38 Best Things to do in La Union And La Union Tourist Spots
We will show you in this blog post that aside from surfing, there are other La Union tourist spots to visit and the things to do in La Union for your next trip. La Union is one of the most popular spots for surfers. But this place is more than just its beautiful waves!
La Union is really beautiful province. In fact, we have visited it twice and for our recent trip, we came from our trip to the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan! It was a truly remarkable experience. Here is our La Union travel guide.
Read here where to stay in La Union from cheap hotels to luxury resorts and top San Juan La Union Resorts
SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES
You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagen if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
You can read Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full Heymondo Travel Insurance Review
You can get Safetywing Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included
LA UNION TRAVEL GUIDE – HOW TO GET TO LA UNION
GETTING TO LA UNION BY BUS FROM MANILA
If you are getting to La Union from Manila, you can ride a bus to San Fernando. The most popular is Partas with routes going to Laoag, Vigan and San Fernando in La Union. Prices are around 500 PHP per head. The travel time is around 5-7 hours depending on traffic and where you are coming (from Cubao or Pasay).
Once you are in San Fernando, you can take a jeepney to Urbiztondo Beach or San Juan, where most of the accommodations and restaurants are. The price for the jeepney ride is 11 PHP. There are also tricycles available if you prefer a solo ride.
If you went by bus with Partas, there are a few direct trips to San Juan Beach in La Union. There are a couple of them actually, one in the afternoon and one at night.
GETTING TO FROM PAMPANGA TO LA UNION BY BUS
If you are getting to from Pampanga to La Union. We chose this option since we are based in Angeles City and we traveled by bus with Partas. The travel time from Pampanga to La Union was around 4-5 hours and there is no fixed schedule.
However, we observed that there is a few buses take trips during the day. The price from San Fernando in La Union to DAU Terminal was 333 PHP.
GETTING TO LA UNION BY BUS FROM VIGAN
If you are getting to La Union from Vigan, you can take a 2 hours bus ride that costs around 250 PHP to San Fernando or La Union. There are hourly bus rides to San Fernando. It can cost you around 50 PHP a tricycle to move around La Union. Read here how to get from La Union to Vigan!
GETTING TO LA UNION BY BUS FROM LAOAG
If you are getting to La Union from Laoag. There are hourly bus trips in Laoag to Bacnotan, La Union. From Laoag, ride a bus to Bacnotan and it costs around 400 PHP for a 4-hour bus trip. From Bacnotan, finally ride a 20-minute bus ride to San Fernando, La Union which costs around 50 PHP.
GETTING TO LA UNION FROM BAGUIO
If you want to get to La Union from Baguio. There is no direct connection from Baguio to La Union. You can take the bus going to Laoag and Vigan and stop at Urbiztondo Beach. It will take from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. It will cost from 95-110 PHP.
ATMS IN LA UNION
There’s a number of ATM Machines in La Union, but most of them are in the town area. There are different banks as well. Some hotels have ATM machines around the vicinity but it is still advisable to always bring cash for emergencies. There are also exchange offices if you are bringing cash.
Click here to know the exact exchange rate!
DAILY BUDGET TO VISIT LA UNION
For budget or DIY travelers, you’ll surely choose cheaper options especially when it comes to accommodation.
With 1500 PHP, it can be a good budget with food, transportation and accommodation plus entrance fees to some spots since most of them are with donations or free of charge. You can go for local food for 50-70 PHP in local carinderias and around 150 PHP in local restaurants in La Union, where you will find Filipino and Western food.
For accommodation, a budget room would cost a minimum 1000 PHP ($20 USD) and you can go up to 5000 PHP. Airbnb options are starting from $15-25.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK WITH AGODA IN YOUR NEXT TRIP IN LA UNION.
Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in the Philippines with Klook!
LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN LA UNION
SURFING AND BEACHES IN LA UNION
1. URBIZTONDO BEACH
Urbiztondo beach is the main beach for surfing. You will find shops for renting surfing boards if you want to learn how to surf. Around the area, you will find restaurants and places to stay in La Union depending on your budget and preferences.
2. PEBBLE BEACH
Pebble Beach is located In Luna, La Union. Locals collect pebbles from the Pebble Beach. They sort out the pebbles and handpick the best ones so they can sell them to other countries. They believe that the beautiful pebbles in La Union won’t run out soon.
3. BACNOTAN BEACH
Another place where you can go surfing is in Bacnotan. There are some beach resorts in Bacnotan that you can go to for your La Union getaway. Go swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or just relaxing under the sun!
