Just got back from a ride down to the coffee shop in OB.

There is absolutely zero parking at the beach.

Which coffee shop? Newbreak? Actually, people do park there overnight. In some areas the cops are strict about enforcing the law, but in OB they're pretty relaxed--the lot in front of Newbreak, and the lot to the north at Dog Beach, people do get away with it. It's a crap shoot, but... They may be more apt to hassle you with out-of-state plates. The worst that will happen is they'll tell you to move.

If you're really desperate for somewhere cheap, there are a couple youth hostels in the area (one right in OB). They're kinda nasty though. I'd take my chances in the car. Just find a side street in a neighborhood and sleep in the car. Nobody will bother you.

I probably missed your start time, but it is quite illegal to sleep on the beach. As a beach area resident, I'm one of those pesky locals that call out the boys in blue to roust campers off the beach.

That's because you live in La Jolla. The people of OB (for better or for worse) are far more tolerant.

what's up with all the freaks this weekend in OB/PL area? geez, it heats up and the roaches come out of the cracks and head to the beach.

Don't know for sure; I'm stuck in Michigan. :( Probably just because of the 4th of July. I lived in OB last year during the 4th, and that weekend was crazy! Although it's getting to be that time of year when all the inlanders come looking for cooler temps and good waves anyway.