Guam is a great place to vacation with your family and slow down for a week or forever. Guam has many historical sites, stunning beaches and a rich history. We ended up in the Western Pacific Ocean on a whim while taking Space A to Asia and we stayed a week but we wanted more. Learn about our experience and what the must-see attractions are so every day is packed with fun. 

Exploring Matapang Beach Park and Tumon Beach

Matapang Beach Park and Tumon Beach are government-run areas that provide public access with free parking and even a small police station nearby. The park is well-equipped with a lifeguard station, restrooms, and picnic areas that offer shade from the sun or rain, making it a family-friendly choice for the day.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Guam, known for its soft sand, turquoise waters, and plenty of water activities to enjoy. While visitors love it, it’s also a more local spot, so you’ll often see residents gathering for swims, picnics, and canoe practice.

The park is home to large Va’a canoe boats, a popular activity amongst the Chamorro people and one with deep cultural ties across the Pacific, from Hawai‘i to French Polynesia.

A unique highlight at Tumon Beach is the presence of WWII bunkers tucked into the area, which you can still explore today, adding a layer of history to your beach day. And if you have extra time, the Guam Zoo is right next door, making this an easy stop for a full afternoon of fun.If you have time you have to visit the Guam Zoo because its right nextdoor. 

Guam Zoo: A Family-Friendly Stop in Tumon

The Guam Zoo is a charming, family-run spot owned and operated by an elderly couple. Barbra, the owner, was especially kind and welcoming during our visit. Admission is $15 for adults, and they even offer a small military discount, which is always appreciated.

From the outside, the zoo doesn’t look very big, but once inside, you’ll find a surprisingly wide variety of animals. The resident sea turtles are massive and look healthy, though they can’t be released back into the wild and now call the zoo home permanently.

You’ll also see fruit bats, emus, and even a cockatoo with a big personality, this bird loves rock music and will happily show off its moves if you catch it at the right time.

The Guam Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., making it a great half-day stop. Since it’s right next to the beach, I recommend pairing your zoo visit with a stroll along the sand for the perfect island outing.

Ypao Beach Park (Gov. Joseph Flores Beach Park)

This park is located right next to the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. The park is very big and hosts the Guam Visitors Bureau located on Pale San Vitores Rd.

The park has well-manicured grass making it ideal for a picnic or an afternoon game of soccer. They have the infrastructure to hang a volleyball net close to the main parking lot. The lawn also hosts a bandstand for concerts and live music.

There is plenty of updated covered seating throughout the park for a relaxing afternoon by the beach. The park has a manned lifeguard station during the day so you can feel safe while swimming in Tumon Bay.

The colorful Guam sign is located adjacent to the station for a photo memento. This beach and park get busy on the weekends, so grab you a spot early. Sunday seems to be the day they take the Va’a boats out for a paddle.

If you’re staying nearby, the Hyatt Regency Guam is just steps away, making it easy to walk straight from the hotel to Ypao Beach. We’ve got a full review of Hyatt Regency Guam here so you can see why it’s one of our top picks for families visiting Tumon Bay.

Visiting Puntan Dos Amantes: Guam’s Two Lovers Point

The point is the most popular spot on the island in our eyes. The observation deck area sits 368 feet above the coral reefs with crystal-clear waters below. The legend is that two lovers tired one big knot from both hearts of hair and jumped off the cliff to be together forever. If you want to read the entire story it can be found here.

This point and overlook depicts a rock formation that looks like a woman to the northern viewing side. The south side of the lookout depicts a male. 

We bought a love lock to pledge our love on the Heart lock wall. If you find it, take a picture and send it to us please. The locks can be bought at the ticket counter just before entering the viewing area, military get a small discount. They have another area with restrooms and souvenirs. 

The view is amazing from the platform. The coral looks very healthy and surreal. The water is crystal clear allowing you to see farther down. We spent around 30-45 minutes at the park. Take your time and enjoy the full experience. 

Fish Eye Marine Park: Underwater Observatory & Visitor Center

Located right off Route 1, Fish Eye Marine Park is one of Guam’s most unique attractions. The first thing you’ll notice is the long boardwalk stretching over the turquoise waters toward the underwater observatory. You don’t need to stop at the visitor center across the street, just park on the beach side and pay at the pier (and yes, they offer a military discount).

The walk itself is stunning, surrounded by beautiful scenery of the Piti Marine Reserve. From above you can spot sea cucumbers and long blue tube fish in the shallows. Once you reach the end of the pier, the wraparound deck opens to incredible ocean views, with every shade of blue and green shimmering under the sun.

Head down the spiral stairs into the lower observatory, where massive porthole windows let you see the reef and its bustling marine life up close. Schools of colorful fish dart around coral heads, soft tube corals sway with the currents, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a blacktip reef shark or trevally gliding past. The glow of the water pouring through the windows makes the whole space feel magical.

