Planning a trip to La Union this 2024? Here's my La Union travel guide blog to help you decide on what to do in La Union and to find the best La Union tourist spots to include in your itinerary.
The Province of La Union is a popular beach destination among local and foreign travelers looking for a quick weekend getaway near Metro Manila. Located just 4-5 hours away from the big city, "ELYU" (which simply means "L. U.", short for "La Union" for the millenials and gen Zs) is famous for the beach town of San Juan, dubbed as "The Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines" and is one of La Union's major tourist destinations.
Aside from surfing and enjoying the beaches, there are many exciting things to do, amazing tourist spots and places to visit in La Union. It is also home to several historical landmarks, old churches, waterfalls and nature escapes that will surely make an unforgettable adventure. To make your La Union travel planning, I've added here a sample 3 days and 2 nights itinerary, some recommended hotels and beach resorts in La Union where you could stay during your trip, and some packaged tours that you may consider to make your La Union adventure convenient and hassle-free.
Are you ready to explore La Union's best tourist spots? Check out this La Union Travel Guide Blog with list of top things to do, best tourist spots and places to visit in La Union this 2024!
2024 LA UNION TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG FOR FIRST-TIMERS (UPDATED) - Things to Do in La Union, Tourist Spots & Places to Visit
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS LA UNION TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG?
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TRAVEL TIP: For ease and convenience, you may book your Manila to San Juan, La Union bus tickets in advance and choose between Pasay or Cubao as your terminal pick-up or drop-off. You may also book and reserve online a one-way or roundtrip bus tickets ahead of time.
THINGS TO DO IN LA UNION, TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT
In no particular order.
1. Surfing in Urbiztondo, San Juan
Location: Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan La UnionDubbed as the "Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines", San Juan, La Union is a favorite destination among surfing enthusiasts. One of the top things to do in La Union, surfing is definitely a must-experience in La Union. The surfing sites and surf schools can be found along the shores of Urbiztondo Beach which boasts of consistent swells conducive for surfing. Its proximity from Metro Manila makes it a favorite surfing weekend destination among city dwellers who just wish to take a quick surfing adventure. Whether you're a pro, a beginner or just want to learn how to surf, Urbiztondo surfing site is right for you!
As one of the top tourist destinations in La Union, there are many hotels, resorts and restaurants available along Urbiztondo beach. So, if you wish to stay overnight, finding a place to stay won't be a problem. Here are some of the best hotels and beach resorts in San Juan (from cheap hostels to affordable hotels and luxury beach resorts) that you may consider when traveling to La Union.
TOP HOTELS AND RESORTS IN SAN JUAN LA UNION
- Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel - √ See room rates and photos
- The Escape San Juan - √ See room rates and photos
- Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa - √ See room rates and photos
- The Little Surfmaid Resort - √ See room rates and photos
- Sebay Surf Central Resort - √ See room rates and photos
- SEARCH MORE - √ Click here to see other hotels and resorts in San Juan, La Union
2. Indulge over Halo-halo de Iloko
Location: Zandueta St., San Fernando City, La UnionLocated in a residential area in San Fernando City, La Union, Halo-halo de Iloko serves one of the best halo-halo in the city. It has all the standard halo-halo ingredients such tapioca, nata de coco, coconut strips, red beans, ube halaya (candied purple yam), yema, bits of cheese, ice cream, among many others. But what makes it interesting is the mountain rice that tastes like "pulvoron" that they added into the mix. This is definitely a must-try when traveling to La Union.
Halo-halo de Iloko is definitely a must-visit dining tourist spot in La Union. Located along Zandueta St. in San Fernando City, it is open daily from 09:am to 09:00 pm.
3. Visit and Be Amazed at Ma-Cho Temple
Location: Ma-Cho Temple Driveway, Quezon Ave., San Fernando City, La UnionWhen in San Fernando, don't miss visiting Ma-Cho Temple, one of the top tourist spots in La Union. Located on a hill, this impressive temple is overlooking the West Philippine Sea. It is a living testament of the influence of the Chinese in the province, whose many of their ancestors arrived even before the Spanish occupation in the country. This Taoist temple was named after the Chinese deity Ma-Cho, believed to be the counterpart of the Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas. An image of Virgin Mary is also housed inside the temple.
