5 Best Sights in Guam

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We've compiled the best of the best in Guam - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Guam Pacific War Museum

Those with an interest in World War II history should make a beeline here. This small but fascinating museum contains exhibits recounting the events in the Pacific, with a particular focus on the activities of the U.S. Marine Corps. In fact, the museum was established by a former U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran, the late John Gerber. It has excellent displays of both American and Japanese relics, including uniforms, weaponry, equipment, and vehicles. The museum is operated by a private nonprofit organization and is separate from the U.S. National Park Service-run War in the Pacific National Park, but a visit to both is recommended to get the full story. The aforementioned national park is actually several distinct historical sites across the island, so to visit these you'll need a car (or to book a tour).

Ritidian Point

You'll need a car or taxi ride to reach this, the northernmost point of Guam, some 12 miles north of Tumon Bay. Protected within the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, it's the only part of the reserve open to the public, and the least-visited area of the island. But your reward for making it this far is the one thing that Tumon Beach cannot offer you: a gorgeous white beach largely devoid of other tourists—you may even have the sea and sand to yourself. The water here is great for swimming, but exercise caution: because the point is more exposed than Tumon, there may be strong currents. Less confident swimmers should stick to the shallows.

Tumon Beach

There are pros and cons to Tumon Beach, Guam's number-one tourist draw. On the plus side, it's a beautiful, long white coral-sand beach with calm turquoise waters. You can snorkel over coral reefs and enjoy any watersport you can think of. There are great distractions for kids, in particular Underwater World which, at 300 feet long, claims to have the longest walk-through tunnel aquarium in the world. On the down side, behind the beach there are numerous towering resort hotels—although there's a good chance you'll end up staying in one of these—meaning this is no get-away-from-it-all island experience. Solitude is one thing you won't find. Guam sees more than a million visitors every year, and most of them end up here. It can get very crowded at peak times.

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Two Lovers Point

This cliff-side lookout point, which plunges 400 feet vertically down into the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, offers unparalleled views over Tumon Bay and much of the island. The site is named after a local legend, which tells the story of two young lovers from the island's indigenous Chamorro peoples. Forbidden by their families from being together in life, they came here and leapt to their deaths in a suicide pact. However grim the origins of the name are, this is a lovely spot, and the panoramic vistas from the split-level platform perched on the cliff edge are truly breathtaking.

Ypao Beach Park

Locatedd towards the southern end of Tumon Bay, close to the Hilton, this is the largest and most popular beach and park on Guam. Its official name has been changed to Joseph Flores Beach Park, but locals still know it by its former moniker Ypao Beach, and calling it anything else may generate a blank stare. A great place for picnicking and barbecues, the park fringes coral-filled water that's good for snorkeling. Concerts and parties are held in the park's amphitheater on a regular basis. This is a popular spot; try avoiding it on weekends, when it can overflow with visitors.