This is one of the beaches in La Union to go to if you want a place like Urbiztondo but a little bit less crowded.
HOW TO GET FROM LA UNION TO BACNOTAN
Bacnotan Beach is 10 kilometers away from San Juan Beach, where you can also go next for another beach experience. There are jeepneys going from San Fernando to Bacnotan stopping in Bacnotan public market. You can get the jeepney in San Fernando public market.
Resorts in Bacnotan Beach typically cost around $20 USD and above per night. Book your accommodations in La Union through Agoda.
To get to Pebble Beach you will have to go 30 kilometers North from San Juan just crossed Bacnotan you will find Luna Municipality.
4. DARIGAYOS BEACH
Darigayos Beach is located 20 kilometers North from San Juan La Union. You will find white sand and clear water. Make sure you bring your snorkeling gear. There are two resorts Noble Tower Resort and Coral Island Resort if you want to stay overnight or spending the day.
HOW TO GET FROM LA UNION TO DARIGAYOS BEACH
You have to get the jeepney going North from San Fernando and stop at Paraoir National High School in Balaoan. From here you will have access to Immuki Island, Darigayos Beach and Paraoir Man Forest.
5. ACAPULCO BEACH
Acapulco Beach is a white beach with clear water located near Aurora Resorts in La Union. There are cottages for rent and camping is allowed.
HOW TO GET TO ACAPULCO BEACH
To get to Acapulco Beach from La Union you will have to get a jeepney going to Poro Point and the area of Thunderbird Resorts. Once you are there you can go walking distance or by tricycle.
6. TABERNA BEACH
Also one of La Union Beaches you’ll love is Taberna Beach. It’s a beach where you watch one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Philippines. Because of its beauty, Taberna Beach can be a little bit crowded especially during the summer in the Philippines.
Taberna Beach is located in Barangay Taberna, Bauang, La Union.
It’s a public beach so there’s no entrance fee, but you can rent some cottages around the area for affordable prices.
7. PANICSICAN BEACH
Just like most of the beaches in La Union, Panicsian Beach is a public beach free for all the visitors. There are cottages you can rent that are located just in front of the beach. Panicsian Beach is located in Barangay Panicsian in San Juan, La Union.
One night stay in the beach resorts in Panicsian Beach costs as low as $10 USD. Book your accommodations in La Union through Agoda.
SAN FERNANDO LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS
8. CARLATAN BEACH
Another one of La Union beaches located in San Fernando is Carlatan Beach. Although this beach is small, it is still a good place to relax, swim, sunbathe, and even campfire with your friends and loved ones.
There’s a few beach resorts in Carlatan that you can stay at for affordable prices like La Mer Resort.
9. CANAOAY BEACH
Canaoay Beach, like most of La Union beaches, have many beach resorts to offer. Most of them are just in front of this beautiful beach so it won’t be hard for you to choose where to stay.
This beach is located in San Fernando La Union, which is just a few minutes away from Pindangan Ruins, another tourist spot of the province.
10. BAUANG BEACH, BACCUIT SUR BEACH
Although it may not be one of San Fernando La Union tourist spots beaches’ “prettiest”. Baccuit Sur Beach is a gem for those who want peace. It’s a lovely beach in Bauang with cream brown sand and clear waters.
This beach is a peaceful one and not too many people visit here. So, if you want a relaxing beach experience without the crowd, Baccuit Sur Beach is definitely for you to try.
Baccuit Sur Beach can be found in Bauang, La Union and the entrance fee for Baccuit Sur Beach depends on which resort you’ll go to for accommodation. Price starts at $20 USD for an overnight stay.
Click here to check prices and availability at Marand Resort!
MORE LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN LA UNION
WATERFALLS IN LA UNION
11. TANGADAN FALLS
If you are coming from San Juan Beach or San Fernando La Union, you have to ride a jeep to San Gabriel for around 20 PHP. Just mention to the jeepney driver that you are going to Tangadan Falls and he will drop you off in the tricycle terminal where you can get a tricycle for 50 PHP for two people.
The entrance fee for Tangadan Falls is 30 PHP. You can have a guide for 500-600 PHP (good enough for 6-7 people and you can always join a group to share expenses) and they will guide you around the trek for 50-60 minutes to get to Tangadan Falls.
12. BALAY ANITO FALLS
Balay Anito Falls are located in San Gabriel 20 kilometers far from San Juan, La Union near Bacnotan. If you want to do hiking and swimming will be one of the perfect things to do in La Union.
