When in the Monterey area, I'd plan for at least a half day at Pt. Lobos State Reserve - a few miles S. of Carmel on US 1. This is Mecca for land/seascapes with its profusion of rocky coves, crashing surf on rocks and headlands, twisted, near-extinct Monterey Cypresses, extensive rocky tidepools. Start with an early (opens at 9) walk on the trail north from the Whalers' Cove parking area, which reveals sucessive coves, rocky promontories and small beaches seen right from the rim, all more interesting to me than Whalers' Cove.
Then wallk the Cypress Grove trail from the docents' station, with many overlooks through the cypresses. If the tide's low, walk or drive south from the station to a small parking area with a rocky beach carved into fantastic shapes - think it's named Weston Beach. The park now closes a half hour after sunset, and I can think of no finer place to enjoy this magic time.
And don't miss the Weston gallery in downtown Carmel. For a mind-expanding experience, there is a photographer's gallery (his name excapes me) near the Weston showing enormous panoramas from exotic places.
Have a great trip!
Pete