Guam contains several protected areas and military-linked historical sites clustered along the western coast. War in the Pacific National Historical Park consists of seven separate units spread across the island, totaling approximately 2,000 acres. The main units include Asan Bay Overlook, which provides views of the landing beaches used during the July 21, 1944, U.S. invasion to retake the island from Japanese forces. The park preserves coral reefs, limestone forests, and gun emplacements from both Japanese and American military operations. Ritidian Point on the northern coast sits within Guam National Wildlife Refuge, a section of undeveloped coastline with restricted access due to active military training areas nearby. The beach at Ritidian opens to the public on certain days when firing ranges are inactive. The refuge protects habitat for the endangered Mariana crow and the Mariana fruit bat.
Latte Stone Park in Hagåtña displays eight latte stone pillars relocated from various southern village sites. Latte stones are megalithic pillars consisting of a base stone called haligi and a capstone called tasa, traditionally carved from limestone or basalt. The tallest latte pillars found on Guam measure approximately 8 feet, though the Taga stones on nearby Tinian reach 15 feet. Archaeologists associate latte stone construction with the period from approximately 800 CE to 1700 CE. The function of latte structures remains debated, with interpretations ranging from house foundations for elite families to public buildings. Ancient latte sites still exist in Umatac and Inarajan, though many remain on private land or in overgrown jungle areas. Gef Pago Cultural Village in Inarajan offers demonstrations of traditional Chamorro weaving, carving, and fire-starting techniques using bamboo and coconut husks. Performers demonstrate the use of the belembaotuyan, a Chamorro musical bow made from a single piece of wood.
Plaza de España in Hagåtña occupies the former site of the Spanish governor's palace, built in the 1730s. The plaza contains remnants of the original structure including three chocolate houses, a large hexagonal pavilion where Spanish officials prepared and served hot chocolate. American naval bombardment during World War II destroyed most of the colonial architecture, leaving only the chocolate houses and portions of garden walls. Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, also called Fort Santo Ángel, sits on the Orote Peninsula at the entrance to Apra Harbor. Spanish forces constructed the fort beginning in 1742, mounting cannon positions to defend against British and Dutch naval raids. American forces seized the fort in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Today only limestone foundations and a reconstructed entrance remain. The Chief Quipuha Monument in Hagåtña memorializes the high-ranking Chamorro chief who allowed Spanish priest Diego Luis de San Vitores to establish the first Catholic mission on Guam in 1668. Quipuha permitted the baptism of his daughter and supported the mission until his death in 1669.
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña was granted minor basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 1985. The current structure, completed in 1959, replaced a 1669 mission church destroyed during the 1944 battle. The basilica contains a statue of Santa Marian Kamalen, the patron saint of Guam, which according to Catholic tradition was found floating in waters near Merizo village by a fisherman and his daughter around 1680. The Malesso Bell Tower in Merizo dates to the Spanish colonial period and stands as one of the few intact 19th-century mission structures. The tower housed a bronze bell that rang to call villagers to Mass until Typhoon Pongsona damaged the belfry in December 2002.
Two Lovers Point, called Puntan Dos Amantes in Chamorro, sits 400 feet above Tumon Bay on the northern coastal cliffs. The clifftop overlook draws its name from a pre-colonial legend recorded in the 19th century about a Chamorro woman and her lover who jumped to their deaths to avoid a forced marriage arranged by the woman's father. The Spanish colonial government fortified the clifftop in the 1700s to watch for approaching ships. Today the site features a commercial viewing platform and gift shop.
Tumon Bay holds the majority of tourist hotels and public beaches. Gun Beach on the northern end of Tumon Bay takes its name from a Japanese Type 88 75mm anti-aircraft gun emplacement that remains partially submerged in the reef. Coral reefs in Tumon Bay attract snorkelers, though fish populations declined after decades of heavy tourist activity and runoff from coastal development. Underwater visibility typically ranges from 30 to 80 feet depending on weather and tidal conditions. Ritidian Beach, when accessible, provides calmer surf and clearer water due to limited development and stronger enforcement of fishing restrictions within the refuge boundaries.