7 California-Cool Hotels Near the Monterey Bay Aquarium

With ocean views, rolling foothills, and farm-to-table dining, these are the best places to stay when visiting the world-renowned aquatic center.Courtesy of Green Gables InnI’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A fan of the attraction long before I became a mom, I’ve been taking advantage of the fact that I live just an easy weekend trip away for the past three decades. If you're not local to the area, you'll be happy to know that there are a number of lovely hotels near the world-renowned aquatic center from which to base your stay.It's a hugely popular attraction: An average of two million people visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in central California every year to get a peek at what life is like beneath the sea. From the one-of-a-kind living kelp forest to the adorable sea otters putting on a show, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the exhibits. And you can't forget about the iconic jellies—pulsating to their own beat, it’s easy to get pulled into their world when there’s a sheet of glass keeping those flowy tentacles safely at bay.But back to planning out your stay—from beachfront retreats and luxe ranch stays to historic mansions turned boutique inns, I compiled a list of the best hotels near the Monterey Bay Aquarium that are either a short drive or quick walk away. Trust me, you might come for the marine life, but these stunning properties will leave you wondering if you should book a few more nights.Editor-recommended hotelsFrequently asked questionsPortola Hotel & SpaDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 6-minute drive, 30-minute walkLocated in the heart of downtown Monterey, this full-service resort is mere steps from Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey State Historic Park. Choose from 379 coastal-inspired rooms that don’t underestimate the value of natural light and sea air. If you want to be able to lay your eyes on the ocean, sea views are located on the fifth and sixth floors, with the best vistas found on the seventh floor. Peter B’s is the on-site buzzy brewery and local hangout with a dog-friendly patio. The lineup of house-brewed beers ranges from hop-centric offerings like Blue Water, a hazy IPA brewed with the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation, to Monterey Crush, a blood orange ale. Italian meatball sliders, fried pickles, and street tacos offer a snapshot of the comfort food–dominated menu. Jacks Monterey, located in the hotel lobby, offers a more upscale experience for breakfast and dinner. The small library, just a few steps from the front desk, is a quiet spot to sit down and discover your next great read.Read Full ReviewCarmel Valley RanchDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 23-minute driveSet on 500 acres in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains along California’s Central Coast, Carmel Valley Ranch is located just shy of 13 miles from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row. At check-in, you’ll receive a list of the resort’s scheduled activities, and staff will likely share their favorites—and you should pay attention. Options range from guided hikes and yoga to archery lessons and picnics with Pablo and Paco, a pair of resident miniature donkeys. There are also multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and an 18-hole Pete Dye–designed golf course. If the blinds are up at the on-site creamery, stopping by the window to watch the cheesemaker in action is a must. Along with chickens and a salt house, the organic garden is home to veggies, flowers, and honeybees. Menus at signature restaurant Valley Kitchen showcase fresh, local ingredients—many of which are grown or produced on the resort.Read Full ReviewSpindrift InnDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 2-minute drive, 5-minute walkIf 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.Read Full ReviewHyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf CourseDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 10-minute drive, 1-hour walkStretching 22 acres, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course offers space to wander and everything from swaying hammocks, bocce courts, multiple pools, and a spa to enjoy along the way. A whopping 560 rooms are spread throughout alphabetically identified buildings, each a maximum of four stories tall. My room in Building F featured dual patios that double as front-row seats to the historic Del Monte Golf Course, known for being one of the most prestigious courses in the Western United States. The casual Sea Root restaurant is a go-to for most guests. The dinner menu is varied; choices range from a tropical shrimp cocktail and lamb meatball casserole to Greek salad and pizza. The area surrounding the lobby is a social hub with outdoor seating, lawn games, and firepits, and there are a plethora of screen-free offerings to keep kids entertained.Read Full ReviewGreen Gables InnDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 2-minute drive, 11-minute walkBuilt in 1888, Green Gables