Guam

 

Latte Stone Park, Guam (Hajima Nakano, Wikimedia CCA 2.0)

Let’s Visit Guam

Overview

  • Nationality: Chamorro. Citizens of both Guam and the United State
  • Official Languages: English and Chamorro
  • National Day: July 21st
  • World Heritage Sites: See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guam

Highlights

Let’s learn more about these top 10 tourist attractions in Guam.

  1. Tumon Bay (Tumon): Famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, Tumon Bay is the most popular tourist destination in Guam. It offers excellent snorkeling, water sports, and is lined with resorts, restaurants, and shopping centers.
  2. Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes, Tamuning): This iconic cliffside viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Philippine Sea and the rugged coastline. It is steeped in legend and is a popular spot for couples and tourists looking for scenic photography.
  3. War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Asan): This park commemorates the role Guam played in World War II. It preserves battlefields, relics, and artifacts from the Pacific Theater, and offers visitors a chance to learn about the island’s military history.
  4. Fish Eye Marine Park (Piti): Known for its unique underwater observatory, Fish Eye Marine Park allows visitors to walk below the surface of the ocean and see vibrant marine life up close. It’s a top destination for snorkeling and diving.
  5. Ypao Beach Park (Tumon): This popular beach park is known for its shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and picnicking. Ypao Beach hosts many cultural events and festivals throughout the year, attracting both locals and tourists.
  6. Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Umatac): A historic Spanish fort overlooking Umatac Bay, this site is known for its well-preserved cannons and panoramic views. It’s one of the last remaining Spanish forts on the island, offering a glimpse into Guam’s colonial history.
  7. Inarajan Natural Pool (Inarajan): These natural saltwater pools, formed by volcanic rocks, are a local favorite for swimming and relaxing. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, the pools offer a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist areas.
  8. Talofofo Falls (Talofofo): Known for its stunning two-tier waterfall, Talofofo Falls is a popular destination for nature lovers. Visitors can ride a cable car to view the falls and explore nearby hiking trails and caves.
  9. Cetti Bay Overlook (Umatac): This overlook provides breathtaking views of Cetti Bay and the surrounding lush hills. It’s a great spot for photography and birdwatching, and is part of the scenic drive along the southern coast of Guam.
  10. Ritidian Point (Yigo): Located at the northernmost tip of Guam, Ritidian Point is famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s part of a wildlife refuge and offers hiking trails, ancient Chamorro sites, and opportunities for spotting native wildlife.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Guam.

  1. Guam is a U.S. territory but isn’t a state: Although Guam is part of the United States, it is not a state. It’s a U.S. territory, meaning people born there are U.S. citizens, but they can’t vote in presidential elections unless they live in a state.
  2. Guam doesn’t have any rivers: Unlike most places, Guam doesn’t have any natural rivers. Instead, it relies on groundwater and rainfall for its fresh water.
  3. You can drive across Guam in less than an hour: Despite its rich culture and history, Guam is tiny. You can drive from one end of the island to the other in about 45 minutes.
  4. Guam is one of the first places to see the sunrise: Located near the International Date Line, Guam is among the first places on Earth to experience a new day, making it one of the first to see the sunrise.
  5. There are more cars than people on Guam: Guam has a population of just under 170,000, but there are over 190,000 registered vehicles. That means there are more cars than people!
  6. It’s illegal to play excessively loud music in public: Guam has strict noise laws, and playing loud music in public spaces can get you fined. The island takes its peace and quiet seriously.
  7. The ancient Chamorro people built “latte stones”: Latte stones are unique to Guam and were used by the ancient Chamorro people as foundations for their homes. These large stone pillars can still be found around the island today.
  8. Guam doesn’t observe daylight saving time: While much of the U.S. changes the clocks for daylight saving time, Guam sticks to the same time year-round due to its tropical location near the equator.
  9. Guam is home to “The King of Fruits”—Durian: Durian, a notoriously stinky fruit that’s either loved or hated, grows on Guam. Its smell is so strong that it’s banned in many public places, but locals love eating it.
  10. Guam was the site of one of the last battles of World War II: Guam was occupied by Japanese forces during WWII until the U.S. liberated the island in 1944. The Battle of Guam was one of the final confrontations in the Pacific Theater.

Notable People

Here are some famous men and women from Guam.

Famous Men

  1. Ricardo J. Bordallo (1927–1990): Born in Agana Heights, Guam, Ricardo Bordallo was a prominent politician who served two terms as the Governor of Guam. He was a significant figure in the island’s political history, advocating for more local control over government matters.
  2. Ben Blaz (1928–2014): Born in Agana, Guam, Ben Blaz was a U.S. Marine Corps brigadier general and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Guam as a delegate in Congress, making an impact on national policy regarding Guam.
  3. Carl Gutierrez (1941–): Born in Agana, Guam, Carl Gutierrez served as the Governor of Guam from 1995 to 2003. His tenure saw modernization efforts and economic development on the island.
  4. Joseph Franklin Ada (1943–): Born in Agana, Guam, Joseph F. Ada was the Governor of Guam from 1987 to 1995. He is known for his work in government reform and his advocacy for the self-determination of the Chamorro people.
  5. Peter Charles Lujan Cepeda (1953–2019): Born in Guam, Peter Cepeda was a professional soccer player and coach who played a crucial role in the development of soccer on Guam. His influence helped establish soccer as a major sport on the island.

Famous Women

  1. Tina Muna Barnes (1962–): Born in Guam, Tina Muna Barnes is a longtime senator in the Guam Legislature. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and social welfare policies in the territory.
  2. Lou Leon Guerrero (1950–): Born in Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero is the current Governor of Guam, the first woman to hold the office. She is known for her work in healthcare and for pushing forward economic reforms on the island.
  3. Judith T. Won Pat (1950–): Born in Guam, Judith Won Pat is a former Speaker of the Guam Legislature. She is the daughter of Guam’s first delegate to Congress and has been a major advocate for education and public health.
  4. Katherine Bordallo Aguon (1924–2011): Born in Agana, Guam, Katherine Aguon was an educator and politician who made significant contributions to Guam’s education system. She was also a senator in the Guam Legislature.
  5. Maria Artero Baza (1914–1997): Born in Guam, Maria Baza was an educator and advocate for the preservation of Chamorro culture. She worked tirelessly to improve the education system on the island and promote the teaching of Chamorro language.

Date of  Admission to the Union

Cession from Spain: December 10, 1898

Capital and Government of Guam

 

Guam Congress Building (LittleT889, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Area and Total Population

Area: 210 square miles Total Population: 171,000

Major cities and their population

City Population
Dededo 45,000
Yigo Village 21,000
Tamuning 20,000
Hagatna 1,000

Education

Educational Resources

Twinkl. Guam

Festivals

Flag

Geography

Location

Guam in Oceania (Tubs, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Glimpses Into History

Breathtaking Landscapes

Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Guam.

Motto

“Where America’s Day Begins”

National Landmarks and Historic Sites

National Monuments

  1. Marianas Trench Marine National Monument (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration; Fish and Wildlife Service)

National Parks

Nicknames

  • Land of the Chamorro
  • The Hub of the Pacific
  • The Island of Warriors

Sports

Symbols

Seal

License Plate

Symbols: Animal/ Bird

Guam Rail (Greg Hume, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Symbols: Official Flower: the Bougainvillea

Tourism: incredible vacations

Watch a video

Weather

More Resources For The Best Things To Do

Dededo