San Fernando Travel Guide

Explore the scenic beauty and rich cultural sites of San Fernando in La Union through our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, activities, food, accommodation, and more!


San Fernando Travel Guide: Discover the Best of La Union

Welcome to San Fernando, a charming city in the province of La Union. Located in the northern part of the Philippines, San Fernando boasts a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor adventures that make it a top tourist destination. From exploring historical landmarks to hitting the trails and soaking in unforgettable views, you’ll find plenty to do and see in San Fernando.

List of Places to Visit in San Fernando

San Fernando boasts an array of attractions that cater to all types of visitors. Here’s a curated list of the top places to visit in San Fernando:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Union Botanical Garden - This garden features a variety of local plant species that showcase the agricultural diversity of San Fernando and La Union.
  • Museo de La Union - Located in a restored old church, this museum showcases the rich history and culture of San Fernando and La Union through its exhibits and artifacts.
  • Ma-Cho Temple - This Taoist temple is a historical landmark that is dedicated to the goddess of the sea. It features a traditional Chinese architecture and is popular to visit during celebrations of Chinese New Year.
  • St. William the Hermit Cathedral - This cathedral is a significant religious landmark in San Fernando and features a unique architecture with a beautiful bell tower.

Natural Attractions of San Fernando: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pindangan Ruins Park - These ruins used to be a church and convent dating back to the 18th century. Now, the site features sculptures, gardens, and a stunning view of the sea.
  • Tangadan Falls - This stunning waterfall is nestled in the heart of the Tangadan Mountain range. Hiking through the lush jungle to reach the falls is a popular activity for visitors.
  • Balaoan Beach - San Fernando is home to several beaches, and Balaoan Beach is one of the most beautiful. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
  • Thunderbird Resort - This resort features an awe-inspiring view of the ocean, luxurious amenities, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, and beach volleyball.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Fernando

San Fernando is a great destination for hikers and bikers, as it features various challenging and picturesque routes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in San Fernando:

  • Mount Poro - This mountain features a steep climb and challenging terrain, but the stunning panoramic view of the city and the La Union coastline is worth it.
  • Bagulin Trail - This trail is perfect for beginner hikers and bikers as it’s easy to navigate, and there are several stops with beautiful views along the way.
  • Puguis Ridge Trail - This route is more challenging than the other two and is best suited for experienced hikers and bikers. It features a combination of dirt and rocky paths, jungle terrain, and a scenic view of the San Fernando Bay.

Best Things to Do in San Fernando: Activities and Tours

San Fernando offers a wide range of activities and tours to make the most of your visit. Here are some of the must-do activities in San Fernando:

  • Surfing Lessons - La Union is known for its great surf breaks, and San Fernando is a great place to take surfing lessons and hit the waves.
  • Hometown Food Tour - San Fernando has a thriving food scene, and a hometown food tour is a great way to try local delicacies and get to know the culinary culture of the region.
  • ATV Rides - For an adventure-packed day, try an ATV ride through the off-road trails around San Fernando.
  • Island Hopping Tour - Take a day trip to explore the nearby islands to enjoy crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Fernando

Here’s an itinerary for planning your San Fernando trip for a week:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the La Union Botanical Garden, stop by Museo de La Union, and enjoy a sunset view at Pindangan Ruins Park
Day 2 Take a surf lesson in San Fernando, followed by a relaxing afternoon at Balaoan Beach
Day 3 Go for a hike in Mount Poro, then head to Ma-Cho Temple
Day 4 Explore San Fernando’s food scene, then go on an ATV ride
Day 5 Visit Thunderbird Resort, play beach volleyball, and enjoy the facilities
Day 6 Take an island hopping tour, then end the day at Tangadan Falls
Day 7 Visit St. William the Hermit Cathedral, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Food and Drink Scene of San Fernando

San Fernando is a haven for food lovers and features a range of local delicacies that will tantalize any taste buds. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in San Fernando:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pancit Miki Guisado - A local noodle dish, made with thick noodles, meat, and vegetables.
  • Dinengdeng - A local dish made with fish and leafy vegetables in a broth made with fish sauce and souring agents like tamarind or kamias.
  • Lechon Kawali - Crispy deep-fried pork belly.

