Top 10 Road Trip Destinations Near Manila

Manila is known as the central hub of the Philippines which presents a variety of activities, traditional food and tourist spots. If you have extra time while visiting Manila Philippines, take advantage of the opportunity to visit other neighbouring locations. Manila is conveniently located close to neighbouring provinces that provide beautiful sceneries and alluring activities, from historical monuments to beaches and mountains. You can simply book a car rental in Manila and take a road trip!

Whether you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city or you are looking for a wider variety of activities to do in the Philippines, here are 10 of the best road trip destinations near Manila:

Tagaytay is located on a mountain ridge in Southern Cavite. The weather is cooler than the lowlands of Cavite, making it a cool haven from Manila’s warm weather. It has also become a well-known road trip destination due to its closeness to Metro Manila and the wide variety of things to do there.

While visiting Tagaytay, be sure to try their renowned dish, Bulalo, a traditional Filipino soup made with beef shanks and vegetables. It will surely warm you up in the city’s cool weather! For a tranquil moment, visit one of the many cafes in Tagaytay to get a view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.

Batangas is recognised for its diving spots, mountains and beautiful beach resorts which are budget-friendly. You can easily get there by taking public transportation or renting a car. You may also book Batangas tours to explore the place with ease.

Their well-known beach resorts in the province include Canyon Cove Hotel & Spa, Pico Sands Hotel, Amara Residences, and Club Punta Fuego. These resorts are in Nasugbu, which is in the northwest of Batangas. You can also take a day tour of Fortune Island, which is home to an old resort that resembles a Greek palace.

Located north of Manila, La Union is a famous surfing destination in the Philippines. It is also accessible through public transportation or by driving your vehicle. One of the best resorts here is the Thunderbird Poro Resort in San Fernando, which offers a wide range of activities and amenities for guests, in addition to its lovely exteriors and picturesque views.

There are also numerous budget-friendly accommodations for adventure seekers in San Juan. Due to its lively nightlife and extensive selection of surf shops, restaurants, and cafes, San Juan is the most popular town in La Union. You will enjoy hanging out by the ocean side and bistro bouncing in this hip surf town that is home to many places of interest.

Rizal is in a mountainous region with cool weather. It offers many things to do and see, including hiking, exploring a cave and taking a dip in a waterfall. Additionally, there are Antipolo restaurants and coffee shops where you can enjoy stunning views of the sunset, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quick getaway from the city.

The well-known places of interest in Rizal include Pinto Art Museum, Masungi Georeserve and Avilon Zoo. Apart from that, there are also various hiking trails whether you are a newbie or an experienced hiker.

Bataan is well-known for its natural and cultural places of interest, including historic sites, breathtaking mountain views and peaceful beach resorts. You can get here conveniently by booking Bataan tours or a car rental from Manila. It is the perfect destination to have a relaxing holiday with its many beaches.

Five Fingers Cove in Mariveles, Bataan, is a famous beach destination near Manila Here, you can also go rock climbing, cliff diving, and snorkelling. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a tour of the surrounding islands and coves by going on an island-hopping tour.

Laguna is known as the Philippines’ resort capital which is located south of Manila. This must-visit destination offers diverse attractions, lush scenery, historical sites, and many more! You can easily drive here from Manila or book a tour of Laguna. Here, you can take part in lake tours, look for waterfalls and enjoy a cooling swim.

One of the places you can stay at is Aquascape Lake Caliraya, a rustic resort on a lake in Cavinti. The resort’s spacious floating cottages are what makes it unique and suitable for families or groups of friends. The resort offers water sports such as kayaking, electric motorboats, and jet skis in addition to their peaceful accommodations.

Quezon consists of beautiful nature, culture and history. A popular starting point for many visitors is Villa Escudero, a working coconut plantation and resort. This spacious resort offers numerous activities such as bamboo rafting, admiring the Philippine Cultural Show during the weekend and visiting their museum with the largest collection of antiques. Other attractions in Quezon include Sunshine Farm in Tiaong, visiting ancestral houses in Sariaya and visiting historic bridges in Tayabas.

Due to its significant role in Philippine history and its extensive cultural and artistic heritage, Bulacan has quickly emerged as a popular tourist destination. The province’s historical sites such as nostalgic churches and homes are well-known to the public. Furthermore, you will find idyllic natural landmarks, colourful festivals and numerous theme parks. It is the perfect destination for a quick getaway from the city because of its cheap resorts near Manila.

Zambales is in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. You can take part in a wide range of activities such as hanging out on sandy beaches, going on camping trips, riding the waves, trekking to a volcano and more!

There are also historical sites in Zambales such as the infamous Capones Island, which has a fascinating history and a stunning view of the rocky landscape. Other places of interest include riding horses at El Kabayo Stables, harvesting mangoes at Rosa Farms and visiting animals at Botolan Wildlife Farm.

Pampanga is known for its delicious Filipino cuisine, thus it is known as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Philippines’. Apart from that, there are exciting family-friendly outdoor activities as well as historical landmarks and metropolitan attractions to explore. If you are looking for a place to stay, Clark Freeport Zone is a great place due to its central location. It is close to transportation hubs, malls, restaurants, cultural landmarks, and more.

Whether you are looking for thrilling activities or a relaxing vacation, the guide above will help you plan your next road trip destination near Manila. If you are looking for a car rental in Manila, AVIS Philippines offers a safe and reliable national car rental service. You have the option of driving yourself or hiring a chauffeur for your entire trip! Click here to learn more about the rental costs and make a booking today.