The Paper | Calendar | |Businesses | Attractions | Nightlife | Resources | Gay Links | Home Directions to Garrapata Beach Hints 1. Wear hiking boots. 2. Bring a light shirt or jacket (the beach can be windy) 3. Don't go far into the water unless you are an exceptionally strong swimmer (there are killer riptides) and immune to the cold Directions From Monterey, go south on Hwy 1 to Rio Road in Carmel. Reset your trip odometer. Drive 9.4 miles south on Hwy 1. At around the 9 mile mark, you should be able to see the beach in the distance. As you approach the 9.4 mile mark, the road will curve to the right. Get ready to spot parking on the right hand side. Parking You have two chances to find parking. The first parking spot is marked by a beige porta-potty; this is by far the fastest and prettiest way to go (the wildflowers are in bloom), although you'll need to cross the stream twice and wade through it once. This trial is now clearly marked. Take the "beach" trail. The second parking spot is where the road straightens out. If you go over the Garrapata River bridge, you've gone too far. If you hit Rocky Point restaurant, you've gone WAY too far. If you park at the second parking spot, go down the trail to the stairs, then head north. Nudity While nudity is frowned upon at State beaches, the gay/nudist end of the beach is the far north end. The beach has been wearing away lately, so get there before 1 p.m. if you want a choice spot (the farther north, the better the protection from the wind). The beach is 99% male, and about 60% nude at the north end. Last weekend (May 29) was absolutely gorgeous.