Top 10 Things to Do in Guam for First-Time Visitors (Travel Guide & Tips)

Guam is a small tropical island destination in Micronesia that’s arguably overshadowed by its popular ‘neighbors’ such as that of Hawaii or Indonesia — but what a lot of tourists don’t know is that it’s the closest U.S. soil to Asia and that it is definitely a hidden gem of sorts. (Things to Do in Guam)

From its pristine sandy beaches to its rich Chamorro history, this US territory offers an array of activities, attractions, and cuisines that can cater to just about any kind of traveler. In fact, I have been to this magical island two times now and I still can’t get enough of it!

If you’re from Asia, a direct flight to Guam can only last for only 3.5 hours; as such, it’s an easily accessible getaway.

A lot of Japanese and Koreans actually regard Guam as a top favorite when they’re looking for a tropical escape, and it’s easy to see why because Guam is truly a treasure trove of numerous island activities. Rest assured, the throng of tourists here is not too overwhelming, so you will often find yourself enjoying a whole stretch of beach all for yourself — which is, naturally, an amazing thing!

Spanning about 549 sq. km, it is also a joy to drive through the island as you take it easy to visit various key spots. If you ask me, this is my top favorite must-do when on the island.

Overall, it might seem daunting at first to plan the perfect Guam itinerary but fret not! With the help of this post that’s based on my experiences, you can easily narrow down the top things to do in Guam so that no matter if you’re planning to visit for only a few days (or more), you’ll be making the most of your trip!

» Quick Travel Planning

Top Things to Do in Guam

1. Go beach-hopping all over the island

As an island that is blessed with a year-round tropical climate and long coastlines, Guam is a paradise for beach lovers! Let me help you take out the guesswork from figuring out the top places to see by checking out the list below:

TIP: A majority of the eastern beaches are ideal for swimming due to its calm and shallow waters that are caused by outer reefs that break the surf. (In contrast, excercise caution when exploring beyond the reef because it can be treacherous due to riptides and such).

• ★ Tumon Beach: This is arguably the most famous beach in Guam and arguably the most iconic too! After all, it is located right in the main downtown area of Tumon which is the center of the island. The best part? It has shallow waters so it’s generally idyllic for snorkeling and swimming — even for those who can’t swim! It is also lined by the island’s best luxury hotels, but don’t let this fact prevent you from exploring the whole of the beach; after all, it is a public beach so you are free to explore just about anywhere.
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• Gun Beach: Located just north of Tumon Beach, this is a great spot that is tranquil and scenic. If you’re up for a hike, there is even a well-marked cliff trail on the northern end of the beach. Otherwise, take out your snorkeling gear and explore the nearby reef (if you have a scuba diving license, this is also a great spot to explore!). And once the sun sets, this is a great spot to stay in for grand views (if not, you can also view it from the nearby Two Lovers Point).
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• Gab Gab Beach: This is a beautiful stretch of sand that’s lined with tall palm trees; unfortunately, unless you know someone who has a military ID, it’s impossible to enter given that it’s located inside a military base. It’s a bummer, I know! But it helps to mention it here just in case you might know someone in Guam who can grant you access.
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• Family Beach: [link] A nice stretch of beach found inside Apra Harbor which is also great for swimming (just watch out for some scuba divers!).
  • On your way here, don’t forget to drop by Emerald Valley which is a beautiful waterway with turquoise-clear waters! You’ll find a lot of fish here as well as water snakes and sea urchins. It’s not ideal for swimming but the view is amazing.
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• Shark’s Cove Beach: If you’re up for a short hike (less than 1km), this secluded beach is famed for snorkeling — don’t worry, there are no sharks here! So pack your protective water shoes and head to the trailhead that starts at the northern tip of Tagachang Beach.
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• Taga‘chang Beach: As remote as Shark’s Cove, this beach that’s towered by 2 cliffs can be a good respite from the crowds if you’re up for it!
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• Mushroom Rock Hila’an Beach: Past Tanguisson Beach is Hila’an which is a long stretch of white sandy beach that’s coupled with some unique mushroom rock formations!
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• Ypao Beach: If you want an alternative to the bustling greater part of Tumon Beach, just head on over to its other end which is this Ypao Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot a local music festival or a local village party that’s being held in the nearby Ypao Beach Park. That being said, this is a great place to go to if you want to hold a picnic with family or friends given the pavilions with tables that are found all over the park.

2. Rent a car, drive with your top down, and visit some sights outside of the city

Guam is an absolute joy to explore in a rental car! It gives you the freedom to choose your own route, and it is also the easiest way to navigate yourself through all of the island’s attractions.

