Answer: Yes, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the best places along the Monterey coast to observe marine life without needing to get on a boat. The reserve offers dramatic coastal cliffs, coves, and trails that provide excellent vantage points for spotting sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and occasionally migrating whales from shore.

Answer: The Monterey Bay Inn is known for its prime waterfront location and comfortable accommodations, but regarding the pull-out couch in the rooms, feedback from past guests is mixed. Many report that the main beds are very comfortable, while the pull-out couch can be somewhat firm or slightly uneven. For short stays, children or smaller adults usually find it acceptable, but for taller adults or for multiple nights, it might not be ideal for sleeping.

Answer: Whale watching in Monterey in July can be a fantastic experience, but the mornings on the water are usually quite chilly due to the marine layer and ocean breeze. Even if the sun is shining onshore, temperatures on the boat can feel significantly cooler.

Answer: Your planned road trip along the California coast sounds fantastic! The drive from San Francisco down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers incredible scenery, charming towns, and plenty of family-friendly stops. Here’s a detailed guide with recommendations for your family of four, focusing on Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and interesting spots along the way.

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:

Answer: Monterey is one of the best places in California for whale watching, with many operators offering daily tours along the Monterey Bay. The most common species seen include gray whales, humpback whales, and sometimes blue whales, depending on the season. Tours typically range from 2 to 3 hours and depart from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Answer: For your trip from San Francisco to Monterey and back up to Point Reyes, you can plan a mix of scenic drives, nature exploration, wildlife watching, and charming towns. Since it’s your first visit to California, a combination of coastal beauty, redwoods, and safe mid-range accommodations will make for a memorable trip.

Answer: Monterey offers some fantastic spots to enjoy dinner and drinks while watching the sunset. The best locations tend to be along Cannery Row or the waterfront, providing both ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Answer: Monterey Car Week in mid-August is one of the busiest times of the year in the Monterey Peninsula, particularly around Pebble Beach, Carmel, and downtown Monterey. Traffic congestion, fully booked hotels, and crowded streets are common, which can significantly impact sightseeing plans like visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium or driving along scenic Big Sur routes.

Answer: For a 4 1/2 day girls’ trip focused on wineries, trees, and the ocean, both Monterey and Santa Cruz offer unique experiences, but your interests may help determine how to split your nights. Monterey is well known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, coastal scenery, and nearby wine regions like Carmel Valley. Santa Cruz offers a mix of redwood forests, coastal views, and smaller boutique wineries.

Answer: Great question — biking on 17-Mile Drive is a wonderful experience, but it takes some planning (especially when you don’t want to do the entire 17 miles). Here’s a detailed breakdown of where to park, good segments to ride, and safety tips.

Answer: Monterey is one of the best places on the California coast for whale watching, especially in October, when you can see humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, and other marine life. Since you only have a day, it’s best to book a reputable company directly rather than relying solely on third-party sites like Viator, although they can provide convenience.

Answer: Renting a car from Bullhead City, AZ to Salinas, CA for a 2-day trip is doable, but there are a few factors to consider. Since this is a one-way trip, you’ll want to make sure your rental company allows drop-off in a different state and city without excessive fees.

Answer: Monterey and the surrounding Monterey County area are lovely in mid-December. While the weather can be cooler and some wineries may have limited hours, many are still open for tastings and visits. The region is especially known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Answer: For a week-long anniversary stay in the Monterey Peninsula, each of your three options offers something unique, and your decision really comes down to the type of experience you want—romantic seclusion, scenic tranquility, or full-service oceanfront luxury. Here’s a detailed comparison based on your criteria:

Answer: Visiting Monterey and Pacific Grove in April is a great time for whale watching, as it is the tail end of the gray whale migration season and the start of other species appearing in the area. Whale watching tours are popular, especially on weekends and during spring break, so planning ahead can help ensure you get the date and time you want.

Answer: Monterey is one of the best places for whale watching in California, especially in July when you have a good chance of seeing blue whales, humpback whales, and other marine life like sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary makes the waters rich in food, attracting many species of whales during the summer months.

Answer: Your Monterey & Big Sur itinerary looks ambitious but very doable, with a few minor adjustments to ensure pacing and enjoyment. Here’s a detailed sanity check and some suggestions:

Answer: Your 7-day itinerary down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from San Francisco looks well-planned, balancing coastal scenery, iconic towns, and natural attractions. Since this is your first PCH experience for your kids, you’ll want to focus on a mix of iconic stops and manageable driving days.

Answer: Carmel Beach is a popular destination, and parking can be limited, especially on weekends and in the mornings. Arriving early will definitely help you secure a spot close to the beach. Here are some of the best options for parking near Carmel Beach:

Answer: Your itinerary looks ambitious but very doable with good planning. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to help you make the most of your Monterey County trip with your family.

Answer: Visiting Monterey for a few nights is always a treat, and planning around the Aquarium area can be fun if you want to maximize your experience while avoiding overly touristy traps.

Answer: Great questions — you’re thinking the right way: pair the fixed item (whale watch Tuesday AM from Moss Landing) with the lowest-stress options for the busy coastal parks. Below I give a clear, practical plan for Tuesday afternoon + Wednesday, plus parking/logistics tips and two flexible “this-or-that” options so you can pick what feels best.

Answer: Driving from San Jose to Monterey late at night can feel a bit intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Both routes you mentioned are commonly used, but they have different characteristics in terms of darkness, traffic, and road layout.

Answer: If you’re staying near Cannery Row in Monterey and looking for an exceptional breakfast spot, Wave Street Cafe is highly recommended. It’s conveniently located on the walking and bike trail between Monterey and Pacific Grove, just about a 4-minute walk from the Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Answer: For a family of four visiting Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, staying in a location that is clean, safe, and walkable to the waterfront or downtown will make your trip much more convenient and enjoyable. Monterey is a great base for exploring both Carmel and Santa Cruz as it is centrally located along the coast.

Answer: Good question. Yes — parts of Highway 1 (Big Sur) are still closed, and as of now, it's not expected to be fully open by next summer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of current conditions, how much you can drive now, and what your detour options are: