I have done Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay from Monastery, and out of Lobos many times. Monterey Bay along the water front is always a good spot to visit, and chances are you will see an otter or four. The kelp forest is fun to explore along. We did see otters at Elkhorn though by the marina. They required a guide on Elkhorn, at least the company we used, prior to owning kayaks. The part that really sucked was we had to go at the pace of the slowest in the group. We were interested in covering ground and they didn't want to paddle. Grrr...
Lobos is my favorite kayaking spot around Monterey and would be my top choice for someone with experience that owns their own kayaks. Then again I like to get away from people and the cities when trying to enjoy nature.