To date, there are a number of reliable rental car companies that you can choose from but I highly recommend Hertz! I acquired my car rental from them and the process from pick-up to drop-off was absolutely hassle-free.

TIP: If you have the budget, I suggest getting a convertible car to enjoy the cool breeze as well as to maximize the gorgeous sceneries during your drives!

To jumpstart your journey for the top things to do in Guam, you can check out the following attractions:

CENTRAL TOUR

• Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica: A gorgeous Roman Catholic cathedral that was built on the island’s first Catholic church that was built in 1669. Today, it enshrines the image of Santa Marian Kamalen, the Patroness of Guam.
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• Governor’s Complex: The Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo Complex, known as Adelup Point, offers great coastal views and some other structures such as the Latte of Freedom (meant to embody the strength of CHamoru culture with the shape of the latte stone) and Lone Sailor Statue (a commemoration of the role of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in Operation New Life).
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• Fort Apugan (Santa Agueda): This is the only surviving Spanish fort in Hagåtña and it provides commanding views of the Philippine Sea and other northern cliff lines.
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• Latte Stone Park: Officially called the Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park, this is a park that’s best known for its set of eight historical latte stones.
  • Latte stone or latte is a uniquely-shaped pillar that was used as building support by the ancient Chamorro people. Nowadays, this latte stone is seen as an iconic sign of Chamorro’s identity.
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• Plaza De Espana: This used to be the location of the Governors Palace during Guam’s long period of Spanish occupation, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the 3 structures that can still be seen in its expanse: the 3-arch gate (Arsenal), the azotea, and the Chocolate House.
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• Guam Museum: If you want a taste of Guam’s history, this is the best place to go to and it is found just right in front of the Plaza De Espana.

NORTH TOUR

• ★ Ritidian Point: As the northernmost point of the island, it is part of the 1,203-acre Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Though you can’t exactly swim here (due to strong currents) you can still enjoy the white beach as well as its well-maintained trails: Nature (1.25 miles), .75 Latte Loop (.75 miles), and Ritidian Caves (.5 miles). You can do the hike by yourself but I would suggest giving the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (671-355-5096) a call ahead of time to schedule a guided tour so that you can make the most of the experience.
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• Mangilao Golf Club: Located on the east of Guam, this course should be high up on your top things to do in Guam especially if you are a golfer! After all, the Mangilao Golf Club ranks among the top 100 courses in the world and it has been designed by master Robin Nelson.
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• Pagat Cave and Point: The trail to the cave is well marked by pink ties around the trees and though it is short, it helps to note that it can get fairly steep. Nevertheless, you’ll be rewarded with a cool swim in a pool of pure fresh water inside the cave. Don’t forget to climb to the other side of the cave where you’ll find the scenic Pagat Point which opens up a view of the ocean and surrounding rocky coast.
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• Ague Cove: Found in the village of Dededo, Ague Cove is a hidden gem that is worth the hike if you have the time! However, as it is located on private property, it is a must to contact the owner beforehand who is Mr. Jesus Pangelinan ((671) 477-9269). It also helps to note that you must exercise caution at all times while going through the trail as it can be steep and rocky.

SOUTH TOUR

• Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is the fourth of 4 Spanish fortifications that protected the bay in Umatac. Nowadays, it has been made into a park and you can find several cannons here as well as a preserved bunker.
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• Sella Bay Trail: This is a moderately-challenging hike that takes you Sella Bay after an hour-long hike. You’ll be rewarded with scenic overlooking views and a picturesque bay as you go through lush greenery.
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• Talofofo Falls Resort Park: For a small entrance fee, you can enjoy one of Guam’s most popular waterfalls where you can also enjoy a range of other activities such as riding a cable car, visiting a historical museum, and many others!
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• Talofofo Caves: Famous for showcasing remnants of the indigenous Chamorro as evidenced by petroglyphs and paintings on the walls, I suggest exploring these caves with a guide.
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• Tarzan Waterfalls: Yet another must-see waterfall on the island and it can be easily reached with just a short hike. Make sure to pack your swimsuit so that you can enjoy a swim after the walk!
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• Valley of the Latte Adventure Park: If you want to combine adventure with education, this adventure park is a must on your Guam itinerary! Other than several exhibits of Chamorro history, you’ll also get to enjoy a number of thrilling activities such as an Adventure River Cruise (Guam’s only inland boat tour), a Kayak Adventure Tour, carabao rides, and many others.
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• ★ Inarajan Pools: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, you’ll absolutely love the natural system of swimming holes found on the shore. You’ll even find a tall diving platform as well as several other picnic amenities to make the most of your drive-by.
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• Waterfall Valley: This is a great beginner’s hike that leads you to 5 beautiful waterfalls that range from 8 feet up to 25 feet. If you ask me, it’s perfect for families who would love a jungle adventure that’s combined with several dips in freshwater pools.
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• Cetti Bay Overlook: Cetti Bay is a geological delight given that it’s an area where you can find a chain of a thousand foothills that are a part of Guam’s Territorial Seashore Park. It’s an easy drive to this viewing spot to the south of Guam.

