HomeAsiaSoutheast AsiaPhilippinesLa Union 11 Things to do in La Union + Tourist Spots By Marcos Detourista. Updated on March 1, 2023. La Union is the surfing capital of Northern Philippines’ west coast. Explore the surfing spots and the province’s interesting natural attractions, heritage sites, and food scene. La Union is famous for the beach town of San Juan, the surfing capital of Luzon’s west coast. There is more to experience in this laidback province beyond its beautiful waves as well, including stunning natural sites, heritage attractions, and an exciting food scene. Truly, La Union is a great place to explore for surfers and non-surfers alike! Because of its location near Manila, La Union is a popular weekend getaway for travelers coming from the metro. You can experience a lot even on a short trip. It’s easy to travel in and around the province as most towns are conveniently located along the coastal highway. Here’s a list of beautiful places to visit in La Union including top things to do & the best La Union tourist spots. To make your trip planning easy, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app. Seeing all your saved locations on the map will help you get started on planning your La Union itinerary and know the best areas to stay, near places you want to go. See also: Best Travel Booking Apps. View all travel tips on: La Union. 1. Surf in San Juan Surfer squad at Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. La Union is home to nearest surfing spots from Manila. Aside from good swells, this is one of the reasons why it had become a popular destination for avid surfers and people who want to learn the sport. Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is the most popular surfing spot and main tourist area. In contrast to other beaches in the Philippines, its peak season starts in October until March when the best waves arrive. Looking for other spots to surf? You can also find alternative surf spots nearby including Bacnotan, Darigayos, Taboc,and Jesus Point in Carilla. How to go: Manila, ride a bus bound for San Fernando, La Union (PHP400 fare per person). Tell the driver to drop you off at the jeepney stop for San Juan. Travel time is around 6 to 7 hours. Then, ride a jeepney to Urbiztondo Beach (PHP7 fare per person). Travel time is around 20 minutes. You can also ride a Vigan or Laoag-bound bus and drop off at San Juan Public Market, where you can catch a jeep or tricycle to Brgy. Urbiztondo. Go to the beachfront for surfing lessons and surfboard rentals. The price of surf lessons is PHP400 per hour, inclusive of surfboard. If you are confident with your wave riding skills, skip the lessons and rent the board for PHP200 per hour or PHP500 for a half-day rental. Urbiztondo Beach Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union, Philippines Urbiztondo Beach Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union, Philippines Book your trip to La Union Before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip! Click below to compare rates & read reviews: La Union HotelsTours + discountsFlights Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers: Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more Where to stay in La Union: The Circle Hostel – La Union Budget Backpacker | San Juan Check Rates Costa Villa Beach Resort Budget | San Juan Check Rates Flotsam and Jetsam Budget Flashpacker | San Juan Check Rates Isla Bonita Beach Resort Mid-range | San Juan Check Rates P and M Final Option Hotel Mid-range | San Juan Check Rates Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa Splurge | San Juan Check Rates Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point Splurge | San Fernando Check Rates For more travel inspiration, follow Detourista on: InstagramFacebookTiktokPinterest 2. Tangadan Falls cliff diving Tangadan Falls, in San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. Take a break from the surf and enjoy a dip at Tangadan Falls. This waterfall in San Gabriel is an easy day trip from San Juan. Tangadan Falls has a spacious plunge pool that is perfect for swimming. You can ride a bamboo raft to the main cascade and enjoy a cool waterfalls shower massage. Nearby, you can find two smaller waterfalls that are popular for cliff diving. One is located on the upper level, upstream, and the other is farther downstream. How to go: From San Juan, ride a jeep bound for San Gabriel (PHP19 fare per person). Drop off at the town proper. Then, ride a tricycle to the jump-off point (P50 per tricycle to the first jump-off point). Total travel time should take 30 to 45 minutes. There are two jump-off points to Tangadan Falls. The first trail is nearer from the town proper and requires as 1-hour hike upstream. The second requires a 20 to 30-minute hike, on a steeper trail downstream. You can also charter a tricycle directly from San Juan to get to