1. Know more about the country’s history at Fort San Felipe

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Fort San Felipe is an old military fortress constructed by the Spaniards in 1609. It’s named after San Felipe (or Saint Philip Neri), an Italian priest. The fort was built as a protection against invaders for the first port town of Cavite. The historic structure features 30-foot walls made of huge granite blocks. There’s also a wide staircase that leads to the top bastions where one can find a concrete house. The port was also used for trading, stevedoring, and cargo/freight services by the Spanish merchants and shippers during the Spanish period.

Today, the historical site is one of Cavite City’s top tourist attractions. It features a museum that exhibits Spanish period military relics like guns, weapons, cannonballs, and shells.

Fort San Felipe

Address: Sangley Point Naval Base, Cavite City, Philippines

2. Practice your swing at The Orchard Golf and Country Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Orchard Golf and Country Club is one of the top golf and country clubs and the best place to relax in Cavite. It boasts two 18-hole championship courses that were designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. It is where the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic, the 1996 Johnnie Walker Super Tour, and the 1997 Tour Qualifying School of the Asian PGA happened. It also happens to be a bird and wildlife sanctuary, which means you’ll be able to see various species of birds here.

Aside from the world-class courses, the golf and country club also features great amenities like 5 restaurants, function rooms, a 500-seater grand ballroom, a half-sized Olympic pool, a 12-lane bowling alley, a cinema, a fitness and aerobics center, indoor tennis courts, badminton courts, and a basketball court.

The Orchard Golf and Country Club

Address: Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines 4114

Website: The Orchard Golf and Country Club

3. Go back in time at the Cavite City Library Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

At the Cavite City Library Museum, you get to travel back in time and learn more about Cavite City and its people’s storied past. The museum was established in 1994 and was spearheaded by then-city mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. It serves as a repository for different historical information and relics that highlight the city’s colorful history. Here, one can find books, photos, old furniture, household objects, and other memorabilia that came from the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupation times.

Cavite City Library Museum

Address: R. Basa corner R. Samonte Streets, San Roque, Cavite City, Cavite, 4100

4. Enjoy a blast from the past on Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island was otherwise known as “Isla ng Corregidor” in the 16th-century. When the Americans came, it was named “Island of the Corrector” because all ships would be inspected here. Back in the day, it was one of the Manila Harbor defenses, fortified with ammunition and artillery to defend the bay from rival warships. Its underground tunnels from the Philippine-Japanese war remain a mysterious place to discover. This is why the Malinta Tunnel is a must-see and is one of the top places to in Cavite.

A well-known spot on the island is the Corregidor Island Lighthouse. It is the oldest landmark on the isle and a popular tourist attraction in Cavite. At the highest point on the island is the Pacific War Memorial, built by the Americans. In honor of war veterans, there stands the Filipino Heroes Memorial and the Japanese Garden of Peace. Other historic sites include the French cannon Battery Monja, Battery Way and Battery Geary.

Corregidor Island

Address: Corregidor Island, Cavite City, Philippines

Website: Corregidor Island

5. Learn about the Philippine national anthem's composer at Julian R. Felipe Monument

Julián Felipe was born in Cavite Nuevo (or the present day Cavite City) in January 28, 1861. The gifted music teacher etched his name in history when he composed the “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” which would later become “Lupang Hinirang,” the country’s national anthem. He would later fight against the Spaniards when he joined the revolution. A monument and historical marker now stand in his hometown Cavite City to honor his contribution in Philippine History.

Julian R. Felipe Monument and Julian Felipe Historical Marker

Address: 1400 Manila-Cavite Rd, Santa Cruz, Cavite City, Cavite

Website: Julian R. Felipe Monument and Julian Felipe Historical Marker

6. Enjoy a fun staycation at Villa Theresa Resort-Cavite City

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

As one of Cavite City’s most popular resorts, Villa Theresa offers everything you would need for a relaxing staycation. The resort has a pool and spacious rooms to accommodate big families and groups of friends. It also features huge function rooms with modern facilities, perfect for special events like weddings, baptismal, birthdays, and such. The location makes it a great destination place to celebrate special occassions as it’s close to Manila.

