1. Dinner by the river at Silverio's

Food connotes survival. From womb to tomb, it brings life. Silverio is a Filipino-Asian and seafood restaurant that offers you the best baked talaba with cheese, or you can have the butter option. Let nothing pass without trying, and most of all, never forget to savor Dagupan’s most popular dish, milkfish. A great dinner by the river is reckoned with the songs from the live bands within the restaurant. Why not nurture your relationship with a romantic dinner?

Silverio's Seafood Restaurant

Address: Arellano St., 2400 Dagupan City, Philippines

2. Bait up and catch those memorable moments at Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village

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

There is nothing like dining with a little seclusion from the rest of the group. Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village is one of the places to visit in Dagupan which offers you this alternative. It is located 900 meters (0.56 mi) away from the Five Star Bus Terminal in the city center, so it is convenient as it is peaceful.

Be in harmony with nature’s essence. Making a meal from your own fresh catch from the sea and eating it the way you want is just something you should try doing. While Dagupan’s milkfish is famous in any restaurant, you can try some sinigang na sugpo (prawn in sour soup). This is quite a good combination. Save a spot one of these days at Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village!

Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village

Address: Bacayao Norte Road, Bacayao Norte, Dagupan, Pangasinan

Facebook: Ciudad Elmina Fishing Village

3. Rekindle a flame and keep it warm by the sea (from USD 54)

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Under the sharp rays of the sun, and over the glittering blue waters that roll over the long beach’s fine-grained black volcanic sand is a hidden nirvana on earth; El Puerto Marina Beach. It might be a little different to your expectation of white sand beaches, that most are accustomed to. But what makes it more exciting is the new ambiance, new setting and a new way of spending some time alone together at the beach with you loved one.

Evenings will never be the same as you set up a bonfire on the lengthy shoreline and the cool winds that blow during the night will always be something that echoes when you leave Dagupan. Take a shot of building a fire and keep warm and cozy under the moonlight. El Puerto Marina is 2.4 km (1.49 mi) from pivotal places like the Lingayen Church, the plaza and the Provincial Capitol, so it’s away from the rowdy atmosphere of most urban places. Have a romantic getaway on the long beach in Dagupan.

El Puerto Marina Beach

Address: Don Martin Domingo St Pangapisan North, Lingayen, Pangasinan 2401

Facebook: El Puerto Marina Beach

4. Enjoy the sunset view and take a snap of peculiar graffiti designs

There is not much to Bonuan Tondaligan Beach, but the beautiful sunset and the sound of the easing waves brushing through its shores makes a lovely setting. Just staring into the changing orange and yellow hues on the horizon as the sun sets, you can actually paint the beach “red” with a series of photo shoots at an abandoned building in the area, where the local artists have given the walls different strokes that are not just enticing, but works that tickle your thoughts and emotions.

While the thought of beaches brings us to memories of sand castles, catching the waves and the good food that we share, Tondaligan will bring you all new memories to look back on.

Tondaligan Beach

Address: Tondaligan Rd, Bonuan, Dagupan, Pangasinan

Website: Bonuan Tondaligan Beach

5. Grab a chance to relax at Terra by Footprints

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

The art of relaxation, as they say, comes in different ways and forms. It’s one of the most difficult things to master and achieve. While we are always caught up with our day-to-day wrestles with deadlines, children, traffic, social networking and the like, making decisions to find time for it can also be a dilemma. Time together with your loved ones is one of the most relaxing ways to end those long busy days. In truth, most of us should know that with less, we can do more. Be lazy. Just for once.

You can visit Terra by Footprints, where you can give your body a well deserved rest and some rejuvenation. A great spa at the Terra will reinvigorate your feet, and you should try the whole body massage too, to relax those stiff muscles that have been pressured with life’s demands. Terra has the best service there is in Dagupan. Located east of Dagupan, Terra is a wellness hub you’ll never regret visiting.