Inn blends historic architecture with stellar Monterey Bay vistas. All of the 11 recently redesigned guest rooms are spaces you’d be excited to come home to after a busy day of exploring California’s Central Coast. Along with a sophisticated, coastal-inspired color palette, most accommodations feature a king bed with soft white linens, a sitting area, a fireplace, and views of the Pacific. Dog-friendly rooms are also available. There is no on-site restaurant, but a buffet breakfast is included with every stay, and a complimentary wine and cheese tasting is held every evening. Freshly baked cookies also appear every afternoon. A stay here offers the architectural beauty and charm of days past, along with the modern conveniences you don’t want to live without.Read Full ReviewKimpton Mirador Pacific GroveDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 4-minute drive, 21-minute walkLocated in a walkable neighborhood, across the street from a park and public library, the Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove's Spanish Revival–inspired architecture sets the tone for the residential-like comfort waiting inside. A new-build hotel just a half-mile from the beach, it offers 99 spacious rooms with high ceilings, local art, and, in true Kimpton fashion, yoga mats. Some rooms feature views of Monterey Bay; others have balconies and fireplaces. Pet-friendly suites welcome all pets, not just dogs, and there’s no extra charge, regardless of size, weight, or breed. Daily on-site wellness programming includes yoga practices, sound baths, and fitness classes, so combined with the spacious 24/7 gym, all your workout needs should be covered. On-site restaurant The Caledonian serves breakfast, dinner, and brunch on select days. Don’t miss the kitchen’s berry jam–stuffed spin on French toast.Read Full ReviewLa Playa HotelDistance from Monterey Bay Aquarium: 18-minute driveOften referred to as “The Grand Dame of Carmel,” La Playa Hotel is a historic beauty with vibrant gardens and ocean views. Built in 1905 by landscape painter Chris Jorgensen (known for his work depicting California landscapes) for his wife, chocolate heiress Angela Ghirardelli, by the early 1920s, the mansion had grown into a hotel. While some of the public spaces skew a bit sultry, La Playa’s 75 rooms and suites embrace natural light. Nearly half boast full or partial ocean views; others peer into the garden, and some towards the pool. The dinner menu at on-site bar Bud’s is compact, but covers all the bases with offerings ranging from deviled eggs and mushroom bolognese to a burger and grilled cheese paired with tomato bisque. A lavish, complimentary breakfast buffet is included with every stay. Guests can look forward to made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and plenty of pastries and sparkling wine.Read Full ReviewFAQ:Are there any pet-friendly hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium? Is it better to stay in Monterey or Carmel when visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium?Where you should stay comes down to personal preference. Some properties in Monterey and Pacific Grove are within walking distance of the aquarium. The free Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Trolley is also an option if you’re hoping not to drive. Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea are further away, but come with primo perks like easy access to wine country and stunning stretches of coastline.Do any hotels near the Monterey Bay Aquarium have ocean views?A majority of the hotels on this list offer ocean views; it really comes down to how close you want to be to the surf. Spindrift Inn features rooms with unobstructed vistas of Monterey Bay, and you can have your toes in the water within minutes of rolling out of bed. At Green Gables Inn, the ocean is just across the road. Portola Hotel & Spa, the Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove, and La Playa Hotel offer coastal views with the ocean in the distance.How we choose the best hotels near the Monterey Bay Aquarium:Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.Dana Rebmann writes about travel, nature, wine, and anything that makes folks smile for Condé Nast Traveler, AARP, The Telegraph, and more. She loves checking into great hotels and adventures that get her outside, especially near or in water. She lives in Northern California wine country, but was raised on ... Read MoreMore hotels nearbyKimpton Mirador Pacific Grove$$ | United States, Pacific Grove, 150 Fountain AveA charming California coastal town with mostly small inns gets its first branded full-service boutique hotel.$$$ | United States, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Camino Real at Eighth AvenueA grand dame overlooking the Pacific Ocean in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.$$ | United States, Monterey, 652 Cannery RowWith epic views over Monterey Bay, this is an ocean lover’s ideal escape.Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay$ | United States, Monterey, 2 Portola PlazaA family- and dog-friendly resort near some of Monterey’s most popular attractions.