San Fernando

San Fernando is a city along the South China Sea coast in La Union, situated at a higher elevation and featuring a peninsula that extends into the water. The urban area spreads along the shoreline, shaped by its coastal geography.

The city was established in 1850 and grew to become an administrative center in northern Luzon. This founding marked the start of its role as an important regional location.

The city expresses Philippine traditions through annual festivals and regional food specialties that shape community life year-round. These practices reflect how locals have adapted their heritage to the rhythms of coastal living.

The city is served by Poro, the main port handling goods and exports from the northern region. Visitors should expect a coastal setting with infrastructure oriented around maritime trade.

The city holds both a modern cathedral built in 1976 and remnants of a church from 1674, showing two different architectural periods side by side. This contrast gives a visual sense of the long religious history in this location.

Location: La Union

Inception: 1850

Elevation above the sea: 101 m

Shares border with: San Juan, Bauang, Naguilian, San Gabriel, Bagulin

Website: http://sanfernandocity.gov.ph

GPS coordinates: 16.61667,120.31667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15