Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan is a small coastal town located in the province of La Union in the Philippines. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and excellent surfing conditions, attracting local and international surfers alike. The town has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful beach getaway.
San Juan also offers stunning sunsets and a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim at the beautiful San Juan Beach. Enjoy the soft sand and sun as you sip on a coconut drink.
After lunch, explore the nearby surf spots or take a lesson if you’re new to surfing. Enjoy the vibrant local culture at the beachside markets.
As evening falls, feast on fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants. Watch the stunning sunset as you relax with a cocktail in hand.
Take an early boat trip to explore the nearby islands such as Nagbonus and Marawag. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and discover vibrant marine life.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with freshly caught fish and local fruits. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or relaxing under a palm tree.
Return to San Juan for a cozy dinner at a local eatery. Share stories from your day as you enjoy traditional Ilocano dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and clear water, ideal for swimming and water sports.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with various historical landmarks.
- Friendly and welcoming local residents.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Vibrant local markets and delicious local cuisine.
- Limited job opportunities and potential for economic stagnation.
- Potential issues with infrastructure and transportation.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters, such as typhoons.
- Limited access to healthcare and educational facilities.
- Tourist areas can become overcrowded during peak seasons.
Best Activities in San Juan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
San Juan is known for its beautiful beaches, and beach hopping is a popular outdoor activity. You can visit beaches like Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan La Union Beach, and more to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
San Juan is a haven for surfers, with its consistent waves and surfing spots such as Urbiztondo Beach. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you can enjoy the thrill of riding the waves here.
Explore the nearby islands and islets around San Juan through island hopping tours. Discover pristine beaches, snorkeling spots, and stunning landscapes while hopping from one island to another.
San Juan offers opportunities for hiking and exploring nature trails, with scenic views and lush landscapes to discover. The Tangadan Falls and Puguis Ridge are popular hiking destinations in the area.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Juan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering spectacular views of the sunset over the ocean, great for photography.
Beautiful luxury resort with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and landscapes, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, providing a great setting for nature photography.
Hiking to the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea, perfect for landscape photography.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Filipino dish made with meat (often chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then simmered until tender. Served with steamed rice, adobo is a must-try in San Juan. Visit 'Mama's Secret' along Pinaglabanan Street for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Sisig is a sizzling plate of chopped pig's face and liver, seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers. For an incredible sisig experience, head to 'JB's Sisig' in Wilson Street.
A beloved Filipino dessert that features a mix of sweet preserved fruits, beans, coconut, sago, and crunchy shaved ice crowned with leche flan and ube ice cream at 'Razon's' in Aurora Boulevard.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Juan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Greenhills Tiangge for a lively array of street food stalls offering local favorites like fish balls, kwek-kwek (quail eggs coated in orange batter), and taho (sweet tofu dessert).
For an authentic market experience, visit Agora Market where you can sample a variety of Filipino street food such as balut (boiled developing duck embryo), kakanin (sweet delicacies made from rice), and bibingka (rice cake).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Juan, Philippines, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and gestures, and deferring to their opinions and decisions.
People in San Juan value personal space, so it's polite to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others, especially during initial meetings.
Sharing food is a common practice in Filipino culture, so if invited to dine with locals in San Juan, it's polite to accept and show appreciation for the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Juan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Juan, Philippines, tipping is not commonly practiced. However, in some high-end restaurants and hotels, a service charge may already be included in the bill. If the service charge is not included, a 5-10% tip is appreciated.
Payment in San Juan, Philippines is predominantly done in cash. Credit cards are also widely accepted in major establishments, but it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller local businesses or markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Juan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit San Juan, Philippines is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny weather, little to no rainfall, and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor explorations.
The wet season in San Juan, Philippines lasts from May to October. This period is characterized by frequent rainfall, high humidity, and the possibility of typhoons. While the landscape is lush and green during this time, outdoor activities may be restricted due to weather conditions.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering scenic views and diverse flora and fauna.
An excellent hike for both beginners and experienced hikers, featuring unique rock formations and panoramic views.
Known for its sea of clouds, this hike provides stunning vistas and a chance to see various wildlife.
A unique hike that takes you around the picturesque Taal Lake and offers breathtaking views from the summit.
A lesser-known hiking spot ideal for quiet nature walks and exploring local flora.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Juan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
The primary airport serving Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the Philippines.
Located on Mactan Island in Cebu, this airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights in the Visayas region.
Located in Pampanga, Clark International Airport serves as an alternative gateway to Metro Manila and offers several international flights.
Also known as Davao International Airport, it is the main airport serving the Davao region and offers both domestic and international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in San Juan, comprising the majority of the population and representing various cultural backgrounds within the Philippines.
A significant demographic group in San Juan, contributing to the local economy and culture, often involved in business and trade.
Descendants of Spanish colonizers, this group has historical significance and has influenced local culture, especially in language and religion.
A smaller yet notable demographic group in San Juan, representing the diverse religious beliefs within the city.
Including various groups originating from different parts of the Philippines, though they constitute a minor portion of the population in urban areas like San Juan.
The Soul of San Juan
Discover the essence of San Juan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is the most popular sport in San Juan, with numerous local leagues and a strong following among residents.
Volleyball has gained popularity among both men and women, particularly in schools and community events.
Football is increasingly popular in San Juan, with local clubs and schools fostering interest in the sport.
Badminton is a common recreational sport in San Juan, often played in parks and community centers.
Sepak Takraw, a traditional sport in the Philippines, is also played recreationally in San Juan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Filipino cuisine heavily features meat, many eateries in San Juan offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Look for restaurants like 'Pipino Vegetarian' in Mabolo Street, which specializes in plant-based Filipino dishes.
For gluten-free dining, 'Greenhills El Puerto Marina Seafood Restaurant' in Club Filipino Avenue provides a selection of fresh seafood and vegetable-based dishes that cater to gluten-free dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Juan with these cultural adventures.