail, which runs directly through the resort grounds. For a quintessential NorCal moment, visit at sunset—a bagpiper usually plays on the lawn as the sun goes down
Palace of Fine Arts
One of the most photographed landmarks in San Francisco, this Greco-Roman style rotunda and colonnade was originally built for the 1915 World's Fair. It feels like stepping into ancient Europe. It’s a stunningly beautiful place to walk around the swan-filled lagoon. Since it’s tucked away in the Marina District, it’s a peaceful break from the busier parts of the city.
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
No trip to the Bay Area is complete without seeing the "International Orange" giant. For the best views without the hike, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center or the new Presidio Tunnel Tops. You get a world-class view of the bridge and the bay while standing on beautifully landscaped, flat parkland.
Baker Beach
For one of the most iconic views in San Francisco, head to Baker Beach. Located at the foot of the rugged serpentine cliffs west of the Presidio, this mile-long stretch of sand offers a breathtaking, front-row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic stroll, a quick photo op, or simply watching the waves roll in. If you visit, be sure to bring a light jacket—even on sunny days, the coastal breeze can be quite refreshing!
Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, famous for being the "Crookedest Street in the World." While the entire street spans several blocks, the main attraction is the steep, one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.
PIER 39
Pier 39 is the vibrant heart of the San Francisco waterfront, offering a mix of classic bayside charm, quirky entertainment, and world-famous residents. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack and take in the sights of the Bay and see some sea lions! Parking in the LAZ structure across the street is highly recommended.