Surf: General: Head southeast out of La Libertad, where the famed right pointbreak Punta Roca is located, and you're in for a pleasant journey along some beautiful coast. But before plunging deep into Salvador's southeast coast, pull of quickly at Playa San Diego. Less hustle than Libertad and less touristy than El Tunco, Playa San Diego is a wide swath of coconut palm-fringed, black sand beach with some occasionally brilliant A-frames breaking just offshore.

San Diego is often a great place to check out when the nearby pointbreaks are on the small side. It's also a great place to make home base, as it has well-reviewed hotels and hostels, as well as a variety of restaurants. Because El Salvador is known for its fantastic pointbreaks, Playa San Diego doesn't often register on the traveling surfer's radar, but it should. The beachbreaks can be fun and it's a pleasant, authentic slice of Salvadorian coast. Tides: All tides Size: Chest high-overhead+ Wind: North, Northeast Swell: SSW, SW Bottom: Sand Paddling: Not too bad. Spot Rating: A rather subpar beach break. Access: Easy. Turn off main coastal highway and follow smaller roads to the beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Light, spread out. Local Vibe: Mellow. Environment: Depends on rains. Hazards: Closeouts. Season: Southern Hemisphere fall into winter for the most consistent surf.