SOUTH SANTA CLARA VALLEY

The Northern Gateway to the Central Coast

Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and San Benito County

South Santa Clara Valley is where urban Silicon Valley gives way to pastoral countryside, boasting a playground of discovery for both seasoned and new California travelers. Nestled between the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas, the cities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista embody a modern California experience inspired by the open space and agriculture of yesteryear.

About South Santa Clara Valley

This rich, fertile valley was named “The Valley of Heart’s Delight” by indigenous inhabitants and today hosts dozens of the state’s oldest premium wineries and vineyards, stone fruit orchards, a bourgeoning craft beer scene, and a trove of expressive culinary experiences and ranching heritage. Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail is a fantastic merger of California microclimates, with a place for every varietal to thrive.

The charming downtowns of the “South Valley” feature eclectic, localized scenes connecting the artistry of passionate chefs with the bounty of the season’s harvest. Craft beer and cider infused with local apricots and cherries, freshly pressed olive oil, ripe tomatoes and tender greens dazzle the palate, embracing true farm-to-table roots. In fact, this valley is home to Gilroy, the “Garlic Capital of the World”.

Flanked by redwood forests to the west and oak savannah to the east, South Santa Clara Valley is a biodiversity hotspot with endless recreational opportunities. The unique serpentine terroir provides vivid spring wildflowers and miles of hiking and cycling trails. World class golf courses, lakes, off-roading, and protected spaces are the “Pinnacle” of fresh air activities, like hiking the unusual rock formations of the area’s only National Park.

San Benito County is located 30 minutes north east from the Monterey peninsula and 45 minutes south east from the southern tip of the Silicon Valley. San Benito County is the (east) gateway to Pinnacles National Park the newest National Park. San Juan Bautista is a unique village, alive with early California history. Tour the old mission, visit the state historic park with the only remaining Spanish Plaza, follow the San Andreas Fault, hike the Juan Bautista de Anza National Trail.

Multigenerational family travelers will enjoy the unique Gilroy Gardens Theme Park. With budget-friendly hotels and a central location, Santa Clara Valley is a fantastic jumping off point for multi-day northern Central Coast adventures, within about an hours drive to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.