🌊 La Libertad & La Flores

Surf, Sunsets & Friendships

If you're a family like us who loves travel, surf, and creating memories in new and meaningful places, El Salvador needs to be on your list. It's a country that has changed so much for the better in recent years—safe, welcoming, and full of natural beauty and culture that’s impossible not to fall in love with.

🏡 Staying in La Libertad – Close to the Action, Just Far Enough

We based ourselves in La Libertad, which was the perfect hub for our adventures. It had a great local vibe and everything we needed while keeping us close to some of the country’s best surf spots. We were lucky enough to stay just outside the busier surf resorts in La Flores, which was much quieter…. we mostly had the beach to ourselves!

This quieter pocket is where we really connected with the local surf community—laughing, sharing waves, and learning a few words of Spanish (badly!) along the way.

🎡 An Evening in La Libertad: Surf, Seafood & Sunsets from the Ferris Wheel

One afternoon, we decided to hop on a local bus to La Libertad, which only took around 10 minutes from where we were staying. Super easy and a fun little adventure in itself! We headed straight for the pier and harbor, where we watched local surfers catching waves right into the sunset—it was absolutely stunning. The whole area had such a vibrant, local energy, and we were lucky enough to stumble upon a little fairground set up near the beachfront.

Of course, we had to try the mini rollercoaster and the big wheel. It was such a fun experience, especially with the sun setting in the background. Though I have to admit—Tilly and I got a bit nervous at the top of the Ferris wheel! We definitely didn't expect it to be that high… but the views were worth it, and the warm sea breeze up there was beautiful.

The pier is also lined with beach bars, some of which overlook the spots where surf competitions are regularly held. We grabbed dinner there—the fried shrimp was an absolute sensation, fresh and crispy, with that perfect salty ocean air adding to the experience. You’ll find plenty of local produce and fish straight from the sea here—it’s breezy, flavorful, and just the right kind of refreshing after a long day of sun and surf. Definitely a must-visit spot for families, with something for everyone.🏄‍♂️ Surfing and Sunsets with New Friends

Local fish market near the pier

Even with our limited Spanish, the locals welcomed us like old friends. We spent days on the local beach, swimming, surfing, and just enjoying the simple moments as a family.

One thing we hadn’t expected? The beaches here are black volcanic sand, which is beautiful—but it can get really hot on your feet, especially midday. Definitely bring flip-flops, plenty of sunscreen, and a beach umbrella if you’re planning to spend a full day by the sea. There isn’t much natural shade, and the sun is strong, so be prepared if you have little ones.

Also, the sea was warmer than we expected—like a giant, salty warm bath! It made for long, easy swims and hours of fun bodyboarding and splashing around.

That said, watch out for strong rip currents—this beach is raw and powerful. If you're not a confident swimmer (or have young kids), we’d recommend sticking to the more family-friendly beaches like La Libertad, El Zonte, or El Tunco, where the surf is more manageable and lifeguards are often on duty.

🥾 A Hike to Remember: Joe’s Secret Waterfall Adventure

One of our favorite stories from the trip: Joe became friends with a local lifeguard, and one morning they hiked up to a hidden waterfall only the locals know about. It was totally off the beaten path. Joe captured the whole experience on video, its a must see!

Oh—and in true travel fashion, the lifeguard’s flip-flop broke on the way up, so Joe gave him his socks for the hike. They had a laugh about it and carried on through all terrains to reach the top. Believe it or not, Joe still stays in touch with his El Salvador surf crew—they're some of the coolest and kindest people we’ve ever met.

🐾 Meet Marco – Our Stray Beach Buddy

Every day, like clockwork, a little stray dog with a limp would hobble down the beach to hang with us. We named him Marco, and he quickly became part of the family. Despite his bad leg, he brought such joy to our days—always wagging, always ready for cuddles. We made sure to bring food and water for Marco, and he gave us love right back tenfold. He made our beach days even more special.

Tilly and Marco!

🌕 A Night Under the Stars: The Lunar Eclipse

One night, we decided to light a fire and watch the Lunar Eclipse from the beach. We all laid back, wrapped in blankets, listening to the waves and watching the stars slowly shift overhead. One by one, we drifted off to sleep right there on the sand. It was a magical, once-in-a-lifetime moment—one that we’ll never forget. That shows how safe we felt here, its the only place out of all that we travelled through Central and South America that we felt we could do this.

✨ Final Thoughts: Why El Salvador Stole Our Hearts

El Salvador gave us more than just a vacation. It gave us stories, friendships, a deeper connection to the world—and a reminder of what travel is really about. Whether you’re a surfing family, nature lovers, or just looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s still safe and friendly, El Salvador will surprise you in all the best ways.

We came for the surf and sunsets… but we left with so much more.