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Guam
Curated by Our Guild Explorers · Updated August 2026
Where America's Day Begins · Capital: Hagåtña · U.S. Territory — Pacific
A Pacific island of turquoise lagoons, Chamorro culture and WWII history.
Why go
What makes Guam worth the trip.
Tropical beaches
Tumon Bay's clear, calm lagoon.
Chamorro heritage
A distinct indigenous Pacific culture.
Diving & history
Reefs, wrecks and Pacific War sites.
Guam on the map
The capital and the places worth building a trip around. Click a marker for a quick note and hotels.
Guam — State Facts
A short history
Guam has been home to the Chamorro people for over 3,500 years, long before Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in 1521 brought the island into global maritime history. Spain formally colonized Guam in 1668, ruling for over two centuries and leaving a lasting imprint of Catholic faith, language, and architecture still visible in villages across the island today.
The United States took control of Guam after the Spanish-American War in 1898, and the island became a strategic naval outpost in the Pacific. Japan occupied Guam for over two and a half years during the Second World War, and its brutal liberation by American forces in July 1944 is commemorated annually and remembered at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park.
Today Guam is an unincorporated U.S. territory whose economy runs on tourism, largely from Japan and Korea, and a major U.S. military presence anchored by Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam. Its Chamorro culture, blending Spanish, Pacific Islander, and American influences, remains vibrant in food, dance, and village fiestas.
Guam's motto, 'Where America's Day Begins,' isn't just a slogan — sitting near the International Date Line, it's the first U.S. territory to see the sunrise each day.
Where to go
The signature places to build a trip around.
Hagåtña
The historic capital and Spanish-era sites.
Selected hotels
Tumon Bay
The island's resort and beach heart.
Selected hotels
War in the Pacific NHP
Moving WWII memorials and beaches.
Selected hotels
Two Lovers Point
A dramatic clifftop lookout.
Selected hotels
Everybody photographs Two Lovers Point at sunset, but go to Tumon Bay early morning instead when the lagoon is glass-calm and you can actually see the reef fish from the shore.
When to go
The dry season (December–June) is best; it is warm year-round.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Part of the dry season; warm, breezy and one of the most pleasant times to visit.
Spring (Mar–May)
Still dry and sunny, with calm seas ideal for diving and snorkelling.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Wet season begins; hot, humid and prone to sudden downpours.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Peak typhoon season risk, though storms are sporadic; fewer crowds.
Guam FAQ
What is the capital of Guam?
Hagåtña is the capital of Guam.
What is the largest city in Guam?
Dededo is the largest city in Guam.
Is Guam a US state?
Guam is a U.S. territory, which came under U.S. control in 1898, not a state.
What is Guam known for?
Guam is known for a Pacific island of turquoise lagoons, Chamorro culture and WWII history.
When is the best time to visit Guam?
The dry season (December–June) is best; it is warm year-round.
Plan your Guam trip
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