If you’ve never been to Guam, a tropical island in the western Pacific Ocean, it’s time to discover what you’ve been missing! Learn all about it from guest contributor and Navy spouse Katie McDonald, who is stationed at Naval Base Guam,
Before moving here, I would have struggled to find Guam on a map. Now, more than a year later, I have come to love our hidden gem and all the adventure and relaxation it offers.
With easy access from Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, and Honolulu on commercial airlines – and from several military passenger terminals when flying Space-A – Guam is an ideal vacation spot for military travelers.
The island’s warm, crystal-clear water, jungle and waterfall hikes, world-renowned golf courses, luxurious hotels and spas, and diverse food scene offer something for everyone – all within a U.S. territory!
Guam Basics
Guam covers just over 200 square miles and is made up of 19 “villages.” Its landscape varies from sandy coastlines to lush, mountainous jungle.
The island is home to three U.S. military bases. Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) sits at the northern tip of Guam in the village of Yigo, and Navy Base Guam lies about 50 minutes southwest in Santa Rita. Both bases have beaches perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, the newest base, is near Andersen AFB in Dededo.
Most hotels and resorts are clustered within walking distance of each other in Tumon, midway between Andersen AFB and Navy Base Guam. These resorts feature beautiful ocean views, easy beach access and proximity to A.B. Won Pat International Airport (aka Guam International Airport).
Rainy season stretches from July to November, bringing heavy rainfall and the occasional typhoon. For drier weather and evening breezes, visit in winter. It’s hot and humid year-round, with a strong UV index, so pack plenty of sun protection and stay hydrated.
Top Things to Do on Guam
Guam is an outdoor paradise filled with opportunities for active adventures, sightseeing, history, and family-friendly fun. Here are 10 great ways to experience the island.
1. Take in the Views at Two Lovers Point
Guam’s most famous tourist attraction offers spectacular ocean views and a powerful love story. From 368 feet above the reef, you might spot dolphins in the water below. You can also add a lock to the Heart Lock Wall as a testament of your love to that special someone.
2. Sample Local Life at a Night Market
For a variety of local foods, gifts, and entertainment, these markets are an essential stop. The three main night markets are Chamorro Village Night Market (Wednesdays), Mangilao Night Market (Thursdays), and Tumon Night Market (Sundays).
3. Explore Valley of the Latte Adventure Park
Guam’s history and culture are on display in this family-friendly adventure. Choose a riverboat tour, kayaking adventure, or paddleboarding adventure and learn about traditional basket weaving, the local wildlife, and the island’s history. Military discounts are available online or through base Tickets & Travel offices.
4. Circle the Island by Car
Guam has no shortage of scenic views, and with a speed limit of 35mph, you’re encouraged to take your time as you explore. Stop at a roadside fruit stand, visit historic monuments, and don’t hesitate to get your feet wet when the ocean calls to you!
5. Experience the Taotao Tasi dinner show
If you’re looking for unforgettable entertainment and a satisfying buffet on the water, this is an experience you can’t miss. Singing, fire dancing, and colorful costumes bring the culture of Guam and its surrounding islands to life. The energy of this performance will keep everyone from the youngest to the oldest in the crowd engaged.
Visit a base Tickets & Travel office to get a discounted children’s rate, or try for a “Lucky 7” ticket on their website to get a discount on a regular adult ticket.
6. Wander Guam National Wildlife Refuge
If you want to experience untouched nature and Guam’s ancient history, this is a stop for you. Scenic trails, quiet beaches, caves with pictographs, and an ancient village await you in this protected piece of paradise.
7. Tee Off with an Ocean View
Palm trees, ocean breezes, and challenging greens are a treat for any golfer, and Guam delivers with seven world-class civilian courses plus the beautiful Palm Tree Golf Course at Andersen AFB.
For the most bang for your buck, Palm Tree offers green fees under $30. Check out Country Club of the Pacific, Sono Felice Country Club Mangilao, and Leo Palace Resort for more stunning views.
8. Make a Splash with Bikini Island Club
Enjoy endless fun with water sports, private boats, and wildlife spotting at Guam’s one-stop-shop for aquatic adventures! Jet ski, parasail, snorkel, or take a private boat tour in Guam’s turquoise waters. Visit a base Tickets & Travel office to book a wide variety of packages.
9. Learn about fascinating World War II history
The Liberation of Guam was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater and is an annual holiday. Learn about the Japanese occupation, Chamorro resilience, and the American victory at the Guam Museum, War in the Pacific National Historic Park, and Yokoi’s Cave replica at Talofofo Falls.
