Are you a fan of history? Of Scenery? What about family attractions? Williams, Arizona has it all. The town known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” is located an hour south of the park itself; Williams sits between the city of Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park and manages to blend early 20th-century history, a mid-century road-trip sensibility, and quintessential Arizona scenery. In short, everything you want out of a trip to Arizona is right here.

Williams is best known as the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway. Opened in 1901, the railway was built to transport tourists to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon.
Petr Podrouzek/Google
Take a ride on the train, complete with live music, cowboy characters, and maybe even a "train robbery," much like tourists did 100 years ago.
Some train cars feature an observation dome, letting you take in the desert landscape on your way to Grand Canyon National Park.
Nicolaas Staalberg/Google
The same company also operates the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams.
management/TripAdvisor
This nearly 300-room resort is located right next to the train depot and features a refined, western lodge aesthetic.
Williams’ other claim to fame? Old historic Route 66 goes right through the middle of town.
Siqui Sanchez/Moment Open via Getty Images
Though I-40 replaced the highway’s importance as a transportation link, those looking for a classic American road trip stop will find plenty to see in Williams.

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Pete’s Gas Station is a small, free museum preserving a typical gas stop on the old Route 66.
Pernellevoyage/TripAdvisor
The classic cars and old memorabilia will transport you back to the 1950s.
The main drag is lined with gift shops, restaurants, and motels catering to tourists searching for that authentic Route 66 vibe.
T V/Google
If the Grand Canyon and Route 66 are not enough to keep you in town for a few days, there’s also Bearizona, a wildlife park with a drive-thru component.
Gabe Ginsberg/Moment via Getty Images
View North American animals such as bears, wolves, and mountain goats from the comfort and air conditioning of your car! There’s also a more traditional zoo-like walking area with otters, elk, and jaguars.
Coaster Canyon Adventure Park features a mile-long track that allows visitors to control their speed down a canyon!
Coaster Canyon Adventure Park
During the winter months, the park also features a snow tubing hill and is one of the best places for snow tubing in Arizona.

Want to see more? Check out this delightful, short video showcasing all the best of Williams:

Have you been to Williams, Arizona? What’s your favorite thing to do while you’re up there? Let us know!

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More to Explore

Things To Do in Williams, Arizona

Tori Jane | March 20, 2023
  1. What are some fun things to do in Williams, Arizona? 

Williams, Arizona is a gorgeous little forest town nestled right along the I-40 west of Flagstaff. Despite its small size, there are plenty of fun things to do in Williams, AZ, like:  

  • Bearizona – No trip through Arizona is complete without a visit to this amazing drive-through wildlife park.  
  • The Grand Canyon Railway – What's better than a train ride? A ridiculously scenic train ride through northern Arizona starting in Williams.  
  • Explore shops and eateries – Williams has a lively main street with plenty of shopping and dining options.  

 

Learn more about Bearizona in Williams, AZ.   

  1. What other small towns in Arizona are worth visiting? 

Of course, Williams is nowhere near the only small town in Arizona that’s worthy of a day trip. We have lots of other favorite small towns in AZ including ones like:  

  • Bisbee – This wild western artist town is located in southern Arizona near Tombstone, and it’s definitely worth a day trip, especially if you’re into shops and galleries.  
  • Tombstone – Not far from Bisbee, Tombstone is a fascinating old town where the bloody old west comes to life.  
  • Wickenburg – Keeping with the old western theme, Wickenburg is also a western town located west of Phoenix. Shopping, museums, unique boutiques, and more await.  
  • Prescott – This gorgeous northern Arizona town has a little place known as Whiskey Row. ‘Nuff said.  

 

Learn more about all of our favorite small towns in Arizona.   

  1. Are there many mountain towns in Arizona? 

Arizona is pretty famous for being a desert. After all, it’s located smack-dab in between two major ones (the Sonoran and the Mojave), but this doesn’t mean Arizona doesn’t have any mountain towns. In fact, there are a decent number of wonderful mountain towns in AZ, such as:  

  • Alpine – This beautiful little town is in the White Mountains in far eastern Arizona. It’s so close to New Mexico that you can almost smell the green chile.  
  • Flagstaff – The most famous mountain town in Arizona, Flagstaff is a vibrant and lively college town with an outdoorsy, hippie edge.  
  • Strawberry – This tiny town is exactly that – tiny – but don’t let that fool you. The beds and breakfasts here are a delight, and so are the local shops (not to mention the amazing hiking trails nearby).  

 

Learn more about all these amazing little mountain towns in Arizona, plus a few more for luck.   

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Williams, AZ 86046, USA