| they also feature microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. 4 miles from marina state beach. some have pull-out sofas and/or wet bars. there's also an indoor pool, an exercise room and a 24-hour convenience store, along with a business center and a meeting room. just off highway 101, this casual hotel is a 3-mile drive from the national steinbeck center and 13. freebies include parking and hot breakfast (plus a grab-&-go option on weekdays). the bright, casual rooms offer free wi-fi and custom-designed beds, plus both full and lap desks (for working on the bed), and flat-screen tvs. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 12:00 pm
Norman
Fremont Peak State Park (48 min)
Scenic, mountainous park with craggy peaks & views of Monterey Bay, hiking, camping & picnicking. Monterey State Beach (28 min)
Miles of scenic coastline offer beachgoers recreational activities ranging from surfing to fishing. Marina State Beach (22 min)
Relaxing, family-friendly destination offers a public beach & park good for all-ages entertainment. Fort Ord Dunes State Park (28 min)
A trail leads to the beach in this park with a bluff-top platform offering views of Monterey Bay. Toro Park (13 min)
Peaceful 4,756-acre park offering riding trails, softball fields, playgrounds & volleyball courts. Salinas River State Beach (23 min)
Popular destination for bird-watching, fishing & horseback riding, with a dune trail & picnic area. Blue Ocean Whale Watching on the Monterey Bay (22 min)
Whale watching, dolphin, humpback whale, blue whale, and killer whale Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (21 min)
Tidal salt marsh that is home to birds, otters, seals & many other animals, with boardwalk trails. El Dorado Park (11 min)
Playground with sport courts & fields, a jogging path & multiple picnic areas for get-togethers. Fort Ord National Monument (39 min)
Home to 35 species of rare flora & fauna, this undeveloped wildland offers over 80 miles of trails. National Steinbeck Center (6 min)
Dedicated to John Steinbeck, this museum offers interactive exhibits for all ages & a gift shop. Boronda Adobe History Center (8 min)
History, historic site, and museum WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (21 min)
Paved, 2.2-mile road-racing track used for auto & motorcycle racing, plus special events. Fremont Peak (53 min)
Mountain within a state park offering views of surrounding valleys, peaks & Monterey Bay. Tatum's Garden (7 min)
Garden and park | 