Villa Theresa Resort

Address: Camia Santa Cruz, Cavite City, Cavite

Star Rating: Four Stars

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7. Get wet and wild at Regada Water Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Regada Festival is Cavite City’s most popular celebration honoring St. John the Baptist. The name came from the Spanish word “regar”, which means water or sprinkle. It’s held between June 17 and 24 annually and celebrated throughout the city with trade fairs, concerts, games, street dancing, and, of course, water splashing. The grand finale of the affair coincides with the Feast of St. John the Baptist and marked by a fluvial parade at the bay and a wet street party.

Regada Water Festival

Website: Regada Water Festival

Happens between June 17 and 24 annually

8. Satisfy your cravings at New Chefoo Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This family owned restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. What started as a small “panciteria” in 1945 that only served “pancit” (a traditional Filipino-Chinese noodle dish) and fried chicken, the restaurant blossomed into a well-known restaurant and events place that serves a number of delectable Filipino, Chinese, and American dishes. Aside from pancit and fried chicken, restaurant specialties include Sweet and Sour Lapu-lapu (grouper fish), Rellenong Pusit (stuffed squid), Hototay (veggie soup), and their house-blend iced-tea.

New Chefoo Restaurant

Address: 945 P. Burgos Ave, San Roque, Cavite City, 4100 Cavite

Website: New Chefoo Restaurant

Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (Tues - Sunday); (closed on Mondays)

9. Have a relaxing stroll at Ramon Quijano Samonte Park

Honoring the province’s first governor, the small park is situated right in front of the Cavite City Hall and offers a breath-taking view of the scenic bay. It features monuments, a fountain, benches, light posts, a playground, and concrete paths that run through grassy terrains with trees here and there, making it a great place to have a relaxing stroll. There are also food stalls within and around the park if ever you want to have a quick snack.

Ramon Quijano Samonte Park

Address: IV A - Southern Tagalog, Cavite City, 4100 Cavite

Nearby attractions

10. Get to see where the nation was born at the Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum is the ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite of Emilio Aguinaldo, a Filipino statesman, revolutionary, military leader, and the first president of the First Philippine Republic. It is also where the Philippine Declaration of Independence (against the Spanish colonizers) happened on June 12, 1898. With such a historical background, the house was declared a national shrine and was placed under the care of the National Museum of the Philippines.

Today, it remains to be one of the top tourist spots in Cavite, and it houses many of Aguinaldo memorabilia as well as other historical artifacts like weapons, clothing items, furniture, and more. You’ll also find Emilio Aguinaldo’s tomb in the garden behind the mansion.

Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum

Address: Brgy Kaingen, Kawit, Cavite, 4104

Website: Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

11. Enjoy a quick weekend getaway with the gang at the Long Beach Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Long Beach Resort is one of the best places to relax in Cavite and is the ultimate beach weekend getaway destination if you’re coming from Manila. It’s located in San Rafael, Noveleta, just a few hours’ drive from the metro. The water is buzzing with many fun activities all around—fishing, boating, jet-skiing, banana boating, kayaking, and a lot more. On land, guests will have a great time as well. You can enjoy some drinks and barbecues at the cottages and tables for rent along the sandy beach.

Long Beach Resort

Address: San Rafael, Noveleta, Cavite

Website: Long Beach Resort

12. Experience a blast from the past at Saint Joseph Parish (Bamboo Organ Church)

Located in the Las Piñas, the city just north of Cavite, Saint Joseph Parish is a historic church popular for its bamboo organ. The church was constructed between 1797 and 1819 and was spearheaded by Fray Diego Cera Dela Virgen Del Carmel, a Spanish missionary and the first parish priest in Las Piñas. It is mainly made of large blocks of adobe stones and features an earthquake-proof Baroque architectural style.

The bamboo organ was built between 1816 and 1824 with priest Fr. Diego Cera overlooking the project. Ever since its restoration between 1972 and 1975, a cultural event called the International Bamboo Organ Festival is held every February to celebrate this amazing work of art.

Saint Joseph Parish (Bamboo Organ Church)

Address: 1742 Quirino Ave, Las Piñas, 1742 Metro Manila

Website: Saint Joseph Parish

Opening hours: 8am - 12pm and 2pm - 6pm (daily)

Cavite City is not of the ordinary

There are so many places to visit in Cavite City. To enjoy a blast from the past or to have some world-class rest and relaxation, Cavite City is one place to include on the list of vacations. From the rich culture and history and its panoramic views to the wide array of accommodation options including Airbnbs with a pool, the City of Cavite has much to say. It will surely be a trip to remember.