Where America’s day begins

Far out in the Pacific, surrounded by a sweep of blue beneath an endless sky, Guam appears on the map as little more than a punctuation mark. Just over 30 miles long from tip to tail, the island feels at once secluded and self-contained, a place where the ocean is never out of sight and the trade winds carry a scent of salt and plumeria.

The country’s unofficial motto, "Where America's Day Begins," hints at both geography and identity. Guam is the first patch of U.S. soil to greet the sun each day. Yet its history stretches far beyond the American story—rooted in Chamorro traditions, shaped by Spanish galleons, scarred by World War II and tied to generations of families who have lived, served and called this volcanic outpost home.

For some, a visit to Guam is a pilgrimage of sorts. For others, it’s an introduction to a part of America that feels worlds away. Coral reefs cradle quiet beaches, jungle trails wind toward hidden waterfalls and village markets come alive under strings of iridescent lights. By the time your friends back home are pouring their first cup of coffee, you could have already climbed Mount Lam Lam, cooled off at Tarzan Falls and shared kelaguen and red rice at a seaside cafe. 

Getting to Guam from the continental U.S. requires a stop along the way. Some travelers connect in Honolulu, while others weave through gateways like Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei or Manila. That final leg is when the Pacific seems to widen, and a valid U.S. passport keeps you moving without a hitch. 

Whether you’re folding it into a broader trip to Asia or gliding across the island for a week, Guam rewards the time. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Where to stay

For most visitors to Guam, Tumon Bay is the easiest home base. Resorts here front a calming, lagoon ideal for morning swims, and many are within walking distance of restaurants and shopping. Some properties even offer airport shuttles—a perk worth using, given the high cost of taxis.

If you’d rather trade the resort strip for a slower pace, consider a guesthouse in Hagåtña, Guam’s compact capital, where you can walk to the Chamorro Village Night Market and historic plazas. For maximum privacy, stays along the southern or eastern coasts put you closer to wild beaches and jungle trails.

These areas trade convenience for tranquility—you’ll need a rental car—but the payoff is waking up to an empty stretch of shoreline or jungle views. If your goal is to disconnect and hear nothing but the ocean, this is where you’ll find it.

Beaches, snorkeling and coastal adventures

Guam’s coastline offers more than postcard views. Tumon Bay (including Ypao Beach, Matapang Beach and Gun Beach) is ideal for swimming and paddleboarding thanks to its protective reef, while Mushroom Rock Hila’an Beach offers a quieter escape just north of the main strip. Farther afield, Inarajan Natural Pool is a calm, rock-sheltered swimming hole favored by locals, especially on weekends. Make sure to explore the village’s Spanish-era church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, while you’re there. 

Those who want to see what’s under the surface can explore snorkeling sites like Shark’s Hole (perhaps Guam’s most secluded beach) or the pristine waters of Haputo Ecological Reserve, a marine-protected area accessible by trail. Diving is excellent year-round, with sites ranging from beginner-friendly reefs to deep wrecks from World War II. 

For a different kind of view, Ritidian Beach on the northern tip offers dramatic cliffs and fewer crowds. The currents can be strong, so it’s more of a photo stop than a swimming spot, but the white sand and vantage point over the Pacific is worth the drive.

Boonie stomping and inland exploration

Tumon may be best known for its resort-lined beaches, but its beauty isn’t limited to the shoreline. Just north of the bay, a short drive leads to Two Lover’s Point (Puntan Dos Amantes), a cliffside lookout where sheer limestone drops nearly 400 feet into the Philippine Sea. The panoramic views stretch far beyond Tumon Bay, with the reef shimmering below and the open ocean rolling to the horizon.

Hiking—or “boonie stomping,” as the locals call it—is perhaps the best way to see Guam beyond its beaches. Trails wind through tropical jungle, skirt along rivers and end at waterfalls like Sigua Falls or the multitiered Talofofo Falls. Guided group hikes are offered weekly by the Guam Boonie Stompers, a volunteer organization that welcomes visitors for a small fee. 

Some hikes are short but steep, such as the path to Cetti Bay Overlook, which rewards explorers with panoramic views of the island’s rugged coastline. Other favorites include the short Emerald Valley trek that takes hikers along a crystal clear canal that leads to the Philippine Sea and the hike to Tarzan Falls for its series of natural swimming holes.

If you’re looking for something with a summit, Mount Santa Rosa in the north provides a gradual climb and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Even casual hikers can manage most of Guam’s trails, but bring plenty of water and be prepared for heat and humidity.

Cultural life and local flavor

One of the best introductions to Chamorro culture is the Chamorro Village Night Market, held every Wednesday in Hagåtña. Here, the air fills with the smell of barbecued meats, vendors sell woven crafts and jewelry and live music spills out across the plaza. It’s a mix of locals catching up with neighbors and travelers sampling Guam’s most beloved dishes.

Food is a cultural anchor in Guam. Kelaguen (a citrus-marinated meat dish), red rice and fresh seafood feature prominently on menus. Try them at beachside cafes or at events like the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park cultural tour, which blends storytelling, riverboat rides and traditional cooking demonstrations.

Beyond the market, historic sites like the Spanish-era Plaza de España, the stone latte pillars at Angel Santos Memorial Park and village churches like the aforementioned St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inarajan offer glimpses into Guam’s past. Walking through Hagåtña, you’ll pass statues, parks and public art like Sirena Park—a statue of the legendary mermaid Sirena from Chamorro folklore— that reflect both Chamorro heritage and Guam’s layered colonial past.

Retracing Guam's wartime history

World War II left an indelible mark on Guam, and much of the island doubles as a living museum. The War in the Pacific National Historical Park spans multiple units across the island, preserving battlefields, coastal defenses and memorials. Start at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center, where exhibits and short films provide context before you explore in person.

Sites like Asan Beach and the inland Fonte Plateau bring history into sharp focus. At Piti Guns Unit, three large Japanese coastal defense weapons still sit in the jungle where they were abandoned. Many of these locations remain quiet and unassuming, making them all the more powerful to visit.

In the island’s south, South Pacific Memorial Peace Park offers a more contemplative space, honoring both the Chamorro people and the soldiers from multiple nations who fought here. Whether you’re a history buff or not, these sites help explain how Guam’s identity has been shaped by resilience and survival.

Ready to go? Start planning your trip to Guam.