San Gabriel (PHP500 per tricycle). All visitors are required to pay the entrance fee and get a local guide. The entrance fee costs PHP30 per person. Meanwhile, the guide fee is PHP500 per guide, for 1 to 3 persons. Always remember to keep safe when cliff diving and swimming in the deep pool of the waterfall. Life jackets are available for rent, for PHP50 per piece. Trail to Tangadan Falls Bamboo grove on the trail to Tangadan Falls, in San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines 3. La Union sunset Sunset at Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union, Philippines Sunset at Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union, Philippines La Union’s coastline is blessed with glorious sunset views including Urbiztondo Beach. Go to the rocky area on the south side of the beach for dramatic views. 4. Luna Pebble Beach Pebble beach, in Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. On the beachfront of Bahay Na Bato, you can find the most beautiful pebble beach that remains in Luna. This section of the coastline is surrounded by vibrant blue waters and strong sea waves. The town is known as the Pebble Capital of the North because of its many pebbled beaches and big stone-picking industry. 5. Bahay Na Bato Bahay Na Bato in Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. From San Juan, head north to the town of Luna and check out Bahay Na Bato, the newest tourist attraction in the province. Built from stones found along Luna’s rare pebbled beaches, the rest house sits on a peaceful property owned by Dr. Edison and Dr. Purita Chan-Noble. In the interiors and around the grounds, you can find many interesting stone and wooden sculptures made by Korean artist, Bong Kim. The artistic feel of the place reminded me a lot of the Black Houses in Chiang Rai, Thailand. How to go: From San Juan, ride a jeep bound for Luna (PHP30 fare per person). Drop off at the town proper. Then, ride a tricycle to Bahay Na Bato in Brgy. Nalvo Norte (PHP50 fare per tricycle). Total travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bahay Na Bato Bahay Na Bato in Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines Bahay Na Bato Bahay Na Bato in Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines 6. Luna Church and Baluarte Namacpacan Church in Luna, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. Visit some of Luna’s remaining heritage sites. The St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, also called The Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan or Namacpacan Church, stands beside the town plaza. This Spanish-colonial church was built in 1690. It is one of the grandest churches in the province. It is listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. A few hundred meters away, the Luna Baluarte or Watchtower stands along a pebbled beach. The watchtower served as a fortress that was used by Spanish colonizers to warn residents of pirate attacks. During my visit, I, and travel buddy Gael discovered that the Luna Watchtower had been beautifully restored. The structure was fully intact and repaired from its ruined state after it got destroyed by a strong typhoon in 2015. Unfortunately, the once beautiful pebbled beach in this area had been over-mined by stone pickers. From the photos we had seen online, the pebbles used to cover the whole beachfront up to the waterline. Today, only patches of big stones remain. It’s a shame because pebbled beaches are quite rare, formed by nature for millions of years. Now it is long gone. Luna Baluarte (watchtower) Luna Baluarte (watchtower) in Luna, La Union, Philippines Luna Baluarte (watchtower) Luna Baluarte (watchtower) in Luna, La Union, Philippines 7. Food trip & nightlife in Urbiztondo Mad Monkeys burgers in Urbiztondo, San Juan. La Union, Philippines The rise of San Juan as a popular beach getaway near Manila attracts a steady crowd of Millenials. Urbiztondo had grown a bit of a hipster feel to it. Don’t miss the Instagram and tummy-worthy food scene. Then, cap the night off with drinks at many beach and roadside bars. My personal favorite places to eat/drink are Olas Banditos (Mexican), Mad Monkeys (Burgers), Surf Shack (Restobar) and Tagpuan (Affordable meals). Olas Banditos (Mexican) Olas Banditos (Mexican), in Urbiztondo, San Juan. La Union, Philippines Tofu rice meal at Tagpuan Tofu rice meal at Tagpuan, in Urbiztondo, San Juan. La Union, Philippines Surf Shack Food at Surf Shack, in Urbiztondo, San Juan. La Union, Philippines 8. Halo Halo de Iloko Halo Halo de Iloko, in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. The food scene is exciting as well in San Fernando, the capital city of La Union. Getting there only takes 20 minutes, it’s a shame if you miss it. The most popular place to eat here is Halo Halo de Iloko, located along Zandueta Street. They sell Halo Halo with a tasty twist. Try