Ma-Cho Temple is located along Ma-Cho Temple Driveway, Quezon Ave., San Fernando City. It is open daily from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
4. Have a relaxing stay at Thunderbird Resort
Location: Poro Point Freeport Zone, Poro Point, San Fernando City, La UnionThunderbird Resort is a world-class Santorini-inspired beach resort located at Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union. Situated in a peninsula perched on a 100 foot cliff, this 65-hectare property offers stylish and ambient atmosphere of a 5-star hotel, international casino, a golf course and a lovely seaside beach. One of the best hotels and resorts in La Union, it offers superb facilities and excellent location which make it the perfect place to enjoy a memorable vacation in La Union. It's a place where luxury, comfort and serenity collide.
5. Climb up Pagoda Hill
Location: National Highway in Pagdaraoan, San Fernando City, La UnionThe Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda or simply Pagoda Hill is one of the must-visit tourist spots in La Union. Located in Barangay II (Poblacion), northeast of Capitol Hills, it offers a stunning panoramic views of the city and of San Fernando Bay.
If you wish to visit other tourist spots in San Fernando City, you may join a San Fernando City Tour and be amazed by its historical, natural, and beach-side wonders. The tour package includes admission to attractions, transportation, DOT-accredited tour guide and Fiesta Halo-halo at Halo-halo de Iloko.
6. Discover Tangadan Falls and Baroro River
Location: San Gabriel, La UnionTangadan Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots in La Union. Located in the town of San Gabriel, it is one of at least ten waterfalls in the town. It features a two-tier cascade along Baroro River where you could take a refreshing cool dip in the falls’ natural pool.
For ease and convenience, you may join a Tangadan Falls + Baroro River Cruise with Lunch Tour where you could exprience trekking through verdant rice fields and mountain sides, flowing rivers, and tall bamboo terrains. The package also includes lunch, fishing in the area or hop on a floating hut and sail along Baroro River, and a visit to Baluarte Watch Tower and Pebble Beach in the town of Luna, La Union.
7. Gon on La Union North Tour
Locations: Bangar, Luna, Bacnotan and San JuanNorth La Union is filled with many amazing and lovely tourist spots and attractions to visit. This La Union North Tour will take you to the top tourist spots and best destinations in the area. You may join a packaged tour which includes admission to attractions, transportation, all necessary materials, seafood lunch, DOT-accredited tour guide, safety gears and free souvenir.
NORTH LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS HIGHLIGHTS
Here are the La Union tourist spots to be visited that are included in the North La Union Tour itinerary.
- Bangar Abel Weaving
- Baluarte Watch Tower
- Luna Pebble Beach
- Immuki Island
- Bato de Luna
- Paraoir Man Made Forest
- Darigayos Cove
- San Juan Pottery
- Urbiztondo
8. Go on La Union South Tour
Locations: Bagulin, Bauang, Agoo and San Fernando CityIf you love nature and adventure, the La Union South Tour is for you. Visit the many natural wonders of La Union with this convenient day tour which includes admission to attractions, transportation, meals and beverages (lunch, morning and afternoon snacks), DOT-accredited tour guide, bottled water and complimentary souvenir.
SOUTH LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS HIGHLIGHTS
Here are the La Union tourist spots to be visited that are included in the South La Union Tour itinerary.
- Bagulin - Kudal View Deck
- Ciano Umok Gallery
- Agoo Eco-Fun World
- Sta. Rita Lake
- Bauang Grapes Farms
- Thunderbird Resort
- Baywalk at Poro Point
9. La Union Pilgrimage Tour
Location: Different municipalities in La UnionWith its many beautiful and historical churches, going on a pilrimage tour is one of the popular things to do in La Union.
- Go on a spiritual journey and discover La Union's pilgrimage sites with this full-day tour!
- TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Visit century old churches and shrines such as St. Catherine de Alexandria, Saint Michael the Archangel Church, Cathedral of St. William the Hermit, Pindangan Ruins, and many more.
- The tour package includes admission to attractions, transportation, meals and beverages, DOT-accredited tour guide, bottled water and free souvenir.
10. Bauang Beach, Hotels and Resort
Location: Bauang, La UnionWhen you think about beaches in La Union, the first thing that comes to mind is Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan. But if you're looking for other beaches in La Union aside from San Juan, you could also check out the town of Bauang.
In recent years, Bauang was known among tourists because of the grape farms. But did you know that in the 1970’s Bauang was dubbed as the "Beach Capital of the Philippines?" It's definitely on of the best La Union tourist spots that should be included in your itinerary.
