Best Kept Secrets: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions in Santa Rosa

Enchanted Kingdom – one of the most popular attractions in Santa Rosa, Laguna. They say you never went to Santa Rosa when you have never visited these places. But little do they know, there are still a lot of unpopular attractions in Santa Rosa that are yet to be discovered. Places that will definitely leave a joyful mark in everyone’s hearts.

If you are ready to take on a new adventure in Santa Rosa, read more!

How to Get There?

From Southern Luzon and Metro Manila, Santa Rosa is conveniently accessible. The most practical method to reach Sta. Rosa is reached by way of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), from which three exits lead to various locations within the city. Greenfield City, Santa Rosa, and Eton City are the names of these exits.

To get to Santa Rosa’s main terminal, the Balibago Complex, you can also use public transit. Santa Rosa is also served by a railway that departs from Tutuban (Manila). Same routes will be followed when you go back home.

off the beaten path attractions in santa rosa

The Unpopular Things to Do and Places to Visit in Santa Rosa Laguna

Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities

  • Holy Carabao Holistic Farm

Farms are not merely remote locations cut off from civilization because of rushing automobiles and soaring concrete structures. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to travel very far from the city to find one and enjoy. In fact, you only need to travel for a little less than an hour from Manila to go to one good farm: Holy Carabao Holistic Farm in Sta. Laguna, Rosa.

Holy Carabao, a company founded ten years ago by two mothers, was inspired by a mother’s desire to provide her family with the healthiest cuisine possible. Holy Carabao, which embodies the farm-to-family idea, now grows nutritious, natural foods for all Filipino families as well as just their own.

The farm also engages in integrated farming, which is inspired by permaculture, biodynamic as well as organic agricultural methods. By doing this, you may be confident that the food that leaves this farm and makes it to your plate is nutritious, delectable, and, as they like to say at Holy Carabao, “abundant with life forces.”

  • Vista Mall

Vista Mall Sta. Rosa is close to Nuvali and is easily recognizable thanks to its elegant structure and towering sky trees located at the Garden Atrium of the mall. With a collection of well-loved international brands that help in bringing world-class experiences closer to Filipinos. It is an accessible place and a mall that offers a wide range of services like fashion, outdoor activities, fresh fruit, coffee, and even a special area for your pet to enjoy. Because of Vista Mall Santa Rosa, you won’t have to bother about going to various locations to complete your errands because it is a one-stop store with all the necessities nearby. Include this mall in your list and discover more shops to explore.

  • fun farm

Fun Farm at Sta. Elena is an outdoor recreational facility located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. It offers a wide range of activities for families, friends, and groups, including animal feeding, fishing, swimming, biking, and horseback riding. For fishing enthusiasts, Fun Farm has a catch-and-release fishing area where visitors can try their luck in catching tilapia and carp. Swimming is also available in their large pool that comes with a slide and a kiddie pool for children. For those who want to explore the vast farm, bike rentals are available to ride around and explore the different sections of the facility. Horseback riding is also offered for an additional fee.

Overall, Fun Farm at Sta. Elena is a great place to unwind, connect with nature, and experience farm life with friends and family.

attractions in santa rosa santa rosa arch

Historical Heritages

  • Santa Rosa Arch

When you visit a new place, the first sign that will tell you that you’ve reached your destination is when you see its arch welcoming you. One of the local features, the Santa Rosa Arch, once served as a lookout for roving pirates. Watchmen sound their horns in times of celebration, danger, or in memory of a deceased local. Jose Zavalla, the mayor at the time, engaged David Dia to repair the Arch, which was allegedly modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, in 1925. In 1931, The Arch was constructed close to the marketplace and the heart of the city.

David Dia, a Santa Rosa native, achieved fame as a sculptor in his day. Both the current Santa Rosa Arch and the Dr. Rizal monument in the town plaza were built by him. The town center is wonderfully dotted with nicely preserved historic buildings. As silent witnesses of their history, they stood tall and proud.

  • Cuartel de Santo Domingo

Aside from the museum of Santa Rosa, this is another place that will make you go back to the past. The two-storey Spanish barracks building and adobe walls of the Cuartel de Santo Domingo (or Fort Sto. Domingo) were constructed in 1877 with the purpose of defending Silang against burglars traveling from Cavite. The Dominican order, which was founded by St. Dominic and was the owner of the haciendas in and around Santa Rosa, Biñan, and Calamba, gives the Cuartel its name. The Cuartel served as the command center for the Spanish troops fighting Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s forces during the Philippine Revolution under the command of General Jose Lachambre, a Spanish governor-general. Spanish ammunition and supplies were originally stored in Cuartel de Santo Domingo. The Cuartel provided women with a haven during World War II so they could be safeguarded from the misconduct of the Japanese Imperial Army.

Places to Eat

  • Ippon Yari

Laguna is home to delicacies and specialties. But if you are into international cuisine, this restaurant is a must-try place for those who want to taste authentic Japanese food. Ippon Yari in Santa Rosa is a casual eatery that merely attempts to satiate all types of cravings for Japanese food at affordable costs, whether it be ramen, soba, udon, tempura, katsu, sushi, sashimi, or rice dishes. It began in 1996 as a modest ramen store along Pasay Road in Makati before becoming well-known as a roomy and inviting dining establishment throughout Southern Luzon. The owners didn’t want to stop at meeting customers’ noodle desires, so they expanded larger locations with a wider selection of foods in Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. This was done to cater to both locals and Japanese consumers who work in the adjacent economic zone.

  • Kanin Club

The museum is not the only place that will bring you to the past. Food can also bring a nostalgic memory!

Kanin Club is a pleasant restaurant offering a variety of Filipino cuisines. If you love Filipino dishes and want to try your favorite meal that is played with a unique blend and cooking, this is a must-visit place! Some of the common dishes that have been given a new style are the Crab Omelet, Crispy Dinuguan, Saging con Yelo, and Seafood Kare-Kare. Have a taste of their sets and find out which dish brings much memories.

cuartel de santa domingo attractions in santa rosa

Where to Stay in Santa Rosa?

In this article, you must be excited to explore and visit the Lion City of South Luzon. And if you are thinking where you will be staying for good near the beautiful places and attractions in Santa Rosa, Brittany Santa Rosa has luxury house and lot in Laguna. You can also opt to get a lot and build your dream home in a pre selling lot for sale. Anything is possible with Brittany!

Start living within the Investment Capital of the Philippines- Santa Rosa!

Suggested Read: Fun In The Sun: Summer Family Activities In Santa Rosa

Suggested Read: Why Santa Rosa Should Be Your New Home Address

Suggested Read: Luxury House and Lot Properties in Sta. Rosa Laguna

Suggested Read: The Beauty of Living in Brittany Sta. Rosa

Suggested Read: 10 Easy And Delicious Holy Week Recipes

Suggested Read: Travel Santa Rosa Laguna This 2022