7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in San Juan

San Juan, is a haven for digital nomads seeking the perfect blend of work and leisure. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle, it's no wonder that many choose to base themselves here. But even the most dedicated remote worker needs a break from time to time. Fortunately, San Juan is ideally situated for weekend getaways that range from popular tourist spots to hidden gems. Here are seven destinations that offer a refreshing change of scenery and a wealth of experiences.

La Union

La Union, often referred to as the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines, is a must-visit for anyone staying in San Juan. It's not only about the waves; the province is also known for its grape farms, where you can pick fresh grapes straight from the vine. The laid-back vibe of the beach town is perfect for those looking to unwind, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to explore. For the more adventurous, there's also hiking and waterfall chasing.

How to Get There: La Union is easily accessible from San Juan by bus or car. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to watch the sunset at Urbiztondo Beach. It's a breathtaking sight that's perfect for ending a day of surfing or exploring.

Where to Stay: For a comfortable stay, check out the Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa, which offers a fantastic pool overlooking the ocean. Another option is the Vessel Hostel, known for its unique architecture and rooftop views.

Where to Eat: El Union Coffee is famous for its specialty brews and smores. For a hearty meal, Tagpuan sa San Juan offers delicious local dishes like bagnet and poqui-poqui.

Baguio City

Known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City is a popular retreat for those looking to escape the heat. With its cool climate, lush pine trees, and vibrant arts scene, Baguio offers a refreshing change of pace. Visit the BenCab Museum to appreciate local art, stroll through Burnham Park, or explore the night market for some thrift shopping.

How to Get There: The trip to Baguio City from San Juan takes about 3 to 4 hours by bus. Several bus lines offer daily trips to this mountainous destination.

Travel Tip: Make sure to try the famous strawberry taho (a local tofu dessert) when visiting the strawberry farms in La Trinidad, just a short drive from Baguio City.

Where to Stay: The Manor at Camp John Hay offers luxury accommodations with a view of the pine forests, while the Kamiseta Hotel is a boutique option with a charming, vintage feel.

Where to Eat: Café by the Ruins is a must-visit for its fresh, locally-sourced menu and the history behind the establishment—it's built on the remains of a garden theater.

Vigan City

Step back in time with a visit to Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), and visit the historic mansions and museums that tell the story of the city's past.

How to Get There: Vigan is about a 3-hour drive from San Juan. Buses also service the route, offering a convenient option for travelers.

Travel Tip: Try to visit during the Vigan City Fiesta or the Longganisa Festival to experience the city's vibrant culture and taste its famous local sausage.

Where to Stay: Hotel Luna is an art hotel that offers a unique experience, with an in-house museum and artworks throughout the property. For a more traditional stay, the Vigan Heritage Mansion captures the city's historic charm.

Where to Eat: Café Leona offers a mix of local Ilocano dishes and international cuisine, set in a historic home on Calle Crisologo.

Tangadan Falls

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel is a hidden treasure. The journey involves a scenic trek through the mountains, leading to the majestic waterfall where you can swim in the cool, clear waters or simply enjoy the serene environment.

How to Get There: From San Juan, it's a short drive to San Gabriel, followed by a trek to the falls. The entire trip can take a couple of hours, so it's best to start early in the day.

Travel Tip: Be sure to hire a local guide for the trek to ensure safety and to learn more about the area's flora and fauna.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations at Tangadan Falls, but you can stay in nearby hostels or resorts in San Juan, such as the Awesome Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and a beachfront location.

Where to Eat: After the trek, refuel at Gefseis Greek Grill in San Juan, which offers a taste of Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the sea.

Luna, La Union

Luna is a quaint town in La Union known for its pebble beaches and the historic Luna Watchtower. It's a quieter destination where you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere, visit the Bahay na Bato art gallery, or collect unique pebble souvenirs from the beach.

How to Get There: Luna is about an hour's drive from San Juan. You can take a bus or hire a tricycle to take you directly to the town.

Travel Tip: Visit during low tide to see the pebble beach in all its glory, and don't miss the chance to see the Baluarte Watchtower at sunset.

Where to Stay: While Luna doesn't have many hotels, you can find accommodations in nearby towns or opt for a homestay experience to immerse yourself in local life.

Where to Eat: The local market offers fresh seafood that you can have cooked to order, or you can try the empanadas and other snacks from street vendors.

Immuki Island

Immuki Island is an off-the-grid destination perfect for those looking to disconnect and enjoy nature. This small island in Barangay Paraoir, Balaoan, is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and features several lagoons that you can explore by swimming or rafting.

How to Get There: To reach Immuki Island, it's a two-hour drive from San Juan to Balaoan, followed by a short boat ride to the island.

Travel Tip: Bring your snorkeling gear to enjoy the underwater scenery, and don't forget to pack your own food and water as there are no facilities on the island.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations on Immuki Island, so plan for a day trip or stay in nearby resorts in La Union.

Where to Eat: Since it's a remote location, it's best to bring a picnic. However, you can enjoy local cuisine at the restaurants back on the mainland in Balaoan.

Mount Pinatubo

For a truly unique weekend getaway, consider trekking to the crater of Mount Pinatubo. The once-destructive volcano is now a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by ash walls, offering a surreal landscape. The trek is an adventure in itself, with a mix of 4x4 rides and hiking through lahar fields.

How to Get There: The journey to Mount Pinatubo starts with a 3 to 4-hour drive from San Juan to the jump-off point in Capas, Tarlac. From there, you'll take a 4x4 vehicle and hike to the crater.

Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection for the trek. It's also advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are available in nearby towns, such as the Green Canyon Eco Art Resort, which offers a peaceful retreat with art installations and nature activities.

Where to Eat: Try the local Kapampangan cuisine at restaurants in Capas or Angeles City, where you can savor dishes like sisig and kare-kare.

Whether you're looking for a quick beach trip, a cultural experience, or an adventurous trek, these weekend getaways from San Juan, Philippines, offer something for every digital nomad. Remember to respect the local environment and communities as you explore these beautiful destinations.