Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know that La Union is one of the best places to go for a quick breather; away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the Ilocos Region, La Union aka ‘Elyu’ has become more popular over the years for travellers who seek temporary island life without having to go to Siargao or Palawan. While the beach is not as picturesque as that of famous Philippine white-sand beaches, the laidback culture, warm welcome of locals, and the plethora of things to do, eat, and see here definitely make up for it. Continue reading our La Union travel guide to know how you can make the best memories in this beautiful town!
Also read: 15 Airbnb Homes & Hotels in La Union for Your Next Elyu Trip
Getting there
Via private car
From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), traversing through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the Tarlac-Pampanga-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). Take the exit to Pozorrubio to McArthur Highway and continue through San Fernando, until you reach San Juan.
Via bus
Thanks to the numerous bus lines available today, La Union has become easily accessible to commuters travelling from Manila. It should take about five to six hours of travel time to get to the City of San Fernando, where most bus terminals are located in La Union.
PARTAS and VIRON bus lines bound for La Union are available both in Pasay and Cubao. Bus fares start at ₱700 depending on the type of bus and route. Discounted rates apply to students, senior citizens, and PWDs.
While you can walk in and purchase tickets at the bus station, it’s still advisable to book your tickets online for a seamless travel experience. You can book via Biyaheroes by choosing your place of origin and destination. Fill in the rest of the required information and you should be good to go!
Once you get to La Union, it will be easy to go around when you ride a tricycle. Some of them you can even hire to tour you to different parts of the city.
Top things to do in La Union
Consider this La Union travel guide as a primer for all the fun things you can do on and off the beach.
Surfing lessons at Urbiztondo
Oh well, what can we say? It’s not a trip to La Union if you don’t try surfing! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a beginner looking for an adrenaline rush, surfing is inescapable in Elyu. Local surfers offer surfboard rentals and surfing lessons all over Urbiztondo. Make sure to come by during peak surfing seasons around mid-July to March to make the most out of the big waves.
Trek to Tangadan Falls
Away from the beach in the mountainous part of San Gabriel is this beautiful sight to behold. The pristine, cold water of Tangadan Falls is very inviting after a 15-minute trek from the jump-off. However, make sure to rent a life vest if you don’t know how to swim. You can also opt to stay in the shallow parts of the water while admiring the beauty of nature around. For adventurous souls looking to tap into adrenaline, cliff jumping is definitely a must!
Also read: 10 Waterfalls Near Manila for Day Trips & Long Weekends
Sunset-watching by the beach
If there’s anything notable about La Union beaches, it’s definitely the sunset. Lay down a beach mat and watch the sun go down with the most picturesque view. While you’re at it, you can also try local drinks and delicacies while waiting for the sunset since a lot of local vendors offer them by the beach.
Explore the wonders of Immuki Island
Just a 30-minute drive from San Juan off the coast of Barangay Paraoir is this hidden gem that is home to mangroves and lagoons. The island is not your typical idyllic white-sand beach island. Instead, it is filled with mangroves and dead corals, only a few metres away from the shore. What makes it so special? It has three lagoons with clear and calm yet deep waters. The waters are so clear that you can see fish swimming under the surface! Just make sure to wear aqua or protective shoes since the rocks and corals are pretty sharp around the area.
Remember to bring change with you as there is a ₱20 environmental fee upon entering the island.
Experience La Union nightlife
There is no better way to describe La Union nightlife than experiencing it firsthand. There are quite a handful of bars and restaurants open at night where you can eat, drink, and dance the night away! If you’re looking for a fun and lively environment before heading back to the city, make sure to check out the different bars and restos that host beach parties and chillnuman nights in La Union.
Where and what to eat in La Union
Let’s face it: Food makes everything better. Happy? Eat. Sad? Eat. Stressed? Eat. Travelling? Eat!
Apart from the nightlife and surfing, La Union is also a place for certified foodies. Don’t even get us started on the region’s world-famous bagnet. Is your mouth watering yet? As part of this travel guide, here’s a rundown of where and what to eat when in La Union!
Seabuds, San Juan Surf Resort
Calling the attention of plant-based foodies! Everything at Seabuds actually tastes as good as it looks! They serve vegan rice meals, coffee, and smoothie bowls that are good for both body and soul. Make sure to check out their menu for when you want a nice meal to refresh and detox amidst the summer heat.
Masa by Barefoot
Masa is undeniably a popular brunch spot in La Union, and for good reason. They serve breads, pastries, rice meals, and coffee that taste so good, you’ll instantly feel warmth, comfort, and the cosy vibes of home. Truly love at first bite! For city folks who want a taste of Elyu, you’d be happy to know that they also have a branch in BF Homes, Parañaque!
Kabsat
One of the more popular go-to restaurants for delectable Filipino food is Kabsat. The very homey vibe truly lives up to Kabsat’s goal to provide a dining experience that resembles a family gathering together under one roof enjoying food, drinks, and the sunset.
Clean Beach
Trying to mend a hangover? Clean Beach is your best bet! Their menu offers pretty simple food at first glance, but once it’s served, you’re definitely in for a treat. Just imagine the perfect combination of breakfast food and midnight snack served on one plate.
Kermit, The Great Northwest
Kermit is home to all things good — pizza, pasta, and wine. While that sounds fancy, this restaurant is actually pretty laidback as you wine and dine with the chill music blending perfectly with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
El Union
Trying out El Union is a non-negotiable when visiting La Union. The homey cafe vibe is the perfect place for anyone working away from home. You can also exchange a conversation or two with their friendly baristas! We recommend trying out the iced dirty horchata if you like your coffee sweet and strong with a hint of cinnamon.
Other things to see in La Union
Baluarte Watch Tower
Located in the town of Luna is the historic landmark that is the Baluarte Watch Tower. It was built in the 16th century by the Spaniards and used to keep watch of the coastline and defend the town against attacks by pirates and other invaders.
The tower has a small entrance below with a spiral staircase leading to the top where tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and its surrounding mountains.
Pebble Beach
Also located in the town of Luna is this secluded beach that is filled with smooth and polished pebbles of varying colours, shapes, and sizes. Swimming at Pebble Beach is not recommended due to the strong waves and rocky shore, but you can still enjoy other activities such as fishing, camping, sightseeing, and rock climbing.
Kamay na Bato
Kamay na Bato is a famous open art gallery located in the town of Bagulin. It features a collection of stone sculptures, paintings, and other artworks made by Filipino local artists. The best thing about this place is that it is housed in a restored ancestral home, making it all the more beautiful with a touch of cultural significance.
Also read: 3D2N La Union Itinerary: Eat, Surf, and Party for Less Than ₱5K
All set to travel up north? We hope this travel guide helps you in planning an unforgettable trip to La Union!