Local Beverages

  • Tapuey - A local rice wine that is sweet and slightly sour, made with glutinous rice.
  • Salabat - A ginger tea that is a favorite amongst locals and is said to help with digestion.

Where to Stay in San Fernando: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Fernando offers plenty of accommodation options for every type of budget. Here are some highly recommended options:

  • Thunderbird Resort - This luxury resort features a stunning ocean view, plush rooms, and topnotch facilities.
  • Oasis Country Resort - This resort offers a relaxing ambiance with beautiful gardens, outdoor pools, and comfortable villas.
  • Little Surfmaid Resort - A budget-friendly option that offers basic rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.
  • Cherry Blossoms Hotel - A highly rated hotel that features modern amenities, in-room massage services, and a rooftop bar.

What to Buy in San Fernando: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home some souvenirs and products that are unique to San Fernando, here are the top items to consider buying:

  • Linamnam Cookies - A local cookie made with sweet potato, cassava, and malunggay leaves.
  • Pottery - San Fernando is known for its Thai-inspired pottery, which is crafted by artisans in the area.
  • La Union Coffee Beans - La Union is known for producing high-quality coffee beans, and buying some beans from a local supplier is a great way to take a piece of the region home.

Local Culture and Customs of San Fernando

San Fernando is known for its rich culture and traditions. Here are some insights on the local customs and practices to help you understand and respect the culture:

  • Bolo-bolo Festival - This festival is held annually in honor of St. Ferdinand and features colorful parades, street dancing, and a reenactment of the arrival of the saint in La Union.
  • Ilokano language - The Ilokano language is the primary language spoken in San Fernando and La Union, and it’s a great way to connect with the locals.
  • Respectful Attire - San Fernando is a predominantly Catholic city, and it’s essential to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit San Fernando

San Fernando enjoys a tropical climate and is generally pleasant to visit all year round. However, the best time to visit San Fernando is between November and February, during the dry season when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.

Do’s and Dont’s of San Fernando

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting San Fernando:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and culture.
  • Try the local delicacies and attend festivals to immerse yourself in the culture.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural surroundings.
  • Disrespect religious sites by wearing inappropriate clothing or behavior.
  • Engage in activities that harm animals, such as feeding stray dogs or cats.

Safety and Health

San Fernando is a relatively safe city, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. However, it’s still essential to take precautions and stay vigilant.

Safety in San Fernando

  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
  • Keep your belongings safe and secure at all times.
  • Only take registered taxis and public transportation.

Health in San Fernando

  • Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets and other illnesses.
  • Apply sunblock and wear protective clothing when spending time outdoors to avoid sunburn.

Getting to San Fernando: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Fernando is well-connected to major cities in the Philippines and has several transportation options to get there.

Airports Near San Fernando

The closest airport to San Fernando is the Laoag International Airport, which is about 6 hours away by van or public transportation.

Bus Stations Near San Fernando

Several bus lines connect San Fernando to other major cities in the Philippines like Manila. Victory Liner, the most popular bus line, departs from Manila and other major cities in Luzon.

Other Options

You can also rent a car, take a taxi, or hire a private car to reach San Fernando from nearby cities like Vigan or Baguio.

How to Get Around in San Fernando

Tricycles are the most common mode of transportation in San Fernando, and they’re ideal for short distances. For longer distances, you can take a jeepney or bus, which are available at the San Fernando City Bus Terminal.

Where to Go Next from San Fernando: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time in the Philippines, consider visiting these nearby destinations from San Fernando:

  • Vigan City - Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and local delicacies.
  • Baguio City - Known as the City of Pines, Baguio features a cool mountain climate, cultural landmarks, and scenic views that offer a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
  • Bolinao - This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, and rich marine life.

Conclusion

San Fernando is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. You can enjoy beautiful nature spots, delicious food, and fascinating historical landmarks, making San Fernando a must-visit in your travel bucket list. Plan your trip today and discover all that San Fernando has to offer!