You may know Guam as the Pacific’s only US territory, but what you might not know is just how great it is for family holidays – with dreamy beaches, a unique culture, plentiful waterparks, and tax-free shopping.
Chamorro Culture Festival, Guam
Variety is the spice of life on Guam family holidays
Guam – the largest island in Micronesia, and the most southern of the Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific – is like nowhere else on earth. Surrounded by gorgeous tropical beaches and coral reefs teeming with life, full of thoroughly modern diversions but also steeped in layers of history, the island has an indigenous Chamorro culture dating back some 3,500 years.
It’s also got an amazing food scene: from traditional barbecue dishes served with red rice through to the elevated versions which have seen Guam become a leader in Pacific Rim cuisine, alongside sophisticated fusion and all the American diners you could possibly want.
There are frequent cultural festivals including Chamorro Month in March – a month-long celebration of traditional music, dance, and food, and Guam Micronesia Island Fair in early June. In fact, it’s celebration time most of the time on Guam, so you can expect plenty of fun any time you go.
Guam also has a Spanish colonial heritage (each of the 19 villages on the island has a Catholic church), and was a significant territory during the Second World War: meaning forts, historical trails, Spanish architecture and ancient archaeological sites are just some of the fascinating places you’ll discover on this footprint-shaped island.
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- Family hiking, Guam
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- Beach playground, Guam
Guam’s tallest mountain, if you’re counting up from the sea bed
Talking of footprints: Mount Lamlam, the island’s highest peak at 406m, holds the intriguing claim of being technically the tallest mountain in the world.
To test that, you’d have to measure it from the bottom of the Mariana Trench, but it’s mind-blowing to think about either way.
While your minds are in the ocean: did you know Guam has 60 dive sites, including wrecks, and over 200 species of coral, as well as the perfect, not too hot-or-cold sea temperature? We’re not sure if the same is also true of the island’s many waterparks, but they’re a few more reasons kids love Guam, and we don’t blame them.
Beachy bliss, Guam
Guam’s beaches, from WWII to snorkelling paradise
Tumon Bay has calm, shallow waters perfect for young swimmers, as well as snorkelling and paddleboarding for the older ones.
Ypao Beach Park is ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts, and it’s a great spot to bring a picnic and relax in the park’s shady areas. You’ll also find BBQ pits and playground facilities here too, so you can make a day of it.
If you like your beaches secluded, head to Ritidian Point. This pristine stretch of beach offers untouched natural beauty and opportunities to spot native wildlife. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip.
Asan Beach Park is not only a scenic spot for families but also perfect for history lovers. Part of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, it was a key landing site during WWII’s Battle of Guam and today, serves as a living history lesson as well as beauty spot.
You can wander along the coastline at Asan and explore the interpretive displays that tell the story of Guam’s role in the war. The park’s beautiful beaches are perfect for relaxing, and there’s a coral reef here for snorkelling too. The monuments and markers throughout the park provide insights into events that shaped the island, and feel important to engage with on any trip to Guam.
Weaving, Valley of the Latte
Valley of the Latte: nothing to do with coffee shops
Don’t miss Valley of the Latte Adventure Park, a unique immersive cultural and historical attraction at a living Chamorro village along the Talo’fo’fo and Ugum rivers.
This scenic valley is named for the ancient latte stones, used as iconic pillars by the Chamorro people as foundations for their homes. The site offers a unique glimpse into Guam’s natural beauty, history, and culture, as well as the chance to discover lush landscapes, tropical plants, and the Talo’fo’fo and Ugum Rivers, which are central to the area’s ecosystem.
You can also see the rounded latte stones used for building ancient homes; go on a jungle riverboat cruise, and learn about traditional Chamorro practices, such as canoe-making, fishing, fire-making, coconut husking, cooking and weaving.
The valley is perfect for adventurous and history-minded kids, and even offers eco-tours combining history, adventure, and education, where they get to go back in time and and really connect with Guam’s rich heritage and indigenous Pacific Island culture.
Guam’s waterparks are legendary
And back to the waterparks.. the top Guam family holiday pastime
Guam is very relaxing, if you want it to be, and there’s lots to do when you don’t, like balancing out all the island’s culture and history with its splashy waterparks.
RISONARE Guam Waterpark is Micronesia’s largest waterpark, located next to the RISONARE Guam Resort (formerly known as Onward Beach Resort), and has insanely cool features like the zero-gravity Manta slide, a wave pool with 1.2m swells, an ocean zipline, and a 360m lazy river whirlpool. There’s dedicated children’s pools for the little ones too.
