Big Sur (a little beyond Monterey) has some great views/scenery. Muir Woods are cool. Land's End, GG park (Stowe's Lake in particular), Fort Point to Chrissy Field, Palace of Fine arts is good for pictures, the exploratorium (depending on how old your kids are), alcatraz, see a broadway show, Chinatown, or you can rent these little things and do a tour (my dad got it for us through a Groupon a while back: http://www.gocartours.com/sanfrancisco.html - it was pretty cool)