The sights
Two Lovers Point
Puntan Dos Amantes is a limestone headland standing about 120 metres above the Philippine Sea at the northern end of Tumon Bay. Legend tells of two young Chamorro lovers, forbidden to marry, who tied their hair together and leapt from the cliff. A viewing platform hangs over the edge, with the whole sweep of Tumon’s hotels and reef on one side and empty coast on the other, and a wall of love-locks left by couples.
ℹ️ The park is free; the viewing platform charges a small fee of around US$3 — check the current price. Open roughly 8:00–19:00. Best near sunset, when it is also busiest. Allow 30–45 minutes.
Ritidian Point
The Ritidian Unit of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge covers the island’s northern tip: a long beach of brilliant white sand, a turquoise reef flat, native limestone forest beneath high cliffs and a small nature centre. When guided walks are offered, they lead to caves with ancient Chamorro pictographs. It feels a world away from Tumon, and it is kept that way deliberately.
ℹ️ Free. Limited days and hours — historically closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and federal holidays, with gates shutting at about 16:00 — and it can close for activity at the nearby firing range or after storms, so always check first. Strong currents: swimming is often discouraged or prohibited. No lifeguards and little shade; bring water.
Tanguisson Beach
A local beach park reached by a steep road below a power plant, north of Two Lovers Point. The attraction lies a short walk north along the shore, where the sea has undercut limestone outcrops into mushroom shapes standing in the shallows. On calm days the snorkelling over the reef flat is good, and you may have the place almost to yourself.
ℹ️ Free, open site with basic facilities. Car break-ins have been reported — leave nothing at all in the car. Enter the water only when it is calm and stay inside the reef. Reef shoes are useful.
South Pacific Memorial Peace Park
In Yigo, a white monument about 15 metres high, shaped like hands pressed together in prayer, stands on the site of the last Japanese command post of the 1944 battle for Guam. Around it are a small chapel and memorial stones placed in remembrance of all who died in the war, soldiers and civilians alike. It is a peaceful, little-visited place.
ℹ️ Free; open during daylight hours. About 25 minutes from Tumon. Allow 20–30 minutes, and keep voices low — people come here to pray and to remember relatives.
Dededo Flea Market
Before sunrise on weekend mornings a car park in Dededo fills with stalls selling island vegetables and fruit, fresh fish, plants, clothing and household goods. The reason most visitors come is breakfast: grilled meat on sticks, rice dishes, lumpia, fresh coconuts and other cooked food from across Micronesia and the Philippines, eaten standing up among local shoppers.
ℹ️ Saturday and Sunday mornings, from before dawn until about 9:00–10:00 — go early, as stalls pack up once the heat builds, and confirm it is running. Free entry; bring small notes in cash.
Pagat Cave Trail
On the east coast, off Route 15, a rough trail drops through limestone forest to a cave holding a clear freshwater pool, then continues to the remains of an ancient Chamorro village — latte stones and grinding mortars among the trees — and out to a line of sea cliffs with waves breaking far below. It is the most rewarding short hike in the north, and a demanding one in the heat.
ℹ️ Free. About 1.5–2 hours for the round trip. Sharp rock and a steep climb back: wear proper shoes and bring a torch and plenty of water. Do not wear sunscreen, repellent or soap into the cave pool. Do not disturb the latte stones. Go with a companion.