3. Visit the observation deck at Two Lovers Point

If you ask me, Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes) might just be the topmost known tourist attraction on the island; plus, as one of the four National Natural Landmarks of Guam, it is definitely one of the top things to do in Guam!

This is a short drive from Tumon Beach and for a small entrance fee of only $3, you can access the 368 feet-high observation deck that grants you an amazing view of the coast and its turquoise waters. The site also includes a gift shop, the Two Lovers statue, and a sister bell that is connected with other “Lovers Points” in places such as those in Japan.

The story behind this attraction, however, is a timeless yet bittersweet tale of eternal love. As legend has it, during the Spanish era, there lived a wealthy family and their oldest daughter was arranged to be married to a Spanish captain — naturally, she was distraught and so she ran away. She then met a young man from a humble Chamorro family and the two fell in love immediately. Upon learning of their relationship, the father demanded that she marries the Spanish captain; together along with several Spanish soldiers, they pursued the two lovers up until they reached the high cliff above Tumon Bay. With nowhere else to go, the lovers tied their long black hair together in a single knot and leaped over the steep cliff and into the roaring waters, forever intertwined in life and in death.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: 7AM to 7PM

4. Indulge in a food trip spree and shop for souvenirs

As one of your top things to do in Guam, it is a MUST to sample local Chamorro food, and some of the many dishes that you must try are as follows:

• Red Rice. A meal is never complete without the local red rice which is basically white grain rice that has been mixed with annatto powder (“achiote”).
• BBQ. Of course, you can’t have red rice either without some barbecued meat and barbecuing is a huge part of the island’s culture!
• Fina’denne’. Though not exactly a dish, this condiment is essential for every meal and it’s a perfectly balanced dipping sauce made up of soy sauce, vinegar, diced peppers, and chilies.
• Kelaguen. Similar to ceviche, the dish is made up of either chicken or seafood that’s marinated (essentially ‘cooked’) in lemon juice.

If you’re looking for the best restaurants to dine in, I would highly recommend the following:

• Jamaican Grill. This is arguably my favorite restaurant in Guam! They serve Jamaican fusion dishes that come in big servings at a very affordable price — plus, the staff is incredibly nice and warm.
• Meskla Chamorro Restaurant. This is a local favorite and you can enjoy the finest island hospitality here combined with delicious modern Chamorro cuisine!
• Ruby Tuesday. For that true-blue American casual dining experience, you’ll surely be indulging in delectable steaks, ribs, seafood, and many others.
• Toh-Lee Chinese Restaurant. If you want a taste of Asia, this is one of the best buffets on the island that is a must-try!

TIP: For the ultimate experience, you MUST visit the Chamorro Village! It’s essentially a night market and a lot of local residents gather here for the food as well as for the gifts or crafts (souvenirs for the tourists!). It is open every day but it is best known for its Wednesday Night Market so make sure to include it in your schedule.

5. Watch a Chamorro cultural show at Taotao Tasi Guam

As the island’s #1 show, the Taotao Tasi show is definitely one of the top things to do in Guam!

Since 2015, this beachfront 150-foot stage has been backdropped by the most stunning sunset views while beautiful performers and fire dancers entertain audiences from all over the world. With designers and producers (some of which have worked with the famous Cirque du Soleil), you’ll be taken through an exhilarating show as you learn the island’s treasured past in song, dance, and storytelling.

The icing on the cake? The entrance fee comes with a delicious buffet BBQ banquet! For cocktails, go and give their Corona-Rita and TaoTao Maolek a try.

TIP: For the best rates, book online today!

6. See rich and colorful marine life

In case you don’t know, Guam is also famed for having some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world! So if I were you, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the island’s underwater scene.

• Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
  • For snorkeling, you can take your pick from any of the beaches that I’ve listed above under #1 for the top things to do in Guam.
  • For scuba diving, you can check out this list. Apra Harbor is also a common favorite if you’re interested in exploring historic shipwrecks from the two world wars.
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• Dolphin Watching: Try your luck and spot some spinner dolphins! You can avail of this tour from places such as the Guam Bikini Island Club.
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• SeaTREK Experience: Ever wanted to experience walking on an ocean floor? In this establishment, you can! It’s basically a helmet-diving activity that’s perfect for anyone because you don’t need any swimming or diving skills. To save your spot, it’s best to book online.
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• Underwater World Guam: At the Guam Aquarium Complex, you’ll be able to walk through a see-through tunnel that is 7 feet wide and 7 feet tall, allowing you to get a closer look at different underwater species. To save your spot, it’s best to book online.
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• Fish Eye Marine Park: As an alternative, you can check out this underwater observatory! Other activities that you can try are the Eco Snorkeling Tour, Dolphin Watching Cruise, and Island Cultural Dinner Show.

7. Hike Mt. Lamlam

Mt. Lamlam is the highest peak in Guam at 1,332 feet above sea level and truth be told, even an unfit hiker can easily reach its summit!

Apart from the memorable experience and the amazing views from the top, climbing this mountain can even earn you the bragging rights of climbing the world’s tallest mountain — yes, Everest is the highest mountain, but did you know that Mt. Lamlam protrudes at 37,820 feet from the bottom of the Marian Trench so this ‘submerged mountain’ is the greatest change in elevation in Earth over such a short distance.

TRAIL START: Across the Cetti Bay Overlook and marked as “Mount Lam Lam”
HIKE DURATION: About 1 hour
DISTANCE FROM TUMON: 40-minute drive

8. Get a taste of history in key spots

As some of you might already know, Guam is well-known for its strategic military position and multi-colonialism with the last 400 years marked by 3 different powers namely Spain, USA, and Japan. If you want to learn more about its past, see here.

Otherwise, of course, since you’ll already be in Guam, make it one of your top things to do to visit these sites in order to learn more about the island’s rich history!

• Pacific War Museum: Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran John Gerber established this museum and it contains various exhibits related to the military in the Pacific theater of World War II with a focus on the USA Marines. As such, if you’re a world war buff who is interested in learning more about what happened in Guam during such a time, then a stop at this place is a must!
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• Magellan Monument: Erected in 1521 to commemorate Guam’s first contact with the western world which is through the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan. Back then, Magellan was traveling under the order of the Spanish Crown to navigate the whole globe (also in search of spices), when he arrived in Guam by chance. Nowadays, there is a strong festive atmosphere in the surrounding Yuma Tak village every March 21; it is called Remembrance Day and it marks the landing of Magellan.
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• War in the Pacific National Historical Park: As a multi-unit protected area established in 1978, this honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who have participated in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Here you will find a multitude of former battlefields, gun emplacements (like the spot called Piti Guns), trenches, caves, and historic structures.

9. Treat yourself and enjoy tax-free shopping

One of the top things to do in Guam is surely to explore its vibrant culture, but more than this, did you know that it has special tax-free deals for visitors?

So if I were you, you should take advantage of this — come and shop here till you drop in the number of retail brands and shopping centers and experience duty-free shopping! Some places you should not miss out on are:

• Tumon Downtown Area: Splurge and treat yourself to the number of high-end brands found here such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and more.
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• Micronesia Mall: Guam’s biggest duty-free shopping mall with over 130 shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
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• Guam Premier Outlets: Built back in 1997, you can find a number of American brands here such as Ross Dress for Less, Tommy Hilfiger, and more.
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• Kmart: Open 24 hours a day, this is a big supermarket where you can find a wide range of products, produce, etc. (e.g. watch out for the aisle showcasing a number of different varieties and flavors of Spam — that being said, did you know that Guam is the biggest consumer for Spam? This is why it’s no wonder that you’ll find unique flavors being sold here such as Spam tocino, black pepper, and garlic among many others.)
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• Agaña Shopping Center: Has over 100 stores and restaurants with a good mix of local and USA brands.
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• DFS/T Galleria: If you’re looking for more luxurious brands to shop in, this is another place that should be high on your top things to do in Guam!

10. Try other exciting activities

The fun doesn’t stop when you’re on the islands! As one of your top things to do in Guam, you should check out the number of other exhilarating activities that you can do which are not limited to riverboat cruises, kayaking, flyboarding, and many others.

