Point Lobos State Reserve, just south of Carmel, is a picturesque stop (state park entrance fee charged) and worthwhile even if you only have an hour or so. "Lobos" means "wolves" in Spanish and refers to the sea lions. The point is a promentory jutting into the ocean with crashing waves at your feet and great views from high above.

Sometimes, with cloudy weather along the coast (summertime fog is frequently present...spring and fall tend to have the best visibility), the views along the entire coastline from San Simeon to Monterey do not appear as grandiose as envisioned, and photography may be less than hoped for. But that should not stop you from doing this trip. It's still a great experience.

Also, look for the pretty arched highway bridges between Big Sur and Monterey...like the Bixby bridge....part of the scenic highway design dating from 1937.