From Monday to Friday, we’re busy with work, school, and family. But come the weekend, we get a chance to recharge and relax. We can go on a staycation and explore the big city. Or, better yet, we can head to nearby cities and towns in the countryside—like Sta. Rosa, Laguna—where we can enjoy fresh air, nature, and weekend activities.
In this post, we’ve prepared a weekend guide to the suburban escape that is Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Our guide includes tips and suggestions on hotels, activities, shopping, and dining.
How To Get There
Sta. Rosa can be easily reached from Metro Manila and from around Southern Luzon. The most convenient way to get to Sta. Rosa is through the South Luzon Expressway, which has three exits leading to different parts of the city. These exits are Greenfield City, Sta. Rosa, and Eton City.
You can also take public transportation to the Balibago Complex, Santa Rosa’s central terminal. There’s also a train from Tutuban (Manila) that stops at Santa Rosa.
Where To Stay
The city is primarily home to residential communities and estates. However, you’ll also find guest accommodations in Sta. Rosa. Here are your best options for a weekend retreat:
- El Cielito Hotel Sta. Rosa, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Seda Nuvali, Lakeside Ecozone, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Paseo Premiere Hotel, Sta. Rosa Business Park, Greenfield City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Sunlight Guest Hotel, Sta. Rosa Commercial Complex, Barangay Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
- Technopark Hotel, Greenfield Autopark, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
What To Do
Sta. Rosa is a mix of the old and new. As the city continues to modernize, traces of its rich cultural heritage remain. For residents as well as visitors, Sta. Rosa has much to offer. Among the many things you can do for the weekend are:
- Visit the Enchanted Kingdom, the first world-class theme park in the Philippines
- Learn the exciting history of Coca-Cola at the Coca-Cola Beverage Philippines plant
- Watch birds, hike a nature trail, and feed carp at Nuvali
- Explore the city’s landmarks, such as the Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Church, the Museo de Santa Rosa, the city plaza, and the Santa Rosa Arch
- Experience family fun at the Fun Farm at Sta. Elena
- Go on a tour of Holy Carabao Holistic Farms
Where To Shop
One of Sta. Rosa’s biggest draws is affordable shopping. City dwellers looking for deals can find fantastic bargains at the outlets in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. Stores like HMR, Landmark, and S&R Member Shopping have also opened shops. Malls from familiar brands such as Ayala Malls, Robinsons, Vista Mall, and SM add to the many places you can go for retail therapy.
Where To Eat
You won’t run out of dining options in Sta. Rosa. The city’s malls and shopping centers offer a wide array of places to eat. Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road alone is lined with restaurants that are now local landmarks. No matter what you crave, you’ll find Filipino classics, Asian favorites, and international fare at various price points. Check out these recommendations:
- Turo-turo (cafeteria-style dining) at the Paseo Country Market in Paseo de Sta. Rosa
- Rose and Grace Restaurant at the corner of Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road and San Bruno Drive
- LZM Restaurant at Ayala Malls Solenad in Nuvali
- King Bee Chinese Food on Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road
Where Else To Go
Planning a road trip down south? As the gateway to Southern Luzon, Sta. Rosa is a great starting point for day trips to Tagaytay and to Laguna and Batangas provinces. Consider booking these Laguna tours from KKday:
- Mountain Lake Resort, Barangay East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna
- Caliraya Resort Club, Barangay Lewin, Lumban, Laguna
- Pagsanjan Falls, Cavinti, Laguna
Or take a drive to these interesting places
- Museo ni Jose Rizal (Rizal Shrine) in Calamba
- Hot spring resorts in Los Baños
- The Museo sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan (Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery)
*Featured image via Judgefloro on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
