What to see in Guam: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Guam: 10 must-see destinations, from Tumon Beach to Hagatna. Predominantly beach and city; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(7)
Follow the Tumon seafront promenade to Guam’s best-known stretch of white sand, fringed by resorts and shops. Wade in with mask and snorkel: just a few meters from shore, colorful fish swim over the bay’s corals. The fine sand and transparent water invite you to stay for hours, alternating between swimming, shoreline walks and rests under the palms. At sunset, the view over the Pacific closes the day with tropical calm.
Head to Inarajan Beach in southern Guam and walk along its white sand as the crystal-clear water reveals the corals right from the shore. Put on your mask and snorkel among them, surrounded by colorful fish in a calm, shallow sea. Afterwards, stroll along the coast, take in the village views and rest in the shade beside one of the island’s quietest beaches, where nature and Chamorro culture live side by side just steps away.
Cross Ypao Park down to the sand of Tamuning and slip into the water with mask and snorkel: just a few meters from shore, corals grow where colorful fish swim. The bay is protected, so the sea is usually calm and clear — ideal for snorkeling beginners. As evening falls, fire up a barbecue at the park tables, watch the sunset over the Pacific and stay for dinner at the restaurants lining the beach. On weekends, Guam families share music and umbrellas; on weekdays you’ll have the sand almost to yourself.
Visit the southern end of Apra Harbor, in Santa Rita, where Orote Point holds the airstrip built during the Japanese occupation. Walk among concrete remains from the colonial era as the surf breaks on the nearby reef. From the lookouts you’ll see the harbor entrance and the ship traffic that still uses this strategic enclave. The little-visited beach invites a calm swim and snorkeling over the shallow coral. Bring water and proper footwear, as access crosses military land with restricted hours.
Walk down to the sand of Asan, a Guam beach where the War in the Pacific National Historical Park commemorates the 1944 American landing. Stroll past the World War II monuments, duck underwater to snorkel over the coral close to shore, and explore the sea wall at your own pace. The clear water and fine sand invite a relaxed swim, with historical remains visible on the seabed.
Take in Ritidian Beach in Yigo, considered the most spectacular unspoiled beach in Guam. Walk along its white sand as crabs scuttle among the rocks, and step into the cave where the ancient Chamorro left pictograms painted on the walls. The whole area is part of the Ritidian refuge, a protected nature reserve where sea turtles nest and the forest reaches almost to the shore. Arrive early, since access closes in the afternoons and the dirt roads call for a calm hand at the wheel.
Admire the corals of Piti Beach as you snorkel in calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for spotting tropical fish at shallow depth. Stroll along the fine-sand shore, almost always deserted, and take advantage of the quiet of this corner of Guam to swim or simply relax by the sea. The water's visibility lets you see the reef without straying far from the coast, and the nearby vegetation offers natural shade during the hottest hours.
City(1)
Walk through Hagåtña, Guam’s small capital, and step into the Dulce Nombre de María Cathedral-Basilica, the heart of the Chamorro Catholic tradition inherited from the Spanish era. Stop by the Chamorro Village market to sample kelaguen and coconut empanadas among local craft stalls. At the Plaza de España you’ll see the remains of the colonial administration, while Skinner Park, Latte Stone Park and the harbor show how its streets blend the Spanish past, Chamorro heritage and modern Pacific life.
National Park(1)
Swim among reefs and World War II wrecks at this Asan park, where the 1944 American landing left submerged bunkers, guns and vehicles just offshore. Walk its coastal trails to the memorial monuments, spot seabirds among the cliffs and visit the interpretive center with artifacts recovered from the battle. The transparent waters let you see remains of the conflict in shallow water with a snorkel.
Natural(1)
Discover the Two Lovers Point lookout, atop a cliff in Tumon, where the Chamorro legend tells of two young lovers who leapt into the Pacific, tied together by their hair. From the platform, the bay spreads out beneath your feet and at sunset the horizon turns orange. Follow the trails through limestone rocks and coastal vegetation, read the signs that tell the story in several languages and ring the love bell with your partner. Nearby, the sea invites you to snorkel when it’s calm.
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