One-Day Guide to La Union
Known as the surfing capital of the North, La Union houses different up-and-coming food establishments. From what used to be a place for swimming and surfing, it has now leveled up to become a must-visit place for tourists from different parts of the world.
La Union is home to traditional craftsmanship such as pottery making. The province also has different farms where different fruits and vegetables are grown. Another booming attraction is the LU nightlife, where people can relax by the beach whether night or day.
In La Union, you can go around the province, visit the different beaches, or drop by the Santorini of the North at Thunderbird Resort and Casino. If you’re looking for more, here’s a suggested itinerary on how you can spend a day in La Union during the weekend!
8 am — 9 am: Breakfast at El Union Coffee or Makai Bowls
As the famous saying goes, the early bird gets the worm! Wake up early to make the most of your day in La Union.
You’ll be needing your energy, so make sure to eat your breakfast. For a quick caffeine fix, try visiting the most popular coffee shop in La Union, El Union Coffee, which serves great-tasting coffee. If you’re looking for something healthy, then Makai Bowls is the place to go. Serving smoothie bowls made from fruits and natural ingredients, this trendy shop will fill your stomachs with good food that’s very Instagram-worthy as well.
Also read: Makai Bowls in La Union, El Union Coffee in La Union
El Union is located in San Juan, La Union. Prices range from Php 200 to Php 400 per dish.
9 am — 11 am: Surf at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan
The most popular surfing spot in La Union, Urbiztondo Beach is a surfer’s dream. The waves here can go as high as 6 feet during peak season. The beach is lined with numerous restaurants, beach resorts, and surfing schools. Surfing lessons will you cost you as much as Php 400 or as low as Php 200 per hour if you bring or rent a surfboard.
Other activities to do here are stand-up paddle boarding, body boarding, skim boarding, and saltwater kayaking. You can also sunbathe for a few hours– just don’t forget to put on some sunscreen beforehand.
Also read: Urbiztondo Beach in La Union: Where waves and surfers meet
11 am — 12 noon: Relax and unwind at Kahuna Beach Resorts and Spa
It only takes an hour or even less than an hour to relax. The nearest spa you can go to after a swim or dip in the sea is at Kahuna Beach Resorts and Spa. They offer different packages for massage and you can even have a massage by the swimming pool. Their poolside massage will freshen you up before you continue your day.
Also read: Kahuna in La Union: Balinese-inspired cottages
12 noon — 1 pm: Lunch at Cuisina Restaurant
The best way to get to know La Union is through their dishes. At Cuisina Restaurant in San Fernando, guests are treated to a variety of Ilocano cuisine with a twist. Cuisina is a true gem of La Union as it introduces Ilocano dishes that are modern and traditional at the same time. There are a variety of choices from their menu which will let you experience what Ilocano fusion means.
Tip: Order their bestselling Crispy Dinuguan (Php 280)! Cuisina also takes pride in making their own bagnet straight from their own kitchen.
Also read: Cuisina in La Union: A twist on Ilocano dishes
Cuisina is located in San Fernando, La Union. Prices range from Php 200 to Php 600.
1 pm — 2 pm: Halo-halo at Halo Halo de Iloko
One of the best halo-halo that you’ll ever taste in your lifetime is found in San Fernando, La Union.
Having been featured in several magazines, newspapers, and blogs for years now, Halo Halo de Iloko is a popular gastronomic destination for anyone who’s ever been to La Union. Order their Buko Halo Halo (Php 185) for their take on the classic dessert, or their Fried Halo Halo (Php 150) for something different than the usual. There are different kinds of dishes that you can also order, and we promise you won’t regret it!
Also read: Halo Halo de Iloko in La Union
Halo Halo de Iloko is located in San Fernando, La Union. Prices range from Php 200 to Php 300.
2 pm — 4 pm: Grapes picking at Gapuz Grapes Farms
Gapuz Grape Farms lets you experience how to pick your own grapes. Operating for more than 30 years, they have been available to the public for grapes pick-and-pay, as well as boodle fights under the vines.
You can do grape cuttings, hold seminars/demonstrations, and even tap them for farm consultation projects. Here, you can have a taste of fresh fruits straight from the grape farm itself.
Also read: Gapuz Grapes Farms: Grape-picking under the sun
6 pm onwards: Dinner at Surf Shack
One of the hippest restaurants in San, Juan La Union is Surf Shack. This restaurant is popular for serving appetizing comfort food. Located in the heart of the surf town, you can eat, dine and even watch bands perform live.
Surf Shack’s bestsellers include Mommy Lu’s Gourmet Tuyo Pizza (Php 308). What makes it extraordinary is how it tastes better with local honey. Just pour it over your pizza to make it more flavorful, similar to what you’d do with hot pepper sauce. It’s salty meets sweet, with each ingredient complementing the entire pizza.
Also read: Surf Shack in La Union
Surf Shack is located in San Juan, La Union. Prices range from Php 500 to Php 1,000.
Aren’t you excited to visit La Union? Check out our other featured places here!
