15 Jun 2016
The Top 10 Things to Do in Guam

Guam Visitors Bureau

(June 2016; Tumon, Guam USA) Guam is a wonderful place to visit with beautiful beaches and great weather all year long. But there's much more to do than just bask in the sun, though that's high on the list. Let us share the top ten exciting adventures to experience during your visit to the island where America's day begins!

 

Let's start with Guam's tropical waters, where there is so much more to do than just splash around! From snorkeling to parasailing, dolphin watching to walking on the sea floor with a breathing helmet, plus jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking and so much more. The water activities available for visitors in Guam are as vast as the ocean vistas.

 

The second thing to do is learn about Guam's unique culture. The 4,000-year-old Chamorro culture is the oldest in the Pacific. Visit the Latte Stone Park in Hagåtña to see the foundations the Chamorros once placed their huts upon. The Park is part of the Heritage Walking Trail, a series of well-marked cultural and historical sites in Guam's capital, all within walking distance of each other, that includes the Guam Museum.

 

Gef Pa'go Chamorro Cultural Village in the southern village of Inarajan is another great place to visit. This village features different types of huts built by Guam's Chamorro people. Each hut also features a different skill, like weaving, salt making, coconut husking, and rope making. Experience the warmth of Guam's hospitality as the people share their history, culture and traditions with you.

 

Guam's rich culture and history makes sightseeing a natural for number three. A trip around the island should include stops to Fort Santa Agueda with its panoramic view of Northern Guam, the Plaza de España, and the Guam Museum in Hagåtña. In Southern Guam, Fort Soledad offers an astounding view of the Philippine Sea and the Umatac Bay, where many believe Magellan first landed on Guam in 1521. Taleyfak Bridge in Agat, known by locals as the Old Spanish Bridge, marks a portion of the old El Camino Trail which once connected the south with the north. There are many more scenic sites of interest all well marked from the north to the south promising you stunning vista views.

 

The Wednesday Night Market at the Y SengSong Chamorro Village in Hagåtña is a great place to shop, enjoy local food, live entertainment and meet people. Located in in the heart of Guam's capital village, where the island recently hosted the 2016 Festival of the Pacific Arts, a visit to the Night Market is the fourth thing all visitors should do while in Guam. It's a wonderful place to find one of a kind souvenirs, unique artwork, and opportunities to buy fresh produce, ride a carabao (water buffalo) and have a great time with local residents.

 

Shopping comes in at number five and is a popular activity for everyone. Guam's duty free status means visitors can purchase luxury goods at very reasonable prices. The island has several shopping centers, high-end boutiques, American brand name stores and an outlet mall. There are several shopping trolleys that make regular stops at most hotels and resorts and the major shopping centers.

 

The sixth thing to do also takes place in the ocean, but beneath. Guam is a great place to dive, whether your experienced or a beginner. Guam has a multitude of professional dive shops equipped to teach novices or offer tours for the more experienced. The island is home to one of the world's most unique dive spots, the double shipwrecks of the German SMS Cormoran scuttled in 1917 and Japanese Tokai Maru, which mark the only place where divers can simultaneously touch vessels from two different World Wars.

 

Guam boasts seven golf courses, some designed by golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and others. Golfing is number seven. Enthusiasts appreciate that there is rarely a wait to get on the course and fees are reasonable, like with many other destinations. Guam courses have luxury clubhouses with all the amenities including restaurants, club and cart rentals, and more.

 

The eighth thing to do while on Guam is eat, eat, and eat some more. Guam has an amazing variety of restaurants featuring international cuisine from Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Filipino, Caribbean, Brazilian, and so much more. Of course, visitors must try our famous Chamorro cuisine while they're here. There is nothing quite like Guam's authentic local food and there are many restaurants that offer Chamorro food or a fusion that is unforgettable. You must try finadenne', a local dipping sauce made with soy sauce, onions, lemon, and a local pepper called donne' that spices up every meal, especially meats, chicken, and rice.

 

After a good meal, the night beckons and Guam's entertainment options are exciting. At number nine, there are night clubs, pubs, and bars for an after dinner drink. Or you can combine the two at a dinner show where there is also a variety to choose from, including those with Chamorro cultural performances, cruises on the ocean, magic shows, and even a Las Vegas show with acrobats, show girls, and tigers.

 

Rounding out the list at number ten are Guam's annual signature events which range in nature from athletic like the Guam Ko'ko' Run Half Marathon & Ekiden Relay, Guam International Marathon, Konqer Guam, and Tour of Guam Cycling to music concerts like the Guam Live International Music Festival and Electric Light Festival. Guam also hosts events that showcase our delicious food like the annual BBQ Block Party or celebrate the different cultures of the people who make up our multi-cultural community, like the Japan Autumn Festival. Also a signature event is the Shop Guam Festival.

 

There is never a shortage of activities or things to do and this list serves as a mere starting point for your adventures in Guam. The question most guests to Guam ask while here is not what should we do, but rather, will we have enough time to do it all? For more information about Guam or advices and suggestions to plan the perfect trip, go to www.visitguam.org.

 

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For More Information:

GUAM VISITORS BUREAU

Office: (671) 646-5278 

info@visitguam.org  |  http://www.visitguam.com