Rating: C
Some 25 miles south of Carmel, off Highway 1, the central coast’s oldest nude beach is also heavily used by suited visitors. Look for it at Pheneger Creek, behind the Big Sur River Inn, located at 46840 Highway 1.
Legal status:
Unknown.
How to find it:
From the last stoplight in Carmel, drive south about 23 miles (approximately 40 minutes) to Andrew Molera State Beach. Go south on Highway 1 two more miles until you see Big Sur River Inn on your right. The beach is on Big Sur River, not far from the inn.
The beach:
A riverbank beach mixed with sand and rocks.
The crowd:
Both suited and nude visitors use the site.
Problems:
Unknown legal status, needs better directions.