The falls are 20 meters and with pristine waters perfect for swimming and refreshing.
13. BULALAKAW FALLS
Bulalakaw Falls are located in Bagulin just 30 minutes tricycle ride from Naguilian in La Union. There is 20 minutes hike to reach Bulalakaw Falls from the road. A perfect plan and one of the refreshing things to do in La Union.
14. TUDDINGAN FALLS
Tuddingan Falls are located in the Municipality of Naguilian 20 kilometers far from San Juan La Union. Tuddingan Falls is a 70 feet man made pool perfect for swimming and refreshing. It’s near the rice fields in Naguilian.
15. OCCALONG FALLS & USUKEN FALLS
Occalong Falls & Usuken Falls are located in Luna Municipality one hour driving from San Juan. Occalong Falls are higher and just a few steps far from Usuken Falls. You will have to hike 15 minutes to reach there.
Occalong Falls & Usuken Falls entrance fee is 20 PHP.
16. LOSLOSI FALLS
Loslosi Falls are located in the municipality of Bagulin. The views of the 3 cascades are amazing. And you can swim in the natural pools. One of the best things to do in La Union is visiting waterfalls. And Loslosi Falls is one of La Union tourist spots that you can’t miss there.
17. SIMMINUBLAN FALLS
Simminublan Falls are located in Puguil, Santol. If you love waterfalls just rent a motorbike or a tricycle from La Union. And you will enjoy the waterfalls for yourself swimming with the locals.
18. GRAPE FARM
Yes, there are a number of grape farms in La Union. One of the most famous grape farms is in Bauang, La Union. It is called Lomboy Grape Farm, the one believed to be the first grape farm in the Philippines.
Entrance Fee is PHP 100 and PHP 150 for grape picking. It is open from 7AM to 4PM from Monday to Saturday and 7AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday.
19. LA UNION BOTANICAL GARDEN
If you like plants one of the things to do in La Union that you can’t miss is visiting La Union Botanical Garden. You will find different plants and flowers walking around. Union Botanical Garden entrance fee is 30 PHP.
MORE SAN FERNANDO LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS
20. PAGODA HILL
Pagoda Hill is located in San Fernando La Union. It’s also called Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park to commemorate the friendship of both countries. A great place to get the views of the city and the ocean. Best time to visit Pagoda Hill is at sunset time.
21. PINDANGAN RUINS
Pindangan Ruins is located in La Union. Pindangan Ruins is a remnant of an old Catholic with Spahish influence. It’s one of the historical union tourist spots that you can’t miss it. Pindangan Ruins entrance fee is 120 PHP.
22. VISIT CHRIST THE REDEEMER STATUE
Christ the Redeemer Statue is one of the most popular San Fernando La Union tourist spots. The views are amazing from the top. There is no entrance fee for visiting the Christ the Redeemer Statue. The original one is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
23. ST WILLIAM THE HERMIT CATHEDRAL
St William the Hermit Cathedral is located in San Fernando. Hermit Cathedral was built in 18th century. If you like historical sites make sure you don’t miss this La Union tourist spot in the list.
24. MA-CHO TEMPLE
This temple prides Taoist architecture overlooking the coastline of San Fernando. Because of this, it is a perfect spot to watch the sunset and to take pictures. Just remember to behave and dress properly because it is still a place of worship.
25. BALAY NA BATO
One of La Union tourist spots to visit Balay na Bato or Bahay na Bato, or Noble Stone House. It was a rest house that turned into a tourist spot. Balay na Bato is owned by a couple from Baguio and it features a lot of stone sculptures by Vong Kim, a Korean artist.
Balay na Bato entrance fee costs PHP 50.
26. BALUARTE WATCHTOWER
Baluarte Watchtower is located in Pebble Beach in Luna, La Union. This is a mix of modern and old watchtower, with the view to the calm sea. If you love taking photos, the door with padlocks is a great background!
MORE LA UNION TOURIST SPOTS
27. THUNDERBIRD RESORT
You can visit Thunderbird Resort in La Union for spending the whole day. The entrance fee is 500 PHP (300 PHP consumables) for adults and 300 PHP (300 PHP consumables) for kids.
You can enjoy of a swim, casino and walking around the property. It’s a nice place to take pictures around. The food is delicious and you can relax with your smoothie in the pool area. If you like taking pictures, you will feel the vibe of Santorini with the villas and the similar white and blue colors Santorini.
