Long before Silicon Valley was known as such and Europeans ever set foot in the vicinity, Natives Americans resided in the area for over 6,000 years. Father Juan Crespi and Pedro Fages led a Spanish expedition to what is now Morgan Hill in 1772 and camped near Llagas Creek. The area became part of a Catholic land grant tied to the Mission Santa Clara de Asis.
Following Mexican independence, the land converted to private estates. You can still visit one of those early estates in Morgan Hill today, one established in 1884 by the town's namesake, Hiram Morgan Hill and his bride Diana. The estate is known as Villa Mira Monte. This and other large ranchos attracted other settlers. A Southern Pacific Railroad station was established in the late 1890s to serve the growing town, which incorporated shortly thereafter.
It wasn't until the 1950s that Morgan Hill shifted from its agricultural production of fruits, nuts, and wine and evolved into more of a residential suburban community as the tech industry emerged in the 1970s. As the cradle of innovation, Silicon Valley has attracted the best and the brightest. Fortunes made at local tech companies attracted many newly affluent tech magnates to settle in Morgan Hill's idyllic community.
Its prime location and coveted luxury real estate have made Morgan Hill the 17th most expensive real estate market in the United States. The city has placed intentional limits on residential and retail sprawl so that residents and visitors alike can preserve and enjoy the unique character of this Santa Clara Valley community.
The wealth of gorgeous estates has nurtured the growth of Morgan Hill's equally upscale amenities, like prime Michelin star restaurants, excellent wineries, world-class spas, pristine parks, and much-anticipated events. Today, Morgan Hill is one of Silicon Valley's most popular destinations for dining and entertainment.
If you're in Silicon Valley on business or just want to escape San Francisco or San Jose for a weekend of pampering and relaxation, a visit to Morgan Hill will rejuvenate your spirit and inspire your palate.
When should you visit Morgan Hill, CA?
Morgan Hill enjoys near perfect weather from May through September, seldom seeing even a day of rain and peaking in the sunny, mid-to-upper 80s. Even winter days usually reach the low 60s. Spring and fall are mild and occasionally rainy but typically fair. This weather ensures that any time of year is a good time to visit Morgan Hill.
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival takes place in Morgan Hill in early April, uniquely celebrating both music and the movies with screenings, performances, panels, workshops, and more. Later in April, the Morgan Hill Wine Stroll downtown pairs local wines with downtown destinations for a unique tasting experience.
The family-oriented Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend. You can indulge in premium wine tastings, enter the cooking contest, shop handmade goods, enjoy live performances, and sample more mushroom dishes than you could ever imagine. Come back in July for the Fourth of July parade.
Come September it's time for the Taste of Morgan Hill. This free and fun family festival invites visitors to taste the area's best local wines, craft beers, and fare from over 30 downtown restaurants. Highlights of the weekend include the Classic and Custom Car Show and the South Valley Quilt Association quilt show. The British Car Classic in October and the December Holiday Lights Parade are also very popular.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Morgan Hill, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Morgan Hill, CA. Analyze these charts to evaluate the most cost effective seasons to book in Morgan Hill during the year.
What are the luxury hotels near Morgan Hill, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $135.29
If you are looking for luxury accommodations near Morgan Hill but on the beach, check out Seascape Beach Resort. This hotel offers an outdoor pool, 250 guest suites, and eight meeting rooms, making it an ideal vacation getaway for large groups. Best of all, this hotel fronts Monterey Bay, so you can experience all the glory of a sunset over the Pacific during your stay. After sunset, you can enjoy a full banquet next to a beach fire. You'll even be just 45 miles from Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach.
The property is the only residential-style luxury resort on Monterey Bay. Book the conference center to conduct meetings indoors or take your meeting or wedding outdoors to a beachfront function space on a private beach. Guest suites feel just like home, outfitted with private decks, kitchenettes, parlors with fireplaces, and townhome or flat configurations.
If you are looking for a luxury property in an urban environment, head to The Westin San Jose. Hints of gold, wood-paneled ceilings, and lush wall and floor treatments impart clean, modern elegance to this grand property. Common areas and function rooms are all palatial, and the guest rooms are intimate and sophisticated. You'll enjoy premium comforts like pillowtop bedding, a 24-hour fitness center, a flat-screen television, rainfall showerheads, and more.
What are the affordable hotels in Morgan Hill, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $137.47
You don't have to sacrifice convenience and comfort to get a low hotel rate in Morgan Hill. When you stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites Morgan Hill San Jose South, you will be within a 15-minute drive of Gilroy Premium Outlets and Guglielmo Winery.
The immaculate, tidy, and cheerful hotel welcomes guests to cozy rooms fitted with pillowtop bedding, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests also enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and picnic area with barbecue grills. During your stay, you can visit the on-site grocery store, enjoy a complimentary reception on select days, and dine on the free daily breakfast service.
2 Star Average Prices: $129.98
What are the best hotel discounts in Morgan Hill, CA?
