Find out other interesting things to do in this La Union tourist spot guide.
The province of La Union in the Northwestern part of Luzon, Philippines, is a favorite travel destination for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Accessible by land, La Union makes an easy escape destination for the beach bum seeking a laidback and budget-friendly vacation. Apart from the good swells, there are more exciting things to do and places to visit La Union.
You can ideally visit the surfing town of San Juan all year round because the weather is predominantly humid. Visiting from November to March has the north swell, while the south swell navigates the ocean from July to October.
Traveling to La Union
Traveling from Manila to La Union
Tourists driving their cars and coming from Metro Manila can take the North Luzon Expressway. Continue to Tarlac-Pampanga-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) and exit at Pozorubio. After that, take the road to San Fernando by-pass road until you reach the capital city.
Traveling by car takes about 4.5 to 5 hours on the average season.
When commuting, there are provincial buses that operate thru scheduled trips daily. Partas Bus is known to have direct trips from Manila to San Juan, La Union.
When traveling around Zambales, the transport modes are jeepney and tricycle for shorter distances. Meanwhile, a bus is your option for longer trips.
Discover fun things to do on this La Union tourist spot guide
Table of Contents
1. Surfing in San Juan
San Juan La Union is a go-to destination for travelers who simultaneously enjoy the swells and beach.
With its proximity to Metro Manila, you can reach this La Union tourist spot as early as five hours. On the other hand, riding provincial buses takes you around six hours the fastest.
Surfing enthusiasts and newbies dwell on San Juan’s shores when superior swells come by the coast from October to March.
You can easily spot many surfing schools that offer lessons for beginners at the beachfront. Don’t have a surfboard? They got you covered. You can rent surfboards by the hour or for half the day at affordable rates.
Aside from riding the waves, swimming is as thrilling, though. Note, however, that swimming and surfing are only open from 6 am to 6 pm.
When you’re feeling hungry, you’ll have plenty of restaurants and food stalls to choose from.
After your tiring day, you can peacefully watch the golden sunset and wander the shores of San Juan.
Among other La Union tourist spots, the nightlife in San Juan paints another story. Music, lights, and the lovely crowd usually dominate the landscape. In terms of accommodation, you can easily find budget hostels here.
2. Ma-cho Temple
The Ma-Cho temple in San Fernando is another top La Union tourist spot you shouldn’t miss when roaming around the province.
Near the bustling downtown, you can easily spot the entrance pagoda signage from the highway.
The Ma-Cho Temple is the only Taoist temple in La Union, built during the mid-1970s. This sacred shrine dedicates to the Chinese Sea-goddess, Mazu, the protector of the sea. That is why the temple strategically faces the sea.
Open for public viewing, Ma-cho Temple welcomes every curious tourist and is free.
The impressive pagodas, towers, and statues of lions and dragons are a sight to behold. On top of that, the 13-tier spider-type dome makes this temple a masterpiece. Wood carving of deities and traditional Taoist decors interlink, forming the massive dome.
Tourists can also enjoy the vast overlooking of the sea. Visiting Ma-cho Temple is a great way to meditate and learn something new, apart from taking souvenir photos.
3. Tangadan Falls
Take a break from your surfing itinerary and visit Tangadan Falls, just a few miles from San Juan beach.
Before reaching Tangadan Falls, you can either hire a tricycle or jeepney to drop you at the nearest jump-off point. When you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt to hike the trails and commune with San Gabriel’s nature. Opting for the latter requires you around an hour of trek, though.
Upon reaching Tangadan Falls, you’ll see the massive rock facade and the seeming sheet of cold water flowing. Tourists visiting here enjoy water massage by directly hovering to the waterfall’s bottom by riding a bamboo raft. Besides, you can also swim in the vast basin to relax and feel refreshed.
Adventure seekers can also try cliff jumping at a cliff near the smaller waterfall.
Ideally, arranging your trip with a local guide would be best. The local tourism office does provide life jackets as well at a minimal rental rate.
4. Grape Farms in Bauang
Who would have thought that there are grape farms in a tropical country like the Philippines? Well, the modest town of Bauang has long been a nice side trip for tourists traveling to surf the beaches of San Juan.
