Without a doubt, La Union is well-known as a surfing destination. It has numerous surfing spots such as Urbiztondo Beach and Monaliza Point several surfing schools, and waves as high as 10 feet! Many of its visitors come solely to enjoy its waters.
However, this once sleepy town is no longer so! It is now a destination for a variety of exciting activities that will make your summer memorable. If you don’t like riding waves or are simply not a fan of water, there are plenty of other things to do in La Union besides surfing.
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Explore the food scene
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Pick your own grapes at Gapuz Grapes Farm
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Enjoy an exhilarating fun hike at Arosip Ecotrail
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Witness a sea of clouds at Mt. Puraw
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Cliff dive at Tangadan Falls
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Learn about Taoism at Ma Cho Temple
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See quirky art pieces at Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery
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Poro Point Lighthouse will take your breath away
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Visit the Pindangan Ruins to go ghost hunting.
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Take thousand of photos at Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point
1. Explore the food scene.
Flotsam & Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam is a popular nightlife destination in Urbiztondo, San Juan, located along the MacArthur Highway. This restaurant and bar is part of the same-named stylish artist hostel and is extremely popular among the young millennial crowd.
Flotsam and Jetsam is an open-air dining and drinking establishment with a hip and fun vibe. A sheltered area of the restaurant is decorated with colorful artsy lamps and wooden furniture. The open-air area is occupied by low picture tables and mats. Aside from beer and cocktails, Flotsam and Jetsam serves Filipino dishes as well as western favorites like pasta and pizza.
Operating Hours: Hostel hours
What they Serve: Continental cuisine
Expect to Spend: Around PHP 300-400 per person
Photo credit: Will Fly for Food
Tagpuan
If you want a no-frills food trip, Tagpuan sa San Juan is a local favorite that serves familiar yet delicious dishes at reasonable prices. Bagnet and adobo flakes are two of their sure winners that are worth a try.
Operating Hours: 8AM-2AM, Thurs-Sun / 8AM-12MN, Mon / 6PM-12MN, Wed (closed Tuesdays)
What they Serve: Filipino rice bowls
Expect to Spend: Around PHP 100-150 per person
Photo credit: Will Fly for Food
Halo Halo de Iloko
As the name implies, Halo Halo de Iloko is a popular halo-halo restaurant in the neighboring town of San Fernando. It’s a great place to eat halo-halo on your way back to Manila.
Address: 12 Zandueta, San Fernando La Union, Luzon 2500, Philippines
Operating Hours: 9AM-9PM, daily
What they Serve: Halo-halo, Filipino cuisine
Expect to Spend: Around PHP 400-500 per person
Photo credit: MikedTravelPH
2. Pick your own grapes at Gapuz Grapes Farm
Many people are unaware that La Union has been home to several vineyards since the 1970s. The majority of these family-owned estates can be found in Bauang and are open to the public! Gapuz Grapes Farm is one such location. You can explore the area, talk to the farmers, and learn how to make wine from the plump grapes.
Admission is free, but there is a small fee if you want to take photos (which you will!). If you want to go grape picking, the harvest season is only from March to May, so call ahead. You can also take home some locally produced wines as a souvenir.
Photo credit: Gapuz Grape Farm
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Address: Brgy, MacArthur Highway, Bauang, 2501 La Union
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Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00am-5:00pm
3. Enjoy an exhilarating fun hike at Arosip Ecotrail
Aside from its beautiful beaches, La Union is a fantastic hiking destination. The Arosip Ecotrail, located in the municipality of Bacnotan, is one trail you can conquer here. The hike is 6.5 kilometers long, with several waterfalls along the way, including Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls, Padtok Falls, and Tekdag-Aso Falls. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the lowland areas once you reach the peak. To begin your adventure at Arosip Ecotrail, go to Bacnotan town market and take a tricycle to Brgy. Arosip and go to the barangay hall to register. You can also hire a local guide to accompany you on your journey.
Photo credit: Provincial Government of La Union
4. Witness a sea of clouds at Mt. Puraw
Mt. Puraw is another popular hiking destination in La Union. It’s not only a short hike (just 1.5km that can be completed in under an hour), but if you time it right, you might be greeted by a sea of clouds! Views of the surrounding mountains, rolling hills, and rivers will also greet you once you reach the summit.
