For your thursday with the question marks I CANNOT suggest more strongly Big Sur (located only about 30 minutes south of monterey). the Big Sur lodge is located in Pfeiffer state park with beautiful redwoods, hiking trails, etc. One of the BEST restaurants I've been to is located there too, "Ventana." You will never look at another dining experience again after making a visit here.Pfeiffer Beach is the most beautiful natural formation in nature I've ever seen and a sunset there is nearly heartstopping.
Big Sur has to be one of the most BEAUTIFUL and impressive places I've EVER traveled too.
http://www.bigsurlodge.com/
Look at some of the photos on this page
http://jrabold.net/bigsur/
PS: I HAVE TO second Daisyd's suggestion on the Monterey Bay Aquarium... WOW! It's amazing!