Plan Your Trip to Williams, Arizona
If you’re not familiar with Northern Arizona, it’s full of small towns with fun stories and rich history. And Williams is no different. Located about 2.5 hours north of Phoenix and about 30 minutes from Flagstaff, Williams is one of my favorite places to plan a day trip or overnight getaway when I’m feeling like getting out of the city. With warmer weather coming up, it's the perfect time to plan your trip to Williams, Arizona.
Plan Your Trip to Williams, Arizona
What To Do In Williams
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park – The Canyon Coaster is built directly into the mountain and features all sorts of twists, turns, dips, and descents. The best part is, you control the speed! And while the Canyon Coaster is the main attraction, don’t forget to check out the summer and winter tubing courses as well.
Bearizona – Bearizona is approximately 160 acres. Visitors will drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest viewing wolves, bears, bison, mountain goats and even more animals exhibited in Fort Bearizona. Over 50% of our animals are rescue animals. They have been given a great home because of visitors like you. Tickets start from $20 – $35 per person.
Grand Canyon National Park – If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon, it’s definitely something that should be on your list, especially because this national park is known as one of the natural Seven World Wonders. It is located about 1 hour from Williams and offers a plethora of outdoor experiences for all ages. Entrance fee is $35 per vehicle.
Gunfighter Canyon – Being a solo female traveler, when Gunfighter Canyon gave me the opportunity to come into their Williams location to learn about properly handling and shooting guns, I knew I wanted to do it. Having the knowledge of how to properly handle a gun and use it is incredibly important and Gunfighter goes over all of that with you. You can choose from one of their pre-built packages or build your own.
Get 10% OFF your Gunfighter Canyon packages with code: SWS
Olive the Best - Olive the Best is a locally family-owned and operated olive oil tasting room and store with locations in Flagstaff and Williams. If you love trying olive oils like I do, this is a must-try. They offer some of the best quality olive oils and vinegars in the world.
Sycamore Rim Trail – The Sycamore Rim Trail is a moderately challenging, 11-mile loop trail near Williams. While exploring the trail, you’ll get beautiful, panoramic views of Sycamore Canyon with glimpses of the area's rugged terrain and vibrant colors of the canyon walls. Be mindful of the time of year you visit. In winter and after rain or snow the area has the potential for mud and flooding. There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
Where To Eat In Williams
Historic Barrel + Bottle House ($$) – This is a fast casual, family friendly restaurant featuring an elevated menu with delicious wood-fired pizzas and more. Historic offers 16 craft beers on draft, local Arizona wine, plus a variety of signature and classic cocktails. Outdoor dining along with a dog friendly patio is open all year round. This is one of my favorite spots to come for a burger!
Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe ($) - Step into a treasure trove of 1950’s artifacts from road signs to gas pumps, to trinkets, and more. Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe is exactly what you think of when you think “Classic American Diner”. They also have great barbeque if you’re in the mood for that!
Grand Canyon Wine Co ($$$) – Sample outstanding wines from across the state of Arizona – or sip on a beer from Historic Brewing if that’s more your thing. If you’re looking to enjoy some food while you’re at it, you can order pizza and salads and more from their sister restaurant Station 66, which is right next door.
Fiesta Mexican Grill ($$) – In the mood for authentic Mexican food? Look no further! Fiesta Mexican Grill won me over with its hole-in-the-wall feel and authentic Mexican dishes.
Sultana Bar ($$) – “World Famous” in terms of longevity. This dive opened in 1912, 14 years before the historic highway on which it stands. Head here to socialize, grab a beer, and shoot some pool.
Brewed Awakenings ($) - Brewed Awakenings is my favorite place to grab coffee when I come to Williams. Their coffee beans are roasted in Flagstaff, and their menu has more healthy options than most other places in town. They also have a drive-thru if you’re in a hurry!
Where To Stay In Williams
Grand Canyon Wine Co Airbnb on Route 66 ($$) – If you’re looking for an ideal location to stay, this Airbnb is a winner. It’s a historic studio apartment with modern touches and upgrades, and perfectly accommodates up to four people. The best part? It’s located directly behind the Grand Canyon Wine Co Tasting Room in the heart of Downtown Williams. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy local Arizona wine and experience Route 66.
The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel ($$$) - Stay at the oldest hotel in Arizona! Recently renovated and refreshed, The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel was Northern Arizona’s first hotel and is the longest lasting hotel in the state. Located along Historic Route 66 in the heart of downtown Williams, you’re only about an hour away from a lot of what Northern Arizona has to offer.
Red Garter Inn ($$$$) – This former brothel and saloon has been restored and given a new life in the form of the Red Garter Inn, which sits on top of Grand Canyon Coffee & Cafe, also known as Anna’s Cafe. Located just off of the historic Route 66 in downtown Williams, this now four-room inn holds a lot of history in its walls.
Backland Luxury Camping ($$$$) – At the top of my list for places to stay is Backland Luxury Camping. Backland is located about 20 minutes from Williams, but the secluded grounds surrounded by pristine National Forest land makes the short drive out of town worth it. Here you’ll get your own, private luxury glamping tent with ALL of the amenities you’ll need for maximum comfort. Take in the views and enjoy a meal in the glass-walled restaurant, indulge in a massage at the spa, head out on many of the nature trails, or spend time on the beach near the pond or even kayaking on it.
Get a discount on your stay at Backlands Glamping Resort with code: SWS
If you’ve been wanting to explore Northern Arizona, now is the time to plan your trip to Williams, Arizona. This is my first time back in about a year and sooo much has changed. There are so many new little businesses to explore that I didn’t get the chance to on this trip. But I did at least want to share some of my favorite go-to spots for when I do get the chance to spend some time there.
