I park on surfers row, el camino real, plenty of free parking, then cut through the gate that's open down to the trail.
People usually find a spot on the street above the meters, or in the neighborhoods along calafia. Be prepared to walk for free though, but a lot of people do that. The meters charge by the hour along the street but the parking lot has a machine and you pay per hour.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.