10. Hit the Trails
From waterfalls to caves to historic sites, Guam offers much to explore on foot. Join Guam Boonie Stompers for $5 hikes on Saturdays, perfect for those new to the island, and The Guam Guide offers helpful articles about local hikes to help get you inspired and prepared.
In addition to these 10 awesome experiences, the base Tickets & Travel offices can assist you with bookings for other local attractions. Always ask about military discounts; many aren’t advertised but are still available.
Where to Stay
Guam has a wide range of lodging options at different price points. Here are a few recommendations, depending on your needs.
Dusit Thani/Dusit Beach Resort
My husband and I have enjoyed two staycations at the Dusit Thani Resort, taking full advantage of the amenities offered at its sister propery, Dusit Beach, next door.
The Dusit hotels are my number one choice for travelers because you get double the pools, restaurants, and beach space, plus easy access to the Aquarium of Guam and the popular Karera at Sandcastle show.
One of our favorite date night locations is TABU, the island’s only walkup oceanfront tiki bar. The resorts also offer a gourmet steakhouse, an upscale Thai restaurant, poolside dining, a buffet, and quick service options.
Ask about government/military rates. Also, join the free Dusit Gold membership for additional discounts throughout the year on hotel stays and dining.
| Check rates and availability for Dusit Thani here and Dusit Beach Resort here.
Pacific Islands Club
If you’re traveling with children, Pacific Islands Club may be the perfect resort for you. The resort offers a waterpark, the Super American Circus show, a pirate themed dinner show, a kids club, and a sports zone to keep the whole family entertained from sunrise to sunset.
You’re also within walking distance to Ypao Beach and Boonies, an indoor entertainment venue that has mini bowling, a private karaoke room, cornhole, air hockey, and bocce, among many other options.
| Check rates and availability at Pacific Island Club here.
Hotel Tano
For a budget-friendly option, the newly renovated Hotel Tano is a great choice. I stayed here for my first few nights in Guam, and I loved how easy it was to walk or drive to the many restaurants and attractions in downtown Tumon.
While the hotel doesn’t have direct beach access, it does have a pool and is only a 4-minute drive to Ypao Beach. Their 24-hour Tasi Market was super convenient after my evening flight; I picked up some ramen in my pajamas before sleeping off my jet lag.
| Check rates and availability for Hotel Tano here.
Base Lodging
If you prefer to stay on base, try for space-available lodging at the Andersen Gateway Inns & Suites or the Naval Station Guam Gateway Inns & Suites. The rooms are spacious and relatively affordable compared to the Tumon resorts, but they book up quickly during PCS season.
While the bases have great beaches, they are not within walking distance of lodging, so you will need to drive. My husband and I stayed at the Gateway Inn & Suites for our first month here, and while we loved having plenty of living space and a kitchen, we did not have beach access and felt removed from everything.
If you only have a few days in Guam, I recommend staying in town for convenient access to the beaches, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Getting to Guam
Flying Commercial
When flying commercial to Guam from the United States, United is the only carrier. There are no direct flights from the continental US, so you will fly via Honolulu or Tokyo.
Flying commercial between the East Coast and Guam, I typically have three or four flights each way, and it takes about 24 hours of travel (minimum).
Having flown through both Hawaii and Tokyo, I agree with many other travelers that Tokyo is the preferred route. Yes, the flight is longer, but you get in-flight meals, you don’t need to go through a mandatory baggage pickup and re-enter the security line, and there is so much more to do and eat during your layover.
You could potentially break up your trip with a stay at one of the military resorts in Hawaii or the military-only New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo.
Flying Space-A
If you’re eligible, flying military Space-A to Andersen AFB is a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Guam.
The most frequent missions to Anderson are from Seattle-Tacoma International, Travis AFB (California), JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii), and Kadena Air Base (Japan).
Getting Around
Public transportation is somewhat limited. I highly recommend renting a car, using a rideshare service, or taking advantage of the Guam Red Shuttle.
Car Rentals: Enterprise and National have locations at Andersen AFB. Guam International Airport has many car rental companies near the arrivals terminal, and some, like Avis and Enterprise, offer military discounts.
Rideshare: I frequently use Stroll, one of Guam’s Uber-equivalents, and love that many of the drivers have base access. Some taxis also have base access, but are quite pricey.
Guam Red Shuttle: This bus service connects many of the major hotels in Guam to the Guam Premier Outlets, Micronesia Mall, and even the Chamorro Village Night Market on Wednesdays.
Ready to Go to Guam?
Guam offers the beauty of a tropical island with the convenience of a U.S. destination. While the flight is long, the stunning views, breathtaking sunsets, unrivaled beaches, and cultural activities make the journey worth it. Start planning your getaway and see why so many visitors fall in love with Guam!