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Though Guam may be a tiny tropical island in the western Pacific Ocean, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in other areas. Pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and gorgeous weather year-round are only a few of the qualities that have made this territory a world-class holiday destination. It’s no wonder why it’s visited by over a million tourists each year.
Looking to spend your next vacation here? Our guide to the perfect day in Guam can give you some insight into some of the island’s best activities and must-see attractions. Read on below for some of the things that you can expect when you visit:
Eat Breakfast and Take a Stroll in the Morning
There’s nothing like a hearty breakfast to start your day right. If you’re staying at a hotel, you can head down to their dining area’s buffet spread or order some room service.
However, Guamanians will be the first to tell you that the best breakfasts on the island can be found at the local bakeries in Guam. At these small establishments, you can buy traditional baked goods like pan de sal, a sweet and salty bread roll of Filipino origin, or pan tosta, the Guamanian version of biscotti. Both treats are often served with a hot drink on the side such as coffee or hot chocolate. You’ll want to queue up early, though, as these products sell out fast.
Other popular breakfast options include classic American staples such as bagels, French toast, and pancakes. Many locals also enjoy having fried rice in the morning, usually accompanied by a fried sunny-side-up egg and a savory protein such as Spam, corned beef, or Chamorro sausage.
After such a big meal, it might be a good idea to settle your stomach with a slow, meandering stroll. With the sunlight still soft and gentle, going for a walk along the beach will give you an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the island. Go early enough and you might even be able to beat the crowds that flock to the shores. There’s no shortage of beaches to choose from, but locals recommend Tumon Beach if you want easy access to the downtown shopping spots or Ypao Beach if you prefer someplace more tranquil.
Eat Lunch, Shop, and Go Sight-Seeing at Noon
Temperatures in Guam usually peak around noon, making even the most dedicated beach babies seek shelter. Fortunately, you can always step out of the heat and into The Plaza Shopping Center, Tumon’s premier shopping mall. It’s filled with luxury shops plying wares from such brands as Balenciaga, Coach, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, and more. That being said, the prices here might surprise you—in a good way. This is because Guam is known for being a haven for duty-free shopping where you can score amazing deals on designer products.
The Plaza is also an excellent place to find lunch, with plenty of dining options to suit all palates and budgets. Try the excellent burgers and fries over at Eat Street Grill or savor authentic Italian flavors at Vitale’s, a Guamanian institution that’s been slinging out excellent pizza and pasta on the island since 1967. Looking for a taste of the islands instead? Proa Restaurant is a local cult favorite that serves excellent barbecued meat and seafood, and it’s only five minutes away by car.
It’s best to check out the sights when the heat is less oppressive come afternoon. No visit to Guam is complete without seeing the breathtaking view of the bay from Two Lovers Point, arguably the most famous observation deck on the island. History buffs will be happy to explore all of the historical landmarks and museums that Guam has to offer, such as the Magellan Monument or the Pacific War Museum.
Seeking more outdoorsy pursuits instead? Join a local boonie stomping group tour that can take you to some of the island’s best-kept secret spots, from hidden caves and waterfalls to secluded swimming holes. You can even try scaling Guam’s tallest peak, Mount Lamlam. At only 1,332 feet high, it’s a fairly easy hike that shouldn’t take more than an hour, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the island on one side and the gorgeous horizon on the other. Time it perfectly, and you might just be rewarded by the sight of a glorious sunset by the time you reach the peak.
Explore Night Markets, Watch a Show, and Enjoy Dinner in the Evening
In Guam, the fun doesn’t have to stop after the sun goes down. In fact, that’s when things usually start to heat up. Try paying a visit to the Chamorro Night Market every Wednesday at the Chamorro Village in Agana. If you miss it, don’t worry, as there’s also the Mangilao Night Market every Thursday at the Santa Teresita Church in Mangilao. Both are lively glimpses into the vibrant local culture, with plenty of food, fresh produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts available for purchase. Don’t forget to try the grilled chicken and pork skewers or the famous banana lumpia, which are egg rolls filled with banana slices and drizzled with honey.
You can also opt for dinner and a show at one of the many fine resort hotels in the area. The one at the Sheraton Laguna Guam is the only dinner show on the island that features authentic traditional Chamorro songs and dances, which sets it apart from others in its category. There’s also the SandCastle Magic Show, a Las Vegas-style production complete with music, dancing, death-defying acrobatic stunts, illusions, and stage magic. What we’ve detailed for you here is only a small taste of what you can see, do, and experience when you visit Guam. You should definitely consider this tiny but mighty island for your next holiday trip.
