Parents' Guide for a Family Weekend in La Union

To travel to La Union is to explore the long stretch of prominent coastlines in the North and then some. Here is a handy parent’s guide for a family weekend in La Union.  
 
The Natural Wonders
 
Apart from the perfect image of a beach summer filled with sunbathing or swimming in clear blue water, did you know that La Union has some unexplored natural wonders? Enjoy a little family hiking up to Bakes Swimming Pool in San Juan, Anito Falls in Santol, Tuddingan Falls in Naguilian, or Tapuakan River in Pugo, and take pleasure in its serene and pristine surroundings. Parents, this is your chance to go on eco-trail adventure with your kids and show them the lush green beauty of Mother Nature. You can also try the Arosip Ecotrail in Bacnotan might just be your thing. Finding these falls (and more) and eco-trails may be quite difficult for new travelers, but locals are always willing to show you the way.
 
The Environmental, Cultural, and Historical Sites
 
If some cultural and historical education is something you have in mind for your trip, check out the following:
Museo de Iloko is found in the municipality of Agoo. It holds artifacts and several more essential pieces that are of great significance to the Ilocanos. Open from Mondays thru Fridays, 8am to 5pm. Visits on Saturdays are by arrangement.

La Union Science Centrum and Museum is a learning hub for parents and kids, being the “first-ever interactive hands-on discover museum” established in the North, composed of five galleries: Kadaklan Burial Site and Environmental Gallery, Museum, Dark Room, Main Science Gallery, and Portable Planetarium.

Pindangan Ruins is a classic. Here stands the remains of the old church built in 1786. Located in Barangay Sevilla, La Union, tricycle drivers can always take you there from wherever you are.

La Union Botanical Garden boasts of an array of flora and fauna in its diverse gardens: Sunken Garden, Shade Garden, Chinese Garden, Medicinal Garden, Evergreen Garden, Japanese Garden, Fragrance Garden, Arid Paradise, and Fernery and Palmery. It is situated in Sitio Japan, Cadaclan, City of San Fernando.

Heroes Hill & Freedom Park Stairway is to be found at the eastern portion of the Capitol Hill in the City of San Fernando where nine statues of our national heroes stand.

Children’s Park is a free playground for children situated at the heart of the City of San Fernando. 

Beach Resorts and Other Accommodations 

Finding a place to stay is never a problem, but deciding on which one can be daunting. Class AAA resorts include Oasis Country Resort & Restaurant and Puerto de San Juan. Class AA includes Coconut Grove Beach Resort and La Mer Resort. Some resorts of the Class A type are Cabana Beach Resort, Long Beach Hotel Resort, Sea Park Beach Resort, Villa Estrella Resort, Bali Hai Beach Resort, and China Sea Beach Resort.  Special interest resorts, particularly for surfing activities, are San Juan Surf Resort and Sebay Resort. But if you are up for a luxurious stay with casino games in mind, then Thunderbird Fiesta Resort Casino and Restaurant is the only match to that. Otherwise, if you are looking for a more affordable yet decent economy or tourist inn, Hotel Mikka, Sea & Sky Hotel, Citigate Hotel, and Plaza Hotel are few of the many choices around.
 
Restaurants and Fast Food Choices 

Feed your growling stomachs after your day tour and check out these famous dining places in La Union: Midway Grill (American-style fare), Café Esperanza, Finnegan’s Bar & Resort, Rose Bowl, Max’s Restaurant, Mocha Blends, The Venue Restaurant, Tunuan ti Bauang, Halo-Halo De Iloko, and G-5 Restobar & Veranda are among heaps of options.  A road trip is not only a pleasurable approach to bond with the entire family, but it’s a relaxing way of extending your children’s education during the summer months. If you’re traveling up North, print out this parent’s guide to a family weekend in La Union so you know you’ve covered all your bases. 


Notes: Rates are ever changing, so to find more about these tourist spots and their fees during your planned date of visit, hop onto http://www.launion.gov.ph where you can find contact details and more information.  


Sources: http://www.launion.gov.phhttp://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/services/historical.php#luscm http://www.thebignm.com/explore/la-union/