Things To Do
in San Fernando
San Fernando is a bustling city located in La Union province in the Philippines. It is known for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots, attracting many tourists each year. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites such as the Ma-Cho Temple and the Pindangan Ruins.
San Fernando is a popular destination for adventure seekers and beach lovers alike.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to San Fernando's picturesque beaches, where you can enjoy a morning swim. The serene atmosphere and gentle waves make for a refreshing experience.
In the afternoon, grab lunch at a local seaside restaurant. Savor some fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean view.
Wrap up the day with a sunset walk along the shore. The vibrant colors of the sunset create a perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Visit the San Fernando Heritage District to take in the historical architecture. Stroll through the streets and capture the charm of the old buildings.
Head to the San Fernando Museum to immerse yourself in local history and culture. The exhibits will give you insight into the city's past.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Filipino restaurant. Indulge in local dishes and experience the warm hospitality of the Filipinos.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and mountains
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance
- Vibrant local festivals and community events
- Affordable cost of living compared to major urban areas
- Growing economy with opportunities in tourism and local industries
- Limited access to advanced healthcare facilities
- Possible susceptibility to natural disasters such as typhoons
- Infrastructure challenges, including traffic congestion
- Limited employment opportunities in specialized fields
- Environmental issues related to urbanization and pollution
Best Activities in San Fernando
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
San Fernando boasts of beautiful beaches such as San Juan Beach and Poro Point where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.
Explore the scenic natural landscapes by taking a trek to places like the Pugad Adventure Park or the Ma-Cho Temple which offer beautiful views and serene surroundings.
The San Fernando area, particularly in San Juan, has become known for its surfing spots, drawing enthusiasts to enjoy the waves in the coastal areas.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Fernando with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Fernando
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for photography
Features a giant Ferris wheel with stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape
Boasts beautifully preserved historic buildings and streets perfect for photography
Food in San Fernando
San Fernando Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sizzling and savory dish made from parts of pig head and liver, seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. A must-try is Aling Lucing's Sisig at Barangay Del Pilar.
Must-Try!
A Filipino twist on the Spanish paella, it's a flavorful mix of glutinous rice, coconut milk, turmeric, and various meats and seafood. Indulge in this dish at Susie's Cuisine in Dolores.
A festive dish for special occasions, it consists of thinly sliced beef rolled around flavorful fillings such as carrots, pickles, and sausages, simmered in tomato sauce. Visit Cabalen for an exceptional rendition.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Fernando better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a vibrant market offering an assortment of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food like fish ball, kwek-kwek (quail eggs covered in orange batter), and taho (sweet tofu).
Savor the delectable Vigan empanada, a crispy deep-fried turnover filled with grated unripe papaya, longganisa (Philippine sausage), and egg, at the stall near Heroes Hall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Fernando, it is important to show respect to elders by using polite language and gestures.
When visiting religious sites such as churches, it is customary to dress modestly out of respect for the place and the people worshipping.
Using 'po' and 'opo' to show respect and politeness when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority is a common cultural norm in San Fernando.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Fernando with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Fernando
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in San Fernando, Philippines. While it is appreciated in some upscale restaurants and hotels, it is not expected or customary in most establishments.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in San Fernando, Philippines. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it is recommended to have cash on hand for smaller vendors and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Fernando.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit San Fernando is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you can expect plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and warm temperatures, making it perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
The rainy season in San Fernando lasts from May to November, with the most rainfall usually occurring between July and October. During this time, expect frequent rain showers and occasional typhoons, so outdoor activities may be limited. However, the surrounding landscapes are lush and green, offering a different kind of natural beauty.
San Fernando at Night
Hiking in San Fernando
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of Manila and Laguna de Bay, perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
Located about an hour from San Fernando, this mountain offers various trails leading to its summit, where hikers can enjoy panoramic views and diverse flora and fauna.
This mountain is known for its unique monolith and beautiful hiking trails, suitable for all hiking levels. It also offers a beach resort nearby.
Though a bit farther, it is famous for its sea of clouds and diverse ecosystems. This is a more challenging hike, ideal for adventurous hikers.
The longest mountain range in the Philippines, offering various trails and landscapes that are perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Fernando through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Fernando by plane.
Located in Pampanga, approximately 10 kilometers from San Fernando, Clark International Airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a key gateway to Central Luzon.
Located in Manila, approximately 75 kilometers from San Fernando, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the primary airport serving the Philippines and offers extensive international and domestic flight options.
Located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, about 30 kilometers from San Fernando, Subic Bay International Airport mainly handles chartered flights and limited scheduled services.
Located in Bataan, around 40 kilometers from San Fernando, Bataan International Airport is a smaller airport aiming to serve international flights and promote tourism in the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in San Fernando, known for their rich cultural heritage and language.
An ethnic group primarily located in Pampanga, with a significant presence in San Fernando, known for their distinct language and traditions.
A demographic group representing migrants from the Visayas region, contributing to the multicultural landscape.
A historical demographic group involved in commerce and trade, influencing the local economy.
A smaller demographic group in San Fernando, representing the diverse religious landscape.
Includes various ethnic groups and migrants from other regions and countries.
The Soul of San Fernando
Discover the essence of San Fernando through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in San Fernando, with many local leagues and community courts available for players of all ages.
Volleyball enjoys a strong following in schools and communities, often played on beaches and in courts throughout the city.
Soccer is gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with various clubs and teams forming to compete in local tournaments.
Badminton is a widely played sport in San Fernando, with many recreational centers offering facilities for enthusiasts.
Running events, including fun runs and marathons, are common in San Fernando, promoting fitness and community engagement.
Boxing has a rich history in the Philippines, and San Fernando is home to many boxing gyms and training facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Fernando.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Filipino cuisine often features meat, many restaurants in San Fernando are accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, offering dishes like laing (taro leaves in coconut milk) and pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew). Look for 'Gulay' (vegetable) sections on menus.
It's advisable for individuals with gluten restrictions to communicate their dietary needs clearly when dining out. Some establishments may offer gluten-free variants of Filipino dishes or can customize meals accordingly.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Fernando with these cultural adventures.