the Buko Halo Halo, Ginataan nga Halo Halo or Deep Fried Halo Halo. They also serve delicious Ilokano-fusion dishes. You might have to queue a bit before getting a table since the restaurant is almost always full. The wait is worth it. How to go: From Urbiztondo, ride a jeep to San Fernando (PHP11 fare per person). Drop off at the city center and ride a tricycle to Halo Halo de Iloko. Locals are very familiar with it. 9. Ma-Cho Temple Ma Cho Temple, in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. While you are in San Fernando, stop over at Ma-Cho Temple, a picturesque temple found on top a hill. It is the first Taoist temple and only one in the Philippines that is dedicated to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu. Some of its interesting features include the towering main building crowned by an unusual spider-type dome, the Majestic Five Door Gate, and interiors filled with ancient Chinese decorations. As you can imagine, a lot of people come here to get a selfie with the sign “Macho.” How to go: From Halo Halo de Iloko, ride a tricycle to Ma-Cho Temple (PHP8 fare per person). Ma Cho Temple Ma Cho Temple, in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines Ma Cho Temple Ma Cho Temple, in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines 10. Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point, in San Fernando, La Union Save on Google Maps. Seeking a luxurious stay or romantic dinner? Go to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point in San Fernando. This Santorini-inspired resort is famous not only for its imposing white-washed buildings and blue domes. It’s also praised for its gorgeous cliff-top location, facing a serene sunset view of the West Philippine Sea. Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Check rates 11. La Union grape farms & fruit picking Grapes farm in Bauang, La Union, Philippines Save on Google Maps. Before leaving La Union, drop by the grape farms in Bauang. You can go grape-picking here and bring the fresh harvest as pasalubong. Grape farms in the country are a surprising discovery for most Filipinos because we have a notion that this fruit can only grow in cold weather. There are numerous grape farms in town and many of them are open to the public. Here is a list of grape farms in Bauang, La Union. Lomboy Grape Farm — (+63) 72 705 2105 Gapuz Grape Farm — (+63) 922 770 1520 / (+63) 999 714 7616 Mangguera Grape Farm — (+63) 907 905 0303 / (+63) 0905 550 5046 Calica Grape Farm — (+63) 907 858 6784 How to go: The grape farms Bauang in are located in Brgy. Urayong. Bauang is just one town away from San Fernando. If you are coming from Manila, it will be the last town you will pass by before reaching San Fernando. From San Fernando or San Juan, you can a jeepney bound for Agoo. You can also ride any southbound bus to Manila, Pangasinan, or Baguio. Drop off at the intersection to the grape farms in Brgy. Urayong. The fare should cost around PHP20 to PHP30. From the intersection, the grape farms are less than 1 kilometer away, towards the coast. The one we had visited was Gapuz Grape Farm. They did not charge any entrance fee, but they may ask for a PHP20 fee if you plan on taking photos. Grape-picking cost is PHP250 per kilogram. Contact the farms prior to your visit because grape-picking is only available during selected times of the year. Places to visit near La Union Baguio Wright Park in Baguio, Benguet, Philippines Location: Benguet province, Cordillera region, Luzon, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Baguio Travel Essentials Where to stayCheck Fares See more: Baguio travel tips 18 Things to do in Baguio + Benguet Tourist Spots Vigan Location: Ilocos Sur province, Luzon, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Vigan Travel Essentials Where to stayCheck Fares See more: Vigan travel tips 11 Things to do in Vigan + Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots Laoag Location: Ilocos region, Luzon, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Laoag Travel Essentials Where to stayCheck Fares See more: Laoag travel tips 18 Things to do in Laoag + Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots Beyond La Union Clark Location: Central Luzon region, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Clark Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket Zoocobia Admission Ticket in Clark Clark Safari and Adventure Park Ticket See more: Clark travel tips 14 Things to do in Clark + Pampanga Tourist Spots Manila Location: Metro Manila, Luzon, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Manila Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket See more: Manila travel tips 16 Things to do in Manila + Tourist Spots What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in La Union that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in La Union La Union tourist spots, things to do in La Union, where to go in La Union & more. 1. Surf in San Juan 2. Tangadan Falls cliff diving 3. La Union sunset 4. Luna Pebble Beach 5. Bahay Na Bato 6. Luna Church and Baluarte 7. Food trip & nightlife in Urbiztondo 8. Halo Halo de Iloko 9. Ma-Cho Temple 10. Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point 11. La Union grape farms & fruit picking Baguio Vigan Laoag Clark Manila Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Book your way to La Union How much does it cost to travel to La Union? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites: BookAway Where to Stay in La Union Make base at San Juan or San Fernando to enjoy the central-location in La Union. Getting to all tourist spots mentioned on this list is very easy from both locations. Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is lined with a variety of options ranging from backpacker-friendly budget options to luxurious accommodations. Book a room in San Fernando if you want to stay nearer to city comforts. The Circle Hostel – La Union Budget Backpacker | San Juan Check Rates Costa Villa Beach Resort Budget | San Juan Check Rates Flotsam and Jetsam Budget Flashpacker | San Juan Check Rates Isla Bonita Beach Resort Mid-range | San Juan Check Rates P and M Final Option Hotel Mid-range | San Juan Check Rates Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa Splurge | San Juan Check Rates Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point Splurge | San Fernando Check Rates Where to book Click below & search recommended La Union 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. AgodaBooking.com 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. Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: 16 Beautiful Countries in Asia 32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots Philippines Waterfalls Philippines Beaches Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 13 Things to do in Kathmandu + Tourist Spots9 Things to do in Udaipur + Tourist Spots10 Things to do in Chittorgarh + Tourist Spots12 Things to do in Hanoi + Tourist Spots Discover more blogs and travel tips in: La Union Southeast AsiaPhilippinesAsia See all places Find more posts about:FeaturedBest TravelBest PlacesBest Things To Do Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments Adrenaline Romance says April 6, 2017 at 8:00 pm Very cool destinations! We only passed by La Union when we went to Vigan/Pagudpud and we returned from Sagada via Baguio. We should include La Union in our next Luzon trip. :) Reply Judith Martin says July 27, 2017 at 11:12 am It’s good to read some tips from you especially like me planning to visit La Union for the first time! I have now ideas about the places that are truly worthy to visit. Reply Issa says September 20, 2018 at 2:01 pm I’ve been to La Union but I wasn’t able to check out Luna Beach. It looks amazing! Reply Sirang Lente says June 30, 2019 at 7:35 am Your article is helpful. Planning to explore the different sides of LU. Reply Joey Evangelista says February 9, 2020 at 6:05 pm Can you recommend a tour guide for us please? Reply SirangLente by DDalisay says June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm Planning to do a solo-backpacking in La Union. Sana mapuntahan ko tong lahat ng destination na to within 24-48 hours. Stunning photos by the way. Reply Jay Eleanor says November 29, 2022 at 9:28 am I love La Union, I’ve been there and I really had great experiences surfing in San Juan. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Can’t wait to go back here. I miss La Union. Reply
Adrenaline Romance says April 6, 2017 at 8:00 pm Very cool destinations! We only passed by La Union when we went to Vigan/Pagudpud and we returned from Sagada via Baguio. We should include La Union in our next Luzon trip. :) Reply
Judith Martin says July 27, 2017 at 11:12 am It’s good to read some tips from you especially like me planning to visit La Union for the first time! I have now ideas about the places that are truly worthy to visit. Reply
Issa says September 20, 2018 at 2:01 pm I’ve been to La Union but I wasn’t able to check out Luna Beach. It looks amazing! Reply
Sirang Lente says June 30, 2019 at 7:35 am Your article is helpful. Planning to explore the different sides of LU. Reply
Joey Evangelista says February 9, 2020 at 6:05 pm Can you recommend a tour guide for us please? Reply
SirangLente by DDalisay says June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm Planning to do a solo-backpacking in La Union. Sana mapuntahan ko tong lahat ng destination na to within 24-48 hours. Stunning photos by the way. Reply
Jay Eleanor says November 29, 2022 at 9:28 am I love La Union, I’ve been there and I really had great experiences surfing in San Juan. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Can’t wait to go back here. I miss La Union. Reply