Things To Do
in Guam
Guam is a U.S. territory in the western Pacific known for its tropical landscapes, Chamorro culture, and strategic military presence. The island offers turquoise beaches, limestone cliffs, and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Historic sites, World War II relics, and a vibrant local food scene reflect a mix of Chamorro, Filipino, Japanese and American influences.
English is widely spoken, and visitors will find a compact island that blends resort tourism around Tumon with quieter village life inland and on the north and south coasts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport and breeze through customs. Pick up a rental car and drive to your hotel in Tumon Bay for check-in. Stroll along the shoreline to shake off travel fatigue.
Reserve lounge chairs on the white sand beach and cool off with a refreshing swim. Snorkel over the reef to spot colorful fish and marine life. Grab a light lunch at a beachfront café with ocean views.
Head to a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. Watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink over the Pacific. End the night with a leisurely walk along the lit promenade.
Drive south along Route 1 to visit Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad overlooking Umatac Bay. Learn about Guam’s Spanish colonial history as you explore the 18th-century ruins. Capture panoramic views of the lush coastline from the fort’s ramparts.
Stop at a roadside Chamorro café for red rice and grilled chicken. Continue to Merizo Pier to arrange a boat ride to Cocos Island. Relax in the shade of coconut palms on the untouched beaches.
Return to the mainland and dine at a local turo-turo serving traditional Chamorro dishes. Savor kelaguen stew and topped desserts under lantern light. Enjoy live Chamorro music performed by island musicians.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or cafe drink | $3-6 |
| 🚌Local bus or short taxi ride | $2-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-180 |
| ⛽Grocery basics (per week) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches, coral reefs and excellent snorkeling/diving
- Rich Chamorro culture and accessible historical sites
- Convenient for U.S. travelers (uses USD and English widely)
- Compact island—relatively short drives to most attractions
- Susceptible to typhoons and unpredictable weather during the wet season
- Some remote areas have limited services and higher prices due to import costs
- Public transport is limited—car rental or taxis are often needed
- Nightlife and cultural programming are limited compared with major urban centers
- "Håfa Adai" - Hello / How are you
- "Si Yu'os Ma'åse'" - Thank you
- "Dispensa" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Biba!" - Hooray / Cheers
- "Tåya' problema" - No problem
- "Åttu" - Yes
- "Åhe'na'" - No
Places to Visit in Guam
Visit one of these nice places.
Clifftop lookout offering sweeping views of Tumon Bay and the Pacific—famous for sunset photos and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise water and coastal limestone formations—excellent for sunrise, wildlife, and long-exposure shore photos.
Clear water, resort backdrops, and lively beach scenes; great for underwater snorkeling shots and golden-hour images.
Rugged coastline and ancient latte stones with dramatic waves and cultural context—excellent for moody coastal landscapes and heritage shots.
Higher elevation views (Mount Lamlam vicinity) offer panoramas over the island, good for sunrise and wide landscape compositions.
Waterfalls, lush vegetation and rope bridges create opportunities for nature and adventure photography.
Food in Guam
Guam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Chamorro specialty of chopped grilled meat (chicken, beef, or seafood) mixed with lemon or lime, grated coconut, onions and hot peppers. Found at village restaurants, BBQ stands, and many family gatherings.
Must-Try!
Rice colored and subtly flavored with annatto seeds (achuete) often served with nearly every local meal; available at restaurants and plate-lunch spots.
Street and market BBQ are popular—grilled meats marinated in a sweet-savory sauce; try them at local markets and roadside stands.
Freshly caught reef and pelagic fish, crabs and lobsters prepared simply or in a coconut curry; best found in village restaurants and some higher-end seafood spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly night market with food stalls serving kelaguen, BBQ, coconut candies and pastries, plus cultural performances—great for sampling multiple dishes in one spot.
Temporary markets and pop-ups around Tumon with fusion snacks, shaved ice, and quick local plates—convenient for visitors staying in resort areas.
Small stands in villages selling home-cooked plate lunches, fresh fruit, and grilled items—often the most authentic flavors and best prices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use the Chamorro greeting 'Håfa Adai' (pronounced HA-fah AH-dye) to say hello—locals appreciate the effort to use Chamorro phrases.
