Williams, AZ

The city of Williams, Arizona, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," is one of the best-preserved Route 66 towns in America. Visitors can ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway, explore the scenic Kaibab National Forest, or enjoy wildlife encounters at Bearizona and the Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking Bill Williams Mountain and Sycamore Canyon, while families can experience cowboy shootouts, ziplining, and the Polar Express in winter. With charming shops, Western hospitality, and delicious local dining. Williams is a must-stop for any Arizona traveler.

Havasupai Falls Grand Canyon

Photo: Sycamore Falls

Route 66 History

Step back in time on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, one of the best-preserved and most vibrant stops along the Mother Road. As the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984, Williams proudly keeps the spirit of classic Americana alive with its retro diners, neon-lit motels, vintage cars, and old-fashioned general stores. Strolling through historic downtown, visitors can enjoy live music, Western-themed attractions, and nostalgic eateries serving up hearty burgers and milkshakes.

Grand Canyon Railway

All aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, a historic train journey that brings the Old West to life as you travel from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Since 1901, this scenic ride has offered a unique way to experience the Grand Canyon, complete with stunning views, vintage railcars, and lively entertainment. Along the way, passengers enjoy cowboy musicians, friendly attendants, and even a mock train robbery for a touch of Wild West fun. Whether you choose classic coach seating or the luxurious first-class dome car, the Grand Canyon Railway promises an unforgettable adventure.

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Bearizona Wildlife Park

Experience wildlife up close at Williams, Arizona Bearizona, a thrilling drive-through and walk-through wildlife park. This popular Williams, Arizona attraction lets visitors observe majestic black bears, wolves, bison, elk, and more roaming in their natural habitats—all from the comfort of their own vehicle. After the drive, explore Fort Bearizona, a walk-through area featuring smaller animals, educational exhibits, and exciting wildlife encounters. Perfect for families and nature lovers. Another wildlife activity is Grand Canyon Deer Farm, where visitors can feed, pet, and walk among friendly deer in a charming, hands-on setting. This family-friendly attraction also features playful wallabies, mischievous coatimundis, and other exotic animals.

Kaibab National Forest

The Kaibab National Forest surrounds Williams, offering hiking, camping, fishing, and off-roading opportunities. There are a ton of things to see in Williams, Arizona if you decide to hike through its lush pine forests, scenic canyons, and breathtaking overlooks, or setup camp under a canopy of stars for the ultimate Arizona wilderness experience. Sycamore Falls is a popular waterfall located within the Kaibab National Forest, offering a scenic and peaceful spot for photography, and nature exploration. Anglers can cast a line in peaceful lakes and streams, while off-road enthusiasts can explore rugged trails perfect for ATVs and mountain biking. Wildlife lovers will be thrilled by sightings of elk, deer, bald eagles, and other native species in their natural habitat.

Winter Activities

Williams, Arizona, is a winter wonderland offering a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking in the Kaibab National Forest, or head to Elk Ridge Ski Resort for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. After a day of outdoor fun, warm up in historic downtown Williams, where cozy restaurants and local shops offer the perfect place to relax. Another great activity for kids is the Polar Express train ride to the North Pole. Departing from the historic Grand Canyon Railway, this family-favorite event brings the beloved holiday story to life with a festive journey complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and carolers!

Backland Luxury Camping

Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.

Features:

Complimentary Breakfast
Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
Onsite and nearby hiking trails
Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows

Tents feature:

Panoramic windows
Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
King-sized beds
Full en-suite bathroom with showers
Luxury linens
Electricity in tents
Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
Private Outdoor patios
Coffee makers + mini-fridges
Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures

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Grand Canyon Getaway

This is the closest private property to the Grand Canyon South Rim! 5bd / 2.5ba home, large property with lots of room to run; 15 min from the Grand Canyon. Enjoy friendly wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and a rustic setting from the comforts of your own vacation home.

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Family-Friendly | Nearest to GNCP | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen

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9.5

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Welcome to Bearizona Wildlife Park. We are a Wildlife adventure, open year-round. Located on 160 acres in the city of Williams Az. We are right off Route 66 on the way to the Grand Canyon, just a short drive from Sedona and Flagstaff. The park consists of a 3 mile drive thru and Fort Bearizona. In the drive-thru, you will take your own vehicle or our Wild Ride Bus through pristine Natural habitats for many North American Species. In these free-roaming areas, you will see wolves, bears, bison, and many other large species that can come right up to your car. Where the drive thru ends Fort Bearizona begins. Park your car and come on in. This is where you will find our smaller animals like river otters and bobcats. The barnyard, which is our petting zoo and fun for all ages. The Raptor Free Flight program, where birds of prey fly right over your head. All Shows which include animal meet-n-greets and training presentations. Big Bear Gift shop, over 8,000 sq feet of treasures and also housing Arizona's largest model train, a historically accurate replica of the railroad from Williams depot to the grand canyon. For dining options we have the Bearizona Grill for a quick snack or our themed Canyonlands restaurant where you can sit and have a hot meal and a cold beverage overlooking our remarkable jaguar enclosure. You can Hop on our website for all current show times and we hope you can come visit us soon. Not only will you learn about lots of Awesome North American animals but you will also have an amazing time while your doing it.

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Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Things to Do in Williams

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9.5

Grand Canyon UTV Tours

YOU DRIVE one of our UTVs as you follow one of our expert guides taking you on an adventure of a lifetime. Our cross country leading to Grand Canyon is a full-day ride and our Verde River Tour is a 4-hour ride. All of our rides are radio-dispatched with check-in points to assure your safety and well-being. Don’t worry about getting lost, you’ll be following one of our expert guides leading the way. Don’t worry about breaking down, we have staff standing by to come to the rescue. What we are trying to say is just don’t worry as you enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, and we’ll see ya on the trail.

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Leaves from Williams | Things to Do in Williams | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Things to Do in Williams

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Trailborn Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon by day, wild west adventure by night, our roadside hotel sits right on Route 66 in a genuine wild west town. Get your kicks at Miss Kitty’s, and channel your inner cowboy/cowgirl with square dancing and two-stepping at Camp Hall. The Canyon's South Rim is a short railway ride … More

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8.8

Sheridan House Inn - Williams

Besides luxurious rooms, forested peacefulness, gourmet breakfasts, & intimate dinners, what sets the Sheridan House apart is the award-winning exceptional hospitality you will receive from the moment you book until the moment you leave. Travel, & life, is stressful, so nothing is better than knowing this intimate oasis awaits where passion to make memories for guests is evident in every aspect of your stay. Whatever the occasion, or just because, you deserve to be cared for and celebrated.

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9.8

Grand Canyon Railway

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ to the South Rim—perfect for kids, families & seniors. Includes the magical Polar Express train ride!

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Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Things to Do in Williams | Leaves from Williams

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9.5

Fun 66 Tours

Your unforgettable Route 66 adventure begins in Williams, AZ, known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. This charming town was once a bustling stop on the Mother Road before I-40 bypassed it, leaving the town to find new ways to survive. This unique story of small-town resilience is part of what makes your journey so special, and along the way, you’ll learn all about the real-life inspiration for the Disney movie Cars. Meet the beloved Tow Mater for a fun photo op and see where the magic of Radiator Springs was born. Still more you’ll See Grand Canyon Caverns, learn of the Natives still living in Grand Canyon and much more!