La Union
Surfing Capital of the North
Overview
La Union, particularly San Juan, has become the surfing capital of Northern Luzon. Beyond surfing, it offers a laid-back beach town vibe, excellent food scene, craft breweries, and a growing community of digital nomads and artists.
La Union, officially the Province of La Union, is a coastal province in the Philippines situated in the Ilocos Region on the island of Luzon. The province's capital, the City of San Fernando, is the most populous city in La Union and serves as the regional center of the Ilocos Region.
Read more on WikipediaLa Union, also known as L.U. in short, is a province in the Ilocos region of the Philippines.
Top Attractions
Urbiztondo Beach
Main surf beach in San Juan with consistent breaks
Tangadan Falls
Beautiful waterfall requiring a short trek
Pebble Beach
Unique beach covered in smooth pebbles
Ma-Cho Temple
Taoist temple with ocean views in San Fernando
Grape Farm
Bauang grape farms with wine tasting
Balay Ili
Heritage house showcasing Ilocano culture
Surf Town
Hub of surf shops, cafes, and bars
Thunderbird Resort
Greek-inspired resort with casino
Things to Do
Surf Lessons
Learn to surf with local instructors
Board Rental
Rent surfboards by the hour or day
Tangadan Falls Trek
Hike to a beautiful hidden waterfall
Cafe Hopping
Visit unique cafes like El Union and Flotsam
Sunset Sessions
Watch sunset while surfing or from the beach
Wine Tasting
Sample local grape wines at Bauang farms
Yoga Classes
Beach yoga offered at various spots
Photo Gallery
Klook Philippines
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Explore DealsGetting There
- Partas or Dominion bus from Manila (5-6 hours)
- Private car via TPLEX (4-5 hours)
- P2P bus services available
Local Food
El Union Coffee
Famous surf-side cafe with great coffee and dirty horchata
Fresh Seafood
Grilled catch of the day at local eateries
Bagnet
Crispy pork belly, Ilocano specialty
Great Island Craft Beer
Local craft brewery with sea views
Where to Stay
San Juan (Urbiztondo)
₱800-5,000/nightMain surf area, most hostels and cafes
San Fernando
₱1,000-4,000/nightCity proper, more hotel options
Bauang
₱1,500-6,000/nightQuieter beaches, resorts
Bacnotan
₱600-2,500/nightLess crowded surf spots
Weather Forecast
Travel Tips
- •July-October for bigger waves; Nov-March for beginners
- •El Union Coffee gets crowded - go early for best seats
- •Rent a motorbike to explore other beaches and waterfalls
- •Surf early morning or late afternoon for best conditions
- •Book beachfront accommodations in advance for weekends
- •Try the dirty horchata at El Union - it's iconic
- •Flotsam and Jetsam hostel has a great vibe and rooftop
Best Time to Visit
November-March for beginners (smaller waves)