A few random questions for early September trip

Question

Hello!

My husband and I are planning to combine a visit to see our son in SF with a 3 night visit to the Monterey/Big Sur area. We are thinking we will fly to SF on Friday Sept 5 and spend the weekend and Monday with him and then on Tuesday morning (Sept 9) get a car (at the airport?) and head to Monterey. My husband has spent time in Santa Cruz and saw Monterey briefly but we're basically first-timers. I have looked through the forum but would appreciate any up to date insights from patient experts!!

Right now the things we are interested in include:

1. Hiking in redwoods (we've been to Muir woods a couple of times as well as the grove in Oakland) and coastal hikes. We live in an outdoorsy area of WNC and are decent hikers but all-day hikes are out due to time constraints.

2. Whale watching. My husband did this in Santa Cruz and it was a very moving experience. Any recommendations for guides are welcome!

3. The aquarium--would a couple of hours suffice for this? Also, the last aquarium I went to had a naturalist walking around with a HUGE WHITE SNAKE around their neck so I spent the whole time hiding in the gift shop because that's my one phobia. I went through the list of animals and the only reptile listed is the sea turtle. Please correct me if I'm wrong!

4. Carmel

5. 17 mile road ebike tour--I'm seeing mixed reviews here so feel free to share. We could either go in a group to be safe and learn more or we could do a portion of it.....

So here are my odd little questions:

1. I know the highway is closed but I'm not sure if the iconic bridge is closed. We have no desire to drive a long way but of course we want to see breathtaking views and I'd love to see the bridge if that's possible.

2. We're thinking to stay in Monterey because of the views, restaurant options, walkability etc. We have flexible reservations at the Monterey Bay Inn with a harbor view room. We would like a nice place with views but not overly formal. In terms of driving, is it "big city" or just normal tourist town driving? I assume it's easier than SF, for example.

3. Is the schedule feasible? I'm thinking we could do the aquarium and something else on the same day. What other things could be combined? We'll have Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning....

Thanks so much for your patience and insights!!!

Answer

Your early September plan for Monterey/Big Sur with a few days in SF sounds very doable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your questions and suggested itinerary ideas:

1. Hiking in Redwoods and Coastal Hikes:

Consider Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley for shorter redwood hikes and mixed terrain. It’s less crowded than Muir Woods and scenic.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers stunning coastal hikes with ocean views and is suitable for moderate half-day hikes.
Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along Big Sur have beautiful coastal trails that are manageable for half-day hikes.

2. Whale Watching:

Monterey Bay is famous for whale watching; peak season in September includes humpback whales, blue whales, and dolphins.
Recommended operators: Monterey Bay Whale Watch and Princess Monterey Whale Watching. Both have knowledgeable naturalists on board.
Excursion length is typically 3 hours; morning departures are calmer and offer better light for photos.

3. Monterey Bay Aquarium:

2–3 hours is generally sufficient for a focused visit, especially if you skip repeated sections.
The aquarium focuses on marine life, so no large reptiles like snakes are present; your sea turtle phobia shouldn’t be triggered.
Interactive exhibits and touch pools make it fun for adults and kids alike.

4. Carmel:

Charming small town with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Carmel Beach is perfect for a late afternoon stroll with sunset views.
You could combine a morning hike or 17-Mile Drive visit with lunch in Carmel.

5. 17-Mile Drive / E-Bike Tour:

E-bike tours along 17-Mile Drive can be enjoyable if you want a moderate ride without worrying about traffic. Guided tours provide history, points of interest, and safe routes.
If you prefer flexibility, consider biking a portion (e.g., from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach) and driving the rest to see iconic spots like Lone Cypress.

Bridge / Highway Closures:

Highway 1 near Big Sur can have closures due to landslides; check the Caltrans website before traveling. Iconic Bixby Creek Bridge is usually accessible from the north side even if further south sections are closed.
It’s possible to see the bridge from viewpoints without driving long distances.

Monterey Stay and Driving:

Monterey is a small tourist town; driving is easy compared to SF. Most attractions are within a short drive, and parking is generally easier.
Monterey Bay Inn with harbor-view rooms is ideal: scenic, central, and within walking distance to Cannery Row and restaurants.

Scheduling & Combining Activities:

Tuesday afternoon: Arrive, check in, walk Cannery Row or Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
Wednesday: Monterey Bay Aquarium in the morning, lunch at Cannery Row, afternoon whale watching.
Thursday: Coastal hikes at Point Lobos or Garland Ranch, optional Carmel visit in the afternoon.
Friday morning: Short coastal walk or light hike before departing.
17-Mile Drive / E-bike tour can be slotted in either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon depending on energy and timing.

Overall, your schedule is feasible. Monterey is compact enough that you can combine the aquarium, Cannery Row, and whale watching on the same day without feeling rushed. Coastal hikes and Carmel visits can be paired on another day. Be flexible with timing depending on weather and tide conditions along the coast.

By balancing active morning hikes and afternoon sightseeing or relaxation, you should have a rich, manageable, and scenic trip.