Facing west Philippine Sea, the shores of Bauang is filled with many hotels and beach resorts ideal for a memorable beach getaway. Here are some of the top best hotels and resorts in Bauang that you may check out on your trip to La Union.
TOP HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN BAUANG
- Marand Resort and Spa by Cocotel - √ See room rates and photos
- Bella's Beach Resort - Right on the Beach! - √ See room rates and photos
- Cococay Resort Hotel - √ See room rates and photos
- Hotel Ariana - √ See room rates and photos
- SEARCH MORE - √ Click here to see other hotels and resorts in Bauang, La Union
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LA UNION
- Aqua Farm Tour in La Union - Get a glimpse of La Union’s farm life with this interactive aqua farm day tour!
- Serenity Beach Retreat in La Union - Reset your mind, body, and soul with this yoga & healing retreat in La Union that seamlessly fuses work-life elements.
- Beachiserapi in San Juan, La Union - Reconnect with your mind and body with Beachiserapi, an ideal beach healing activity which involves walking along the beach, coupled with yoga to relieve your anxiety and stress.
SEARCH FOR MORE HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS IN LA UNION!
Whether you're looking for a relaxing staycation or a base to go back to after a day of surfing or exploring La Union's tourist spots, there will be a hotel or resort in La Union that will surely fit your budget and preference. Check out more hotels and beach resorts in La Union by using the search engine below. Just enter your destination "La Union", check-in and check-out dates, number of rooms and guests, and click/tap SEARCH. This will show you the updated room rates, availability, guest reviews and more photos.
SAMPLE LA UNION ITINERARIES
Here are my sample La Union itineraries that you could copy or follow in creating your own La Union itinerary. I included here the most popular tourist spots in La Union and top things to do that might interest you. Feel free to tweak it based on your preference.
2D/1N: Sample La Union Itinerary (2 Days and 1 Night)
For a quick weekend getaway or overnight trip, here is my suggested 2 days and 1 night La Union itinerary.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL, SURFING & BEACH BUMMING
- Arrival in San Juan, La Union
- Have lunch
- Hotel/Resort Check-in √ See hotels and resorts in La Union here
- Learn how to surf
- Enjoy Urbiztondo Beach
- Watch the sunset
- Dinner
- Enjoy La Union's night scenes
- Back at the hotel
- Sleep
DAY 2 - MA-CHO TEMPLE, HALO-HALO DE ILOKO & DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the resort/hotel
- Enjoy the hotel/resort facilities
- Check-out
- Visit Ma-Cho Temple
- Lunch at Halo-halo de Iloko
- Visit Pagoda Hill
- Visit Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point
- Snacks
- Departure
TRAVEL TIP: For ease and convenience, you may book your Manila to San Juan, La Union bus tickets in advance and choose between Pasay or Cubao as your terminal pick-up or drop-off. You may also book and reserve online a one-way or roundtrip bus tickets ahead of time.
3D2N Sample La Union Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)
If you have a long weekend or 3 days and 2 nights to spend in La Union, here is my recommended itinerary. Filled with top tourist spots in La Union, you may adjust it depending on your the things to do in La Union you want to experience.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL, SURFING & BEACH BUMMING
- Arrival in San Juan, La Union
- Have lunch
- Hotel/Resort Check-in √ See hotels and resorts in La Union here
- Learn how to surf
- Enjoy Urbiztondo Beach
- Watch the sunset
- Dinner
- Enjoy La Union's night scenes
- Back at the hotel
- Sleep
DAY 2 - TANGADAN FALLS, BARORO RIVER & LUNA [ BOOK THIS TOUR ]
- Breakfast at the resort
- Proceed to San Gabriel, La Union
- Arrival at San Gabriel Plaza, Register
- Proceed to Tangadan Falls via Jeep
- Trek to Tangadan Falls
- Arrival at Tangadan Falls
- Enjoy free time swimming and explore the area
- Departure from Tangadan Falls
- Arrival San Gabriel Plaza
- Proceed to Riverfarm and Seafood Restaurant in Bacnotan
- Lunch
- Experiencing fishing or River Cruise
- Proceed to Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna
- Arrival at Baluarte Watch Tower, explore and take photos
- Stroll along the Pebble Beach
- Watch the sunset
- Departure from Luna
- Back at the hotel/resort
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 3 - MA-CHO TEMPLE, HALO-HALO DE ILOKO & DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the resort/hotel
- Enjoy the hotel/resort facilities
- Check-out
- Visit Ma-Cho Temple
- Lunch at Halo-halo de Iloko
- Visit Pagoda Hill
- Visit Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point
- Snacks
- Departure
NOTE: Depending on your preference, and on the things you want do or tourist spots in La Union you want visit, you may change day 2 with San Fernando City Tour, La Union North Tour, La Union South Tour or La Union Pilgrimage Tour. If you have more time, extend your trip and visit other tourist destinations in La Union!
