Hikes near Monterey, CA?

Take a drive down Big Sur, it's an absolute must even without "special circumstances." There are some spectacular hikes along the way. Check out this website and best of luck to you both.

http://www.hikinginbigsur.com

for short hikes with great view of the coast I would recommend julia pfeiffer burns state park or point lobos natural reserve. if you want a long hike (but views of ocean not so good) there are lots of options in the Ventana Wilderness. I would agree that whatever you do, a drive down the coast Big Sur is a must.

There are also a number of state parks just north of Santa Cruz, say 30-45 mile drive that have coast redwoods which are pretty well described on Kevin’s Hiking Pages and the bay area hiker site.

On the non hiking front, there are a number of very good restaurants down in the area. If you are looking for something special drop me a PM or post something her. There are a number of people who know that area well.

–Mark

The Ventana wilderness in Big Sur is my favorite place ever. A day hike on the pine ridge trail would be great.

Garrapata State Park and Brazil Ranch have excellent views of the ocean.

It's about an hour drive inland, but a very nice hike to a very nice peak. It is near Ft Hunter-Liggett if I recall correctly.

if you were backpacking I'd say go to Pat Spring but to ask the question
go to some place beautiful like Los Lobos State reserve or Alisomar beach.

Thanks all. You've given me a great place to start researching. It sounds like a beautiful area!

After thinking this over and mulling various choices I think Julia Pfieffer Burns SP is the right place. Walk out to the waterfall overlook, it is absolutely stunning. Note that Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP is different than Pfieffer Big Sur SP. Also be aware that anywhere in Big Sur can be off limits because of slides closing Highway 1.