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Bucket List: Things to Do and Popular Tourist Spots in La Union Province
La Union is known for its beaches and beautiful swells of waves, making it an ideal surfing destination. Visitors can check out many La Union Tourist Spots; the province has something to offer everyone.
Riding the waves in Urbiztondo, La Union
Its vibrant local culture and breathtaking landscapes offer beach lovers and adventure seekers a perfect getaway. Visit the famous surfing destinations of San Juan and Urbiztondo, where you can ride the waves or take surfing lessons. Explore the charming town of Pugo, known for its strawberry farms and picturesque views. Don’t miss the chance to try the local delicacies, such as the famous Ilocano dishes and fresh seafood. La Union promises an unforgettable travel experience with its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty.
From centuries-old watchtowers, galleries teeming with local talent, and studios where visitors can bring out their creative side, La Union is the perfect vacation destination for those who want a break from the hustle of the city. Here’s our list of the best La Union Tourist Spots:
NORTH LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS
Bangar Abel Weaving
Bangar, La Union is famous for its products called “inabel” which the locals have been creating for generations. Visitors can watch the traditional weaving technique that loom weavers use with antique wooden weaving equipment. Some of the hand-woven products that local loom weavers create are blankets, table runners, and shawls.
Location: San Flaviano, Bangar, La Union
Red Clay Pagdamilian
Red Clay Pagdamilian & Souvenir Shop is a popular pottery studio highlighting local citizens’ works. Visitors can make a reservation to get a pottery lesson from the studio. The root word of the studio, “damili” translates to “the art of pottery making” in the Ilokano dialect.
Location: MacArthur Highway, Barangay Taboc, San Juan, La Union
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 5PM, Monday to Saturday
*Schedule may change without prior notice.
Immuki Island
Composed of small lagoons held together by corals, Immuki Island is the perfect place for visitors looking to avoid crowded locations. The ivory sand is mixed with seashells and pebbles, so visitors are advised to bring aqua slippers for protection from sharp corals.
Location: Barangay Paraoir, Balaoan, La Union
Visiting Hours: 6AM – 6PM (Daily)
Rates: Environmental Fee: Php20 per person
Balsa Rental, 5-7 pax: Php250
Shower Fee: Php10 per person
*Rates may change without prior notice.
SOUTH LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS
Agoo Eco Fun World
Launched in 2014, the Agoo Eco Fun World draws locals and visitors to its manmade forest of Agoho trees, the stunning view of Mount Katayagan, and the beach that faces the Lingayen Gulf. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset, swim in the lagoon, or walk around and appreciate the Agoo trees.
Location: Agoo Eco Fun World, Barangay Santa Rita West, Agoo, La Union
Rates: Environmental Fee: Php15 (Adult); Php10 (Senior & PWD); FREE (Children below 3 feet)
Parking Fee: Php10 (Tricycle, Motorcycle); Php20 (Other Vehicles)
Rental Fees: Php500 (Big Cottage); Php1,500 (Pavilion)
*Rates may change without prior notice.
Kudlap View Deck and Kudal People’s Park
The cool atmosphere in Kudlap View Deck and Kudal People’s Park is similar to that in Baguio, earning its nickname “Bagulin’s Little Baguio.” Kudal People’s Park is a nature conservation park preserved by the municipality of Bagulin to promote tourism. The park is a popular destination for cyclists from neighboring towns.
Location: Tagudtud, Bagulin, La Union
SAN FERNANDO TOURIST SPOTS
Christ the Redeemer Statue
Standing 25 feet tall, this statue of Christ was inaugurated in 2007 and symbolizes gratitude, blessings, and protection. Visitors have to hike a path leading to the hilltop, where there is a panoramic view of San Fernando City.
Location: Reservoir Hill, Barangay I, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: FREE
Ma-Cho Temple
A Taoist temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, Ma-Cho Temple is a seven-story temple with many places to see, including the Bamboo Garden, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Majestic Five-Door Gate, and the Liang Thing Pagoda.
Location: Ma-Cho Temple, Quezon Avenue, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 7AM to 5PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: FREE
*Rates and schedules may change without prior notice.
Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda
The Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda offers local and foreign travelers a scenic view of San Fernando City. This pagoda was built to commemorate the neighborly relations between the Filipinos and the Chinese people.
Location: Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda, Aguila Road, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: FREE
VISIT THE MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
Bahay na Bato
This art gallery, located on the pebble beach of Barangay Nalvo Norte, showcases Filipino artifacts. Teeming with different sculptures, this is an excellent destination for day trips. There is a garden spruced up with trees that serve as a canopy from the heat of the afternoon sun.
Location: Bahay na Bato, Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union
Visiting Hours: 7AM to 6PM, Daily.
Entrance Fee: Php50; FREE (Children below 2 years old)
*Rates and schedules may change without prior notice.
Bato de Luna
Owned by a South Korean sculptor, this art gallery houses unique art pieces and stone figures by the owner, with a big turtle statue greeting its visitors. Bato de Luna is located not too far from Bahay na Bato.
Location: Bato de Luna, Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union
Visiting Hours: 7AM to 6PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: Php50
*Rates and schedules may change without prior notice.
Museo de Iloko
Commonly known as ‘presedencia’ of the Agoo, Museo de Iloko is one of the greatest museums in La Union that house Ilokano cultural artifacts.
Location: Agoo, La Union
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 5PM, Monday to Friday
TAKE A TOUR OF LA UNION’S CHURCHES
Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity
The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity was founded by the Franciscan order in 1578 and officially opened to the public in 1978 but an earthquake in 1990 destroyed the church’s bell tower. Today, the minor basilica has two bell towers and a chapel that houses the holy relics of saints.
Location: Grotto Road corner MacArthur Highway, Poblacion, Agoo, La Union
Cathedral of St. William the Hermit
The Cathedral of St. William the Hermit, known as San Fernando Cathedral, is headquartered in the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Union. The church retained its original facade after World War II. St. William the Hermit is the patron saint of the church.
Location: San Fernando, La Union
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, The Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
The St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish is known for housing the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan. The church is popular for its woman-like and sweet architecture. St. Catherine of Alexandria is the patron saint of the town of Luna.
Location: Namacpacan Road, Luna, 2518 La Union
St. Michael the Archangel Church
The neoclassical and baroque architecture of the church and the huge bell tower in front of the church with inscriptions dating back to 1874 belongs to Bacnotan Church, commonly known as the St. Michael the Archangel Church. The church’s name honors its patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel.
Location: St. Michael the Archangel Church Grounds, Bacnotan, La Union
HISTORICAL SITES
Pindangan Ruins
The Pindangan Ruins are what remains of the first Catholic church in San Fernando City. It is located near the sea, vulnerable to foreign invasion, before the town’s place of worship was relocated. It is not being managed and maintained by the Carmelite Sisters, who live adjacent to the property.
Location: Pindangan, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 5PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: Php25 (Regular); Php20 (Senior/Student)
*Rates and schedules may change without prior notice.
Baluarte Watch Tower
One of the historic watchtowers in La Union, the 400-year-old Baluarte Watch Tower, was declared National Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2014. Located on a pebble beach, the restored watchtower is a popular tourist spot with a café nearby.
Location: Barangay Victoria, Luna, La Union
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: FREE
Bacsil Ridge
Located away from the city, Bacsil Ridge is one of the most famous battle sites in the province. It commemorates the battle during the Japanese Occupation. During the late afternoon, visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of this historical site.
Location: F. Ortega Highway, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 12AM to 12PM, Daily
Poro Point Lighthouse
One of La Union’s historical landmarks, the Poro Point Lighthouse, dates back to 1905 during the American occupation and stands 27 feet tall. The lighthouse is a point of interest in the Poro Point Freeport Zone and is located across Poro Point Baywalk, where locals and visitors walk around to or watch the sunset.
Location: Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: FREE
HAVE FUN AND EXPLORE THE NATURE PARKS
PUGAD Pugo Adventure
Enshrouded in the mountainous landscape of La Union, this adventure park features a botanical garden, swimming pools, and lots of activities for adults and children alike. Visitors can ride an ATV, do wall climbing, or play paintball.
