Weekend Getaways Near Cities’ Top Picks

by Rosie Esplana

February 6, 2024

Weekends are fantastic! Even great are long weekends. We all yearn for that brief respite from our daily routines, to get away from it all and find fun and serenity. What could be more enjoyable than organizing a brief road trip? Why are you acting so quickly? Because a full-fledged vacation necessitates a 5- to 10-day break, and we only get to make such plans once or twice a year.

So, for those who reside near metro cities, there are a few places that might provide you with an unforgettable road trip experience.

If you’re looking for a quick break near Manila, look no further.

Let’s have a look at some of the entertaining weekend spots near Manila that are ideal for a well-deserved getaway.

Batangas

Batangas is the first place that comes to mind when considering a weekend escape near Manila. Batangas has everything that other places have, like beaches, hiking, and food tours. Without taking a plane, you can immediately experience white sand beaches!

Time to get there from Manila: 2 hours

Locations to visit:

Fortune Island
Masasa Beach
Malabrigo Beach
Matabungkay Beach
Taal Heritage Town

Tagaytay

Tagaytay is a popular destination for overnight trips near Manila, whether it’s season or not. It is one of the coldest areas in the Philippines, providing visitors with fresh, pure air and a nice environment.

Trekking to the crater of Taal Volcano, dining at a restaurant with a spectacular view of Taal Volcano, and searching for the greatest bulalo in town are just a few of Tagaytay’s most popular activities. Tagaytay is the place to go if you want a fun retreat that isn’t too far from the metro.

Travel time from Manila: 2 hours

Locations to visit:

Sky Ranch Tagaytay
Balay Dako
Sonya’s Garden
People’s Park in the Sky
Picnic Grove

Laguna

There aren’t always beautiful white beaches in paradise. It can be disguised as woodlands, hot springs, or waterfalls. Laguna is an excellent example of this. Laguna’s natural beauty is centered on the province’s unspoilt rainforests and waterfalls, despite the fact that it isn’t a typical summer vacation.

Apart from that, its towns retain its historic facades, such as the Rizal Shrine, which is a reproduction of the original two-story house where Jose Rizal was born.

Many people, particularly those from the adjacent provinces, frequent Laguna since it is one of the most affordable retreats near Manila. If you’re from Manila, Laguna is often cited as a popular “staycation near me” location.

Travel time from Manila: 2 hours

Locations to visit:

Majayjay Falls and Cold Springs
Pandin Lake
Hulugan Falls
Nuvali
Rizal Shrine

Zambales

Zambales is another popular vacation location, particularly for solitary travellers. Zambales is a great place to visit for an overnight vacation near Manila because of its proximity.

Even though the province is only a three- to four-hour drive from the metro, it feels like you’ve gone off the grid for the weekend. Partying, camping on the beach, and island hopping are the greatest things to do in Zambales.

You may take in the magnificent vistas of Anawangin Cove or relax on the uncrowded beach of Capones Island. And don’t worry about your wallet; Zambales is one of the most cost-effective retreats near Manila.

Travel time from Manila: 3-4 hours away

Locations to visit::

Anawangin Cove
Capones Island
Liwliwa Beach
Nagsasa Cove
Potipot Island

Pangasinan

Bangus (milkfish) and the Hundred Islands are the most well-known features of Pangasinan. There’s a lot more to see in this seaside province, though. If you’re apprehensive to travel all the way to the north due to financial constraints, fear not: in Pangasinan, you may enjoy a weekend getaway with the whole family without breaking the bank.

Hundreds of islands, gorgeous beaches, and natural areas abound in the province. It has a number of locations that are ideal for leisure activities, such as swimming and hiking, as well as sightseeing.

Travel time from Manila: Around 5-6 hours

Locations to visit:

Hundred Islands National Park
Abagatanen and Pabrika Beach
Enchanted Cave
Panacalan Island
Patar Beach

Rizal

Destinations like Tagaytay or Batangas frequently come to mind for quick weekend out-of-town vacations. Rizal is often forgotten, despite its proximity to Manila. However, this underappreciated travel destination contains hidden jewels that may even surprise you.

Mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and rivers, as well as art museums, abound in Rizal. The good news is that Rizal is easily accessible from Manila through public transportation. There are numerous buses and vans that travel around the province.

Travel time from Manila: 1-2 hours

Locations to visit:

Daranak Falls
Tinipak River
Pililla Windmills
Masungi Georeserve
Pinto Art Museum

La Union

The major reason that visitors come to La Union is to surf. If you’re new to surfing and want to learn, the coastline is lined with schools and instructors that can assist you.

La Union, however, is more than a surf town. It has a diverse range of restaurants, activities, and picturesque sights. When you visit La Union, you will undoubtedly be enthralled by its brilliant colors, youthful energy, and laid-back feel.

Travel time from Manila: 4 hours

Locations to visit:

Tangadan Falls
Luna Beach
Baluarte Watchtower
Kamay na Bato Art Gallery
Grape Farm

There are seven health advantages of taking a quick getaways:

Physical health has improved.
Better mental health
Improved family bonds due to increased mental motivation
Burnout is reduced.
Increased happiness
Greater well-being

Consider all of the sites you can visit within an eight-hour drive radius and make a few of them your future fast break destinations. These types of travels are both good for the soul and good for the wallet.
All of this might be planned or unplanned, so make sure you buy or add safety precautions to your fast getaways every time you go. This may not seem like much to a traveler like you, but it’s a small price to pay for something you truly enjoy. We now have a safety net in place for unavoidable events. Purchase travel insurance, visit, and have fun on your trip!