In 48 Hours
Williams, Arizona, and the nearby Grand Canyon Village offer an unforgettable experience packed with scenic views, delicious food, and outdoor adventure. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend in this stunning region.
Day 1
Morning
You could spend several weeks doing things in Grand Canyon National Park and Williams, AZ. But with a shorter stint in mind, we’ve got you covered with all the best highlights in this weekend-sized itinerary. For winter activities, check out our experiences or ask our property team to help you plan your snowy visit.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at Anna’s Grand Canyon Coffee and Café, just the fuel you need to start a day of grand adventures.
Then head to the Williams Depot to catch the 9:30am departure of the Grand Canyon Railway. If you arrive early, you can enjoy the Western show, with a cast who will make further appearances on board. But the real highlight is the train ride to the South Rim, traversing high desert scenery that is a serene prelude to the canyon lying ahead.
Upon disembarking, take a stroll along Hermit Road to Mohave Point. The breathtaking views from the overlook are worth every step. When you’re saturated with sights, you can hop on one of the frequent shuttle buses to return.
Afternoon
Williams is filled with great places to eat and drink, shop, and explore. No matter your preference, this quaint but lively town has plenty to see and do.
If you called ahead and made a reservation, get lunch at the historic El Tovar Restaurant (they take walk-ins, too, but you may have to wait).
Tip
Keep an eye on the clock so you make it back to the train before its on-time departure at 3:30pm, or you’ll be spending the night in the canyon.
Evening
Save room for dinner.
Day 2
MORNING
Experience Grand Canyon National Park like a local.
Start your second day with an early breakfast at the Pine Country Restaurant and then hit the road, this time by car, to return to the Grand Canyon for further exploring. If you’ve forgotten any outdoor essentials, Canyon Village Market can likely supply them.
To get a more intimate feel for the canyon, embark on a hike down the South Kaibab Trail. This route offers stunning views and if you start early enough, you can make it to Skeleton Point and picnic before re-ascending.
Afternoon
If you don’t have a full day of hiking in front of you, we recommend a few great options.
Explore the rim by car on Desert View Drive. This scenic route features numerous overlooks, each offering a unique vantage point of the canyon and its history. Among the many lookouts is the Desert View Watchtower, which offers sweeping views of the canyon and also stands as an iconic piece of 20th-century architecture. The tower was designed by Mary Colter—often referred to as the architect of the southwest—and features murals by Fred Kabotie, a Hopi Native American, and painted ceiling images by Fred Geary.
Tip
If you time it right, you can catch the sunset at Mather Point. The changing colors of the canyon as the sun sets are a sight to behold.
Evening
With a gratifying day spent in Grand Canyon National Park and many miles under your feet, an evening in Williams is the perfect way to indulge and relax.
Drive back to Williams and stop at the Western View Steakhouse, a mile southwest of town.
