Staying in Williams for Grand Canyon
Williams may be the best-kept secret for Grand Canyon visitors. At 3,000 people it’s a small town by any measure — but it sits just 54 miles from the South Rim, it’s charming, it’s pine-forested at 7,000 feet, and its hotels and B&Bs cost considerably less than their equivalents at the canyon. It fills up fast in summer, so book early.
If you’re booking for the Grand Canyon, Canyon Dave Tours picks up at your Williams hotel at 8:30 AM and return you by dinner time. No car needed to the canyon.
What Williams Is Like
Williams was the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40, and it wears that history proudly. The historic downtown has shops, restaurants, and a small-town energy that feels like a genuine piece of the American West rather than a tourist town.
A few things worth your time while you’re here:
- Bearizona — A drive-through wildlife park just outside town where bears, wolves, bison roam alongside your car. Keep your windows up! There’s also a walk-in zoo, a bird flight presentation, and three huge grizzly bears. A must-see for everyone.
- Grand Canyon Railway — An historic train that runs from Williams depot to the Grand Canyon South Rim. An alternative to driving, but you won't see the Grand Canyon until you get there.
- Cowboy shoot-outs — Summer evenings bring theatrical cowboy gunfights in the streets downtown. Genuinely fun.
- Canyon Coaster — A roller coaster that all ages of “kids” enjoy.
- Kaibab, Dog Town, and Whitehorse Lakes — Beautiful lakes in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest, great for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Hotels in Williams
- Sheridan House Inn — Our top pick. An adults-only B&B with elegant English-style hospitality, exceptional food, and the best breakfast you’ll have on this trip.
- Canyon Country Inn — A charming B&B right on Route 66. Warm and personal.
- Lodge on Route 66 — Good mid-range option with Route 66 character.
- Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta — Newer properties with reliable national-brand quality.
- Best Western Williams, Days Inn, Comfort Inn — Solid budget options, all well-located for canyon access.
Williams hotels fill up quickly in summer — book as early as possible.
Williams Restaurants
- Red Raven — fine dining in Williams, a true destination restaurant for a small town.
- Western View Steak House (Best Western) — Fine dining in a Western setting, with live music.
- Pine Country Restaurant — Locally famous for its enormous, delicious pies. Don’t miss dessert.
- El Corral — Great Mexican food, a local favorite.
Taking a Canyon Dave Tour from Williams
We pick up at your Williams hotel at 8:30 AM and drive you up Highway 64 to the South Rim in about an hour — you’re at the canyon by 9:30, ready for a full day before the crowds build. See our Full Day Tour or Senior Tour pages for what happens once we arrive.
For driving to the canyon on your own, our directions page covers the routes and entry gate tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Williams from Grand Canyon?
Williams is 54 miles from the Grand Canyon South Entrance — about 45–60 minutes north on Highway 64. It’s the closest sizable town to the canyon. See our driving directions page for gate wait-time tips.
Does Canyon Dave pick up from Williams hotels?
Yes — we pick up and drop off at any hotel, B&B, vacation rental, or campground in Williams. Pickup is at 8:30 AM for the Full Day and Senior Tours. Enter your accommodation details when you book and we’ll find you.
Is Williams a good base for Grand Canyon?
It may be the best of all. Closer to the canyon than Flagstaff, considerably less expensive than the canyon hotels, and the small-town Route 66 character is a genuine pleasure. Hotels fill fast in summer, but Williams is often available when Grand Canyon Village is completely booked out.
What is Bearizona?
Bearizona is a drive-through wildlife park just outside Williams where bears, wolves, bison, and other animals roam naturally alongside your car. Keep your windows up — the bears will investigate. There’s also a walk-in zoo section with traditional enclosures and a bird flight presentation featuring three huge grizzly bears. One of Arizona’s best family attractions.
How does Williams compare to Flagstaff as a base?
Williams is closer to the canyon and less expensive. Flagstaff is larger with more hotel variety, better restaurants, and more things to do. Canyon Dave picks up from both. Williams for a relaxed small-town base at lower cost; Flagstaff for a full city experience.