Cavite is a convenient destination for tourists visiting Manila. It’s just an hour away from the national capital and a common choice as a quick weekend getaway with its fair share of historical sites and modern luxuries, most of which are set against the picturesque background of Taal Volcano.

Although Cavite’s tourism gets a significant boost from Taal Volcano and its lake, making Tagaytay a crowd favorite, they are not the only sites worth visiting in the province. There’s the historic Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum in Kawit, a 19th Century building and the proclamation site of Philippine Independence against Spanish rule. Corregidor Island is another historical attraction, but it’s of World War II significance. Since it’s off the coast, the trip getting there is an adventure in itself. Cavite also has its own Boracay, aptly called Boracay de Cavite, a beach cove in Ternate with fine off-white sand flocked by large crowds, especially during the weekend.

Cavite is a convenient destination for tourists from Manila and the nearby provinces of Batangas and Laguna. If you are after maximizing the value of your travel, an itinerary that will incorporate the neighboring destinations is a smart move.

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See also: Best Places to Visit in the Philippines | Manila Tourist Spots | Where to go in Laguna | Clark Attractions | Places to visit in Baguio.

1. Tagaytay & Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano view from Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines

Location: Tagaytay City, Cavite. Save on Google Maps.

Looking for a place to chill near Manila? Tagaytay is one of the best places to go! Located on a mountain ridge at the edge of the Taal Caldera, Tagaytay offers a cool year-round climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano, where you can find the famous “island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island.” Have a steaming bowl of Bulalo (Filipino Beef Marrow Stew) or enjoy the fresh local brew while enjoying the mountain breeze. Choose among the many highly-rated resorts/hotels for a relaxing stay away from the heat & bustle of Manila.

Tagaytay Travel Essentials

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2. Corregidor Island

World War II Barracks Ruins in Corregidor, Cavite City, Philippines

Location: Cavite City. Save on Google Maps.

Strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay, this tadpole-shaped island played an important role in the defense of the Philippine capital during World War II. Today, Corregidor is maintained as a “museum” island. Here, you can find remnants of full-scale fortifications built by American and Filipino soldiers against the invading Japanese Imperial Army. From Manila, the ferry journey to Corregidor takes approximately 1.5 hours. The island has a small land area of around 5.5 sq. kilometers, so you can easily see most of the tunnels, barracks, artillery defenses, memorial sites, and other historical sites on a day trip

3. Aguinaldo Shrine & Kawit

Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines

Location: Kawit, 4104 Cavite. Save on Google Maps.

Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum (Aguinaldo Mansion) in Kawit is one of the Philippines’ most important historical sites and a highly popular tourist spot in Cavite Province. The shrine is the ancestral home of Emilio Aguinaldo, officially the first President of the Philippines and the site of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, which is commemorated as a national holiday on June 12 each year. The Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo houses exhibits on Cavite during the Spanish colonial period, Cavite’s role as the cradle of the Philippine Revolution, and the life of Emilio Aguinaldo. The second level is the living space of the house, where you can see the living room, the bedrooms, dining area, and kitchen along with 19th-early 20th-century furniture and details of the art nouveau and art deco period. Another historical site worth visiting in Kawit is the St. Mary Magdalene Church or Kawit Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The construction of the present church was started in 1737.

Kawit Travel Essentials

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Cavite Countryside Tour from Manila

4. Cavite City

San Roque Parish Church in Cavite City, Philippines

Location: Cavite City, Cavite. Save on Google Maps.

After visiting the Aguinaldo Shrine, curiosity led me 10 kilometers farther northwest, to Cavite City, the former capital of the province. This city is not a popular destination among tourists, but might be worth a visit if you’re looking for interesting local eats near Kawit. Head to Rachie’s Snack House (646 P. Burgos Ave) for a taste if Puto Pao, a fusion of two Filipino favorites — puto (rice cake) and siopao (steamed bun). For home-cooked Caviteño dishes, grab a table at Bernie’s Kitchenette and try the Crispy Lao-lao (fried fish) with Sukang Cavite dip, Bacalao (sautéed salt cod), Pansit Pusit and other traditional heirloom specialties. When in Cavite City, take a photo stop at the imposing San Roque Parish Church, which dominates the city skyline with its 7-tier bell tower.

5. Mt. Pico de Loro

Location: Maragondon Cavite – Nasugbu, Batangas. Save on Google Maps.

Cavite is famous among mountaineers for its many scenic hiking trails. One easy yet very fulfilling trail is the summit trek to Mt. Pico de Loro, also known as (Mt. Palay Palay). At the top, you’ll find the Instagram-worthy 50ft-high monolith rock formation that inspired the name “Pico de Loro,” which means parrot’s beak. From the summit, you can also enjoy the breathtaking unobstructed view of Cavite and the nearby provinces of Batangas and Laguna. Mt. Pico de Loro stands at a height of 664 meters above sea level, which is perfect for beginners.

6. Patungan Beach

Location: Maragondon, Cavite. Save on Google Maps.

Patungan Beach is a secluded grey sand beach cove situated at the southern side of Mt. Palay Palay (Pico de Loro), in Maragondon, Cavite. It’s a good place to visit if you’re looking for a chill seaside spot that’s near Manila. From Patungan Beach, you can hire a boat to visit beautiful rock formations and white beaches of Mugiw Island, Carabao Island, and Crocodile Island. Patungan Beach is around 2 hours away from Manila by car.

7. Riverfront Garden Resort

Location: Maragondon, Cavite. Save on Google Maps.

Located along the Maragognon River, the Riverfront Garden Resort offers a relaxing place, where you can enjoy a worry-free environment and commute with nature. The resort has become a popular getaway because of its glamping experience, picture-perfect spots, and swimming pools including an infinity pool overlooking the river. The drive from Manila takes around 2 to 3 hours.

8. Pantihan Falls

Location: Brgy. Pantihan, Maragondon, Cavite. Save on Google Maps.

Pantihan Falls (Balayungan Falls) is another cool waterfall to visit. This 50ft. high cascade gently flows down the side of a picturesque cliff wall in the forested area of Brgy. Pantihan, Maragondon, Cavite. Cliff jumping is a popular activity here as the pool is very deep. At the top of the falls, there are nipa huts perfect for picnics.

9. Try Paragliding in Cavite

Location: Carmona, Cavite

Tick off another item off your bucketlist and try paragliding! Soar through the air and enjoy stunning views of Cavite, Manila, and Laguna province.

10. Play Golf at Cavite’s Country Clubs

Go on a golf getaway near Manila and enjoy the countryside ambiance. Cavite is home to several well-maintained golf courses including the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, the Orchard Golf and Country Club, and the Riviera Golf Club.

Where to go near Cavite & beyond

Manila

Location: Metro Manila, Luzon, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps.

Manila Travel Essentials

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Clark

Location: Pampanga province, Central Luzon, Philippines. Save on Google Maps.

Clark Travel Essentials

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What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Cavite that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Cavite

Cavite tourist spots, things to do in Cavite, where to go in Cavite & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Cavite

Click below & search recommended Cavite hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

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Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Cavite Essentials & Top Discounts

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