Monterey is absolutely beautiful. Stayed at a really nice hotel a few years ago, (will try to remember name) and last October stayed here at Santa Cruz
Dream Inn, a Joie de Vivre hotel - Reviews - Santa Cruz Hotels - TripAdvisor
Right on the sand, near the pier, food brilliant!!!! If it was my trip (and not doing other travelling) I would fly into San Fran, head to Monetery, then when done, drive down Big Sur, maybe stay at Pismo Beach or similar, then to LA then home.