Photo credit: The Sunday punch
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Address: Bauang, La Union
5. Cliff dive at Tangadan Falls
Cliff diving at Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel is one of the best things to do in La Union, whether you like surfing or not. It is divided into two tiers and two cascades, with the lower level ideal for swimming and the upper level ideal for the thrilling cliff jump.
Photo credit: Tangadan Falls Tour Guide
You can hail a jeepney going to San Gabriel if you’re coming from San Juan, La Union. Then, take the easy route by riding a motorcycle and making a quick trek to the falls. For a more challenging day, walk for an hour from Brgy Duplas through a scenic trail to Tangadan Falls.
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Address: San Gabriel, La Union
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Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 6:00am-5:00pm
- Tour Guide : https://www.facebook.com/TangadanFallsTouristsGuide (Contact: 0927 042 2043)
- Need a seamless ride from Manila to La Union? Book here 7-8 seater MPV Private Vehicle with a driver
6. Learn about Taoism at Ma Cho Temple
Ma Cho Temple is the country’s first Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese deity Ma-Cho of the Sung Dynasty. The striking place of worship is known for its spider dome, collection of intricate stone carvings, and panoramic view of San Fernando Harbor. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular things to do at La Union.
Photo credit: Ma-Cho Temple FB Page
Photo credit: Rizanoia.com
The Five Door Gate or pailou, Main Hall, and Eight-Sided Pavilion are some of Ma Cho Temple’s most notable features. The entrance to Ma Cho Temple is free, but remember to keep silence and dress appropriately during your visit.
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Socials: Facebook
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Address: Quezon Avenue, Barangay II, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines 2500
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Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00am-5:00pm
7. See quirky art pieces at Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery
If you need a break from the beach, another great stop in La Union is the Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery. The museum houses the work of Korean artist Vong Kim as well as the work of his art students. Inside, you’ll find stone sculptures (ranging from adorable animals to phallic items), eye-catching woodworks, and three-dimensional displays.
Kamay Na Bato should not be confused with another gallery called Bahay na Bato. The latter was once a popular tourist destination but is now a private residence. The entrance fee to Kamay Na Bato is PHP50.
Photo Credit: @markgerardaustria on Instagram
Photo credit: Scene Zone
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Social: Facebook
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Address: Nalvo Norte, Bacnotan – Luna – Balaoan Rd, Luna, La Union
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Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00am-6:00pm
8. Poro Point Lighthouse will take your breath away
Sightseeing is another enjoyable activity in La Union! The Poro Point Lighthouse is one of the province’s most captivating attractions. The concrete structure was built in 1905 and stands 27 feet tall. Despite its age, the lighthouse is still operational and even has a gallery inside if you’re curious about its origins.
Luz Del Puerto De San Fernando, a steel lighthouse with a breathtaking view of the sea, is just a few steps away from the Poro Point Lighthouse.
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Address: San Fernando, La Union
Photo credit: La Union Government
9. Visit the Pindangan Ruins to go ghost hunting.
Pindangan Ruins is a historical tourist attraction in San Fernando that has consistently ranked among the top things to do in eLyU. It was built by Spanish priests in 1764 and dedicated to San Guillermo, the Hermit, as its patron. Pindangan is also regarded as La Union’s oldest church.
Pindangan was damaged by an earthquake in the 1800s and was never rebuilt to its former glory. Regardless of what happened, people continue to flock to the attraction because of its picturesque beauty and eerie charm. The entrance fee is PHP30.
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Address: San Fernando, La Union
10. Take thousand of photos at Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point
You don’t have to travel far to see some of the world’s most incredible sights. Simply visit Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union. Although the resort is well-known for its luxurious accommodations and gambling facilities, it has also opened its doors to the public for day tours!
Many Instagram-worthy spots can be found inside Thunderbird Poro Point. Check out their Urban Light art installation, which is similar to the one at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and their very own sea of LED Roses, which is similar to the ones in Cebu!
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Address: Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando, 2500 La Union
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Socials: Facebook
Photo credit: Thunderbird Resort
