La Union is one of four provinces that make up the Ilocos Region ( Region I ), widely recognized as the “Surfing Capital of the North”.

Formed from a coalition of towns across various provinces, La Union serves as a melting pot of cultures, establishing itself as the crossroads of the region.

The province was created through a Decreto Superior on March 2, 1850, issued by Governor General Antonio Maria Blanco. It was carved out from certain towns in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan. Its designation as a province was officially sanctioned by a Royal Decree from Queen Isabela II of Spain on April 18,1854. The name La Union signifies the merging of these two sections from different provinces.

The province is subdivided into nineteen (19) municipalities and the city of San Fernando, which serves as the provincial capital as well as seat of the regional government.

La Union is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, featuring seascapes that make it a watersports paradise.

• Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan: Renowned for its consistent, gentle waves that are ideal for both novice and seasoned surfers, alongside a lively scene that includes surf schools, beachside restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, making it a favored spot for surfers and tourists seeking a laid-back coastal vibe.
• Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel: A beautiful, two-tiered waterfall celebrated for its cold, invigorating waters and opportunities for various adventure activities.
• Immuki Island in Balaoan: A stunning eco-tourism site known for its unique crystal-clear natural rock pools or lagoons, striking rock formations, and lush mangrove forests.
• Fagg Reef: Situated a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland, the reef is a favored dive spot inhabited by a wide array of marine creatures, including barracudas, sea snakes, Moray eels, sharks, and other friendly sea creatures.
• Research Reef: A popular dive site known for its underwater rock formations, caves, diverse fish species including lobsters, lionfish, parrotfish, as well as a WWII Japanese shipwreck at a depth of 30m, offering both shallow reef exploration and deeper wreck diving,
• La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden in Cadaclan: A sprawling 10-hectare garden that boasts various themed gardens, picnic areas, a natural museum, and an aviary.

In addition, La Union is rich in heritage, featuring historical and cultural landmarks spread through out the province.

• Pindangan Ruins in San Fernando: Features the remnants of a church built by the Spaniards during the 18th-century, providing insight into the province’s colonial past. It was the first church and the core of the settlement that was later to become the capital city.
• The Ma-Cho Taoist Temple, also in San Fernando: Believed to be the only temple built with five gates, it enshrines the image of the Virgin of Caysasay, the patroness of the Filipino-Chinese community in the city.
• Agoo Basilica in Agoo: Home to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Charity. This imposing structure, designed in Mexican-Baroque style, serves as the venue for religious rites, foremost of which is the Semana Santa. Each year, during the Good Friday procession, the townspeople bear witness to ardent devotees relentlessly pulling life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross along the processional routes.
• Museo Iloko, also in Agoo: Houses religious artifacts, antique furniture, porcelain wares, miniature dolls, and other objects of cultural importance to the Ilocanos.
• Wallace Air Station in San Fernando: A former U.S. Air Force (USAF) facility that was handed over to the Philippine government in 1991. It is now primarily an installation of the Philippine Air Force and Navy at Poro Point.

Local products and souvenirs ( pasalubong ) include traditional Inabel (loom-woven fabrics), fine basket weaving, activated bamboo charcoal products, and basi (sugarcane wine).

The province boasts a vibrant food scene with local delicacies such as itlog ni biringhe and a variety of restaurants and cafés serving savory local cuisine.

With regards to accommodation, La Union provides a diverse range of lodging options, primarily focused in the surfing hub of San Juan and the capital city of San Fernando. Choices range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, catering to various types of travelers.