Most tourists enjoy Guam with around a 3-night, 4-day stay, mainly experiencing the beaches around Tumon Bay near their hotels and optional tours. However, if you leave behind the bustle of Tumon Bay and take a drive, there are hidden gems with incredibly beautiful nature and historical remnants.
Beyond Tumon Bay, Guam offers more. Just a 15-minute drive from Hotel Row in the Piti area, you’ll find Emerald Valley with unbelievably clear waters! The sight of vibrant tropical fish creates a natural aquarium, a truly different world.
Step away from the usual tourist trail and take a drive south on Route 4. Past Jeff’s Pirates Cove, the stunning blue ocean and sky come into view. This leads to First Beach, a local favorite that comes alive on weekends, and its waters are remarkably clear a true hidden escape.
If you travel further south towards Inarajan, you’ll encounter the reopened Inarajan Natural Pools (Salugula Pool). These serene natural pools are a testament to nature’s power, shaped by waves against the rocks over centuries, and they are a favorite among locals for family outings.
You’ll find that restrooms are scarce at most public beaches, but Inarajan Natural Pools stands out with its colorfully painted facilities. This is a definite plus for families with young ones and anyone wanting to relax and stay longer.
If you visit Inarajan Natural Pools, be sure to also explore the surrounding attractions. If you follow the road, the statue of Guam’s legendary leader, Chief Gadao, will come into view. It’s an interesting area where you can feel not only the natural beauty but also the historical background.
Right next to the Gadao statue, you’ll find the remains of a Baptist church, with only its impressive front wall still standing. Inarajan is carefully preserved as a historical district, and as you walk through this area, you can feel the atmosphere of the Spanish colonial era in various places, as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Further down the road stands St. Joseph’s Church, a Catholic church built during the Spanish colonial era, characterized by its white dove motif on the exterior walls and beautiful stainedglass windows, making it a symbolic structure for the village.
Across from the church stands the newly erected, golden Chief Gadao statue, installed just two years ago! It has become a new landmark for the village and a new tourist attraction.
About a 20-minute drive from here, you’ll find the ruins of Fort Soledad, which still conveys the atmosphere of the Spanish colonial era. Built to protect trading ships, this location offers a panoramic view of Umatac Bay, and the scenery is magnificent! It’s a place where you can quietly immerse yourself in the romance of history and the beauty of nature as a gentle breeze blows.
Not far from Fort Soledad lies the Magellan Monument, a historical site marking where Magellan first landed in Guam in 1521. Every March, the ‘Guam History & Chamorro Heritage Day Festival’ is grandly held throughout Umatac Bay, and a solemn performance reenacting Magellan’s landing takes place in front of this monument, making it a special place where you can experience Chamorro culture. When you visit Fort Soledad, be sure to also stop by this monument and feel the footsteps of history.
Southern Guam retains many places etched with the history of various eras, from ancient Chamorro times to the Spanish colonial period and beyond. If you research Guam’s history before visiting, you might be able to understand Guam more deeply.
＊Public transportation is not available, so please use a taxi or rental car.