What is the best La Union beach to see? Well, the answer to that is up to you. But here is a comprehensive list of both famous and off-beaten La Union beaches you should not miss!
La Union is now of the leading eco-tourism sites in the Philippines with its wide array of eco-cultural attractions. It’s gained the title of the “Surfing Capital of the North” owing to the strong waves that make it fit for such activity.
I have been visiting La Union multiple times as I live in Baguio City which is just an hour’s drive away. Although I prefer chasing waterfalls or assaulting mountains, the call of La Union’s beaches is just too loud to ignore. So from time to time, I visit these to relish the views and swim in invigorating waters.
If you’re planning to visit La Union as well, check out these lovely beaches, each with unique features to offer.
La Union Beach you Should Visit
1. Pebble Beach
As the name suggests, Pebble Beach features a long stretch of beach covered with pebbles. The pebbles come in multiple shapes, sizes, and colors and one could just wonder where all these came from.
What I love about the beach is that it gives you a therapeutic experience.
Try walking on it barefoot as you feel the pebbles pressing on your feet, you’ll feel relaxed. Although the blue waters of the sea are so inviting, swimming is discouraged because of the strong waves.
It’s best to come here during the early morning or late afternoon to catch sight of a stunning sunrise or sunset.
- Location/Jump-off: Luna, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
- Extra Sights to See: Balay na Bato, Baluarte Watchtower
READ: Pebble Beach (DIY GUIDE): How to Get There
Tag: Famous La Union Beach
2. Acapulco Beach
If you want to hang out with the locals, tune in to karaoke, and have a merry escape, check out Acapulco Beach. It is a public beach which is a favorite hang-out of the locals and even some tourists.
Enjoy strolling on the powdery sands or swimming with the gentle waves. You can also go chasing small crabs on the sandy shore.
Numerous cottages made of nipa and bamboo line the beach. Cottage rent ranges from Php 250 to Php 500, depending on size.
To get here, ride a tricycle from San Fernando City. One-way fare is Php 200 and travel time takes 15 minutes.
- Location/Jump-off: San Fernando City, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
- Cottage Rent: Php 250 to Php 500
Tag: Public La Union Beach
3. Urbiztundo Beach
If you’re into surfing, the best in La Union to visit is Urbiztundo Beach. Both local and international surfers troop here especially during summer and annually, a surfing festival is held.
If you want to learn how to surf, this is also a good spot as there are various schools and surfing camps offering lessons. One of which is the Juan Surf School which offers one of the best surfing equipment and a surfing program.
Numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, resorts, and other amenities line the beach, thus, expect a lively nightlife when you come here.
- Location/Jump-off: San Juan, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
- Best Time to Visit: July-October (South Swell), November to March (North Swell)
- Extra Sight to See: Tangadan Falls, Lotus Valley Farm
Tag: Best La Union Beach for Surfing
4. San Juan Public Beach
If you’re visiting San Juan and you ought for swimming instead of swimming, check out San Juan Public Beach. It’s just two kilometers away or less from Urbiztundo Beach.
The water here is calmer and clearer. Don’t get too far from the beach though because there are stinging jellyfish. During a visit, I got strung many times although it was not that painful.
But that did not stop me from relishing the waters to beat the simmering midday heat. It’s also ideal to come here during the late afternoon because of the mesmerizing sunset.
There are also some cottages and a few resorts lining the beach. By the way, the beach is a breeding site for the endangered Pawikan or Philippine turtles.
That is why some local volunteers do regular nighttime patrols along the beach to protect these species. You can also join them to learn about conservation.
- Location/Jump-off: San Juan, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
- Extra Sight to See: Tangadan Falls, Lotus Valley Farm
Tag: Off-Beaten La Union Beach
5. Bacnotan Beach
An emerging La Union beach, Bacnotan Beach features more than 16 kilometers of a mostly black sandy shore. That’s because the beach contains a rich deposit of magnetite that gives it a black color.
Because of that, there is a company mining some parts of the beach for the precious mineral.
Some parts of the beach also contain pebbles and limestone rock formations. It is also an ideal spot for surfing and is becoming a popular alternative during the crowded days of Urbiztundo Beach.
- Location/Jump-off: Bacnotan, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
6. Immuki Island
Formerly referred to as Kaparingitan among the locals, Immuki Island is a newly-discovered tourist spot in La Union. But don’t expect a long stretch of sandy beach here because it has rocky shores.
What you’ll find here are lagoons with crystal-clear waters and a thriving marine ecosystem. Peek on the waters and you’ll see fishes and other aquatic creatures.
The island is named as such because it resembles the shape of a female’s external genitalia when viewed from above. There are also mangroves here and yes, some dead corals.
That is why take extra caution when swimming around on shallow parts or wear protective gear.
If you want to make the most out of your visit, ride on a bamboo raft as the guide tours you around the island. You can also do cliff diving or jump from one of the surrounding cliffs towards the deep pool.
Locals love to come here because of the rustic and tranquil environment and it’s very much accessible from the mainland.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Paraoir, Balaoan
- Entrance Fee: Php 10 per person
- Guide Fee: Php 150
- Raft Rent: Php 250 for 1.5 hours (good for 6 persons)
- Goggles’ Rent: Php 20
7. Bauang Beach
The coastline of Bauang is home to numerous beach resorts and amenities which offer a stunning view of the endless shorelines.
Although there are rocky portions, most of the coastlines consist of sandy beaches with scattered limestone rock formations.
The waters here are so calmer, thus, it’s ideal for swimming.
What makes the beaches here special is the thriving marine life. In fact, Bauang has one of the most productive fishing sites in La Union.
Expect to see fish swimming in the waters when you come here. It will feel like you’re a mermaid swimming with them.
