Antonella, I used to live in Daly City California for 10 years. My sister went to high school in Monterey so I got to go there quite often.
I have been in that aquarium 3 times. And you won't be disappointed. best time to go 17 miles drive is sunset or low tide. My kids love to go check out places with tide pool along the way.
Another place near Monterey is worth a camping is big basin. It is in Santa Cruz.