La Union – Things to see and do in Ilocos’ Garden Coast
More than just the surfing and all things beach, La Union is also becoming one of the premier destinations in the Ilocos Region. From its rich botanical gardens, natural parks, and historic sites, the province has more to offer – you just need to explore!
Read also: La Union 1000-Peso Challenge
Places to See and Things to Do in La Union
San Fernando City
San Fernando City Plaza
The San Fernando City Plaza is the main square in San Fernando City. This is where some public events are seen and held. It is also convenient to visit this place because it is just along the Manila North Road (MacArthur Highway). You can also alight here as there is a bus stop just at the plaza’s side.
St. William the Hermit Church (San Fernando Church)
The St. William the Hermit Church aka. San Fernando City Church, is the main church and is the home of the Diocese of San Fernando. It can be found right behind the San Fernando Plaza
Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park
The Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park is one of the mini-parks found within the La Union Provincial Capitol complex. It features a pagoda overlooking the San Fernando Bay.
La Union Provincial Capitol
The La Union Provincial Capitol is the seat of the government of the province. Located on top of a hill, it overlooks downtown San Fernando City and nearby San Fernando Bay and Poro Point.
Poro Point Lighthouse
Being one of the most iconic places in La Union, the Poro Point Lighthouse is situated near the tip of Poro, overlooking the West Philippine Sea. if you are lucky enough, there is also a nearby viewpoint where you can view the Poro Point cliffs – perfect for the gram.
Ma-Cho Temple
The Taoist Ma-Cho Temple is one of the most iconic structures in downtown San Fernando City. dedicated to the Chinese Sea goddess Mazu, this temple is an ideal spot for sunsets overlooking the bay.
Pindangan Ruins
Under the care of the Carmelite Sisters of La Union, the Pindangan Ruins was once a catholic church dating back to 1764. Its iconic walls and buttresses still stand up to this day and is one of the religious tourist sites in La Union.
San Juan
Mebuyan’s Vessel
The art installation of Mebuyan’s Vessel is situated on the banks of Urbiztondo Beach in the town of San Juan. This tourist spot is made up of recyclable materials such as plastic water gallons. This is also a good spot for chasing the sunset.
Urbiztondo Beach
The famed Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is where all the surfing action happens. From surfing lessons, to chasing sunsets, the gray-sand shoreline of Urbiztondo is the perfect spot to chill. The beach is also dotted with different bars, restaurants, and accommodations for visitors to enjoy.
Balaoan
San Nicolas de Tolentino Church (Balaoan Church)
The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church aka Balaoan Church is the main catholic church in the town of Balaoan. Its notable pink facade is what makes this church unique and is located just in front of the municipal hall.
Balaoan Farmers Civic Center + Balaoan Municipal Hall
The Balaoan Farmers Civic Center and the Balaoan Municipal Hall are two of the main structures in Balaoan. This is where many civic activities happen.
Luna
Bahay na Bato
The Bahay na Bato is a living masterpiece as everything you will see inside is made out of stone. Being the foremost tourist spot in the town of Luna, you can see everything made out of stone, rock, or pebbles – making your visit a memorable one.
Baluarte Watchtower
The former fortress aka Baluarte Watchtower once served as a watchtower for pirates coming in from the West Philippine Sea. This 5-meter brick cylindrical structure has been refurbished since and is now one of the more popular spots in Luna.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church (Luna Church)
The Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria is also the home of the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan. This is also the largest catholic church in Luna and is found in the main plaza of the town.
Luna Monument
Named after the Ilocano general Antonio Luna, the Luna Monument shows a statue of the famous general mounted on a horse, which also serves as a roundabout in the main road of the municipality.
Bauang
Sts. Peter and Paul Church (Bauang Church)
Sts. Peter and Paul Church is the main and biggest catholic church in the town of Bauang. It is also home to the 883-pound San Pedro Bell which was returned to the church after 115 years of being in American possession.
Ciano Umok Gallery and Cafe
The Ciano Umok Gallery and Cafe is an art cafe located in the suburbs of the town of Bauang. It features seasonal art pieces and decors in the entire property and its galleries also show different forms of art. Also a notable must-try in Ciano Umok is their signature Halo-Halo, which I liken to a Korean Bingsu, because its shaved ice is creamy, while it is topped with different tropical fruits and ingredients.
Gapuz Grapes Farm
One of the must-do activities, too, in La Union is grapes picking. Found in the boundary between Bauang and Caba, the Gapuz Grapes Farm is one of many grape-picking farms in the province. I recommend that you go there during their harvest season, which is from February to April. There is no entrance fee to the property, you just have to pay for what you pick!
Aringay
St. Lucy Church (Aringay Church)
St. Lucy Church is also the main catholic church in the town of Aringay. The parish was founded in 1736.
Aringay Centennial Tunnel
This 500-meter tunnel was supposed to be part of the railway system connecting Aringay and Baguio. But when World War I broke out, the project was subsequently abandoned. In 2013, it was named the Aringay Centennial Tunnel for its historical significance.
Agoo
Our Lady of Charity Church (Agoo Basilica)
The Our Lady of Charity Church aka the Agoo Basilica was consecrated as a Marian Shrine in 1978 and was elevated to a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982. This is also the largest catholic church in the town of Agoo.
Agoo Municipal Hall
This is the seat of government in the town of Agoo and is located just near the Agoo Basilica.
Eagle of the North Park
The Eagle of the North Park is one of the main tourist spots in Agoo, located along Jose Aspiras Highway (Marcos Highway). It was built by the renowned sculptor Anselmo Day-ag, who also built the Marcos Bust in La Union, the Lion’s Head along Kennon Road, and the Battle of Mactan in Cebu.
