About La Union
La Union, fondly called Elyu by travelers, is more than just a surfer’s paradise — it’s a destination packed with charm, culture, and coastal adventures. Even with just one day to spare, you can experience its laid-back vibe, catch the waves at San Juan Beach, indulge in local cafés and art spaces, and chase hidden gems like Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape from city life or a refreshing solo journey, a day tour in La Union offers just the right mix of thrill and relaxation along the scenic shores of the north.
The Province of La Union is the surfing capital of the North. The gigantic yet friendly waves make this place a paradise for surfers, well, let's include those beach addicts. The beach has a long stretch of fine grey sand with a clear view of the golden sunset. The sand has a mixture of shells and colorful corals. For people who are afraid of the waves, like me, having a wide view of the emerald water with surfers dancing on their boards is just amazing.
How to Get to La Union
By Bus: In Cubao or Pasay, ride a bus bound for San Fernando, La Union, or even Laoag. The estimated travel time is 3 to 4 hours. By Air: The nearest airport is Laoag Airport, so from there, you will have to take a bus ride to La Union. Private Cars: Just download Waze and pin your destination in La Union, and that's it.
Joiner: In my case, I joined a tour group to save more.
Places We Visited
Namacpacan Church
The historical Namacpacan Church was our first destination in La Union. It was built in the 1690s and known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan. Its design is Baroque, with thick walls and buttresses. Later, it was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. There was no mass upon our arrival, so we had time to check every corner of this historical site. We stayed there for about an hour.
Lola Mending’s
After studying history, it’s time for breakfast. Got in the van and we traveled 30 minutes to the coastal area. Finally, we arrived at Lola Mending’s, an amazing restaurant with a great view of the beach. Had coffee and their own version of Tapsilog. The food tastes really good, but it took 40 minutes before it was served - just too bad! Then, we walked by the beach and discovered the beauty of Pebble Beach and the ruins. Baluarte Ruins is a 400-year-old watchtower that faces the West Philippine Sea and serves as a watchtower for pirate attacks and other dangers by the sea. Originally made of adobe and coral blocks, today, it's covered with lighter bricks but still looks stunning.
Bahay na Bato
In 2000, Bahay na Bato started as a rest house. The owner commissioned Mr. Kim to create Bato Luna Art Gallery, which showcases artistically carved stones, wood carvings, and other materials. Every image is colorful yet unique, making it perfect for Instagram.
El Yu Man-Made Forest
Next was the El Yu Man-Made Forest, by the highway. Looks familiar because it’s similar to those in Bohol, yet it has a touch of the locals of La Union. Since the area is covered with trees, the ambiance is relaxing, while the greens are the perfect background for a jump shot. We stayed here for almost an hour.
Surfing in San Juan
Many say that San Juan in La Union is the surfing capital in the North because it has the best beginner waves and it's close to Manila. By the beach, surf instructors and guides usually approach tourists if they are interested in surfing, of course, that includes the boards. Surfers or beachgoers can choose their famous reef points: Urbiztondo/The Beach Break, Monaliza Point, and Carrile Point. Just don't forget that December and January are the peak months. If you’re afraid of the water, like me, drinking an ice-cold beer and having a sumptuous meal are best partners while watching the waves and feeling the cool breeze.
Kabsat Restaurant
We arrived at Kabsat Restaurant around lunch time and tourists were already piled up by the entrance while lines were getting longer. Our stomachs couldn't wait for our turn, so we took photos and left. Alternatively, we had our lunch by the highway while en route to the Grapes Farm.
Grapes Farm
You can't complete your La Union itinerary without visiting and tasting their locally produced grapes. Some of the farms opened their gates (for free, some are not) and started offering "grape picking" for tourists. Vineyards are surrounded by greenery while the breeze is cool and fresh, so you will really enjoy your day here. Anyways, aside from the remarkable experience and gorgeous photos, of course, with grapes in the background, farm operators sell wines not just from grapes but also from locally harvested fruits such as Guyabano and Bignay.
Ma-cho Temple
Ma-cho Temple is one of the biggest Taoist temples outside China. With an elevation of 70 meters above sea level, it is located on the hill downtown with a perfect view of the West Philippine Sea. Its attractions include the Majestic Five-Door Gate, the Bamboo Garden, the Liang Thing Pagoda, 2 circular pools or ponds, the golden emblem of a dragon, the Bell Tower, and the Drum Tower. What's good about this stunning temple is that they are open to non-worshipping visitors.
Summary
After the temple, we headed back to Manila. Had a few stop overs. A day in La Union may seem short, but the memories last far longer — the sound of crashing waves, the taste of local coffee, and the glow of the sunset that paints the sea in gold. This province perfectly balances adventure and serenity, making it an easy favorite among weekend travelers and backpackers alike. Whether you’re surfing, chasing waterfalls, or simply watching the horizon, La Union reminds every traveler that even a single day can be truly unforgettable.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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