I think your trip sounds fabulous. And not to worry about missing Muir Woods - there are PLENTY of redwoods to see closer to Monterey. The Santa Cruz mountains are covered with them. Big Basin and Henry Cowell are both good choices.

Also, make sure to spend time in Santa Cruz itself - the Boardwalk is great and there are some nice beaches.

SF is truly one of the world's most beautiful cities, but the whole area is wonderful. Your boys will love an afternoon in Santa Cruz, with it's '50's vibe' rides and amusements along the beach. Palo Alto and Half Moon Bay are other fun towns to walk around.

Elkhorn Slough near Moss Landing (just north of Monterey) is a great place to go kayaking and see marine animals as well as shorebirds. Here is some info on kayaking from the Elkhorn Slough website: http://www.elkhornslough.org/paddling.htm

Definitely Santa Cruz! and Elkhorn looks perfect.
Thank You.

FWIW, the "concrete jungle" that is Houston and the "streets of San Francisco" are two different animals altogether!! (That's not to say you won't have a great time in and around Pacific Grove, but really, there is just no comparison between the two cities).

As I work for the Monterey County CVB, I am biased and love to share our area with all others! Adventures by the Sea has a launch right at lovers point in PG for kayaking; I would also encourage you to try stand up paddling too! Super fun. Other outfits are Kayak Connection out of Moss Landing; which is a diff experience all together; in Moss Landing you could hit Phil's Fish Market (from throw down with bobby flay) or yummy Whole Enchilada. Don't miss rubbing elbows with the locals at our Farmers Markets, Tues on Alvorado Street or Thur at Monterey Penn College. Or PG's on Monday eve. On your way to Big Sur, don't miss Point Lobos and Pt. Sur light station (which is haunted, the boys will like that!) If you would like, we can send you our free visitors guide, just give the visitor center a ring at 888-221-1010 or request one online at SeeMonterey.com Happy Travels!