This post was updated July 13, 2026
Are you looking for the best things to do in Williams, Arizona? This charming Northern Arizona town combines Route 66 nostalgia, family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, local restaurants, and easy access to the Grand Canyon.
Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams is approximately 60 miles from the South Rim. It is also around 35 miles west of Flagstaff and makes a fun stop during a Northern Arizona road trip.
Downtown Williams feels like a step back in time. You’ll find colorful neon signs, historic buildings, classic cars, souvenir shops, diners, saloons, and plenty of Route 66 photo opportunities.
Williams is especially exciting in 2026 as travelers celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Whether you are visiting with kids, planning a romantic weekend, or stopping on your way to the Grand Canyon, there is plenty to see and do.
Quick List of the Best Things to Do in Williams, Arizona
Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
Visit Bearizona Wildlife Park
Ride the Canyon Coaster
Go summer mountain tubing
Try winter snow tubing
Explore Historic Route 66
Walk through downtown Williams
Take pictures with classic cars
Visit Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum
Ride the Route 66 Zipline
Watch a Wild West show
Shop for Route 66 souvenirs
Browse Native American art and jewelry
Visit the Grand Canyon Railway Depot
Explore Kaibab National Forest
Hike a nearby trail
Visit Bill Williams Mountain
Spend time at Cataract Lake
Visit Buckskinner Park
Go fishing near Williams
Have a local craft beer
Eat at a Route 66 diner
Try homemade pie at Pine Country Restaurant
Get ice cream and candy at Oh Sweetie
Visit a local coffee shop
See the Route 66 neon signs at night
Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon
Where Is Williams, Arizona?
Williams is located in Northern Arizona along Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66. The town is surrounded by the Kaibab National Forest and is best known as a starting point for trips to Grand Canyon National Park.
Williams is approximately:
- 35 miles from Flagstaff
- 60 miles from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
- 60 miles from Sedona
- 175 miles from Phoenix
Because of its location, Williams works well as a weekend destination or as part of a longer Arizona road trip.
Best Things to Do in Williams, Arizona
Grand Canyon Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway is a historic train that connects Williams with the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The railway has carried visitors to the Grand Canyon since the early 1900s and remains one of the most memorable ways to reach the park.
The full-day experience includes a scenic train ride through Northern Arizona and several hours to explore the South Rim before returning to Williams. Different classes of service are available, so check the current schedule and ticket options before your visit.
You can choose your car, schedule, and route when you reserve your ticket.
Ride the Route 66 Zipline
See downtown Williams from above on the Route 66 Zipline. Riders sit side by side and travel over Historic Route 66 before returning to the starting point. It is a short but fun experience that gives families a different view of downtown.
Check current hours, ticket prices, and rider requirements before visiting because availability may change seasonally.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park on Route 66
The Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is a year-round family attraction near Historic Route 66. The mountain coaster lets riders control their speed as they travel along a winding track through the Northern Arizona landscape.
The park also offers seasonal mountain tubing and winter snow tubing. Hours and activities may vary depending on the weather, so check before visiting.
Explore Downtown Williams
Spend some time walking through downtown Williams, where you will find more than six blocks of historic buildings, colorful storefronts, restaurants, gift shops, and Route 66 memorabilia. Stop by the Williams Visitor Center for local information and a historic walking-tour map.
Downtown is especially fun after sunset when the neon signs begin to glow. Take pictures with the vintage cars and Route 66 decorations found throughout town.
Depending on when you visit, you may also encounter seasonal car shows, cowboy entertainment, or Wild West-themed events. Check the current Williams event schedule before your trip.
Kaibab National Forest
Kaibab National Forest surrounds Williams and offers hiking, camping, fishing, scenic drives, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. It is a beautiful place to enjoy Northern Arizona’s pine forests, mountain scenery, and cooler temperatures.
Outdoor access may vary by season, especially during winter or after heavy rain, so check current road and trail conditions before heading out.
Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum
The historical old-school gas station has been converted into a private museum with old vehicles on display.
