From vintage trains and Route 66 nostalgia to wildlife encounters and Wild West thrills, Williams, Arizona, packs serious adventure energy into one unforgettable destination.

Williams is a teensy weensy town set in Arizona, aka Gateway to the Grand Canyon, decked with unique features and a rich history of adventure. The Grand Canyon Railway allows passengers to enjoy a trip on vintage-style trains, accompanied by live Western music and entertaining cowboy antics. Wanna get a glimpse of some wildlife? Bearizona Wildlife Park is for you; bison, wolves, and jaguars, living free in a forest-like environment. Catch sight of multiple neon signs, Route 66 memorabilia, and vintage gas stations on your way down to the Downtown Williams Historic Walkway, or indulge in prehistoric life through fossils at the Poozeum. 

With our all-inclusive guide to the best things to do in Williams AZ, you won’t miss out on anything. So, let’s get started!

The Grand Canyon Railway runs every day from Williams, Arizona, through wooded areas and arid desert areas before ending at the Grand Canyon Depot, located at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Listen to live Western music, see cowboy characters, and observe staged robbery scenes during your journey. Visitors to the South Rim can visit the Grand Canyon Village, take a narrated bus tour to famous lookout points along the South Rim, and visit several historical buildings, including the El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge. The Grand Canyon Railway's unique excursions include themed trains such as the Polar Express and seasonal steam locomotive excursions.

Bearizona Wildlife Park allows visitors to drive through three miles (4.8 km) of forested land filled with Ponderosa pine trees to view bison, black bears, mountain goats, elk, and wolves. Head to Fort Bearizona, an interactive area, including a walking tour of 20 acres filled with animal exhibits. Here, guests can view jaguars, otters, and porcupines up close. There are also keeper talks and free-flight Birds of Prey shows. Children will enjoy the Bearizona Barnyard petting area, which is open on a seasonal basis. After you’ve had a long day exploring, you might want to grab a meal at Canyonlands Restaurant overlooking the jaguar exhibit or enjoy a snack or beverage at the Bearizona Grille before shopping for souvenirs at the Big Bear Gift Shop.

Bask in the heritage of Route 66 in the Downtown Williams Historic Walk. Starting along Historic Route 66 with multiple vintage-style neon signs, old gas station pumps, and vintage automobiles. Stop at the Route 66 Museum & Gift Shop for historical globes of all types, numerous pieces of memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that illustrate the story of the Mother Road. There are many wonderful pieces of history to discover at Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum, such as collectible signs and restored gas pumps. Also visit The Famous Sultana, Grand Canyon Drug Co., and Duffy Brothers Grocery Store. Finish your historic walk with a delightful cup of coffee or a local meal, making this one of the best things to do in Williams, AZ.

Kaibab Petroglyphs features ancient rock carvings created by Native American people over 1,000 years ago and can be found along a short walking trail located in Kaibab National Forest. Half a mile after beginning your journey, you will see black volcanic stone walls carved with ancient images of deer, lizards, snakes, and other symbols. During the spring, you may also experience a seasonal waterfall that flows down and pools at the end of the trail, along with various types of birds and wildlife, such as deer and coyotes.

The Williams Depot embodies the spirit of the Old West and dates back to 1908. The depot is where you purchase your train ticket, grab coffee at the Java Crossing Café, and browse gifts. As part of your ticket, there is a Wild West reenactment on the platform each morning. Hop on vintage train cars for about 65 miles to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, visit the Grand Depot Café for delicious food before heading to one of the many historic diners or shops along Route 66.

The Poozeum serves as a unique exploration of the history of time through creatures that lived millions of years ago. View the Barnum, which was collected by George Frandsen, measures over two feet long, weighs more than 20 lbs, and belonged to a T. rex. The various types of fossilized poop provide information about the diets of the creatures that lived millions of years ago. Don't forget about the gift shop, which has a variety of dinosaur-themed merchandise and opportunities to take photos next to the life-size poop art display and other exhibits.

Located in downtown Williams, Arizona, is one of the best Williams, Arizona attractions: Grand Canyon Brewing Company. Sample many hoppy beers, such as IPAs, and refreshing Prickly Pear Wheat. Visitors can sample these from 16 tap stations at the brewery, along with hearty pub food, including pizza, burgers, Bavarian pretzels, and charcuterie boards. Eat in cozy, rustic dining areas with a beautiful fireplace, or sit outside on the patio with your dog. In addition to pints of beer, they also offer locally made, house-distilled spirits or cocktails.

The historic Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, offers a true Old West-themed experience. The Branding Iron Restaurant and Smokehouse Café serves great BBQ, steak, and other local specialties. The Long Horn Saloon offers your favorite cold drinks, music to dance to, and a true saloon experience with rustic décor, Wild West artifacts, and more. 

Canyon Coaster Adventure Park features Arizona's largest mountain coaster, consisting of a mile-long track filled with extreme slope angles (drops), sharp curves (hairpin turns), and 360-degree spiral curves (corkscrews). The tubing hill is covered in snow (mid-November through Easter), enabling riders to speed down through a multitude of dedicated snow tubing lanes. Participate in the unique Glow Tubing experience on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. Stop by the Canyon Coaster Bar & Grill for delicious burgers, pizza, beer, and sodas.

Visit the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center in downtown Williams, featuring nostalgic appeal combined with practical benefits. The devoted staff provides visitors with Forest Service area maps and helps in planning scenic drives and hikes within Kaibab National Forest. Visitors can view exhibits related to the town's history, Route 66 history, and the famed Bill Williams Mountain Men.

Turn your Williams adventure into a seamless stay.
Relax and recharge at American Regency Inn Williams, perfectly located for sightseeing and day trips.