Where to Eat in La Union
Halo-Halo de Iloko Balay
Halo-Halo de Iloko has become one of La Union’s must-go restaurants when it comes to Filipino cuisine. When I first visited HHDI in 2012, it only served their special Halo-Halo, but when I came back in 2024, they now serve a variety of Filipino dishes!
Urban Streat Food Park
The Urban Streat Food Park is one of the newest places to eat in San Fernando City. Located just adjacent to the Ma-Cho Temple along the intersection, this food park offers a wide variety of food, from local dishes to international fusions!
Elyu’s Food Park
Aside from the Urban Streat Food Park, there is also a new Food Park near the old Partas Terminal in San Fernando City, Elyu’s Food Park also offers an array of food and beverage choices and has a wide common dining area for visitors to eat on.
Port San Juan
Located near the Urbiztondo Beach, Port San Juan is also a modern Food Park which houses several restaurants that cater to the surfing lifestyle. When I visited La Union last March, I tried the Giant Butterfly Squid of Waves Elyu (which is a subsidiary of Above Sea Level Restaurant).
Where to Stay in La Union
While there are a lot of accommodation options, especially in San Fernando City and San Juan, the following are some of the accommodations I have personally tried and experienced!
3Bu Hostel (San Fernando City)
Read also: Hotel Review: 3BU Hostel La Union – The Tribe is Here!
3Bu Hostel in San Fernando City is part of the 3Bu Hostel Group, with its main branch in Baguio City. 3Bu Hostel’s branch in La Union also features several rooms with bunk beds perfect for groups and families. There are also private rooms available on upper floors, overlooking the San Fernando Bay.
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel (San Juan)
Famous for its Surf Break events during summer, the municipality of San Juan became a rock star destination for beach lovers and surf addicts alike. Dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of the North,” San Juan immediately rose to popularity making it one of the major hubs for surfing north of Manila.
One of the more popular hostels in the area is the Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel. As it was recently featured in an indie film, many tourists ply the area even before it was highly commercialized.
One of the features I noticed in the hostel is that the atmosphere is very, very laid back. Bean bags with small tables are scattered within the vicinity and it serves as a dining area for stay-in and walk-in guests. It also has two small shacks / thatches for additional space for guests who want a shaded eating place.
The place is also artsy as it displays various artworks within the area. Not to mention, the staff are also cool and very friendly! Yes! The food is pricey, though, but you will definitely get your money’s worth. The food is delicious and their menu has many options as well.
Sample Itinerary when visiting La Union
Here is my suggested 3 day-2 night itinerary when visiting La Union. Note that not all municipalities are covered. You can visit other tourist spots as well at your own pace! 🙂
Day 1
| 0800 – 0830 H | San Fernando City Plaza | |
| 0830 – 0900 H | St. William the Hermit Church (San Fernando Church) | |
| 0915 – 1015 H | Halo-Halo de Iloko | ₱ 200 – 400 |
| 1030 – 1045 H | Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park | |
| 1050 – 1130 H | La Union Provincial Capitol | |
| 1200 – 1300 H | Lunch (somewhere) | ₱ 200 – 400 |
| 1330 – 1430 H | Poro Point Lighthouse + Poro Cliffs | ₱ 200
(round trip tricycle) |
| 1500 – 1530 H | Pindangan Ruins | ₱ 13
(jeep from SFC) |
| 1600 – 1800 H | Busk at Robinsons La Union | |
| 1815 – 1830 H | Ma-Cho Temple (sunset) | |
| 1900 – 2100 H | Dinner (Urban Streat Food Park or Elyu’s Food Park) | ₱ 200 – 300 |
Day 2
| 0530 – 0600 H | Sunrise at Urbiztondo Beach | |
| 0600 – 0730 H | Breakfast at Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel | ₱ 150 – 200 |
| 0800 – 0830 H | Balaoan Church / Balaoan Municipal Hall | ₱ 50 (bus from San Juan) |
| 0900 – 0930 H | Luna Church (Shrine of our Lady of Namacpacan) | |
| Luna Shrine | ||
| 0945 – 1100 H | Bahay na Bato | ₱ 50 (entrance fee)
₱ 40 – 50 |
| 1130 – 1200 H | Baluarte Watchtower | ₱ 100 (refreshments) |
| 1230 – 1330 H | Lunch at Port San Juan | ₱ 200 – 300 |
| 1400 – 1430 H | Bauang Church | ₱ 15 (jeep from San Fernando) |
| 1500 – 1630 H | Ciano Umok Gallery and Cafe | ₱ 139 (small halo-halo) |
| 1800 – 2000 H | Dinner (Urban Streat Food Park or Elyu’s Food Park) | ₱ 200 – 300 |
Day 3
| 0700 – 0800 H | Breakfast somewhere in San Fernando City | ₱ 150 – 200 |
| 0830 – 1000 H | Gapuz Grapes Farm | *depends* |
| 1030 – 1100 H | St. Lucy Church (Aringay) | ₱ 20 (bus from Gapuz) |
| 1130 – 1200 H | Aringay Centennial Tunnel | ₱ 200 (RT tricycle hire) |
| 1230 – 1330 H | Local (local eatery) | ₱ 60 – 100 |
| 1400 – 1430 H | Agoo Basilica + Agoo Municipal Hall | |
| 1445 – 1530 H | Eagle of the North | |
| 1600 – 1730 H | The Farm Agoo (snacks) | ₱ 200 – 300 |
| 1800 – 1830 H | Agoo Eco-Park | ₱ 15 (environmental fee) |
*Note that the places, prices, and information written as of publication date and time are true and are given best during my visit. Changes may occur without prior notice. If you notice any changes to the information given above, you can e-mail me here so we can dish things up!*
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