28. NAMACPACAN CHURCH
This church houses the image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, a the title given to the Virgin Mary by the natives of La Union. If you are a Catholic who loves church/cathedral hopping, you’ll definitely want to stop by here to offer your prayers and just enjoy the silence of the church.
29. IMMUKI ISLAND
This beach has blue-green lagoons and natural pools. It’s just 30 minutes away from San Juan Beach. Immuki is a word derived from the name sea slugs, that can thrive only on dead corals. One of the most beautiful La Union tourist spots.
30. PARAOIR MAN MADE FOREST
Paraoir Man Made Forest is located in the Municipality of Luna near Bacnotan. The popular one in the Philippines is the Made Man Forest from Bohol. If you like the nature for sure Paraoir Man Made Forest is one of the things to do in La Union.
31. STAYING AT LOTUS VALLEY FARM
Lotus Valley Farm in La Union can be a great option to breath fresh air. You will have an amazing experience in a quiet and calm place. You can stay overnight renting in Airbnb. Price for staying one night at Lotus Valley Farm is 5000 PHP.
32. VISIT BOLIKEWKEW RICE TERRACES
Bolikewkew Rice Terraces is located in Burgos just one hour driving distance from San Juan. If it’s the season where you can see everything green is a must to visit in the list of La Union tourist spots.
33. TAPUAKAN RIVER
Tapuakan River or Tapuacan River is claimed to be the cleanest Inland River of the northern region of the Philippines. It has crystal clear waters flowing from the mountain top towards the river mainstream.
It’s definitely a must to visit this place. Just remember to bring your own food as there are no nearby restaurants or stores. Also, if you are bringing kids on your trip, be careful as the place is rocky.
34. BAKES SPRING/RIVER
Bakes Spring/River is located in San Gabriel just 40 minutes driving from San Juan La Union. If you feel refreshing yourself and visiting waterfalls around San Gabriel it will be a perfect La Union tourist spot for you.
35. PORO POINT LIGHTHOUSE
This lighthouse was an old one, built in 1905 during American occupation in the Philippines. It is 8 meters high and made up of concrete and it also has a gallery but no lantern. Take note that it is not accessible by visitors because it’s located in a military base.
You can just take a photo of the lighthouse for remembrance. However, there are rumors that they will soon develop the lighthouse as a tourist destination. Hopefully, haha!
36. SURFING IN LA UNION
If you want to experience and learn how to surf. La Union is one of the most popular places in the Philippines for surfing. If you have never tried you can take surfing lessons.
37. NIGHT MARKET AT SAN FERNANDO SFC
If you like Filipino street food you can go to San Fernando Night Market SFC. You know prices are available for delicious food. There are smoothies, juices and Filipino food starting from $1 USD. One of our favorite La Union tourist spots.
The night market in San Fernando SFC is located at Osmeña Street.
38. NIGHTLIFE IN LA UNION
La Union is one of the most popular provinces for nightlife, apart from surfing. You can go for a beer and dance if you like it. Enjoy the night and socialize with the locals! The option of restaurants is wide, with every restaurant having affordable prices. We enjoyed partying in La Union and meeting new friends.
WHERE TO STAY IN LA UNION
THUNDERBIRD RESORT
Our choice was the luxury stay at Thunderbird Resort where we enjoyed a villa with views to the golf court. We had amazing time at sunset taking pictures, walking around, and just relaxing. It’s inspired by Santorini and it’s great to experience it!
Well, just in case you haven’t gone to Greece yet or you went to Santorini like us and you want to have amazing memories again. And of course, we had amazing time swimming in the pool area since it wasn’t very crowded at that time.
It’s located 5-10 minutes drive away to San Fernando and the area is perfect for resting.
Click here to know their availability and book your stay starting at $199 USD per night!
KAHUNA BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa is located in Urbiztondo with free Wi-Fi in all rooms, convenience store, daily housekeeping, gift/souvenir shop, Wi-Fi in public areas.
The hotel features 30 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non smoking rooms, air conditioning. The complete list of recreational facilities is available at the hotel, including hot tub, golf course (within 3 km), outdoor pool, spa, massage.
Address: Urbiztondo, San Juan, San Juan, La Union, Philippines, 2514
Click here to check prices and availability!
AUREO RESORT LA UNION
If you are looking for a more laid-back stay in La Union, we recommend Aureo Resort La Union. It’s a beach resort with great facilities such as the outdoor pool and located just in front of the beach. You can choose which view you want in picking your preferred room- beach view, pool view, garden view, or lagoon view.