The beach is just minute of ride from the town center. Although locals usually troop here during weekends and holidays, it is generally an off-beaten beach in La Union.
8. Taberna Beach
Chase one of the best sunset views in the Philippines at Taberna Beach. Because of its popularity as a viewpoint, it attracts a huge crowd, especially during weekends and the summer months.
That is why it’s best to come here in the early morning if you prefer a less touristy setting.
Want to experience a rejuvenating swim? No problem. Taberna Beach has calm and clear waters for you to enjoy. You can also run around the beach and enjoy your feet pressing on the powdery sands.
There are some cottages lining the beach and you can rent one of them at very affordable rates. Oh yes, you’ll also encounter marine wildlife from time to time if you swim here.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Taberna, Bauang, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
9. Poro Point Beach
Poro Point is one of the most famous tourist spots in La Union, owing to its historical and natural ambiance. It’s actually a peninsula connected to the mainland and protruding to the scenic sea.
Both locals and tourists troop here because of the amazing views and the caressing breeze.
Don’t forget to check out the Poro Point Boardwalk during your visit. Here, you’ll find the spot that the locals dub the meeting point of the sun and the ocean.
There are sandy beaches on the peninsula complementing the turquoise waters of the sea.
If you want to learn about history, visit the Lighthouse which stands at the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone. It is a century-year-old structure that served as a guide for seafarers during the olden times.
- Location/Jump-off: San Fernando City, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
- Operating Time: Every Day
READ: Poro Point Lighthouse (UPDATED): Complete DIY Travel Guide
10. Darigayos Cove Beach
Another off-beaten beach in La Union is Darigayos Cove Beach located in the northern part of the province. It features an 800-meter stretch of powdery and creamy-white sands with bluish waters that could easily entice you for a swim.
There are also cottages made out of native materials that you can rent at a cheaper price.
Among the beach resorts you’ll find here are Coral Island, Noble Tower, and Navalta Beach Resort. Because the surrounding waters teem with marine life, fishing is a major livelihood among the locals.
You can buy fish directly from them as they unload their harvest from the boats.
Aside from the beach, you can visit nearby attractions here such as the USAFIP NL Military Shrine, and the Camp Spencer. Both of these played a historical role during World War II.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Darigayos, Luna
- Cottage Rent: Php 250 to Php 500 depending on size
- Military Shrine Fee: None
11. Baccuit Sur Beach
Although Baccuit Sur Beach is not as developed as other beaches in La Union, it does have its own charming features to offer. It features powdery cream-to-brown sands that complement the bluish seas.
It’s an ideal getaway for tourists who prefer laid-back options. For an introvert like me, ah this beach is a paradise and a good spot for meditation and reflection.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Baccuit Sur, Bauang, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
Tag: Off-Beaten La Union Beach
12. Bauang Hidden Beach
The Hidden Beach has a long stretch of powdery and creamy-brown sands. Big limestone boulders litter the beach. You can use one of these as a platform for jumping or diving right into the deep part of the sea.
Fewer locals or tourists also come here, thus, making it a fit for tranquil escapes.
The few accommodations operating nearby offer affordable rates for both a day and an overnight stay.
- Location/Jump-off: Bauang, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
Tag: Emerging La Union Beach
13. Carlatan Beach
If you’re planning to visit the vast plantations here, don’t miss out on Carlatan Beach. Although it’s a small strip of powdery sand, it makes up for a good camping spot with friends or families.
A favorite activity here is sitting around a bonfire and sharing stories. At the edge of the beach, one finds limestone rocks and boulders. Some brave locals use these for cliff jumping or diving.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Carlatan, San Fernando City
Tag: Hidden La Union Beach
14. Canaoay Beach
Canaoay Beach is also a favorite spot for catching a spectacular view of the sunset. Because of that, it makes up for a good romantic photoshoot. Most locals or tourists visiting Canaoay Beach also make a side trip to the nearby Pinandangan Ruins.
Built by the Spaniards in 1764, the ruins are actually the remnant of a Catholic Church which has been deteriorated by pirate and Muslim attacks during those years.
- Location/Jump-off: San Fernando City, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
Tag: Off-Beaten La Union Beach
15. Panicsican Beach
Panicsican Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in La Union. Many locals come here with their families to hold a picnic and escape the summer heat. It’s a long stretch of creamy-brown sands where you can sunbath.
Several cottages made up of bamboo and nipa also line the beach and you can rent these at a very cheap rate. If you plan to have an overnight stay, there are accommodations you can book for as low as Php 500 per night.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Panicsican, San Juan, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
- Cottage Rent: Php 250 to Php 500 depending on size
Tag: Public La Union Beach
16. Paringao Beach
Looking for the best memorable seaside stay-cation? Visit Paringao Beach. So far, there are only three resorts here namely, Eastside Beach Resort, Coconut Grove, and Cina Sea.
It is very much accessible from the highway and you’ll just have to follow a local road to reach it.
- Location/Jump-off: Bauang, La Union
Tag: Emerging La Union Beach
17. Wallace Air Station
Wallace Air Station is not technically a beach but it does offer a magnificent view of the ocean. If you’re just after a place to unwind, this is a must-visit. Enjoy the cold breeze giving you a caressing touch and unloading you of burdens.
- Location/Jump-off: San Fernando City, La Union
- Entrance Fee: None
Tag: Vantage Point for La Union Beach
For Your Information
If you need more information to help set up your itinerary to the best beaches in La Union, do contact the local tourism office via the following:
- Contact Number: (072) 888 6922
I think i like Darigayos Cove beach
We’re 8 adults and 2 kids sged 11 snd 9
Date is May 27 to 29
Pls i need update re accomodation