Location: PUGAD Pugo Adventure, Pugo, La Union
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 6PM, Daily
Entrance Fee, including access to swimming pools: Php200 (Adults); Php150 (Kids 4 feet below); FREE (Kids 2 feet below)
Activities: Zipline 1-3: Php250-400
ATV: Php350 per person
Wall Climbing: Php150 per person
Giant Swing: Php250 per person
Australian Rundown: Php250 per person
Paintball: Php400 per person
*Rates and schedules may change without prior notice.
La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden
This paradise of beautiful flowers is a great escape from city life. The botanical garden showcases different themed gardens and serves as a sanctuary for wildlife animals. Some of the different themed gardens are Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, Fragrance Garden, Fernery, and Palmery.
Location: San Fernando, La Union
Visiting hours: 8AM to 5PM, Daily
HIKE THE FALLS OF LA UNION
Tangadan Falls
Tangadan Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls among all waterfalls in La Union. It is a two-tiered waterfall with its own natural pool, and the upper tier is known as an excellent cliff diving spot. Visitors must hike to get to the waterfalls, and the elevation gain is 100 meters.
Location: Barangay Amontoc, San Gabriel, La Union
Visiting Hours: 6AM to 5PM, Daily
Rates: Environmental Fee: Php30 per person
Guide Fee: Php500
*Rates may change without prior notice.
Occalong Falls
Occalong Falls is frequented by locals because it is accessible by public transport, but the falls is hidden enough that visitors should ask locals for direction. Visitors will need to take an uphill climb to reach the waterfalls and, once there, can admire the natural beauty of Occalong Falls.
Location: Luna, La Union
Visiting Hours: 5AM to 7PM, Daily
Tuddingan Falls
Tuddingan Falls is another waterfall in the province that visitors must hike to access. The trail to the falls is lined with trees, and the short hike will be rewarded with the refreshing waters from the fall and the relaxing, stress-free environment.
Location: Barangay Tuddingan, Naguilian, La Union
RECONNECT WITH MOTHER NATURE AND TOUR THE FARMS
La Union is home to many vineyards since the 1970s, most of which are family-owned. The province is also a premier farm tour destination. The best time to pick grapes is during the dry season, from March to May.
Gapuz Grapes Farm
Established in the 1980s by Danny Gapuz by planting a grape variety called White Malaga and Black Ribier, it became popular in 2011 after the Gapuz Farm Facebook page was published. The entrance fee to the farm is free, and visitors only pay for the products they buy.
Location: Barangay MacArthur Highway, Bauang, 2501 La Union
Visiting Hours: 7AM to 5PM, Daily
Rates: Entrance Fee: FREE
Lomboy Farms
Established in 1972 by Avelino Lomboy, Lomboy Farms is considered to have introduced viticulture in the region. Nowadays, the farm has expanded towards cultivating dragon fruit and guapples.
Location: Urayong, Bauang, La Union
Visiting Hours: 7AM to 4PM, Daily
Rates: Entrance Fee: Php100 per person
Grape Picking Activity: Php350 per kilo
*Rates and schedules may change without prior notice.
Lotus Valley Farm
This nature paradise of edible, medicinal, and ornamental plants is perfect for visitors looking for a quiet place to marvel at. The farm features a sunflower farm, a lotus flower plant garden, and a stream that helps supply the barangay’s water. Visitors can enjoy health-related activities here, like yoga, acupuncture, and meditation.
Location: Sitio Kasilagan, Dasaya, San Juan, La Union
GO BEACH HOPPING AND SURF THE LA UNION WAVES
Nalvo Pebble Beach
Nalvo Pebble Beach is known for the art galleries in the area and its shore covered in pebbles instead of fine sand.
Location: Nalvo Norte and Nalvo Sur, Luna, La Union
Darigayos Beach
Unlike Nalvo Pebble Beach, Darigayos Beach is not pebbly, but the sand is not fine either. The waves are calmer for visitors looking to swim, and the bay is known for having a consistent break around, ideal for surfing.