We easily spent 45 minutes below, mesmerized by the fish and coral reefs right outside the windows. On the surface, keep your eyes peeled for turtles and dolphins, they can be harder to spot but make for an unforgettable sight if you catch one.

This is one of those places that reminds you just how wild and alive Guam’s waters are, definitely a must-do for families, couples, and anyone who wants to experience the island’s reef life without even getting wet.

Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: A Historic Guam Landmark

Located in the southern part of Guam, Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad has stood watch over the bay since 1810. While small in size, this outpost played a major role in the 17th century as part of the Spanish galleon trade route, serving as a crucial re-supply stop for ships sailing between Acapulco, Mexico and Manila, Philippines.

Today, you’ll find remnants of the fort, including a watch post and three original cannons, perched high above the coastline. The panoramic views of southern Guam are breathtaking, and it’s easy to imagine the isolation of soldiers stationed here centuries ago, scanning the horizon for ships.

What surprised us most was realizing how deep Guam’s history runs, not only tied to the U.S. and Japanese eras, but also shaped by Spanish rule long before. Stopping here gives you both incredible views and a tangible connection to the island’s layered past.

Chief Gadao’s Statue: The Legend of Guam’s Warrior Chief

After leaving Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, we continued exploring the southern part of Guam and stumbled across something that immediately caught our eye, a massive wall of vines climbing up the Inarajan Baptist Church. Just beyond that stood the Chief Gadao’s Statue, a landmark we hadn’t planned to see but couldn’t resist stopping for.

We parked near Martinez Fruits & Vegetables stand (sadly closed at the time) and walked over to the statue. It’s here that we learned about a legendary competition between Chief Gadao and Chief Malaguana of Tumon:

“The statue depicts a particular episode where Gadao was competing with a rival chief from the village of Tumon by the name of Malaguana, to see who was stronger. The chiefs sat in the same canoe, but one chief paddled in one direction while the other paddled in the opposite direction. As a result of the opposite forces, the canoe split in half, the image that is depicted in the statue.”

— Guam.co.kr

The statue is striking in person, and knowing the story behind it makes it even more meaningful. This was our final stop of the day, and it left us reflecting on how driving through southern Guam offers more than just scenic overlooks, it’s a journey through legends, ancient villages, and cultural stories that make the island come alive.

Guam Museum: Preserving Chamorro History and Culture

The Guam Museum was recommended to us by Joe during our ride with Robert, and once I looked it up, I knew we had to stop by. From the outside, the museum is striking, it resembles a giant canoe house with blue-tinted windows and a massive front statue shaped like an open book, inviting you in.

Admission is free, though the museum has faced challenges since Typhoon Mawar, the Category 4 storm that hit in May 2023. Dave, the museum director (and a proud Chamorro descendant), shared with us how the main exhibits are temporarily closed due to roof leaks, carpet damage, and other issues. He’s working with FEMA for funding, which, as anyone who’s dealt with FEMA knows, can be an uphill battle.

For now, the museum features a special Japanese comic-style art exhibit, which turned out to be a fun surprise. In the foyer, there’s also a smaller replica of a traditional Chamorro canoe, and Dave gave us a mini lesson on how these incredible vessels were sailed. It’s worth stopping by if you’re in Hagåtña, not only for the exhibits but also to connect with the island’s culture and history in a personal way.

San Luis Beach: A Quiet Escape in Guam

San Luis Beach sits on U.S. Naval Base Guam, just past the Coast Guard station, and it’s one of those hidden spots you don’t stumble upon unless you have base access. With a few covered picnic tables, soft sand, and a rinse-off station, it’s the perfect low-key beach day for military families looking for some peace and quiet away from the busier public beaches.

We stopped here because of that very exclusivity, these military base beaches tend to feel more secluded and less crowded. While walking along the shoreline, the girls had a once-in-a-lifetime experience: finding a bright blue starfish in the shallows.

Of course, excitement took over, and Addy tried to put it back by stepping down a sloped concrete embankment. Unfortunately, she slipped, cutting her leg on the oysters below.

Moral of the story? If you spot a starfish near the shallow wall by the rinse-off station, take the safe route and walk in from the sandy beach instead. We even heard that another kid had the same mishap just the day before. On the bright side, Addy walked away with what she calls a “permanent souvenir from Guam”, a scar that comes with one unforgettable story.

The Most Western Statue of Liberty: Guam’s Unique Landmark 

This statue sits right by the Chamorro Village Night Market, in a location that couldn’t be more fitting, it marks the westernmost point of American soil and greets vessels entering the harbor just south of it. Much like the Statue of Liberty in New York, it stands as a proud symbol of freedom and liberty, welcoming visitors and reminding locals of Guam’s unique place in U.S. history.

