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

Other Guam F.A.Q.

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!
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.
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:

» Quick Travel Planning

Top Things to Do in Guam

1. Go beach-hopping all over the island

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?

• ★ 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

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

– – – TIP: For the best rates, book online today!

• 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.

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:

• ★ 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.

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.

• 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

Guam typically uses two plug types: type A (two flat parallel pins) and type B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin) and they operate on a 110V supply voltage with a frequency of 60Hz.

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

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)!

• 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.

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

• 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!

So what are you waiting for…? Come and visit Guam now!

5. Watch a Chamorro cultural show at Taotao Tasi Guam

Booking Essentials

6. See rich and colorful marine life

• 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

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.
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8. Get a taste of history in key spots

• 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

• 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.
• 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

• 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!).

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!

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).

Guam Travel Guide

» Best Time to Visit

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). 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). 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).