No exploration of Guam is complete without full sensory immersion in its local culture, much of which is on full display in the capital city of Hagåtña, a 30-kilometer drive up Route 4 from the natural pool. The city lies just south of Alapung and Tamuning/Tumon Bay and holds within it a treasure trove of enriching experiences. Its small population, barely reaching 1,000 people, invites curious visitors to experience its year-round cultural presentations, museums, cathedrals, restaurants and markets.
The Guam Museum in particular offers a glimpse into the island’s history, while the capital city’s eateries and shops give visitors a chance to connect personally with locals over handmade wares and Chamorran cuisine.
For the quintessential local experience, visit the Chamorro Village in Hagåtña on a Wednesday evening, when the city’s central market comes alive with the smell of barbecue, the sound of music and a collective celebration of small business patronage benefiting Guam’s artists, makers and proprietors.