For the top trusted activity providers that you must check out, they would be:

• Guam Bikini Island Club: This is your one-stop marine leisure sports club located in the south of Guam! They have a number of options that you can choose from which are delightfully packaged. We tried their Bikini Island Tour which was a 5-hour package jampacked with several activities: dolphin watching, jetskiing, snorkeling, banana boat ride, and super screamer ride — it was the best way to end our weekend getaway!
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• Guam Adventures: Established in 2019, this company is trusted for giving the best thrilling experiences including ziplining, snorkeling, paddleboarding, Go Karting, mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading (I personally tried their offroad ATV adventure and it was awesome!).

TIP: If you’ve got the time, you should check out the deserted tropical island of Alupat which is just off Tumon Beach (access is through the Onward Beach Resort). In fact, it’s less than just 1,000 feet from the shore so you cna kayak, jetski, or swim your way to it (just practice caution especially when swimming!). Once there, you can lay out a picnic to enjoy the sandy cove.

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Guam Travel Guide

» Best Time to Visit

Guam enjoys a tropical climate with little seasonal temperature variation (25° to 32°) and rare destructive typhoons — hence, it is an ideal destination at any time of the year! If you’re looking to visit during its warmest times, you should come around May or November. If you want to avoid chances of rain or typhoons, come any time during its dry season (though it helps to mention that even if it does rain, it will often only happen for a short time in a day!).

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» Getting in to Guam

By air. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport  (GUM) is the only commercial airport to and from the island, and it is found only a few kilometers from Tumon. The airlines that primarily fly to the island are United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, Eva Airways, and Philippine Airlines.

In order to find the best flight deals from your point of origin, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner.

From the airport, I don’t suggest taking a taxi because they are far expensive. Since public transportation is not available from the airport, what I would recommend is to arrange a private transfer, do a car rental, or book a Stroll car (Guam’s version of Uber).

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» Visa for Guam

Entry requirements for the island are the same as those of the USA. To date, there are over 40 countries eligible for visa-free entry into the USA as long as you apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before departure. If you’re not a citizen of any of those countries, you will need to apply for a USA visa.

Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

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» Where to Stay (Guam Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in Guam at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between Agoda and Booking.com. But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB.

See here too for the list of the BEST hotels in Guam.

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» Guam Currency

United States Dollar (USD / $) is Guam’s official currency, given that it is a USA territory. In the event that you want to exchange your local money for USD, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange it at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in the city center of Guam. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card — however, you must do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank. Speaking of cards, a lot of Guam establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand because there can be some smaller shops that may not accept cards.

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» Cost of Travel in Guam

You should expect to travel to the Philippines with an average daily cost of about USD $90~ per person on a budget, or at least $200~ if you want to experience more comfort on activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low-budget to medium-budget ranges only).

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» How to Get Around Guam

By walking. This is only ideal if you are exploring the main districts of Hagåtña and Tumon; however, walking around the island is not advisable due to vehicular traffic and lack of sidewalks.

By bus. There are buses available, including the Tourist Shopping Buses that make stops in most hotels in Tumon (it costs $4 for a one-way ticket and $12 for a daily pass).

By taxi. Taxis are typically expensive on the island but an alternative would be a Stroll car (Guam’s version of Uber).

By car. This is the BEST way to go around Guam and I highly recommend it because driving a car will give you more freedom and flexibility. For this, I suggest getting a rental car from one of the car companies that are already found at the airport (for me, I got my car rental from Hertz).

TIP: When you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, just use Google Maps because it will show in detail the fastest route you can do.

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» Safety in Guam

Guam is a safe destination to visit and there is little crime on the island; in fact, the Chamorro are one of the kindest and warmest people you’ll ever meet, so solo travelers don’t have much to worry about in this amazing country!

HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

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» Helpful Chamorro/CHamoru Phrases

The local’s native language is Chamorro (CHamoru) but English is the common language in Guam. Nevertheless, it can help impress some locals when you know a Chamorro word or two!

RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Hello: Håfa adai! (Hah-fuh-day)
How are you: Håfa tatatmanu hao? (Hah-fuh-tah-taht-mah-noo-How?)
Thank you: Si Yu’os Må’ase’. (C-zu-oohs-Muh-ah-seat)
You’re welcome: Buen probechu. (Bwen-pro-bet-sue)
Goodbye: Adiós. (Ah-Deh-Oss)

Good morning: Buenas días. (Bwenas-Dee-as)
Good evening (see you tomorrow): Esta agupa’. (eh-stah-ah-goo-pah)

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Other Guam F.A.Q.

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Booking Essentials

Booking.com

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)!

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However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!