Williams has a lot to thank the railroad for. Its resurgence from ghost town to the Gateway to the Grand Canyon harks back to the 1989 re-opening of the Grand Canyon Railway. This thriving heritage railroad which first opened in 1901 and then closed to passengers in 1968 due to the emergence of the motor vehicle has been continually transporting tourists to and from the South Rim ever since its second coming.
Despite its locomotive anchor, Williams remains a hub for automotive enthusiasts as a certain highway runs through its heart: Route 66. Drive through on a warm summer’s evening where al fresco dining is backed by live music and that tangy smell of smoked brisket fills the air while the city’s iconic neon signs are at their most luminous. The youngest of your party may already recognise Williams as this place even inspired the town of Radiator Springs from the animated movie Cars. Buckle up.
Williams is located in the heart of the Kaibab National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.
Founded in 1881, Williams was named for the famous trapper, scout, and mountain man, Old Bill Williams. A statue of Old Bill stands in Monument Park located on the west side of the city. The large mountain directly south of town is named Bill Williams Mountain and the Town was incorporated July 9, 1901.
Take the Grand Canyon Railway
Unique and scenic way to travel to the South Rim of Grand Canyon
You’ll do well to leave the car in town in favour of a slow roll north towards the Grand Canyon. Not before the 9 am. Wild West Show though: a slapstick sketch beside the railway tracks featuring comical cowboys and their silly quips.
On the immersive 130-mile round trip you’ll follow in the footsteps of early Grand Canyon explorers and traverse the lush countryside where antelope and prairie dogs roam freely as musicians serenade carriages and Wild West town marshals meet and greet passengers en route.
You’ll have around three hours to explore the famous Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim before heading back to your streamliner-style coach for the return leg where conniving cowboys later stop the train in search of gold. Hide your dollar bills.
Spot bears and wolves from your car
Drive-thru wildlife park in Williams
Arizona’s vast wildlife spans black bears and bison to bighorn sheep and bobcats—but you’re unlikely to spot them in the wilderness. At Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park and zoo you’re guaranteed to see all of the above and more. Those curious bears can be seen peering through car windows and splashing about in rock pools. Most animals at Bearizona are North American natives—no elephants here—and more than 50 per cent are rescues deemed unable to survive in the wild so you’ll be directly supporting conservation efforts.
Visit Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum
Nostalgic stop celebrating the golden era of Route 66
Housed in a retro gas station, this museum celebrating U.S. automotive history is a real nostalgia treasure trove. Old signs, trinkets, and tins adorn the walls and shelves of this tiny emporium that also doubles up as a gift shop. Original gas pumps and vintage cars sit proudly outside.
Hike to Keyhole Sink
Scenic box canyon with ancient petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall
If all that driving has you yearning for a leg-stretcher, this brisk 30-minute there-and-back hike is worth stopping for. Keyhole Sink is a pretty box canyon with a seasonal waterfall where its prehistoric residents, the Cohohina people, would conduct religious ceremonies. It’s thought that hunters would corner prey in the natural canyon; petroglyphs inscribed in the basalt rock date back some 1,000 years depicting their traditions as well as the animals they hunted.
Cruise down Route 66 in a vintage car
Captures the nostalgic spirit of the Mother Road
Another cool pitstop is the Cars of the Mother Road, an Aladdin’s cave of a gift shop and vintage car hub. Many of its motors—some dating back to the 1920s—are available for guided tours of the Mother Road itself while real life-size vehicles modelled on the animated movie Cars are usually here, too.
Eat
A vibrant dining scene along Route 66
Pine Country Restaurant
A Route 66 staple famous for over 50 homemade pies
Pine Country’s prime corner location opposite the railway depot makes it one of Williams’ most popular restaurants. Known for its pies, Pine Country offers more than 30 specialities—such as key lime and cherry cream—and its hearty breakfasts are sure to fuel a day’s exploring.
Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe
A 1950s-style diner with gas-station trinkets, murals, and live music
Expect smoked brisket sandwiches, juicy BBQ ribs, and baskets of sticky chicken wings at this roadside Route 66-themed diner known for its on-site smokehouse and retro vibes. The decor stays in line with that nostalgic southwestern American theme of original gas pumps and road signs, and is absolutely best enjoyed on a pleasant evening with live music on the outdoor patio.
Grand Canyon Brewing Company
Scratch-made pub favorites
You’ll find these beers all over Williams but it’s worth visiting this mountain lodge-inspired brewpub for the bites. It hones right in on the brewing theme with Bavarian pretzels, charcuterie boards, and epic pizzas plonked on almost every table at any given moment. Throw in fried pickles and shrimp tacos plus a crisp prickly pear IPA brewed on-site and you’re onto a winner.