Bearizona Wildlife Park
Bearizona Wildlife Park is a drive-through wildlife attraction in Williams. Visitors can see black bears, bison, wolves, mountain goats, and other native North American wildlife from the safety of their vehicles. The park also includes a walk-through area with additional exhibits and family activities.
👉Check out Things to do at Bearizona
Hike Bill Williams Mountain
Bill Williams Mountain rises above the town and offers scenic hiking through ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forest. The trail includes steady uphill sections and is best suited to visitors prepared for a longer, more challenging hike.
Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and check current trail and weather conditions before setting out.
Visit Cataract Lake and Buckskinner Park
Cataract Lake and nearby Buckskinner Park offer a quieter break from the attractions along Route 66. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, have a picnic, walk around the area, or try fishing when conditions permit.
Buckskinner Park is also used for local recreation and community fishing activities. Check current fishing-license requirements, water conditions, and park access before visiting.
Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon
Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon and is approximately an hour south of the South Rim. You can drive to Grand Canyon National Park or leave your car in Williams and ride the Grand Canyon Railway.
Once you arrive, enjoy the scenic overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail, explore Grand Canyon Village, or use the park shuttle to visit additional viewpoints. Start early and check current park conditions before leaving Williams.
👉Check out Top 5 Things to Do in the Grand Canyon
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 (the historic route)
The name “Route 66” evokes images of historic times, soda fountains, neon lights, vintage vehicles, and pleasure!
Only in Williams, Arizona, will you find a stretch of Route 66 with shopping opportunities, dining choices, lodging options, and cowboy action for the whole family.
Shopping in Williams, Arizona
- Route 66 Museum and Gift Shop
- Grand Canyon Railway Gift Shops
- Copper Canyon Trading
- The Gallery in Williams, Inc.
- Buck’s Place
- Native America Shop
Native America Gallery and Gift Shop carries Native American jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and artwork. When shopping, ask whether an item is Native-made and learn more about the artist or community that created it.
Cars of the Mother Road
Cars of the Mother Road offers vintage-car experiences, Route 66 souvenirs, and photo opportunities. Depending on the schedule, visitors may also see cowboy reenactments or other downtown entertainment.
Where to Eat and Drink in Williams, AZ
Williams has some delicious local restaurants that you don’t want to miss out on! They have everything from barbecue ribs at High Desert Barbecue Company to fabulous Italian food at Station 66 Italian Bistro. There really is something for everyone in Williams, so make sure you’re hungry when you visit!
Restaurants in Williams
- Grand Canyon Brewing Company – Casual pub-style food and locally brewed beer.
- Pine Country Restaurant – Known for comfort food and large slices of homemade pie.
- Goldie’s Route 66 Diner – A retro diner with classic American dishes.
Bars and Saloons in Williams, Arizona
Canyon Cocktail Lounge
Canyon Cocktail Lounge is a cute dive bar on Historic Route 66. It has pool tables, shuffleboard, karaoke on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, HD flat-screen TVs, and an outdoor patio
The Long Horn Saloon
Step into the Long Horn Saloon for the coldest drinks and the friendliest bartenders in town. Enjoy Old West Hospitality while enjoying a savory bite from the menu.
South Rims Wine & Beer Garage
South Rims Wine & Beer Garage is a casual Route 66 spot offering a selection of wine, craft beer, and food. It is a fun place to relax after exploring downtown Williams and sample local or regional drinks.
Coffee Shops and Sweet Treats
Brewed Awakenings Coffee Co.
Brewed Awakenings serves locally roasted hot and cold coffee beverages, specialty drinks, and teas. Its breakfast and lunch menus include several lighter options, and the café also offers free Wi-Fi and frozen yogurt.
Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe
Grand Depot Café
Oh Sweetie
Oh, Sweetie is a cute, retro ice cream shop where they make their own homemade ice cream right in the shop. They also have a variety of homemade candies, fudge, and chocolates.
Where to Stay in Williams
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
There are many hotels in the Williams if you want to spend the night. The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is a lovely hotel with character and charm.
The Lodge Motel
If this isn’t your style, there’s also The Lodge Motel, a cute boutique motel where that offer complimentary breakfast.
