Family Day Tour in Pangasinan: Food, Faith, and Floral Adventures

It was a bright February morning in 2018 when our family embarked on an unexpected but heartwarming day tour in Pangasinan. The plan wasn’t even ours to begin with — it started when my mom’s friend visited Baguio City during the Panagbenga Festival. Unfortunately, I couldn’t join them due to hospital duties (ah, the joys of being in the medical field).

After soaking in the colourful festivities of Panagbenga, my mom and her friends decided to head down to Pangasinan to visit another friend. Naturally, our whole family — Dad, my sister, my brother, and I — tagged along for the adventure.

Hitting the Road via Kennon

We left Baguio around 8:00 AM in a private car, heading down via the scenic Kennon Road. My mom’s friend was eager to see the iconic Lion’s Head, a symbol of Baguio’s heritage. Though I’d passed it countless times as a local, it was surprisingly my first time to stop and take a photo of it — 22 years in the making!

A Garden Feast at Hardin sa Paraiso

After a 2-3 hour drive, we reached Pangasinan and made our first stop at Hardin sa Paraiso, a charming garden-themed restaurant. The place truly lived up to its name — translating to “Garden in Paradise.” Surrounded by greenery, nipa huts, and a peaceful ambiance, it felt like stepping into a serene oasis far removed from city life.

We dined under the shade of bamboo and native roofing, savoring a delicious spread of local Filipino dishes. Every bite reminded us of home, yet everything felt refreshingly new.

A Spiritual Stop: Manaoag Church

No trip to Pangasinan would be complete without visiting the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, more popularly known as Manaoag Church. Known for its miraculous history and centuries-old devotion, the church draws pilgrims from all over the Philippines.

We lit candles, whispered our prayers, and gave thanks. The solemnity of the basilica, coupled with the soft hum of people praying, added a sacred tone to our otherwise light-hearted journey.

The Sunflower Maze Experience

With spirits lifted and bellies full, my siblings and I convinced our parents to make one last stop — the Sunflower Maze in Tayug, Pangasinan. It took us another two hours from Manaoag, but it was absolutely worth it.

Upon arrival, we purchased our entrance tickets and stepped into a blooming wonderland. The maze was filled with vibrant sunflowers and an assortment of other colorful flowers. Tucked within the paths were charming little surprises — a creatively repurposed pickup truck transformed into a flower garden, quirky garden signs, and even areas named “The Comfort Zone.”

There was a small vegetable garden, too, where local produce was proudly grown. What stood out most was how the place turned discarded materials into eye-catching garden features — truly a celebration of nature and ingenuity.

Final Thoughts

Our day tour in Pangasinan reminded me of the beauty in unplanned journeys. Whether it was sharing a hearty meal in a hidden restaurant, praying in a sacred place, or getting “lost” in a floral maze, every stop held a story — one we now look back on with fondness.

🌻✨ Have you explored Pangasinan yet?
If not, it’s time to plan your own day trip! Whether you’re seeking peace, food, or a bit of fun under the sun, this province has something magical waiting for you.

👉 Share your favorite hidden travel gem in the comments, or tag a friend you’d love to bring on your next road trip!
And if this inspired you, don’t forget to like, share, or save this post for future adventures.