Whether you’re one of the ~1.5 million visitors who vacation on Guam each year or a resident looking for new activities to enjoy, you’ll find plenty to do on the gorgeous Pacific island of Guam. The island has long been known for its postcard-perfect white sand beaches and turquoise waters, but with a little research, you’ll find that Guam is so much more than its beaches.
In this article, we’ll share ten of our favorite things to do, activities, and attractions on Guam. (And, don’t worry: For you beach lovers, we’ll include a few of our favorites, too!) With this list in hand, you’ll get a leg up on exploring all the special spots on Guam, while enjoying all that its unique geography, culture, and history have to offer.
#1: Take Swim in a Secluded Cave
You’ll find a number of excellent opportunities to go “boonie stomping” in Guam (an activity that’s known as “hiking” in other parts of the world!). The trail to Pagat Cave is a great example. The hike itself is a fairly short one with a big reward at the end: a cave filled with a clear pool of water just waiting for you to take a nice dip.
Because it clocks in at under two miles, the Pagat Cave trail can be a good one for beginners. The path is well-marked and easy to find. Additionally, if you follow it past the cave to the coast, you’ll be treated to some incredible ocean views. However, it does get steep at parts, and the rocks along the way can be slippery, so make sure you wear a sturdy pair of shoes. Additionally, you’ll want to bring a waterproof flashlight for the cave at the end, ideally one light per person for maximum exploration opportunities.
#2: Explore the Valley of the Latte
Today, the island of Guam is a melting pot that plays host to residents from a number of different ethnic groups. However, the island was originally settled by the CHamoru people, and a tour at the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park is a great way to discover this fascinating culture. Choose a river cruise or a kayak tour, and in addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the park’s rivers and botanical gardens, you’ll also get the chance to explore an ancient CHamoru settlement site with the famous latte stones that the CHamoru are known for.
Plus, if you’re looking for an activity the whole family can enjoy, the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park certainly qualifies. The park offers a family-friendly experience, and kids will particularly enjoy all the animals they’ll see along the way, including coconut crabs, carabao, and pigs.
#3: Soak Up the Sun at Gun Beach
Gun Beach, so named for the remains of a Japanese WWII gun located on its shore, can offer a quieter beach experience than the ones you’ll find closer to the resorts in Tumon. While you’ll find plenty of white sand to set up a beach chair, you’ll also find plenty to do if you’re not one of those “sit on the beach” kinds of people. Gun Beach features an excellent coral reef for snorkeling. Other snorkelers have reported seeing a plentiful variety of tropical fish, as well as the occasional reef shark. And, if you find yourself wanting to wash that saltwater taste out of your mouth, you’ll find the Beach Bar and Restaurant on the other side of the cove. Stay through the afternoon hours, and you might even be treated to one of Guam’s spectacular sunsets.
#4: Dive the Blue Hole
Guam is teeming with scuba diving opportunities, so if blowing bubbles is your thing, you’ll find plenty of sites to keep you busy on Guam. The Blue Hole is probably Guam’s most famous dive: a vertical shaft that starts around 50′ with a dramatic opening at 135′. Although the Blue Hole requires a boat, the island also has plenty of shore dives, as well as a few notable wrecks. Add excellent visibility and plentiful marine life, and divers at all levels will enjoy a number of memorable dives around Guam.
#5: Discover Guam’s Role in World War II
Guam’s location in the Pacific Ocean made it a prime position of interest in World War II to a number of world powers. Ultimately, it was Japan who made a play for the island, bombing it the after Pearl Harbor. The country occupied Guam from 1941-1944, renaming it Omiya Jima, the Great Shrine Island. Life was difficult for Guam’s residents during the occupation, and you can discover more about it, as well as the story of the island’s release from Japanese control at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Even if you’re not a World War II buff, you can still enjoy a fascinating glimpse into Guam’s history at the park’s sites, which are located at seven spots around the island.
#6: Visit the Chamorro Village Wednesday Night Market
Although the Chamorro Village is open daily, its Wednesday Night Market features the village at its most lively. On Wednesday evenings, you’ll enjoy cultural shows and food stalls selling Guam’s finest barbecue and specialty foods, plus the opportunity to pick up crafts and artwork made right on Guam. If you need some souvenirs or want to pick up some gifts for the folks back home, the Night Market offers great variety at reasonable prices.
#7: Lose Yourself in a Wildlife Refuge
At the northern tip of Guam, you’ll find Ritidian Point and the 1200-acre Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Roam the trails around the refuge, and you might get the opportunity to spot one of the three species that make their home in the area: the Mariana fruit bat, the Guam Micronesian Kingfisher, and the Mariana crow. You’ll also discover a preserved latte stone, a set of dramatic limestone cliffs rising out of the lush jungle, and a gorgeous white sand beach. It’s a great place to spend a day enjoying all of Guam’s natural wonders. One note: The road to Ritidian Point has its share of potholes, so take it slow if you’re in a car with low clearance.
#8: Play a Round of Golf Where the 12th Fairway Is Blue
Guam is home to seven publicly accessible golf courses, many of which take full advantage of Guam’s breathtaking coastal views. Nowhere is this more true than at Onward Mangilao Golf Club, where the tee and the green of the 12th hole are separated by a stretch of aquamarine water. Teeing off across the water—and at the mercy of the wind—will test your skills and offer plenty of fodder for swapping golf stories with your friends.
#9: Indulge in Some Shopping in Tumon
Sometimes called “the Paris of the Pacific,” Tumon is Guam’s shopping epicenter. If you want to treat yourself, you’ll find plenty of high-end stores in the Tumon Sands Plaza, including Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and more. Also, keep in mind that Guam doesn’t currently charge sales tax (although a 2% tax nearly became reality in 2018)! So if you need a justification for your splurge, your purchases in Guam will cost a few percentage points less than those you’d make in most parts of the continental U.S.
#10: Get a New Perspective from the Top of Mt. Lamlam
We’ve got one more entry in the boonie stomping annals for you: a hike to the peak of Mt. Lamlam, elevation 1,303 ft. As with Pagat Cave, there’s an awesome payoff at the end: from Guam’s highest peak, you’ll get an amazing view of the entire island of Guam laid out before you. This can be a sunny and hot hike, so make sure to apply sunscreen before you go and bring plenty of water. Sometimes, the trail does get overgrown, so you might want to also consider long pants to protect your legs from the sawgrass you’ll find along the trail. One piece of gear that’s an absolute must? A camera to capture the Insta-worthy landscapes you’ll see from the peak.
Enjoy All the Things to Do, Activities, and Attractions That Guam Has to Offer
Guam is an island that offers adventures and activities as diverse as the people who call the island home. Whether you love a day on the beach, a peek under the surface of the ocean, a good stomp in nature, or an afternoon of retail therapy, it’s all waiting for you on Guam. And, keep in mind: These 10 things to do only scratch the surface. Once you’re here, you’ll find many more ways to enjoy your leisure time on the island.
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Considering a move to make Guam your permanent home? We’d love to help you make a safe, easy, and affordable transition to the island. It all begins with a free quote from one of our experts. (And feel free to ask one of our Guam-based team members their about their favorite things to do on a day off!)