San Miguel and El Sauzal are neighboring communities on the Pacific coast, known primarily these days for good surf. In fact, San Miguel might be Baja’s most consistent point break.

It’s located just south of the third toll booth on Mexico 1. Parking is US$5, and the crowds will be on it if the surf is good. Get there early to catch it before the onshores start up in the late morning.

Hotels

Hostel Sauzal (Av. L 344, tel. 646/174-6381, http://hostelsauzal.tripod.com, US$15 pp) has been the starting point for many a Baja backpacking trip. It offers rare oceanview hostel accommodations in dorm room bunks. Rates include bed linens, storage lockers, hot showers, continental breakfast, and bike/surfboard storage. The hostel’s four rooms have desks for writing letters and updating travel journals; plus there is a small library containing books, maps, and magazines. To find the hostel from the toll road southbound, go through the tollbooth at San Miguel and continue on the highway for about three more kilometers, passing under the footbridge. Next, turn left at a stoplight after the Pemex. Go two blocks and turn right; then go one block more and turn left up a dirt road. The hostel is the third house on the right.

Several of the beaches along this stretch allow tent and RV camping for less than US$15 per night.