San Juan Travel Guide

Discover San Juan, a small town in La Union, Philippines, known for its rich cultural history, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. From historic sites and museums to beautiful beaches and scenic mountain views, this comprehensive travel guide has everything you need to plan your next trip to San Juan.


San Juan Travel Guide: Explore the Best of La Union’s Cultural and Natural Wonders

San Juan is a small town located in the province of La Union in the Ilocos region of Luzon Island in the Philippines. It’s a gem of a destination that offers a perfect blend of cultural history, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking natural beauty. From relaxing on sandy beaches to exploring ancient churches and picturesque hiking trails, San Juan has something for every traveler.

In this comprehensive San Juan travel guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the town and its surrounding areas. From the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more, this guide has everything you need to know to plan your next trip to beautiful San Juan.

List of Places to Visit in San Juan

Here are the top cultural and natural attractions that you should add to your San Juan itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • St. John the Baptist Parish Church - Constructed in the 1800s, this grandiose church boasts of its rare Neo-Gothic architecture.
  • La Union Botanical Garden - A must-visit for nature lovers and IG enthusiasts, the garden houses various plant species native to the Northern Philippines. Itunes its gates to the public free of charge.
  • The Ma-Cho Temple - A Chinese temple on a hill that offers a scenic view of the sea on one side, and the town on the other.
  • Balay na Bato - A museum that allows visitors to experience the rich cultural history of San Juan through the ancestral house turned museum of Don Mariano and Dona Leonor Ledesma’s family

Natural Attractions of San Juan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Urbiztondo Beach - this long, sandy beach is the surfing capital of La Union, with a great nightlife scene including open bars and bonfires in the evenings.
  • Tangadan Falls - A breathtaking waterfall located in the mountains of San Juan, Tangadan Falls is an excellent destination for hiking and sightseeing.
  • Bahay na Bato - A natural rock formation that resembles a house and provides a scenery spot for visitors visit.
  • Ma-Cho View Deck - The highest point in San Juan that provides a panoramic view of the entire town and the sea beyond.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Juan

San Juan has numerous hiking and biking trails spread throughout the town. Some of the most popular trails include:

  • Tangadan Falls Trail - A scenic 4.2-km hike deep into the San Gabriel River located at Barangay Darigayos, which leads to the breathtaking Tangadan Falls.
  • Pugad Adventure Trail - Pugad Adventure is a one-stop adventure destination in San Juan, offering ATV, zipline, animal encounters, and a hike to the tree-house campsite.
  • Baresbes Hiking Trail - A challenging trek that leads to San Juan’s highest point, which provides a breathtaking view of Lingayen Gulf.

Best Things to Do in San Juan: Activities and Tours

San Juan offers visitors numerous activities to spice up their stay. Active travelers will enjoy surfing, hiking, and rock climbing. Here are a few of the most popular activities in San Juan:

  • Surfing Lessons - Known for its big waves and great surfing conditions, San Juan is an excellent destination for novice and expert surfers alike.
  • Rock Climbing at SweetSpot - Sweetspot is a place where climbers flock to test their skills, tackle challenging walls, and explore new routes.
  • Luna Ghost Shipwreck Dive Site - A popular dive site in La Union; the 40-meter-long Luna Ghost Shipwreck is home to a vast array of marine life, including rays, octopus, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Juan

Here’s an ideal itinerary for a week-long visit to San Juan:

Day Activity
1 Arrive at San Juan, check-in at the resort, relax at Urbiztondo Beach
2 Surfing lessons, followed by a coffee crawl in town
3 Hiking the Baresbes trail, followed by a side trip to Bahay na Bato
4 Explore the Historical places of San Juan comprising of the St. John the Baptist Parish Church and Balay na Bato
5 Chill day at the resort, massage session, beer and bonfire in the evening
6 Take a day trip to Luna Ghost Shipwreck Dive Site, followed by a seafood dinner by the beach
7 Wrap-up the trip - Breakfast at the local market, souvenir shopping, checkout, and departure

