7 California-Cool Hotels Near the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Distance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 2-minute drive, 5-minute walk

If you were any closer to the ocean, you’d likely be wet. McAbee Beach—Monterey’s tiniest beach—is Spindrift Inn’s backyard, which makes it beyond easy to linger. Choose from 45 rooms and suites; accommodations on the backside of the building boast unobstructed views of Monterey Bay, and the rest overlook bustling Cannery Row. Charming and romantic, the rooms have a B&B feel, with canopy beds, rich drapery, plush chairs, hardwood floors, and walls adorned with chair rail and crown molding. Oceanview rooms boast glorious window seats with binoculars and superb sea views. The hotel is just a five-minute stroll to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a mile-long walk to Fisherman’s Wharf, but it’s an even shorter walk to McAbee Beach, so be sure to set aside time to get your toes in the sand.