Aureo Resort is located in San Francisco, San Fernando, La Union.
You can book a room for as low as $133 USD.
Click here to book your stay at Aureo Resort La Union.
WHERE TO STAY IN LA UNION ON A BUDGET
HOTEL MIKKA
Images from Agoda
To start our list of places where to stay in La Union under the cheap hotels category, there’s Hotel Mikka which will surely make the most out of your money. For only an affordable price, you’ll get to sleep in their neat, air-conditioned rooms with TV and private bathroom. Perfect place for resting when visiting La Union tourist spots.
However, wifi is not available in all rooms. For some rooms, you can pay for an additional fee if you want. They also offer airport transfer for a fee. You don’t have to worry if you get hungry because they have their own restaurant where you can dine. What the guests love about hotel Mikka is the service of their staff, who are very polite and friendly to guests.
Hotel Mikka can be found at Quezon Ave., San Fernando, La Union. Click here to know their availability and book your stay starting at $18 USD per night!
LA GRANJA EXCLUSIVE
A cheaper option in where to stay in La Union is La Granja Exclusive. This one is even more awesome because they have a tent option, which is the cheapest in their place.
Their tents are just in the garden where the outdoor pool is, so it is a relaxing alternative if you prefer to stay outside that in their exclusive rooms. For every option at La Granja Exclusive, you may use the barbecue grill, pool, and free parking. They even have free Wifi but for public areas only.
La Granja Exclusive is at Tabtabungao Barangay Road, 2506 Rosario, La Union.
Click here to know their availability and book your stay starting at $11 USD per night!
HOTEL ARIANA
This 3-star hotel offers guests a nice experience in La Union for an affordable price. Their rooms are all air-conditioned with its own TV and bathroom.
The guests love that it is near La Union’s tourist spots and that they have their own restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Also, if you’d like to relax after touring La Union all day, you can avail their massage!
Hotel Ariana is at Paringao, Bauang, La Union.
Click here to know their availability and book your stay starting at $40 USD per night!
VILLA ELITA
Villa Elita has a “Very Good” rating with a score of 8/10. Because of this, your stay is almost guaranteed to be satisfactory. Their services include a 24-hour service desk and room service. This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant where you can dine.
They also offer breakfast served in your room if you want, but expect to pay additional fee. Inside their bedrooms are a TV, private bathroom, comfortable bed, toiletries, closet, and you can enjoy their free wifi. If you have a vehicle, you can also avail the parking for free. The guests love the Continental, Asian, and American food, as well as the free wifi in every room.
Villa Elita is located at National Highway, Brgy Ipet, 2520 Sudipen, La Union.
Click here to know their availability and book your stay starting at $31 USD per night!
FESTIVALS IN LA UNION
DINENGDENG FESTIVAL
Dinengdeng is a one of Ilocano dishes that are popular in the whole country, and the most popular dish in La Union. That is why they specifically have a festival for this dish. It is much-loved by Ilocanos and food lovers anticipate and enjoy this event every year.
There are even Dinengdeng Cooking Contests and everyone loves celebrating this festival in La Union because they are abundant with the ingredients used in this delicious dish. It is usually celebrated during last week of April to first week of May.
TABACCO FESTIVAL
La Union is Philippines’ biggest supplier of tobacco, and this festival is known to promote the resilience of hardworking Ilocano tobacco farmers. Everyone in Tubao, La Union celebrates the abundant harvest of tobacco every year and they enjoy this through a fun and colorful celebration.
Although some are against tobacco smoking, they cannot simply stop producing tobacco because of its help to La Union’s livelihood.
SILLAG FESTIVAL
Sillag is an Ilocano term that means “illumination from the moon.” This 2 to 3-day festival is celebrated during summer and it’s one of the most festive celebration in La Union. There are light-featured events such as the ceremonial lighting of Sillag Village, a musical show, and lantern parade.
The local government and some establishments also organize different activities such as food fests, fireworks display, live bands or concerts, and activities for children. This is an event that many tourists and locals await for each year.
La Union is obviously a beautiful place to visit in the Philippines because of La Union’s tourist spots. There are a lot of things to do in La Union and we really hope to come back soon!
Are you planning to visit La Union this year? Don’t forget to share this La Union travel guide with your friends and hope you enjoy all the things to do in La Union together!
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Happy travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.