Asan Beach Unit

In 1944, this seaside park, known locally as Assan Beach Park, was the site of fierce fighting. Assan Beach was the northern most of the two landing beaches used by American troops during the first days of the Battle of Guam.

On the morning of July 21, 1944, the Third Marine Division under the command of Major General Allen Turnage landing on Assan Beach. During the battle, Imperial Japanese defenders used Asan Point and Adelup Point, the two coral outcrops flanking the beach, as defensive structures. Defensive pillboxes, bunkers, and gun emplacements were clustered within these outcroppings and became strongholds for the Japanese defense.

After three days of bloody fighting, American forces succeeded in securing Assan Beach as their northern beachhead.

Today, the Asan Beach Unit is home to remains of the Imperial Japanese defenses and memorials to those who died during the battle.

Things to Do and See

Beach & Water Activities

Asan Beach can be accessed at the north end of the parking lot. The beach is rocky and the water is shallow, so it is not ideal for sunbathing or swimming. There is good tide pooling available.

The area to the east, near the Asan River, is a popular place to windsurf. Windsurfing equipment is not available to rent at the park.

Walking

There are two walking paths at the Asan Beach Unit. The Asan Beach Trail is a flat paved walking path that encircles a large open grassy field between the Asan River and Asan Point. The shorter Asan Point Trail starts at the north end of the parking lot and circles out to Asan Point and the Liberators' Monument.

The walking path is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and canes. It is uneven in places, but flat.

Hiking

The short Asan Ridge Trail leads hikers through the forest to the remains of several Imperial Japanese defensive structures (described below) on the west side of the ridge as well as a breathtaking view of Asan Invasion Beach from the top of the ridge.

World War II Remains

Remnants from World War II and the Battle of Guam can still be seen at the Asan Beach Unit. Both Asan Point and Adelup Point were heavily fortified by the Imperial Japanese troops. In the months leading up to the Battle of Guam, they forced CHamoru laborers to build pillboxes, man-made caves, elaborate trench systems, and other costal defenses at Asan Beach.

Some of the pillboxes and caves had interior passages that extended from shoreline to ridge top. These were advantageous for attacking the first wave of American troops coming from ship to shore. Then, the Japanese would retreat through the caves up to the ridge top. After the cave appeared to be abandoned, and American troops felt secure ashore, the Japanese could return to the lower position and attack from behind. Other structures, clearly seen by troops advancing towards the shore, were thought to have been deliberately obvious to distract attention away from well-camouflaged strongholds.

Remnants of these defenses can still be seen at the Asan Beach Unit.

Memorials

War in the Pacific National Historical Park was established to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the Battle of Guam. Numerous memorials to those men and women are on display at the Asan Beach Unit.

Hours

The Asan Beach Unit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parking

The Asan Beach Unit has ample parking in the upper lot along Marine Corps Drive and the lower lot at the beach, as well as along the short stretch of road connecting the two lots.

Directions

From the airport, take Rte 10A to Marine Drive (Rte 1). Turn left and go approximately 6.5 miles to Asan. The park unit is on the oceanside.