Things To Do
Intramuros
Take a walking tour of the historic Walled City of Manila with a local. Use the link to find a guide or set up a tour through the Manila Hotel. They can even take you around on a traditional horse drawn carriage. Old-world Intramuros is home to Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago, with a large stone gate and a shrine to national hero José Rizal. The ornate Manila Cathedral houses bronze carvings and stained glass windows, while the San Agustin Church museum has religious artwork and statues. Spanish colonial furniture and art fill Casa Manila museum, and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) ply the area’s cobblestone streets.
SM Mall of Asia
In the heat of Manila, the A/C found at malls are a welcome respite. The SM Mall of Asia in Metro Manila, the Philippines, is the largest mall in the Philippines and the 4th largest in the world. It features a 20-seater tram which takes shoppers around the mall grounds. One of the mall’s main attractions is an IMAX theater with one of the world’s biggest 3D screens. The mall also features an Olympic-sized ice skating rink.
Poblacion
The backstreets of the booming business district of Makati used to be an eyesore with a less than reputable image. Not anymore, Poblacion now hides many independent restaurants and bars waiting to be discovered. Frequented by those looking for a good time, on both weekends and weeknights, its streets are lined with pubs, each one as interesting as the last.
National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is home to 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising of 19th century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers. Also on view are art loans from other government institutions, organizations, and individuals.
Philippines Island Hopping
The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of 7,641 islands. Here are some we recommend with direct flights to and from Manila: Boracay, Bohol-Panglao, Siargao, Cebu, and Palawan (El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Coron).
Pacific Beach
Take a walk along the boardwalk and pier in Pacific Beach where Andrew and Julianne watched the sunset over their first date. Enjoy a margarita and burrito at any of the local spots along the way. Pacific Beach is a relaxed neighborhood by the beach, popular with sunbathers and surfers. Trendy hotel bars and casual cafes line the boardwalk, while Mission Boulevard and the surrounding streets are dotted with women’s clothing boutiques, yoga studios and casual drinking spots that draw a young, bar-hopping crowd.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The famous Torrey Pines of San Diego are a can't miss when in town. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 2,000 acres of coastal state park located in the community of La Jolla, in San Diego, California, off North Torrey Pines Road. Although it is located within San Diego city limits, it remains one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast.
Animae
Andrew and Julianne's favorite thing to do in SD is go out to eat. Animae is their #1 recommendation!
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Visit MCASD's campus in La Jolla to explore the newly expanded collection galleries, our special exhibitions, sculpture garden, The Shop, and more. The views of the Pacific from the terrace and lunch at the Kitchen are not to be missed!