10 Best Things to Do in Guam

Tumon is arguably the most famous of Guam’s stunning beaches and serves as the country’s focal point. It's lined by a palm tree-fringed promenade full of lavish beach resorts and hotels. A string of upmarket restaurants and bars line the shore, creating a festive atmosphere that continues into the early hours. And despite the crowds, Tumon is an idyllic spot to soak up some rays or partake in your favorite water sport.

If you prefer something a little more secluded, Guam has plenty of blissful empty beaches to explore. Talofofo is worth a look for its unique green sand, while Gun Beach and Ritidian Beach offer natural beauty away from the masses.

Even an unfit hiker could reach the Lamlam summit, earning you the right to brag about scaling the world’s tallest mountain (Everest being the highest). As the loftiest peak in Guam, Lamlam protrudes 37,820 ft from the bottom of the Mariana Trench, which is known as the greatest elevation change on Earth.

Lamlam is only 1,332 ft above sea level, making for a leisurely 2-hour ascent that’s doable by anyone in good health. If you decide to hike the mountain, be sure to bring sunscreen, enough snacks and plenty of water on the hike. The trailhead is within a 40-minute drive south of Tumon Beach.

Two Lovers Point in Tamsung is one of the most iconic sites in Guam, offering lookout points that provide breathtaking views of the Philippine Sea over a plunging cliff face. The cliff drops off a stark 400 feet to the crashing sea below, and you can take walkways that hang over the jagged rocks or look through telescopes for long-range views.

This is also the site of a tragic story about the daughter of a wealthy family who fell in love with a Chamorro warrior. The two threw themselves over the cliff to stop her arranged marriage in the face of an army. The legend gives this spot even greater depth for your Instagram feed.

A visit to the Chamorro Village Market is an excellent way to experience the ancient traditions of the island’s original inhabitants. If possible, arrive on a Wednesday evening when the market is usually in full swing. Around this time, captivating dance performances, intriguing cultural presentations, and kid-friendly water buffalo rides make it a memorable event.

Even so, it’s still worth visiting on other days to sample tasty Chamorro cuisine or pick up traditional handicrafts as a souvenir. The market is about 20 minutes west of Tumon.

Scuba divers in search of something different should book themselves a trip to Apra Harbor, where 2 historic shipwrecks literally lie side by side. The oldest is a German vessel, the SMS Cormoran, which the US Navy sunk during WWI. By chance, the US Navy downed a Japanese passenger-cargo ship in the exact same spot almost 20 years later during WWII.

Both shipwrecks lie right next to each other and are close enough to touch at the same time. It’s the only place on Earth where you can dive wrecks from both world wars and the experience grants you cool bragging rights. Other superb diving spots are scattered around the island, offering an abundance of marine animals and colorful coral.

Ritidian Point resides within the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,203-acre park that’s teeming with native fauna. It's tucked away on the northern tip of the country, about 35 minutes from Tumon. Tree snails, Mariana fruit bats, geckos, toads, butterflies, and monitor lizards are just some of the species that roam the thick jungle. Exploring is easy, as the refuge has 3 family-friendly nature trails to traverse: Latte Loop (0.75 miles), Nature (1.25 miles), and Ritidian Caves (0.5 miles).

After working up a sweat on the trails, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Ritidian Beach for some much-needed rest.

Head 20 minutes west of Tumon to the Pacific War Museum to learn about Guam’s military history. Guam’s strategic location near the Pacific’s major maritime powers led the tiny island to become a crucial U.S. military base, from WWI right up until the present day.

The museum mostly focuses on the US Marines who fought the Japanese for control of the island during WWI. After initially losing the land, the Americans regained power in 1944 and have maintained a strong presence ever since. These days, about 7,000 military personnel work in the Anderson Air Force Base and the Guam Naval Base. Military top brass often refer to the island as America’s “permanent aircraft carrier.”

Fort Soledad on the west coast is the last of the original 4 forts built around Umatac Bay and offers superior views of the village, bay, coastline, and mountain range. This is among the most visited areas of southern Guam and is an icon of the Spanish history. It's named for Our Lady of Solitude and has stood since 1810. You can explore the hill as well as the village's many historic sites with a walking tour.

This is an attractive spot for Instagram photos for the sheer range of opportunities you'll get. You can snap the village below, catch a shot of the vast, unending shores and scenic bay, or capture a panoramic view of the mountains beyond.

Clever comedic routines, death-defying stunts, and unbelievable illusions define Encore!, a glitzy magic show that’s become a Guam institution since opening night in 2016. A state-of-the-art theatre within the Fiesta Resort sets the stage for the stars of the show: a magician, a silent comedian, a circus performer, and a white lion named Rio.

The extravaganza has a strong focus on audience participation, so don’t be surprised if one of the performers invites you to hop on stage. Encore! often receives rave reviews, particularly among children who adore the hour-long show. There’s plenty of entertainment for the adults as well, however, making it a truly all-ages event.