The Grey Ghost: Guam’s Famous B-52 Wreck Site

Tucked away on Andersen Air Force Base, the Grey Ghost is one of Guam’s most fascinating relics. We had the best time exploring this rare site, an abandoned B-52 bomber left at the end of the runway, slowly being reclaimed by the jungle.

Much of the wreckage is still intact, though it’s missing the tail section, wing tips, and landing gear. It’s an eerie but captivating place for aviation fans, history buffs, or anyone looking for unique photo ops of a warbird in the wild. If you have access to the base and a little extra time, this hidden gem is worth the stop.

Tarague Beach at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge

We originally planned to visit Ritidian Point, but it was closed due to hurricane damage earlier in the year. Instead, we headed to Tarague Beach after exploring the nearby B-52 wreck site, and it turned out to be an incredible find.

Located just north of the airfield on Andersen Air Force Base, this beach is only a 7–10 minute drive from the crash site. It offers campsites, parking, a playground, and clean facilities. During our visit, we practically had the place to ourselves, aside from a few workers making their rounds.

If you have base access, Tarague is one of the most beautiful beaches in Guam. With its quiet atmosphere and untouched charm, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the island.

Honoring History at the Ancestral Chamoru Reburial Monument

On your way to Gun Beach, make a quick stop at the Ancestral Chamoru Reburial Monument, it is a meaningful site that preserves an important part of Chamorro heritage. The monument features eight latte stones, which are iconic in Chamorro culture as they once served as the foundations for ancient dwellings.

What makes this site even more significant is that it’s also a reburial ground, with ancestral remains respectfully placed beneath the stones. A nearby plaque explains the role of latte stones in daily life and their spiritual importance to the community.

If you’re exploring Guam’s historic sites, this stop offers both cultural insight and a chance to connect with the island’s deep-rooted traditions, even on a short visit.

War in the Pacific National Historical Park: WWII History in Guam

The War in the Pacific National Historical Park is made up of several land units spread across Guam, each preserving a piece of the island’s WWII history. We visited the Adelup area, which includes the Governor’s Complex and offers sweeping views over Asan Beach from the eastern side of the Asan Beach unit.

This park not only tells the story of the battles fought here but also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Chamorro people and the island’s pivotal role in the Pacific theater. Walking the grounds gives you both a scenic view and a deep sense of history.

Latte of Freedom: Guam’s Iconic Monument

Located at the Governor’s Complex, the Latte of Freedom is an impressive modern monument inspired by the island’s traditional latte stones. Former Governor Bordallo envisioned it as a symbol for the West, much like the Statue of Liberty represents the East Coast of the United States.

Although the structure was closed for entry during our visit, it’s still worth stopping by to admire from the outside. The panoramic views from this area are stunning and give you a sense of both history and pride tied to Chamorro culture.

Guam Chinkon Shrine: Honoring History and Memory

Just steps away from the Latte of Freedom, you’ll find the solemn Guam Chinkon Shrine, also called the “Sea of Souls.” This memorial honors the countless lives lost during the fierce battle at Asan Beach, where U.S. Marines stormed the shore to reclaim Guam from Japan.

Both Japanese soldiers and American troops made the ultimate sacrifice here, and the site serves as a powerful reminder of the island’s role in World War II. For history buffs, this is a must-see stop, quiet, humbling, and deeply meaningful.

Chamorro Village Night Market: Food, Culture & Shopping

The Chamorro Village Night Market is one of the best ways to experience Guam’s local culture. Held every Wednesday night, this lively local market comes alive with food stalls, handmade crafts, music, and dancing.

We had it on our list (thanks to a friend’s recommendation), but we left the island too soon and sadly missed it. Don’t make the same mistake, plan your visit on a Wednesday night so you can soak up the energy, taste authentic Chamorro food, and shop for unique island finds.

Pagat Cave: A Hike to One of Guam’s Hidden Gems

Pagat Cave is one of those spots that makes you wish you had just one more day on the island. The hike itself is about 1.8 miles roundtrip, leading you through Guam’s rugged jungle to a hidden cave and natural arch. Getting down to the cave is an adventure in itself, you’ll need ropes to climb back up from the bottom.

If you go, pack snorkel gear so you can take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters inside the cave. We didn’t have enough time to make it there, but this is definitely one of those “don’t miss it” experiences for adventurous families.

Why the Best Things to Do in Guam Are Perfect for Families

The island of Guam is hands-down one of the best places we’ve visited as a family. It’s remote yet easy to reach, and it connects you to both ancient traditions and colonial history. This little tropical paradise has seen its share of wars, leaving behind an overwhelming amount of history and culture to soak in.

But what really makes Guam shine are the people, the locals are so warm and welcoming that it instantly feels like home. Add in turquoise beaches, fascinating landmarks, and kid-friendly adventures, and you’ve got a destination that’s both meaningful and fun.

It’s no wonder Guam is at the top of our list to return to, it’s one of those rare places that gives your whole family a vacation full of stories you’ll talk about for years.