Why this Arizona mountain town really should be your next getaway

Summer may be winding down but there’s still time to squeeze in one final fling. Treat yourself to an old-fashioned road trip to the last Route 66 town in America.

Williams is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon but is a destination unto itself.

Nestled in the heart of Arizona’s high country at almost the same elevation as Flagstaff, Williams offers a taste of the Wild West mixed with outdoor recreation, family-friendly activities, great food and cool evenings filled with music and neon. A visit to Williams is a return to simpler times, a relaxing break, just when you need it most.

Neon blazes and music spills from patios and doorways, giving Williams, Arizona, an old-fashioned charm.

Here’s how to plan the best weekend getaway to Williams, Arizona's Mother Road city. 

What is Williams known for?

In 1984, Williams became the last Route 66 town bypassed by an interstate. It proved a devastating blow. But Williams clawed its way back.

The long-shuttered Grand Canyon Railway reopened in 1989. That started things moving. Historic properties downtown were restored, eventually Bearizona moved in, and Williams began flexing its mountain charm. Now the town jumps all summer long. 

How far is Williams, Arizona, from the Grand Canyon?

Williams, Arizona, is 55 miles south of the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.

Is Williams, AZ worth visiting?

Williams, AZ, is well worth visiting. Historic buildings are strung along a few blocks of divided Historic Route 66, a nice mix of eateries, saloons and shops.

Until Labor Day, summer evenings officially begin at 7 p.m. with a gunfight in the street between members of the Cataract Creek Gang. When the smoke clears 20 minutes later, even the formerly deceased are on their feet posing for photos.

Once the sun goes down, the neon flickers on and music spills from open doorways. Shops and eateries stay open late this time of year. The sidewalks are jammed and traffic cruises slowly past. Crowds dip in and out of stores, ribs and burgers sizzle on patio grills and bartenders set up the next round of drinks.

So goes another summer evening in the last Route 66 town in America.

Things to do in Williams AZ

Here are the best things to do in Williams. For more ideas, stop by the Williams Visitor Center, 200 W. Railroad Ave. 928-635-4061, experiencewilliams.com.

Bearizona Wildlife Park

This is a scenic drive like no other, where the pedestrians all have four legs.

Bearizona is a drive-through park, allowing visitors a chance to watch animals in a natural setting. Drive through the gate and into 160 acres of pine forest populated by bears, wolves, bison, bighorn sheep, and more, all roaming freely.

At the end of the 3-mile drive, park the car and stroll the winding paths through the enclosures of Fort Bearizona, where shows and other animal events take place. At Canyonlands Restaurant, it feels like you’re inside a giant cavern with soaring rock walls.

Grand Canyon Railway

Combine a nice chapter of history with a big old wallop of scenery at the end when you hop aboard Grand Canyon Railway. Choose between six classes of service for your journey to the South Rim over historic tracks.

Trains depart each morning and return in the evening, with a three-hour layover so it can be done as a day trip or an overnighter. Wandering musicians entertain passengers, and don’t be surprised if the train is “robbed” by the Cataract Creek Gang on the return trip. 

Steam Saturdays take place the first Saturday of every month from April through October. There are package deals if you’re staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. 

Canyon Coaster Adventure Park

Swoop through mountainside pines for thrills on an alpine coaster — individual carts with sledlike seating. The coaster goes clicking up the rails as it climbs a steep hillside before swooping through the trees, fast and flowy, hugging the curves. You control the speed for an exciting milelong ride.

Canyon Coaster Adventure Park also offers summer tubing, riding down big slides perched on an inner tube. Starting Thanksgiving weekend, they feature old-fashioned snow tubing. Watch all the park action on big screens inside the bar and grill.

Poozeum

When it comes to weird, quirky and memorable roadside attractions, Route 66 practically invented the concept.

As the world’s only museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of dinosaur poop, Poozeum honors that legacy. Founder George Frandsen holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of fossilized poo. The museum and gift shop are free. Just bring your sense of wonder.