ALSO READ: SAMPLE LA UNION ITINERARIES for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour or More
LA UNION TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURISTS
San Fernando City, San Juan, and Bauang, La Union are under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) classification until October 31, 2021. If you're coming from areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, you can enter these GCQ areas.
If you're planning to travel to La Union, here are the travel requirements you need to secure before your trip.
- Approved Tara Na! travel request and QR Coded Tourist Pass (QTP). Register and schedule travel within a minimum of 5 working days before travel. And don't forget to save and/or print your QTP.
- Negative RT-PCR or PRC saliva test result issued three (3) days prior to arrival.
- Booking confirmation from a DOT-accredited, La Union-based, travel agency.
- Valid government-issued ID.
NOTES: For tourists coming from Alert Level 4, can only do point-to-point travel. Travel is not allowed for persons below 18 years of age, persons above 65 yrs of age, person with comorbidities and other health risks, and pregnant women.
TIPS & REMINDERS: LA UNION TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- Be sure to book in advance your hotel or beach resort in La Union to save on travel expenses and to get discounts on room rates. Also, booking in advance and reserving your accommodation, assure you that you have a place to stay when you arrive. See here the list of hotels and beach resorts in La Union with best discounted room rates.
- After booking your hotel or beach resort in La Union, make sure to call or send an email to your hotel/resort to inquire and confirm any health documents or travel requirements you need to secure or submit before checking-in and when traveling to La Union. To avoid delays and any inconvenice, be sure to accomplish all the needed requirements.
- Always check the latest and updated La Union travel requirements and entry protocols. You may refer to the latest IATF Guidelines, or visit La Union local government's website and social media accounts to know the latest and updated travel requirements and entry protocols that you need to follow. You may also call the office of local government to inquire about the travel requirements for tourists and entry protocol procedures you need to follow.
- Always have your confirmed hotel/resort booking ready and other documents such as vaccination certificate, travel pass and negative test result (if needed) before traveling to La Union. Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR and Rapid Antigent Tests.
- Lastly, always wear your face mask, face shield, and practice the minimum health protocols at all times. Don't be too complacent and careless, even when you're having fun and enjoying your vacation. Always stay safe and travel resposibly!
Where to get affordable and convenient RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests?Avail of Klook’s RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests with up to 40% off retail rates for a seamless testing experience! You may get your test results within 1 hour for antigent tests and as fast as 24 hours for RT-PCR tests! |
La Union is not just for surfers, but a destination that anyone will enjoy! Don't miss visiting these top things to do and tourist spots in La Union that you should include in your itinerary! Have fun and enjoy La Union!
EXTEND YOUR TRIP! Side Trips from La Union
If you want to explore more and visit other nearby destinations from La Union, you could visit Baguio City, Pangasinan or Ilocos Sur. Just 2-4 hours from La Union, you could enjoy the beaches and islands of Pangasinan, visit the heritage city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, or enjoy the cool mountain breeze of Baguio City.
To help you plan your trip, you may check out these links below:
BAGUIO CITY
- Top Things to Do in Baguio City + Tourist Spots and Itinerary
- List of Best Hotels in Baguio City
- Baguio Hotels and Transient Houses for Rent
- Must-Try Homegrown Restaurants in Baguio City
PANGASINAN
- Hundred Islands Travel Guide
- A Local's Guide to Dagupan City
- Villa Balinmanok Beach Resort in Dasol, Pangasinan
- Hotel Le Duc in Dagupan City
- Hundred Islands Pangasinan Day Tour from Manila
- Cabongaoan Beach + Death Pool Tour from Manila
- Bolinao Pangasinan Tour from Manila
ILOCOS SUR
- A Local's Guide to Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- Visiting the Heritage City of Vigan
- Sta. Maria Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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