Location: Darigayos Beach, Bacnotan – Luna – Balaoan Road, Luna, La Union
Urbiztondo Beach
A premier surfing spot for surfers of all levels, Urbiztondo Beach also has surfing schools for visitors interested in the sport. Waves are at their best from July to March. Besides surfing, Urbiztondo Beach is popular for its wide bed of sand and the beautiful sunset from the shore.
Location: Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
Monaliza Point
Located in front of the Point Break is Monaliza Surf Resort, which offers its guests surfing lessons and surfing board rentals. The waves at Monaliza Point are ideal for advanced surfers.
Location: National Highway, San Juan, La Union
INDULGE OVER LA UNION’S FOOD SCENE
Tagpuan sa San Juan
Known for their Bagnet Rice Bowl, Tagpuan has a specialized menu offering Filipino cuisine like tapa and pares.
Location: Manila North Rd., Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 12AM, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays; 8AM to 2AM, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Menu: Filipino Cuisine
El Union Coffee
Famous for its Indoor S’mores, Cold Brew, and Horchata, El Union Coffee popularized handcrafted coffee in the area.
Location: Kilometre 274 MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 6PM, Daily except for Wednesdays
Menu: Coffee, Dessert
Halo Halo de Iloko
This halo-halo restaurant is popular among locals and visitors, serving Filipino cuisine and dessert. The place is packed during peak hours, and the designated parking space is too far, so it is advised to come during the off-hours.
Location: 12 Zandueta, San Fernando, La Union
Visiting Hours: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Menu: Halo-halo, Filipino Cuisine
STAY IN LA UNION’S POPULAR RESORTS
Thunderbird Poro Point Resort
Thunderbird Poro Point Resort is popular for its Santorini-inspired architecture. The resort has opened its premises to day-trip visitors where visitors can see art installations like Urban Light, similar to the one in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and a field of LED Roses, similar to the ones in Cebu.
Location: Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernand, La Union
San Juan Surf Resort
San Juan Surf Resort is popular for housing San Juan Surf School, one of the best surfing schools in the Philippines, founded by Luke Landrigan, one of the first Filipinos to gain a Bronze Medallion for Surf Rescue in Australia.
Location: Urbiztondo, San Juan, MacArthur Highway, San Fernando, La Union
Kahuna Hotel and Resort
Kahuna Hotel and Resort is another resort where visitors can learn to surf. The resort has partnered with La Union Surf School, one of the best surfing schools in the Philippines and certified by the Academy of Surfing Instructors in Australia.
Location: National Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Experience the best of La Union, Philippines. From the stunning beaches and world-class surfing to the vibrant local culture, you’ll be enthralled by the beauty of this destination. Explore San Juan and Urbiztondo for some of the best waves in the world, savor the delicious Ilocano cuisine, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re a beach lover or an adventure seeker, La Union is the perfect destination for an unforgettable travel experience.
Best Time to Visit La Union
The best time to visit La Union, Philippines, is during the dry season, typically between November and April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with less rainfall and more sunny days. It is ideal for outdoor activities such as exploring beautiful beaches, surfing, and participating in water sports. However, remember that La Union is a popular tourist destination, so expect larger crowds during peak season.
How to Get to La Union
To travel to La Union, Philippines, you can follow these transportation options:
By Air
Fly to Manila
Book a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the largest international airport in the Philippines.
Transfer to La Union
You can take a domestic flight from NAIA to Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, the nearest airport to La Union. Alternatively, you can take a bus or arrange private transport from Manila directly to La Union.
By Land
Bus: From Manila, you can take a bus from the Cubao or Pasay terminal heading to La Union. Several bus companies operate daily trips to various towns in La Union, such as San Fernando, Bauang, and Agoo.
Car: If you prefer to drive, you can take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) or the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) from Manila. You can continue on the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) until you reach your destination in La Union.
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Read:
- Ultimate List of the Best Hotels and Beach Resorts in La Union, Philippines
- Ultimate List Of The Best Hotels And Beach Resorts In La Union, Philippines
- The Old San Fernando Train Station in Pampanga
