La Union · Area guides
La Union Travel Guides
Ilocos Region · 10 areas
La Union is where Manila goes to surf, eat well and switch off for a weekend. It's about six hours north by bus, and most people head straight for San Juan. The beach at Urbiztondo has been teaching beginners to stand up for years, and the whole strip comes out for sunset once the surf winds down. More experienced surfers paddle out at Monaliza Point. Surf season runs October to March, with December and January the busiest months.
The food is half the reason people keep coming back. Queue for a grilled cheese at El Union Coffee, then try Ilocano cooking: bagnet, dinakdakan and pinakbet. Weekends are loud and social, so come midweek if you'd rather have space in the water and an easy table at dinner. San Juan charges a ₱50 environmental fee, and you can ask your accommodation how to pay it. Away from the coast, swim in the pools at Tangadan Falls with a local guide, or walk out across the rock pools of Immuki Island in Balaoan at low tide.
The guides cover the province town by town: San Juan, San Fernando, Bacnotan, Luna, Bauang and Agoo. Start with the La Union travel guide.
- Getting there
- Via Clark (CRK) or Manila, then by road
- Getting there
- Via Clark (CRK) or Manila, then by road
Browse area guides
Each with stays, food, transport and the best time to visit
10 areas
Agoo, La Union Travel Guide – The Basilica of Our Lady of Charity
Agoo is La Union's oldest town, founded in 1578, and home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, an easy stop on the drive north from Manila.
Bacnotan, La Union Travel Guide – Quieter Surf North of San Juan
Bacnotan, 30 minutes north of San Juan, has a sandy-bottom surf break with far smaller crowds, and a town fiesta named after honey.
Bauang, La Union Travel Guide – Grape Picking & Calm Beach Resorts
Bauang, just south of San Fernando, is La Union's grape-growing town, with pick-your-own farms in season and calmer beaches than San Juan.
Luna, La Union Travel Guide – Baluarte Watchtower, Pebble Beaches & Darigayos Cove
Luna is La Union's quiet pebble coast, with the Spanish-era Baluarte watchtower, Namacpacan Church and the clear water of Darigayos Cove.
San Fernando, La Union Travel Guide – Ma-Cho Temple, Pindangan Ruins & Poro Point
San Fernando is La Union's capital, 25 minutes from San Juan, with Ma-Cho Temple, the Pindangan Ruins and Poro Point within easy reach.
Tangadan Falls Travel Guide – How to Get There, Fees & the Trek
Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union is a two-tier waterfall reached by a river trek, about 25 minutes from San Juan. Here's how to plan the trip.
Monaliza Point & La Union Surf Breaks – Where to Surf Beyond Urbiztondo
Monaliza Point is San Juan's right-hand reef break for intermediate surfers. Here's how it works, when it's best and the other breaks along the coast.
Immuki Island Travel Guide – Lagoons, Tides & Fees in Balaoan, La Union
Immuki Island in Balaoan, La Union has three clear, sheltered lagoons reached on foot at low tide or by bamboo raft at high tide.
San Juan, La Union Travel Guide – Urbiztondo Surf, Food & Where to Stay
San Juan is La Union's surf town: Urbiztondo's beginner-friendly beach break, surf schools, cafés and the province's only real nightlife.
La Union Travel Guide – Surf, San Juan & Weekend Trips from Manila
La Union is Manila's surf town: a beginner-friendly beach break in San Juan, good food, and easy day trips, about six hours north by bus.