War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Asan Beach)
War in the Pacific National Historical Park
The battlefield where American forces landed in 1944 to retake Guam. Gun emplacements and memorials line the beach, and the visitor center covers the Battle of Guam in World War II.
War in the Pacific National Historical Park is managed by the U.S. National Park Service. It consists of seven units spread along Guam's west coast and commemorates the Battle of Guam, which began with the American landing on July 21, 1944, and ended with the recapture of the island from Japanese forces. It also honors the Chamorro people who suffered during the Japanese occupation period. The unit most visitors go to is Asan Beach Unit. This was the landing beach of the U.S. Marine Corps' 3rd Marine Division. Today it is a wide expanse of lawn and beach, with Japanese gun emplacements, a landing memorial, and a memorial wall inscribed with the names of the fallen. The sea views are open, and it is a popular spot for locals to picnic and watch the sunset. Nearby, the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center in Asan, about 15 minutes south of Tumon Bay, has exhibits and a documentary on the course of the Battle of Guam and the wartime experiences of the Chamorro people. Admission is free. Getting there: about 5 minutes south of Hagåtña on Route 1. Tip: July 21 is Liberation Day in Guam, when parades and celebrations take place across the island. Check the National Park website for visitor center hours.
Opening hours
Beach all day; visitor center usually 09:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Fish Eye Marine Park
- Fort Santa Agueda
- Latte Stone Park
- Plaza de España & Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral
- Guam Museum
- Chamorro Village Night Market
- Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica
- Ypao Beach Park