11 Things to Do in La Union Other Than Surfing

Pat Prado

Last updated 24 Mar 2024

Photo Credit (L-R): @iamchrischinito31 and @dianarmln on Instagram

What to Do in La Union (that isn't surfing!)

La Union, without a doubt, is known as a surfing destination. It has plenty of surfing spots (Urbiztondo Beach and Monaliza Point, for starters), several surfing schools, and waves that can reach as high as 10 feet! Many of its visitors make their way here just to enjoy its waters.

However, this once sleepy town is not so sleepy anymore! It is now a place for a lot of exciting activities that will make your summer unforgettable. If you’re not into riding waves or simply not a water person, there are plenty of things to do in La Union aside from surfing.

La Union COVID-19 Travel Guidelines:

As of February 26, La Union is permitting tourists from Luzon of all ages without an underlying health condition to enter the province with the following requirements:

Negative RT-PCR or Antigen test results (within 3 days or 72 hours before arrival to La Union Province).
QR Code from La Union Municipality (Register through here: https://napanam.launion.gov.ph/?fbclid=IwAR2T5R0sEwPdWtO-qqRXQM_xmkdey5BIohhbHOXXGpShX78yW-CijoPbtXA)
Booking confirmation at a DOT accredited accommodation
Completed LU Health Declaration Form or any form required by the Department of Tourism (DOT). Form can be accessed online through here.
Travel Authority from the PNP
A Government-issued ID

For more information, read the detailed EO for La Union here.

Things to Do in LU Other Than Surfing

Explore the food scene
Volunteer for sea turtles at Project Curma
Go grape picking at Gapuz Grapes Farm
Enjoy an exhilarating hike at Arosip Ecotrail
Witness a sea of clouds at Mt. Puraw
Cliff dive at Tangadan Falls
Appreciate Taoism at Ma Cho Temple
See quirky art pieces at Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery
Be in awe of Poro Point Lighthouse
Go ghost hunting at Pindangan Ruins
Take thousand of photos at Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point

1. Explore the food scene

With the growing number of tourists visiting La Union every year, its food scene has grown as well, and for the better! You won’t see your typical rows of fast-food chains here. Instead, you’ll be treated with plenty of independent restaurants offering everything, from local to international fares, as well as healthy eats!

If you’re into a no-frills kind of food trip, Tagpuan sa San Juan is one of the staples in the area offering familiar yet delicious dishes at affordable price points. Classics like bagnet and adobo flakes are some of their sure winners that are worth trying.

Tagpuan sa San Juan

Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Address: Manila North Rd., Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday (closed on Tuesdays), 8:00am-11:00pm

Fried chicken is always a good idea, but fried chicken done well is even better, and Sabong Fried Chicken has one of the best in town! Their unique take on this beloved comfort food will make your travel to La Union worthwhile. Flavors like Honey Bagoong, Korean Soy, Elyu Original, and Chick’n Morty will pique your interest and appetite.

Sabong Fried Chicken

Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Address: The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop and Viewing Deck Urbiztondo, La Union, Philippines
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday (closed on Tuesdays), 10:00pm - 2:00pm and 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Sweets and satisfying drinks also abound in eLyU. El Union is one of the best in La Union, offering handcrafted coffee made from premium beans. Some of their must-try drinks include the Dirty Horchata and Nitro Cold Brew.

El Union Coffee

Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Address: Kilometre 274 MacArthur Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday (closed on Wednesdays), 8:00am-6:00pm

2. Volunteer for sea turtles at Project Curma

Make your summer a fruitful endeavor and volunteer at Project Curma. It is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 focusing mainly on the protection of sea turtles or pawikan. The team’s headquarters in La Union has a marine turtle hatchery where they keep eggs of unborn turtles gathered by volunteers and locals along the shores of eLyU.

Once these baby turtles are ready to come out of their shell, you can volunteer as one of the patrols and guide them back to the sea! Turtle hatching season is between September and March. If you find yourself in La Union during these months, contact them through their social media pages if you want to lend a hand.

Project Curma

Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Contact info: 0942 366 4519 or reach out through their social media pages

3. Go grape picking at Gapuz Grapes Farm

Unbeknownst to many, La Union has been home to several vineyards since the 70s. Most of these family-owned estates can be found in the municipality of Bauang and are open to the public! One that you can visit is Gapuz Grapes Farm. You can explore the area, interact with the farmers, and learn the process of turning the plump grapes into wine.

Admission is free, but there’s a small charge if you want to take photos (and you’ll want to!) If you're into grape picking, the harvest season is between March to May only, so best to call the farm in advance. Otherwise, you can also take home some locally-made wines as a souvenir.

