I think Carmel. Maybe one night in Big Sur. I was just looking at Mission Ranch. Are the more inexpensive rooms still okay?There doesn't seem to be a consensus on trip advisor.
any idea about the sandpiper inn. it looks good too.

The inexpensive rooms at Mission Ranch are fine. We used to stay in the Farmhouse rooms (before my sister started renting a house in Carmel) and overflow guests still stay there. Never had any complaints.

I don't have any experience with the Sandpiper, I know it's located on the Point which I love. I have walked past it many times and it looks very nice.

For wanting to be outdoors, therer are lots of hikes along bluffs at point lobos. For swimming, the beaches south of big sur (Morro Beach state park, pismo beach are good as is carmel (white sand) and up at Santa Cruz. Lots of rocky bluffs, and i second the comment about scuba diving at point lobos state park. I have not done so but hear it is great. Might need reservations. If you like sea kayaking, you can rent from near the monterey bay aquarium, i believe. also can rent near moss landing to kayak at elkhorn slough, but check tide tables to see how easy it will be to paddle in and out of the Slough.

Regarding coast redwoods, yes you will see enough at big sur and or santa cruz so you dont need to go to muir woods.

Regarding state parks in the are, check the websites before you go to see if any that you want to see will be closed. Also note that even if the services are closed, access will likely still be allowed. And along big sur, i doubt that many will be closed. There web site is good for seeing where many of the little gem parks are located.http://parks.ca.gov/parkindex/

Just please do not kayak or snorkel or surf near an elephant seal rookery, please! Too many big predators.
While we are on the topic, Ano Nuevo state park is a great place to see ...and smelll! ... Elephant seals.
http://parks.ca.gov/parkindex/
There is also a great spot to see them at a big pull out (highway AND seal pull out) just south of san simeon. Just look for the cars. They are amazing creatures those seals. If you call the park, they will be able to tell you which seals are likely to be there when you are (molting juveniles, females, males, etc)

Thanks suz24 those are great suggestions.
Thanks als SAB. I will call Mission Ranch today.
I was also looking at The Martine Inn in Montery. Would that location work as well?
My husband gets home today so hopefully he will weigh in and I can start booking.

Over the years - we have stayed in Carmel, Pacific Grove and in Monterrey - and unless you have a great ocean view - I don't think it matters that much. In Monterrey - we were close to the beach - and could walk over - and the price was very reasonable, but can't remember the name of the place.

Just keep googling away to find your preference.

And Suz - close enough for Govt work - but I believe the Elephant Seal Beach/rookery - is a couple miles north of the turnoff to Hearst Castle - which in turn is a couple of miles north of San Simeon?

And if the big males are in (they swim to the far reaches of the Ocean most of the time except for mating season) you will have no problem picking them out - as they are big (5,000 lbs) with the most prominent probiscus.

Also as you well advise, the Pt. Lobos beach/parking area can get fill up - and then you have to wait for someone to leave - so check ahead and make a reservation? if you can.

And since somebody mentioned it's hard to find the road to Pfeiffer State park/beach - here is a little more info:

http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570

Does anyone have restaurant suggestions other than Passionfish? I think I will start a new thread for San Francisco itself.

Thanks foe everyone's help so far!

In Pacific Grove, Red House Cafe is great.

In Monterey itself, if you are looking for breakfast, try Rosine's (traditional coffeshop-style breakfast), Wild Plum (organic food in a funky little space), or Trailside Cafe (near Canery row on the pedestrian/bike path - good outdoor seating).

If you are in downtown Monterey and have a craving for German fare, including big beers, Santa Lucia Cafe can't be beat. For Indian, Ambrosia Bistro is great.

There are a couple of pretty good places on the wharf - the wharf is not generally known for great food, but if you take a whale watching tour or something like that, they will probably leave from the wharf and you may be hungry before or after. Old Fisherman's Grotto is a pretty solid choice and I have also had a couple good meals at Isabella's - which has really good views of the harbor from the upper floor.

Thank November-moon. Sounds delish

Just booked the Martine Inn in Pacific Grove- very excited

I love Pacific Grove. I haven't stayed at the Maritine Inn, but it looked really great and you can't beat the location. There is a walking/biking path along the water that goes in front of your hotel - this is a great path for a walk or a ride. You can easily walk down to Canery Row and out to Lovers point from there.

About in the middle of Cannery Row - more or less opposite the Starbucks - and out on the end of the pier - was a pretty good fish restaurant - on the left side. Beyond Bubba Gumps as I recall. Can't for the life of me remember the name - but I was zipping thru on my drive back to SD in October - and they had a little stand outside their main entrance. They offered a pretty good Clam Chowder at the stand - which I grabbed to go.

November-moon- maybe we will try to rent bikes
Tomsd-I will keep an eye out for the restaurant
We have tweaked the itinerary a bit so here is what it looks like now.
Day 1 Wed. Tour San Francisco using sf7307 's plan
Day 2. Thurs Head to Big Sur and overnight at Glen Oaks Big Sur ( this was to avoid 2night min stay requirement on the weekend)
Day 3 and 4- Drive back to Pacific Grove and stay at the Martine Inn
Day5 Head back to San Francisco and complete our second day itinerary
Day 6 Some sort of relaxing brunch , walk in San Francisco before flight at 3:30.

Fish Hopper on Canery Row is good - that might be the one Tom is thinking of. It is just past Bubba Gumps and has a good view of the water. We've eaten there a few times and it has always been good.

novmoon: Fish Hopper could be the one. In looking at their pics - in the gallery section - in one of the last pics - it does look like the little outdoor stand . It was perfect for my needs at the time and inside they do have great views.

http://www.fishhopper.com/monterey/

BTW - we loved Tofino up on Vancouver Island - and hope you enjoy some of the great scenery down PCH/1.

Yum I think I am going to eat a lot of seafood and fish. I almost always order fish when eating out , but I tend to steer clear of seafood , unless we are of course actually near an ocean. I'm going to need those hikes!

You should primarily be getting fresh seafood at the better/local restaurants - unless you are not ordering local fish/etc, or those types of fish that are flown in daily.

Always good to ask where you are dining - what are the freshest options.

Ok good to know. I always try to eat local foods , even in Ontario in the winter. I had local farmed rainbow trout last night.It will be nice to have California produce from the source rather than getting it in the grocery store many days after it was picked. Though we are still glad to have it.