Planning a 4-day surf trip from SoCal down to Northern Baja for mid-May.

I’ve been looking at breaks like K38, Punta San Miguel, and Popotla Area.

Big question: where should I stay?

I’m trying to find a town that has some kind of vibe/energy, but also works well as a home base for hitting a few different breaks.

For context — I’m an intermediate surfer riding a 38L fish, so I’m looking for fun, rippable waves vs anything too heavy or critical.

Curious about:

• Ensenada — worth staying in, or more of a port/industrial feel?
• Rosarito — good base or too touristy?
• Popotla — seems interesting, but not sure what it’s like to stay there?

Open to anywhere with a cool, artistic vibe.

Also would love:

• Favorite breaks for this kind of setup
• Any tips for getting around / safety / logistics
• Fish/shrimp taco recs

Appreciate any insights — trying to keep this trip simple but dialed.