Lakes in Williams, AZ

A handful of small scenic lakes are tucked away in the forest surrounding Williams. The most accessible are Santa Fe Lake, Dogtown Lake, Kaibab Lake and Cataract Lake. While swimming is not allowed, these are great getaways for fishing, picnicking or just walking along the water’s edge.

Santa Fe, just a half-mile south of downtown, is a reservoir trapped behind a red sandstone dam that was built by the railroad. Cataract Lake sits a mile outside of town and like Santa Fe is day-use only. Dogtown Lake and Kaibab Lake have campgrounds.

Details (including current fire restrictions) and directions are available at the visitor center or from the Williams Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest.

Williams AZ restaurants

Nanny’s Tacos

Authentic Chihuahua Mexican cuisine is served in this casual eatery, specializing in street tacos laden with thick chunks of meat wrapped in fresh tortillas, topped with cilantro and onions. The chili verde is soft and succulent and the plump chicken pairs well with any of the three salsas brought to the table. Nanny’s also does a lavish breakfast and offers daily soup specials.

Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery

The big lodge features wood and stone everywhere, a roaring fireplace, a waterfall, flowing stream and bridge. It’s the kind of place you expect to find Vikings hanging out. Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, hot wings, pizza, burgers and lavish charcuterie boards. All pair nicely with craft brews and specialty cocktails.

Gateway Sandwich Co.

This family-run business occupies a quaint cabinlike building. Sandwiches are made to order and named after Grand Canyon overlooks. The Maricopa (BLT) allows the stack of flavorful crispy bacon to shine, complemented with ripe tomatoes and fresh lettuce. Homemade soups and sweet treats are made daily. Mornings they serve coffee with breakfast sandwiches and bagels.

Canyon Donuts

Opened in January 2025, this little business serves up fresh donuts, luscious apple fritters and cinnamon rolls as big as hubcaps. There are plenty of options to choose from in the display case but you'll want to have a back-up choice. Some favorites sell out before 10 a.m.

Goldie’s Route 66 Diner

Every Route 66 traveler wants that classic diner experience and Goldie’s delivers. Opened in 1962, the diner maintains that retro look and feel. Booths are along the windows and counter seating peeks in at the kitchen. A ceramic Betty Boop greets guests and the walls are plastered with memorabilia. The menu is straight-ahead diner fare, well executed with oversized portions. Breakfast is served all day.

Details: 425 E. Route 66. 928-635-4466.

Hotels near Grand Canyon in Williams AZ

The Lodge on Route 66

Sample casual elegance at the Lodge on Route 66. Beautifully refurbished, rooms have travertine flooring and countertops, solid wood furniture and plush bedding. Rustic chairs in the open courtyard create an old-fashioned chat-with-your-neighbor vibe. This was the first of the midcentury restorations in town, a key component of Mother Road travel.

Trailborn Grand Canyon

This American West-inspired hotel opened in spring 2025 using the old bones of the Thunderbird Inn to create a welcoming lodge that feels chic but nostalgic.

The 96 rooms at Trailborn Grand Canyon feature walk-in showers, stylish décor, Grown Alchemist toiletries and an old-time radio that syncs up to your playlist. With a big common area and plenty of activities, they cater to outdoor adventurers. They also reopened Miss Kitty's the beloved steakhouse and bar.

Sheridan House Inn

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, Sheridan House Inn offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Eight rooms are spotlessly clean, with nature-themed touches and plenty of pampering details. A delicious breakfast can be enjoyed in the dining room, outside on the deck or in your room. Children under 16 are not allowed, making this the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

El Rancho Motel

At the east end of town, El Rancho is everything to love in a historic property. It just keeps getting brighter, shinier and better. They offer 20 spotless rooms updated with comfortable beds and walk-in showers. Only the graceful styling and the classic neon sign gives any indication the motel was built in 1953. Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is right across the street.