Then there’s Pacific Islands Club Guam (PIC) Water Park, another park that’s perfect for families, with five pools, two water slides, and unique features like a swim-through aquarium and a kayaking river. Here, the park’s “Ambassadors of Fun” ensure that every moment is packed with smiles, and your kids can also try watersports like snorkelling, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
Family fun, Valley of the Latte
Visit the Aquarium of Guam for a tunnel view of marine life
Guam has fantastic weather, but if you need a break from all that sunshine, deep dive into Guam’s underwater ecosystem at Aquarium of Guam in Tumon Bay.
This magical environment, home to thousands of marine species, lets you walk through a massive tunnel aquarium surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and colourful tropical fish. It’s one of the longest tunnel aquariums in the world, with exciting interactive exhibits for smaller kids, and for the more adventurous, there’s SeaTREK – a helmet diving experience inside the tunnel, suitable for kids of 8+.
Additionally, dolphin watching tours are available in Guam’s crystal-clear waters: another truly magical way for kids to connect with nature.
Nikko Tumon Bay
Where to stay on family holidays in Guam
You’ll find an array of great family-friendly hotels on Guam. Tumon Bay is the most convenient and popular place to stay, with its gorgeous white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and endless family-friendly attractions. Think snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, exploring the Aquarium of Guam, or splashing around at Onward water park.
This area is also packed with hotels offering kid-friendly amenities like pools, kids’ clubs, and beachfront access, plus plenty of international restaurants and shopping spots like T Galleria by DFS.
- Hilton Guam Resort & Spa features family suites, multiple pools, and a kids’ club with supervised activities, along with a beachfront location.
- Dusit Thani Guam Resort is a five-star beachfront property by way of Thailand, featuring all that’s wonderful about Thai hospitality, design and cuisine, with panoramic views and a world-class spa.
- Pacific Islands Club Guam is known for its massive waterpark packed with pools, slides, and a lazy river.
- We also like Hotel Nikko Guam as a more budget-friendly, but still fabulous, option with comfortable rooms, a large pool, and easy beach access.
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- Waterpark fun
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- Chamorro Culture Festival
Hagatña (Agana) gives you a quieter, more cultural experience with attractions like Plaza de España and the Chamorro Village night market.
Or, if you prefer a laid-back vibe, Dededo is a great choice, with Micronesia Mall’s indoor amusement park and the bustling Guam Farmers’ Market and flea market.
Nature-loving families will enjoy Yona, a peaceful escape close to the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park, Talo’fo’fo Falls, and scenic hiking trails: perfect for outdoor adventures.
Then there’s Tamuning for a balance of convenience and tranquillity, near Tumon Beach and the Guam Premier Outlets.
Valley of the Latte
Getting around Guam
Getting around Guam is relatively easy, especially if you rent a car. Most rental companies are based at Guam International Airport or at the major hotels; the island roads are quite straightforward and well-maintained, and US traffic laws apply.
However, if you don’t fancy hiring a vehicle, many hotels and tour operators offer shuttle services to popular tourist destinations, including shopping malls, beaches, and attractions like the Valley of the Latte.
The Tumon Shuttle is a common and convenient option, connecting hotels in Tumon Bay to various shopping and dining areas. And bikes are another popular option in the more touristed areas, although they’re best saved for shorter journeys.
Does the Guam visa waiver programme apply to you?
One of Guam’s key advantages is its accessibility for travellers from the Asia Pacific region.
Citizens from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia typically don’t need a visa for short stays under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Programme: you get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) instead.
If you’re coming from the Philippines, India, Vietnam or China you will probably need a visa, so check with your country’s US Embassy and apply well ahead of your trip.
Guam is often called the ‘America of Asia’, as it has been an unincorporated US territory since 1898 and Guamanians are granted automatic US citizenship. Understandably, Americans feel right at home here, and it’s the closest you’ll get to the USA without actually going there, but that’s also why visas are required for certain countries for Guam family holidays.
Flights between the Philippines and Guam are relatively short, and can be as little as 3 hours, 45 minutes from Manila. Direct flights are also available from several other major cities in Asia, including Tokyo, Seoul, and Manila. And in more good news, a direct air service from Taipei to Guam is set to launch in April 2025.
To find out more and plan your own Guam family holiday, head to Visit Guam (from Philippines head here) or email the team at info@visitguam.org.
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