| parking is complimentary. accessed via exterior corridors, the pared-down rooms can sleep up to 2 guests, and offer free wi-fi and flat-screen tvs, in addition to microwaves and minifridges. set in a residential neighborhood, this straightforward, adults-only motel is a mile from the national steinbeck center museum and 9 miles from the monterey zoo. check-in time: 4:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am
Norman
Salinas River State Beach (22 min)
Popular destination for bird-watching, fishing & horseback riding, with a dune trail & picnic area. Tatum's Garden (5 min)
Garden and park Fort Ord National Monument (40 min)
Home to 35 species of rare flora & fauna, this undeveloped wildland offers over 80 miles of trails. 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. Blue Ocean Whale Watching on the Monterey Bay (22 min)
Whale watching, dolphin, humpback whale, blue whale, and killer whale El Dorado Park (9 min)
Playground with sport courts & fields, a jogging path & multiple picnic areas for get-togethers. Marina State Beach (21 min)
Relaxing, family-friendly destination offers a public beach & park good for all-ages entertainment. Toro Park (13 min)
Peaceful 4,756-acre park offering riding trails, softball fields, playgrounds & volleyball courts. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (21 min)
Paved, 2.2-mile road-racing track used for auto & motorcycle racing, plus special events. National Steinbeck Center (5 min)
Dedicated to John Steinbeck, this museum offers interactive exhibits for all ages & a gift shop. Fremont Peak State Park (47 min)
Scenic, mountainous park with craggy peaks & views of Monterey Bay, hiking, camping & picnicking. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (20 min)
Tidal salt marsh that is home to birds, otters, seals & many other animals, with boardwalk trails. Fremont Peak (51 min)
Mountain within a state park offering views of surrounding valleys, peaks & Monterey Bay. Juan Bautista De Anza Historic Trailhead (25 min)
Start of a walk running through Arizona & California, following the route of 18th-century settlers. | 