Drink
Lively drinking scene with Route 66 charm
The World Famous Sultana Bar
Opened in 1912, it’s one of Arizona’s oldest bars
If you like your drinks with a slice of history this is the place. Sultana which rightly dubs itself as world-famous predates Route 66 itself as a watering hole by two years and as such is backed by tales of ranching and prohibition. While there’s a secret tunnel underneath, which desperados would once scuttle their illicit wares along, today this dive bar is more of a laid-back affair where the locals drink beer, play pool, and watch live sports.
Historic Brewing Company Barrell House
Cozy taproom with wood-fired pizzas and 20 taps of craft beer
Excellent local beer and wines are guaranteed at this industrial-style barrel house, set across a fun indoor space with arcade games, a shady outside patio, and a sun kissed rooftop. A good selection of craft ales rotates regularly; get in early as it gets busy. Make sure you try the Recession IPA.
The Long Horn Saloon
Known for its “Saloon Dollar Bills” tradition
Saloons are synonymous with the Wild West—this dollar bill-strewn bar is another hit with the locals so you’ll want to pull up a barstool. After sticking your dollar note on the wall spend a little time exploring the Wild West Junction grounds it’s a part of.
Shop
Mix of Route 66 memorabilia, Native American crafts, Western wear, and quirky finds
Thunder Eagle Native Art
Specializing in authentic Native American jewelry and art
Operating in Williams since 1999, Thunder Eagle is one of Arizona’s largest certified all-Native art stockists and jewellers. The store acts as a gallery for indigenous art as much as a jewelery store and is certainly the best spot to pick up an authentic Native memento along Route 66.
Colors of the West & Copper Canyon Trading Co
Williams’ largest gift shop
Set over some 12,000 sq. ft. you’ll find everything from the usual fridge magnets and Christmas decorations up to the more unique items like local artwork and Navajo sculptures. At Copper Canyon Trading Co the sister store across the street you’ll find even more curious wares like cowhide rugs and longhorn steer horns.
Stay
Range of options from full-service RV parks to dispersed camping
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot
Staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel makes visits to the Canyon a doddle—train tickets can be added to bookings and collected at check-in but it’s the nods to the luxurious, bygone era of railway travel that make overnighting here more than worth it. Modelled on the original train depot and celebrating the town’s Santa Fe Railway heritage, this 298-room complex provides a comfortable night’s rest overlooking the tracks and also features an indoor pool and hot tub. Food and drink options at Spenser’s Pub and the Fred Harvey buffet restaurant complete this unique offering with a vintage model train circling the latter’s dining room.
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
The top choice for your itinerary
Looking for a place to park your RV that’s close to all the action? Grand Canyon Railway RV Park has the convenience of being right next to the historic train depot and just two blocks away from Route 66 and downtown Williams. You’ll also have your choice of pull-throughs, buddy spaces, or back-ins and you’ll enjoy access to on-site amenities like digital TV, WiFi, swimming pool, hot tub, laundry machines, picnic area, fire pit, and much more. Plus, you can’t beat the mountain air and stunning views.
Canyon Gateway RV Park
A recently refurbished park (million-dollar renovation completed pre-2025)
If you’re looking for a top-notch RV park in Arizona, look no further than Canyon Getaway in Williams. This beautiful park is situated in a tranquil forest set atop a hill making it the perfect place to enjoy all that the area has to offer. This RV Park offers stunning views of the valley below and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. And when you’re ready to relax, you can simply sit back and take in the stunning scenery.
Canyon Motel & RV Park
Blends retro charm with modern amenities
Step back in time at the Canyon Motel & RV Park located on Historic Route 66 in Williams. This quaint motel offers a unique experience for travelers looking to explore the famed Mother Road. The property includes a variety of vintage railway cars and caboose suites that have been expertly restored as well as a motel and an RV park. Regardless of where they stay, visitors will enjoy stunning views of the nearby mountains and easy access to all of the popular attractions in Williams.
Grand Canyon/Williams KOA Journey
Family-friendly with extensive amenities
Grand Canyon KOA offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, RVs, and tents. Plus, the Grand Canyon is just a short drive away. Pet-friendly options are available so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure. There is also a grocery store on-site so you can stock up on supplies before heading out into the wilderness.
Railside RV Ranch
A cozy, well-maintained RV park with 60 sites
Railside Ranch is the perfect place to stay when exploring all that Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona have to offer. Established in 1994, Railside RV Ranch is adjacent to the tracks of the historic Grand Canyon Railway. They offer to arrange a variety of tours. From train trips and air tours to self-guided tours, there is something for everyone at Railside Ranch. And, if you’re bringing your furry friend along, don’t worry—Railside Ranch is pet friendly! With full hook-up sites, shuttle service, a game room, showers, free wifi, and cable, Railside Ranch has everything you need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Worth Pondering…
The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail.
—Major John Wesley Powell, Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons
