La Union, or “Elyu” as locals call it, is known as the “Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon.” Most people think of it as a destination for young adults, surfers catching waves in the morning, beach parties at night. On the surface, it doesn’t scream as a kid-friendly destination. But you know what? It can be.
We visited the Dizon family last December after they’d recently moved to La Union. They welcomed us and even gave us a tour of the area. We were only there for two days and spent most of our time with them. This wasn’t a trip where we ticked off all the major tourist boxes, but it was exactly what we needed. A trip that let us enjoy good company, and a few meaningful stops along the way.
Here’s a list of things to do with kids in La Union based on what we experienced.
1. Poro Point Baywalk
The Poro Point Baywalk is one of the favorite hangout spots for locals in La Union, and I can see why. It’s a long stretch along the coast where you can walk, jog, or just sit and watch the ocean. We went in the late afternoon, right before sunset, and the weather was cool. The ocean breeze came in strong, and it felt refreshing after a day of driving around.
Getting there is easy. Just drive through Poro in the direction of Thunderbird Resort, then drive past it and follow the signs on your right for the Baywalk. There’s a large parking lot that stretches from the start of the Baywalk all the way to the picnic area, so finding a spot wasn’t an issue.
The Baywalk has a playground and lots of open space. Audrey and Inarah ran around while we sat at one of the tables and talked. There are benches along the path if you just want to sit and take in the view. The beach itself is rocky, so swimming isn’t really an option, but it’s a good place to relax and let the kids burn off energy.
If you’re planning to visit, the best time to go is late afternoon, around 4 or 5 PM. The temperature drops, and the lighting is great for photos. It’s also a nice way to end the day without committing to a full beach outing.
2. Witnessing a Sea Turtle Release at Project CURMA
Watching baby sea turtles crawl toward the ocean for the first time is something you don’t forget. We experienced this at Project CURMA in Brgy. Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union, and it was one of those moments that reminded me why we travel with kids. Audrey and her best friend Inarah stood right at the front, eyes wide, as hundreds of tiny hatchlings scrambled across the sand.
This wasn’t just a tourist activity. It felt meaningful. The kind of experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
3. Pasko sa Kapitolyo
Since we visited during the Christmas season, we got to see the annual Pasko sa Kapitolyo. The provincial capitol transformed into an enchanted wonderland embellished with mystical butterflies and fairies, colorful flowers, dazzling Christmas lights and lanterns, and different whimsical displays.
Audrey loved it. She kept pointing out the different decorations, asking about the butterflies and the lights. We walked through slowly, taking photos and soaking in the holiday atmosphere. It was crowded when we went.
If you’re visiting La Union in December, this is worth adding to your itinerary. It’s free to walk through, and it’s a nice evening activity that the whole family can enjoy. The displays are well done, and the effort that goes into it shows.
4. Bahay na Bato in Luna
We visited Bahay na Bato in Luna, a coastal town known for its stone and pebble beaches. The town has built a livelihood around these natural resources. Locals hand-pick and classify the pebbles before selling them, and you’ll notice many houses in the area are built using these same materials.
Bahay na Bato stands out. It’s an art house made entirely of pebbles and stones sourced from the beaches of Luna. The walls are covered in carefully arranged stones, and corals are mounted on certain sections. The backyard features art decorations made entirely of stones, each piece arranged with intention.
Audrey loved walking around and pointing out different shapes and colors in the pebbles. The property sits right along the coast, so you get a clear view of the West Philippine Sea. The sound of the waves adds to the whole experience.
5. Almeida Man-Made Forest in Luna-Balaoan
The Almeida Man-Made Forest is a 500-meter stretch along the Bacnotan-Balaoan-Luna-Bangar Highway in Almeida, Balaoan, La Union. It’s a breathtaking pathway where man-made trees create a natural tunnel effect.
We drove through it on our way to another stop, and it was worth slowing down for. The canopy overhead filters the light in a way that makes everything look softer and greener. It’s a quick stop, nothing that will take up your whole afternoon, but it’s a nice break from the drive.
There are no amenities or activities here. It’s just a beautiful stretch of road. But sometimes, that’s all you need.
6. Baluarte Watch Tower
Baluarte Watch Tower is an old watch tower built during Hispanic times. It’s struck down the middle and leaning, almost on the verge of collapse, but the locals have placed supports to keep it standing.
It’s a lone structure overlooking the sea. The trip to get there was quiet, and honestly, the drive itself was part of the experience. There’s not much to do around the area since it’s the only thing that exists there for tourists. No other amenities or activities are available.
We stopped briefly, took a few photos, and left. It’s not a place you’ll spend a lot of time at, but if you’re interested in history or architecture, it’s worth a quick visit. Audrey didn’t seem too interested, which is understandable. There’s not much for kids to engage with.
If you’re passing by and have 15 to 20 minutes to spare, stop and take a look. If you’re short on time, you won’t miss much by skipping it.
La Union might be known for surfing and beach parties, but there’s more to it than that. We found kid-friendly activities that kept Audrey engaged and gave us moments we’ll remember.
This wasn’t a packed itinerary. We didn’t rush from one place to another. We spent time with family, explored a few spots, and took things slow. And honestly, that’s the kind of family travel I prefer now.
If you’re planning a trip to La Union with kids, don’t overthink it. The destination has enough to offer families if you know where to look. Just take your time, choose activities that match your pace, and enjoy the trip.
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