Gapuz Grapes Farm

Socials: Facebook | Instagram
Address: Brgy, MacArthur Highway, Bauang, 2501 La Union
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00am-5:00pm

4. Enjoy an exhilarating hike at Arosip Ecotrail

Aside from its pristine beaches, La Union is also a great hiking destination. One trail you can conquer here is the Arosip Ecotrail, located in the municipality of Bacnotan. The trek is 6.5 kilometers long, and you’ll be greeted by several falls along the way, including Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls, Padtok Falls, and Tekdag-Aso Falls. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the lowland areas.

To begin your adventure at Arosip Ecotrail, you can head to Bacnotan town market, ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Arosip and register at the barangay hall. You can also get a local guide here to assist you on your journey.

Arosip Ecotrail

Address: Brgy. Arosip, Bacnotan, La Union

5. Witness a sea of clouds at Mt. Puraw

Mt. Puraw is another well-known destination in La Union beloved by hikers. Not only is it a relatively easy climb (just 1.5km that can be finished in under an hour), but if you schedule your hike right, you might be welcomed by a sea of clouds! Views of the nearby mountains, rolling hills, and surrounding rivers will also greet you once you reach the peak.

Located in Bauang, La Union, you can start your day at Mt. Puraw in Brgy Guerrero. From here, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Limmansangan-Palugsi, register at the barangay hall, and you’re good to go.

Mt. Puraw

Address: Bauang, La Union

6. Cliff dive at Tangadan Falls

One of the best things to do in La Union, regardless if you’re into surfing or not, is cliff diving at Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel. It has two tiers and two cascades, with the lower one perfect for swimming and the upper level more ideal for the thrilling cliff jump.

If you’re coming from San Juan, La Union, you can hail a jeepney going to San Gabriel. From there, take the easy route of riding a motorbike plus a quick trek to the falls. For a more challenging day, walk for an hour from Brgy Duplas, where you can go through a scenic trail going to Tangadan Falls.

Tangadan Falls

Address: San Gabriel, La Union
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 6:00am-5:00pm

7. Appreciate Taoism at Ma Cho Temple

Ma Cho Temple is the first Taoist temple in the country dedicated to the Chinese Deity, Ma-Cho, of the Sung Dynasty. The eye-catching place of worship is known for its spider dome, collection of intricate stone carvings, and view of the San Fernando Harbor. No wonder why it’s one of the top things to do in eLyU.

Some of Ma Cho Temple’s prominent features include its Five Door Gate or pailou, Main Hall, and the Eight-Sided Pavilion. Entrance to Ma Cho Temple is free but do remember to observe silence during your visit and dress appropriately.

Ma Cho Temple

Socials: Facebook
Address: Quezon Avenue, Barangay II, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines 2500
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00am-5:00pm

8. See quirky art pieces at Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery

Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery is another great detour in La Union if you need a break from the beach. The museum is home to Korean artist Vong Kim’s work, as well as the creation of his art students. Inside you’ll see several stone sculptures (from adorable animals to phallic items), attention-grabbing woodworks, as well as three-dimensional displays.

Kamay Na Bato is not to be confused with a similar gallery named Bahay na Bato. The latter was once a public attraction but is now a private residence. Admission fee to Kamay Na Bato is PHP50.

Kamay Na Bato Art Gallery

Social: Facebook
Address: Nalvo Norte, Bacnotan - Luna - Balaoan Rd, Luna, La Union
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00am-6:00pm

9. Be in awe of Poro Point Lighthouse

Another fun thing to do in La Union is sightseeing! The province is packed with captivating attractions, including the Poro Point Lighthouse. Built in 1905, the structure stands 27-feet high and is made of concrete. Despite its old age, the lighthouse is still working and even has a gallery inside if you’re keen to know about its beginnings.

Just a few steps from the Poro Point Lighthouse is Luz Del Puerto De San Fernando, a lighthouse made entirely of steel, and a cliff with a jaw-dropping view of the sea.

Poro Point Lighthouse

Address: San Fernando, La Union

10. Go ghost hunting at Pindangan Ruins

Pindangan Ruins is a historical tourist spot in San Fernando that has always been a part of the top things to do in eLyU. It was built in 1764 by Spanish priests, dedicated to San Guillermo, the Hermit as its patron. Pindangan is also considered the oldest church in La Union.

When an earthquake struck in the 1800s, Pindangan was damaged and was never rebuilt to its former glory. But despite what happened, people still flock to the attraction due to its picturesque beauty and eerie charm. Entrance fee here is PHP30.

Pindangan Ruins

Address: San Fernando, La Union

11. Take thousand of photos at Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point

You don’t need to go too far to see some of the world’s most incredible attractions. All you need to do is stop by Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union. Although the resort is known for its plush accommodations and gambling facilities, they have also opened their premises to the public via day tours!

Inside Thunderbird Poro Point is where you’ll find many Instagram-worthy spots. Check out their art installation, Urban Light, similar to the one in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and their very own sea of LED Roses like the ones in Cebu!

Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point