Terra by Footprints

Address: 2nd Floor, East Gate Plaza, A.B Fernandez East, Dagupan City, Philippines

Facebook: Terra by Footprints

6. Explore the thrills at Pacific Salt Farm

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

Take an eco-tour at Pacific Salt Farm which is known to be the biggest salt supplier in the country since 1956. This tourist attraction in Dagupan City currently offers a tour of the farm where you will learn the step-by-step process of salt production. Since this occupies 500 hectares (1235 acres) of land, a three-kilometer (1.9 miles) rail system is used inside the farm to deliver harvested salt from one point to another.

On your visit here, you’ll get the chance to ride this train to go around the farm and see its other features like the harvesting area, salt mountain, salt warehouse, salt art sculptures, washer area, and salt lake which is said to be as salty as the Dead Sea. Before going home don’t forget to bring some gourmet salts like fleur de sal with you.

Pacific Salt Farm

Address: Bolinao Pangasinan

Website: Pacific Salt Farm

7. Join the celebrations during Bangus Festival

Bangus (milkfish) is what Dagupan is known for. So joining the Bangus Festival in the town of is a must for tourists who visit around April. This ten-day vibrant celebration attracts thousands of tourists who come to join and indulge in Bangus cuisine. Since Dagupan is known for its milkfish aquaculture industry and delicious Bangus delicacies, the activities for this celebration are centered on the national fish of the Philippines.

The program includes street parties where dancers and performers wear traditional colorful costumes inspired by milkfish, then go around the city. There is a milkfish grilling party on the streets where everybody gets to taste the grilled fish. Also, a cooking contest is held where chefs demonstrate different ways to cook Bangus.

Moreover, there’s an eating contest where participants need to debone the milkfish and eat its meat. Plus there are food stalls around offering native delicacies, refreshments, and souvenir items.

8. Witness nature's beauty via a Dawel River Cruise

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

Dawel River cruise is one of the activities you must do if you want to see some of the scenic sights in Dagupan. It is actually one of the livelihood projects of the city but you can explore it as it is an eco-tourism site as well. This one-hour cruise will bring you through Dawel and Watac-Mamalingling which are the river tributaries of Bayaoas and Pantal Rivers.

You will also get to explore mangroves, have a glimpse of the river’s marine life and have the chance to feed milkfish. Should you want to bring home some souvenirs, then you may buy them from some pasalubong centers during the pit stops of the river cruise.

9. Visit the Japanese-Philippine Friendship Garden

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

Experience a serene oasis of friendship and cultural exchange by visiting the Japanese-Philippine Friendship Garden. The meticulously landscaped grounds of this tourist spot in Dagupan feature a fusion of Japanese and Filipino design elements, creating a captivating blend of aesthetics. Serene ponds, picturesque bridges, and carefully manicured flora transport you to peace and serenity.

The Japanese-Philippine Friendship Garden offers a space for reflecting and appreciating the cultural ties between the two nations. Delicate cherry blossom trees, symbolic of Japan, bloom in vibrant hues, while native Philippine plants add a touch of local beauty. Visitors can stroll along winding pathways, pausing to admire traditional Japanese structures and sculptures scattered throughout the garden. These architectural gems pay homage to Japanese culture, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the essence of Japan.

10. Eat pigar-pigar

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

Pigar-pigar is a stir-fried dish made with thinly sliced beef or carabeef (water buffalo meat), sautéed with various vegetables and spices. The meat is typically tender and perfectly seasoned, while the vegetables add a delightful crunch and freshness. The flavors are enhanced by combining savory sauces and spices, resulting in a mouthwatering culinary experience. The dish is often served with a side of rice or eaten with warm tortillas, allowing you to savor every delectable bite.

Dagupan is renowned for its pigar-pigar, and you’ll find numerous local eateries and food stalls specializing in this beloved dish. These establishments offer a casual and vibrant dining experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local food culture and interact with friendly locals.

The laid back ambiance that we all need is in Dagupan

Being engrossed with the hustle of life often means losing precious time with loved ones, and most of all, ourselves. Day to day conversations get boring, and before you know it, time slips away and you realize that you have forgotten the beautiful things life has given you to enjoy. Your ultimate bliss is just within your reach. So go, lay back and relax with your loved ones in Dagupan!