Showing deference and politeness to elders and community leaders is culturally important; use polite language and body language, and accept hospitality graciously.
Take care with coral and marine life—do not touch or remove coral or wildlife; follow park rules in protected areas like Ritidian.
Casual wear is fine, but dress modestly at churches, official sites and village gatherings; remove shoes when entering certain homes if invited.
Ask permission before photographing people, cultural ceremonies or private property; some sites are considered sacred and require respectful behavior.
Safety
Tipping in Guam
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of 10–20% in restaurants is common, especially in touristic and American-style establishments; smaller tips or rounding up at cafés and food stalls is appreciated but not mandatory. For tour guides, taxi drivers and hotel staff, modest tips for good service are customary.
U.S. dollar is the currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in resorts, larger restaurants and stores. Smaller village vendors and markets may be cash-only—keep small bills on hand. ATMs are available in towns and tourist centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunnier, lower humidity and calmer seas—best period for beach activities, snorkeling and outdoor exploration. Accommodation rates can be higher during peak winter holidays.
Higher chance of heavy rain, storms and typhoons—conditions can change quickly, with rough seas and temporary closures. Travel insurance and flexible plans are recommended.
Transitional weather with fewer crowds than peak winter months; occasional rain possible but many clear, warm days—good balance of value and conditions.
Hotter and more humid, popular with families and military personnel on leave; expect afternoon showers and strong sun—pack reef-safe sunscreen and light clothing.
Guam at Night
Hiking in Guam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking to Guam’s highest elevations and lookouts offers panoramic views—trail sections can be steep and overgrown, so bring water and good footwear.
Short, scenic trails lead to waterfalls, river pools and viewpoints; family-friendly with opportunities to swim in designated areas.
Rugged coastal hikes with cultural sites, latte stones and dramatic sea cliffs—good for photography and exploring Chamorro heritage sites.
Short trails through wildlife refuge and beach access points—excellent for birding, sunrise walks and coastal photography (check access rules and limited entry times).
Walking routes near historic Spanish-era sites and scenic bays in southern Guam, offering a mix of cultural context and coastal scenery.
Airports
How to reach Guam by plane.
Guam’s primary international airport located near Tamuning/Tumon—serves flights to Japan, Korea, the Philippines, the U.S. mainland and other Micronesian islands. Taxi, shuttle and rental car services connect the airport with Tumon and Hagåtña (approx. 10–20 minute drives to Tumon).
U.S. military air base on northern Guam—mainly for military operations and not used for commercial passenger travel, but significant for the island’s economy and occasional logistical flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous people of Guam with a distinct language and cultural traditions—Chamorro communities are central to the island’s identity.
Significant Filipino and other Asian populations contribute to the cultural mix and cuisine; many work in service industries and healthcare.
A sizable presence of American military personnel and civilian employees affects local demographics, economy and available services.
Residents from other Micronesian islands, Pacific nations and expatriates working in tourism, education and business add to the island’s diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is a widely played and followed sport at school, community and amateur levels—courts are common throughout the island.
Popular community sports with youth leagues and regional competitions influenced by American and Filipino traditions.
Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and outrigger canoeing are popular along suitable coasts; local paddling culture is vibrant in some villages.
Soccer is played at school and club levels, and Guam fields national teams for regional competitions.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in traditional Chamorro menus; request vegetable-based kelaguen (sometimes fish-based) or rice-and-vegetable dishes. Larger restaurants and hotels usually offer salads, pasta and Asian vegetarian dishes.
Vegan choices require more asking—focus on fruit, vegetable sides, and rice; specify no fish sauce, egg or dairy, and seek out international restaurants for more reliable vegan menus.
Many local dishes are naturally gluten-free (seafood, rice, fruits), but watch for soy sauce and marinades; communicate restrictions clearly in English and ask about preparation.
Limited formal Halal or Kosher dining options. Travelers with strict dietary laws should plan ahead, bring specialty items, or choose simple fish/vegetable dishes and verify preparation methods.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guam.