If you're a military and government service member or a senior citizen, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites San Jose Morgan Hill is the hotel property for you. This property consistently garners glowing reviews for the hotel staff's warm welcome and exceptional service. Rooms are kept perfectly clean, breakfast is fresh and free, and the on-site bar and lounge is a favorite haunt, staffed by a friendly bartender. You'll enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to an indoor pool, spa tub, and sauna.
What are the best value hotels in Morgan Hill, CA?
If you like a modern-style hotel with lots of amenities, you will love the Courtyard San Jose South Morgan Hill. It's far enough outside of San Jose (just over 12 miles) to afford some peace and quiet, yet it's close enough for business travelers to get to meetings in town. The 24-hour fitness center and indoor pool offer fun and exercise after a hard day's work, while The Bistro serves up tasty meals, cocktails, and cooked-to-order breakfast. When it's time to go, print that boarding pass in the 24-hour business center and take advantage of express check-out.
Why should you try some outdoor experiences in Morgan Hill, CA?
It's not all luxury and pampering in Morgan Hill. The beautiful hills and perfect weather beckon everyone to get outside and enjoy.
Check out Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park in nearby Gilroy, where you can while away an afternoon fishing at a 449-acre lake. Cast a line and see if you can hook a black bass, Eurasian carp, or black crappie while you look out for turtles, birds, and butterflies. You can take on the 35 miles of trails by horseback, mountain bike, or hike. Stick around at day's end between Memorial Day and Labor Day for a campfire program led by park rangers and docents.
At Anderson Lake County Park, you'll find 4,275 unspoiled acres that are perfect for exploring, with multiple-use trails along the Coyote Creek Parkway. If you're looking to wander rugged, unspoiled wilderness, visit Henry W. Coe State Park. You're not likely to encounter a mountain lion, though they are said to wander here, but you will certainly encounter some incredible canyon views and wildflowers in bloom from about March through May.
If you fancy a day trip to a winery, you don't even have to go to Napa Valley. Santa Clara Valley has its very own wine trail right near Morgan Hill. In the month of March, you can get a passport to visit 32 tasting rooms, meet the local winemakers, and enjoy food, entertainment, and discounts at select wineries. Taking part in this annual event is the perfect way to raise a toast to the spring season.
Check out Kirgin Cellars, one of the area's most established wineries, and you can wander through the rose bushes, cricket lawns, and more. Castillo's Hillside Shire Winery is the place to visit if you like live entertainment to accompany your tasting. In addition to its existing live music offerings, the venue has recently added an outdoor stage for theater productions.
You can stay right in the heart of Silicon Valley but still feel worlds away in Morgan Hill, CA, a beautiful and luxurious oasis from the bustle of the Northern California tech world.
FAQs about hotels in Morgan Hill
How much does a cheap hotel in Morgan Hill cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Morgan Hill can be as cheap as $129.98 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Morgan Hill cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Morgan Hill has been $137.47 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Morgan Hill cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Morgan Hill has been $135.29 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Morgan Hill, CA
Below are reviews of the city of Morgan Hill, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice Sports Complex"
Score
4.0 / 5
The sports complex was nice.
Kimberly A., from 29-Feb-2024
"Small town with charming great restaurants and wineries!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Small town with charming great restaurants and wineries!
Della N., from 02-Feb-2024
"Everything is close by and it still is a small town."
Score
4.0 / 5
I sold my home in Morgan Hill and I am waiting to move into my new home in Morgan Hill. I love Morgan Hill. Everything is close by and it still is a small town.
Barbara M., from 18-Dec-2023
"Across from Peet's Coffee!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Peet's coffee was across the street!
Terry A., from 22-Oct-2023
"Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch!!
Maria N., from 16-Oct-2023
"Nice & Quiet Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice area and quiet.
Michelle A., from 29-Sep-2023
"Nice Small Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Morgan Hill is a nice little quiet place with a small town feeling.
Andra D., from 16-Aug-2023
"Walking trails & restaurant choices on Monterey Highway"
Score
5.0 / 5
We enjoyed the walking trails and the restaurant choices located on Monterey Highway.
Kimberly T., from 12-Jul-2023
"Great Area!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean, good shopping, good highway access. This is an area I could see myself living in if the opportunity arose.
Denise B., from 14-Jun-2023
"Near Concert Venue"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there for a concert and the venue was right across the street.
Kathy S., from 14-Sep-2022
"Hotel is Across from Concert Venue"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there for a concert and the venue was right across the street so we did not venture to far away.
Kathy S., from 12-Sep-2022
"10 Out of 10!"
Score
5.0 / 5
10 out of 10!
Juan C., from 30-Aug-2022
"Good food spots!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good food spots!
Tabi M., from 06-Jun-2022
"Beautiful City!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful city. Great restaurants and beautiful foothills.
Robin K., from 22-Feb-2022
"Love it!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love it.
Daisy V., from 07-Dec-2021
"Beautiful City!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful city with friendly people.
Ora B., from 18-Nov-2021
The average traveler rating of the city of Morgan Hill, CA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 16 reviews