GalaTayo guide
Things to Do in La Union
Come for the San Juan surf, stay for the rest of La Union. Grab coffee at El Union, hike to Tangadan Falls, then cool down with halo-halo in San Fernando before the climb to Ma-Cho Temple.
- La Union
- Mixed discovery
- 4 places
- ₱150 to ₱200 per head
- Updated October 2026
Top 4 Things to Do in La Union
- 1
The coffee shop that put Elyu's cafe scene on the map - and now a world-ranked one! El Union started in Urbiztondo, steps from the surf break, and roasts its coffee weekly right there. In 2025 it was recognized among the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. Today the Urbiztondo spot has two sides: Baba, the quick-service coffee bar and pasalubong corner, and Taas, upstairs, for brunch and slow coffee by day and cocktails and bar chow at night. Go for the famous horchata drinks, a cold brew, or beans like their Bagulin Forest Robusta from Benguet farmers. Grab a cup after a morning surf and people-watch.
- 2
Pahinga muna sa beach, Elyu barkada! Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel is La Union's favorite waterfall adventure, a two-tier falls with deep pools flanked by giant rock formations. A short guided hike with river crossings gets you there, then it's swim time, a bamboo raft ride toward the cascade, and, for the brave, a cliff jump with the guides. Bring a dry bag and baon, since you will want to stay a while. It's an easy half-day side trip from San Juan, and a refreshing change from surf and sunset. Best moment: a sunny dry-season morning before the weekend crowd arrives.
- 3
Halo-halo na pang-museum! Halo-Halo de Iloko is an ancestral house in San Fernando, La Union turned restaurant-museum, filled wall to wall with antiques and vintage finds. The star is the creative halo-halo: try the famous fried halo-halo, wrapped in lumpia and topped with ice cream, ube and cheese, or the buko halo-halo. Stay for a real Ilocano meal too, like emparedados with La Union longganisa and okoy with their sweet-tangy vinegar. It is a worthy detour on the way to or from the San Juan surf beaches, especially on a hot afternoon.
- 4
Red pillars, golden dragons and a sea view - Ma-Cho Temple is La Union's most striking photo stop. Built in 1975 by Filipino-Chinese devotees, this seven-storey Taoist temple sits on a hill in San Fernando and honors Mazu (Ma-Cho), the sea goddess who protects fishermen and travelers. Walk through the Five Door Gate, past the Bamboo Garden, ponds and the Liang Thing Pagoda, then look out over the city and the West Philippine Sea. It is an active place of worship, so keep your voice down and dress modestly. Fits easily in a morning before heading up to the beaches of San Juan.
Good to know
What are the top picks for Things to Do in La Union?
El Union Coffee, Tangadan Falls and Halo-Halo de Iloko lead this guide. All 4 places are ranked on this page, best first.
How much should I budget?
Starting budgets for the top picks run ₱150 to ₱200 per head. Each place page breaks down what the money covers.
How are the places in this guide picked?
Only gala-worthy places make the list. Each one is scored on real evidence, like editorial lists, Philippine travel apps, Reddit threads, review volume and Michelin, plus how well it fits a day out. Plain eateries, chains and ordinary malls are left out, and the rest are ranked best first.
Can I plan a whole day from this guide?
Yes. Save the places you like, then start a plan: pick a date, invite the barkada with one link, and split the budget in the app.