We're a family of four looking to see some Redwoods in a short trip to the SF/Monterey/Big Sur area. We were planning on going to Muir Woods on a Monday and driving down to Monterey that afternoon for two nights. Spend Tuesday in Big Sur - horsebacking riding in Andrew Molera State Park, Nepenthe, etc. - and Wednesday at the Aquarium before heading back to San Jose for an evening flight. If we skip Muir Woods, we could go straight to Monterey on Monday morning and do an afternoon kayaking tour. The question is: will we see "enough" redwoods in Big Sur or should we got to Muir Woods?

There are a couple good places to see Redwoods on the way to Big Sur. Check out the California State Parks site.

Have seen both, and I'm sure you will see some beautiful big trees in the Big Sur area, but we really did think that Muir Woods was well worth it - totally amazing. But, you will save considerable time, you're right, if you skip it.

Hopefully you can find a CA State Park along the way as happytrails mentioned. The redwoods really are something incredible to see.

If on your drive from SF to Monterey you go through San Jose, over hwy 17, and through Santa Cruz, you can take a short detour to Henry Cowell State park in Felton. It is very close to your route - 15 minute detour off Hwy 17.