Among the known grape farms in Bauang are Calica, Lomboy, Gapuz, and Mangguera. All of which are private farms of their respective family.
Seeing the vast vineyards is such a unique experience. Moreover, the actual harvesting of bunches of grapes is as fascinating as seeing them hang above your head.
Those farms offer such activity, and you have to pay for the fruit. They also sell other souvenir products made from grapes, like grape wine.
You can experience grape picking in Bauang farms from March to May, just in time when planning to surf the beach in the summer.
Grape farms in Bauang are among the local government’s efforts to promote agricultural La Union tourist spots.
5. Baluarte Watch Tower
When deciding to travel to Luna’s town, you can quickly pay a visit to the historical Baluarte watchtower.
This century-old edifice once serves as a fortress for the Spaniards to warn of incoming pirate attacks.
Once wrecked during a typhoon, this great La Union tourist spot still sits on a pebbled beach adorned with concrete pavers.
Tourists usually spend a quick visit here, just when taking a break from long drives.
6. Luna Pebble Beach
After appreciating the Baluarte watchtower, it’s time to hop on to Luna’s Pebble Beach.
The coast of Luna is home to the pebble picking industry of the North because of its massive abundance in its shoreline.
Although walking on a shore of pebbles instead of the usual sands feels different, a quick tour is still an experience worthy of trying.
The sounds of the powerful waves splashing to the stiff pebbles break the sheer silence of the beach.
Visiting Pebble Beach is ideal for catching the perfect sunrise view during the early morning. However, an afternoon visit is a more laidback vibe just when the silhouette starts to form.
Overall, this unassuming La Union tourist spot is an excellent addition to your itinerary.
7. Namacpacan Church
This historic church is a gem for the locals of Luna. Surprisingly, La Union considers it the only remaining heritage site in the province.
In the 1690s, Namacmacan church sits near the downtown area, a few blocks away from Luna Monument and the municipal park.
Tourists and devotees flock here during the Lenten Season. If you visit during this period, expect to have a limited parking space, so make sure to arrive at early hours.
Devotees and tourists alike pay a visit for the miracles and healing of Apo Baket, a revered image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Drop by the Namacpacan Church during your La Union tourist spot tour, so you can still reflect and have some time to meditate.
8. Lotus Valley Farm
Escape the busy crowds of Urbiztondo and spend a night in Lotus Valley Farm to experience off-the-grid hospitality.
Located in Dasay, San Juan, this hidden farm is a paradise of forest farms that paints a different perspective from the La Union’s surfing spots.
Fruit-bearing trees, different bamboo species, lush vegetation, and a lotus farm occupy the most property. With the abundance of flora, the farm’s temperature significantly contributes to keeping at a fair compared to the city.
Lotus Valley Farm offers a true escape from the city and a detox program to introduce a plant-based diet and sound meditation.
An overnight stay at their modern nipa huts completes the whole experience. They offer two rustic bamboo hut rooms at affordable rates, accommodating 4 to 6 persons.
Make sure to include this in your La Union tourist spot itinerary when you’re looking for a place to destress and relax at the same time.
9. Poro Point Lighthouse
If century-old structures fascinate you, then the Poro Point Lighthouse is an extra La Union tourist spot to visit.
Just 30 minutes ride from the busy Urbiztondo, you can easily access this classical structure built to guide the mariners in the olden times.
Since Poro Point Lighthouse sits on a military base, access to the structure is prohibited. You can, however, take some photos from a distance with the lighthouse as a background.
Locals having an early morning jog usually ends at Poro Point Lighthouse for an incredible sea view.
🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Baguio | Pangasinan |
Plan your next trip in La Union now
Draft your La Union tourist spot itinerary now so you can maximize your long weekends or planned vacation leaves.
With plenty of affordable and budget-friendly hostels near the surfing spots, booking keeps your worries from the unprecedented fully booked dilemma.
Surfers flock to the beaches of La Union from November to January because of its less temperate climate. Expect to get higher rates, though, of accommodations when planning to visit during those times.
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Safe travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the Department of Tourism or visit LGU La Union for updates. Stay safe.