Food and Drink Scene of San Juan

One thing that visitors need not worry about in San Juan is hunger. The place is packed with places to eat and drink, catering to every culinary preference.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pinakbet Pizza - A combination of the Pinakbet dish’s leanings as a topping for the pizza.
  • Buko Juice - a refreshing local drink made of fresh coconut water served in the shell, sometimes with a scoop of ice cream atop.
  • Longganisa - A Filipino-style sausage that’s typically served at breakfast, usually composed of ground pork seasoned with native herbs and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Binungey - a sticky rice cake in bamboo tubes that are said to affect the flavor.
  • San Juan Brew Craft Beers - A local brewery that serves craft beers on tap in a take-out container that and can keep your beer cold, even when warm.

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

San Juan has a variety of accommodation types that cater to various budgets. Here’s a rundown on the best places to stay:

  • Sebay Surf Resort - A modern beachfront resort located on Urbiztondo beach that is packed with an in-house restaurant/bar, surf instructors, and surf equipment rental.
  • Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa - A beachfront resort that caters to luxury travelers looking for a peaceful escape.
  • Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel - A hip hostel located along Urbiztondo Beach that boasts of a relaxing ambiance and a beach vibe.

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

San Juan has several stores to pick up souvenirs to take home as a memento of your travels. Here are some items you should consider buying:

  • Pottery from La Union Watershed Pottery Village
  • Rice Wine from Basi del Diablo - Award-winning locally-made Vino de Basi
  • Surf gear and accessories from local surf shops in town

Local Culture and Customs of San Juan

San Juan is a predominantly Catholic town where religious traditions and rituals are prevalent. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites, especially during holy week. Tipping is not expected in restaurants or public places.

Best Time to Visit San Juan

The best time to visit San Juan is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is mild and sunny. The town can get crowded during the peak surfing months from December to March.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Juan

Do:

  • Take the time to learn about the historical and cultural significance of San Juan’s attractions.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious festivals.
  • Enjoy local cuisines, especially the seafood dishes and local delicacies.

Don’t:

  • Litter or dump trash in beaches and other natural attractions.
  • Disrespect the locals or their customs and traditions.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

San Juan is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. Visitors are expected to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety, such as staying in well-lit areas at night and not flashing valuable items. As for health, visitors are advised to bring their essentials in case they are not readily available, and to follow local guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Getting to San Juan: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Juan is a 6-hour drive from Manila, and there are several transportation options available:

Airports Near San Juan

  • Laoag International Airport - 170 km away from San Juan, 3 hours by van or bus.
  • Clark International Airport - 184 km away from San Juan, 4-5 hours by van or bus.

Bus Stations Near San Juan

  • Partas Bus Terminal - Cubao and Pasay branches offer buses that travel straight to San Fernando City La Union that usually takes 4-5 hours, with cheaper options of local buses.
  • GV Florida Transport - Passengers are encouraged to book the earliest trip in the morning if traveling from Pasay, as all afternoon trips are ending at San Fernando.

Other Options

  • Ride-Hail Services - Uber and Grab are available in La Union, but limited or not available in several barangays of San Juan, recommended to book to their nearest resort or hotel, then coordinate with their staff to arrange for their transport to local attractions.

How to Get Around in San Juan

San Juan is a small town, and visitors can easily get around on foot, scooter or motorbike rentals are also available. Diving into adventure and taking public transport like tricycles and jeepneys is very feasible. They are cheap and readily available, but are affected by the pandemic quarantine limitations.

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

Take advantage of the trip to expand exploration and visit other areas near San Juan like:

  • Vigan - A World Heritage site known for its Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
  • Baguio City - Known as the City of Pines, Baguio is a hill station that offers great weather and endless scenic views.
  • Pagudpud - Dubbed as the “Boracay of the North,” Pagudpud is a great place to relax on its long white beaches or venture through its breathtaking scenic views.

Conclusion

San Juan is undoubtedly a picturesque destination that offers a perfect balance of culture and nature. With its friendly locals, great food, and beautiful attractions, who wouldn’t want to explore this hidden gem? We hope this travel guide has given you a good introduction to San Juan and inspires you to visit and experience it for yourself.