Overview
Williams is a town in Northern Arizona, 35 miles west of Flagstaff. In 1984, it was the last Route 66 town to be bypassed by freeway.
3 sights · 4 things to do · 6 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 16 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Williams
Bearizona Wildlife Park
A private wildlife refuge open to the public, with bears, wolves, and also a petting zoo.
Bill Williams Statue
An 8-ft-tall bronze sculpture by BR Pettit depicting "Old Bill" Williams, after whom the town is named.
Planes of Fame Air Museum
A branch of the air museum headquartered in Chino, CA. Most of the planes on display are flyable.
Grand Canyon Railway
Round-trip train ride of 65 miles, taking approximately 2 hr 15 min each way. Leaves Williams at 9:30AM; passengers are at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from about 11:45AM until the train begins its return trip at 3:…
Wild West Junction
Authentic-looking wild west village with museum, restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment.
The historic city walk
Get the historic city walk brochure from the Visitor Center (200 W Railroad Ave) - it takes about 40 minutes to complete the self-guided tour.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Wettest: Aug and Jul.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FLG Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Flagstaff — 30 mi away. Directions
- PRC Prescott Regional Airport - Ernest A. Love Field, Prescott — 43 mi away. Directions
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 126 mi away (major hub). Directions
Located 35 miles west of Flagstaff on I-40 and 1 hour south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $30–$135 a night (typical $63), from 15 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$300.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams Labor Day Rodeo, Wild West Junction
- Lunch Rod's Steakhouse
- Afternoon Grand Canyon Railway, Bill Williams Statue
- Dinner Red Raven Restaurant
- Evening Canyon Club Bar
Day 2
- Morning Planes of Fame Air Museum
- Lunch Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle House - Williams
- Afternoon The historic city walk
- Dinner Pine Country Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The city's location is on Interstate 40, as well as its position on the old Route 66, make it a frequent stop for travelers passing through on their way to more exotic destinations. The city is also a major gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Tourist information
- Experience Williams website
Climate
Get in
Located 35 miles west of Flagstaff on I-40 and 1 hour south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Place Silver Spur Tours
Shuttle service to and from Flagstaff, Williams, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Elephant Rock Golf Course in Sprinter Vans. Luxury, comfort and extra large viewing windows. Water, soda and snacks always included. Guided tours to Grand Canyon, Sedona, Indian Ruins, wine tastings in the Verde Valley.
Get around
There is no public transportation, but the historic core of Williams is easily explored on foot.
See
The Mother Road (Route 66) runs through the downtown area of Williams.
See Bill Williams Statue
An 8-ft-tall bronze sculpture by BR Pettit depicting "Old Bill" Williams, after whom the town is named.
Do
Do Grand Canyon Railway
Round-trip train ride of 65 miles, taking approximately 2 hr 15 min each way. Leaves Williams at 9:30AM; passengers are at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from about 11:45AM until the train begins its return trip at 3:30PM, arriving in Williams at 5:45PM. In Nov and Dec, all scheduled times are one hour earlier.
Do The historic city walk
Get the historic city walk brochure from the Visitor Center (200 W Railroad Ave) - it takes about 40 minutes to complete the self-guided tour.
Do Williams Labor Day Rodeo
Held annually since 1941. Events include barrel racing, saddle bronc, bull riding, roping, and kid’s calf scramble.
Eat
Eat Cruiser's Cafe 66
Classic 1950s- and 60s-style diner in the heart of downtown Williams.
Eat Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle House - Williams
Brewpub food and beer.
Eat Pine Country Restaurant
Great home made pies and food.
Eat Red Raven Restaurant
Southwest American Fusion, fine dining.
Groceries
Eat Safeway
Has a full hot and cold deli, as well as an onsite pharmacy.
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Canyon Motel and RV Park
A 1940s Route 66 Motor Court with 18 flagstone rooms, two 1929 caboose train car suites, three 1950s Pullman rand Canyon train car suites, 47 RV sites, 6 tent campsites. Sits on rolling pine covered hills in the Kaibab National Forest. Has wi-fi, laundry, showers, BBQs, indoor pool, fire rings. Pets accepted.
Splurge
Camping
Go next
Nearby
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Sedona
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Cottonwood
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My experience
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