More Sand, More Surf, More Fun At California's Beaches

SoCal is truly perfection when it comes to the outdoor lifestyle; you can surf, dive, boogey-board, swim, snorkel, body surf, play volleyball or just chill on your lounge chair, sip a drink with friends and watch the boys walk by-so de rigueur.

San Diegans are truly blessed with the jewel that is Black's Beach, often listed as one of the top ten gay beaches in the world (go ahead and Google it) and it's truly a must see! The walk down is intimidating, especial- ly on the north trail, which is steep and would challenge any goat. The hike back up is breath taking (literally and figuratively, beautiful but a workout and a half ) but the serenity and lack of people make it worth the exertion. Weekends can be crowded, but in comparison to easier- accessed fair it is minimal-if you prefer the"less is more" approach, go during the week. If nudity is an issue for you, than this probably isn't your scene. FYI-that noise in the bushes ain't a bear, at least not of the Ursus genus!

There are several routes down-two are across North Torrey Pines Road from U.C.S.D. at the Torrey Pines Glider Port next to the Salk Institute. The first is just south of the glider port clubhouse, definitely the easier of the two routes. The second is at the north end of the same parking lot; you'll know it because you can't drive any farther (well I guess you could, but let's just say going further would be a fast and bumpy ride down) this steep trail is definitely not for the faint-of-heart. By far the simplest access point is off of La Jolla Farms Road, which puts you on the extreme south end of the beach so you'll have to hoof it to the"gay-beach-hood,"the biggest challenge at this end is parking-for sure.

Next stop on our tour of gay-friendly beaches is San Onofre State Beach-just north and situated across from Camp Pendleton (isn't it funny how often gay hang-outs end up across from military installations?). This beautiful stretch of sand continues on and on with only a tiny obstruction in the middle, that pesky little nuclear plant. Yes, we all know it, the giant concrete boobies half way between San Diego and L.A., the endless brunt of jokes. Once you get past the possible third leg you may sprout (hee-hee) it is a gorgeous spot. A group of us used to do "Thanksgiving on The Beach," complete with turkey and all the trimmings, heated on a fire pit-how very California of us, huh?

There are two ways to access the gay beach (clothing is optional here), the first being off I-5 north at the Basilone Road exit. After exiting, follow the signs to San Onofre State Park, passing the nuclear facility on your right. At the end of this road, you'll reach the park entrance, pay the $15 to enter and drive south to the very last parking area. Take the trail near the last restroom down to the beach, turn left and walk through the straight beach just past the fence that marks the boundary of Camp Pendleton and voila! The second is two miles before said Basilone Road exit at the scenic overlook on the west side of I-5. You can park here for up to eight hours. Look for the path and follow it down directly to the same gay beach.

Onward and upward to West Street Beach in Laguna. We've all been there, the scenic little (it's CA, little is relative) hamlet on the coast, sporting a thriving arts community filled with little boutique shops. The gay beach there is lovely and filled with beautiful men wor- shiping that California sun-hot yes, toned yes, cliquey yes, but many a Hollywood boy and often a porn star or 20 can be found there! Oh, and clothing is NOT optional (bikini's are required at the very least). Be careful on this beach, the ocean floor has an incredibly sharp drop off, creating short pounding waves that are not suitable for surfing/boogie-boarding-it's a bit like swimming in a washing machine and the rip currents can be brutal. It's easy to get to since it's right on Pacific Coast Highway. Take PCH off the I-5 just before Dana Point and follow it up to West Street; park near the intersection and walk down the stairs to the beach (get there early, parking can be a you-know-what).

L.A., here we come: Will Rogers State Beach. This beach is oft referred to as "Ginger Rogers" State Beach (oh girl) and it is truly representative of an inner- city LGBT beach community (are there any others?). A true cross-section of gays, lesbians, trans, bi and what ever else you could want, this is one of the only beaches with access to nearby snack bars, public restrooms and parking, so it is perfect for pre-during-post beach margaritas! A stiff drink is totally necessary if you want to enter the water since the quality is definitely less-than-perfect. (Hello! Inner-city beach). Just north of Santa Monica off the Pacific Coast Highway near the intersection of West Channel Road. Parking is available on the ocean-side of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for $10, or on the street around West Channel Road with two pedestrian tunnels to get you under PCH. The gay section is directly west of the parking lot and volleyball courts, near Lifeguard Station 18.

Next we're on to lovely Malibu, home of the stars and often-raging fires that consume multi-million dollar stars' homes. (Think maybe it's a hint?) El Matador (Part of Robert H. Meyer State Beach) is referred to as a gay beach, but from what I'm told it's not very busy (sounds like a perfect spot to me). Difficult to know as I have not been to this one myself, but supposedly it is a beautiful, isolated rocky cove who's entrance/exit can disappear during high-tides . . . not sure I like that. Just take the Pacific Coast Highway north approximately ten miles outside of Malibu and watch for the sign on your left.

San Francisco here I come . . . Minutes from the city, Baker Beach is right next to the Golden Gate Bridge and it is very popular with people in the buff. Situated at the base of the cliffs below the Presidio it is gorgeous and on sunny days can be quite crowded (marine layer relief for the foggy city). The north end is where you want to be if you want the "gayest" section, but don't be surprised if you encounter lookie-loos. The views of the Marin Head- lands, the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge make this a must see stop on the California beach tour. Don't know if most can handle the temperature of the water up here, I've tested it and it is c-c-c-c-cold and baby I can handle cold water, I grew up swimming in Lake Superior.