School is out, the sun is beaming down, and monsoon rain clouds are looming over the horizon. In case the heat wave and solstice didn’t already remind you, summer is definitely in full swing here in Arizona. If you’re looking for ideas to make a short summer escape, let us help you out by suggesting a day trip trip to the pines. Where to? Williams.

This small town is located a little more than 30 miles west of Flagstaff and has all the charm you would expect out of a little Route 66 town: beautiful mountain and pine views, historic architecture, and unique attractions. It’s perfect for a day trip to escape the summer heat but you can easily spend a weekend (or longer) in this little town.

Not sure what there is to do in Williams? Check out a few of our suggestions to get you started:

  1. Bearizona is perfect for spotting Arizona wildlife.

Derek Bruff/Flickr

  1. Or pay a visit to the Grand Canyon Deer Farm.

Wes Dickinson/Flickr

  1. Catch a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway.

Maarten Otto/Flickr

  1. Afterwards, check out the Arizona State Railroad Museum.

Stephen Rees/Flickr

  1. Big Toy Playground gives you a chance to live out your Tonka truck play fantasies.

Big Toy Playground/Facebook

  1. Or if golfing is more your style, play a game at Elephant Rocks Golf Course.

Elephant Rocks Golf Course, Williams, Arizona/Facebook

  1. Check out Wild West Junction, a landmark spot for Old West fun, food, and drinks.

Wild West Junction/Yelp

  1. Take a hike up Bill Williams Mountain.

Alan English CPA/Flickr

  1. Go fishing or boating at Cataract Lake.

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

  1. Check out the shops, restaurants, and other businesses located along Route 66.

Kent Kanouse/Flickr

  1. Visit Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum for a piece of Americana.

Loco Steve/Flickr

  1. Get a bite to eat at one of the Route 66 themed restaurants located around town, such as Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe.

Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe/Facebook

  1. Get a pint or a glass of vino at the Grand Canyon Wine Company’s tasting room.

The Grand Canyon Wine Co./Yelp

Williams does seem like a cool little place to visit, doesn’t it? Let us know your favorite activity in town and check out some of our previous articles on small towns to visit in our beautiful state.

Derek Bruff/Flickr

Wes Dickinson/Flickr

Maarten Otto/Flickr

Stephen Rees/Flickr

Big Toy Playground/Facebook

Elephant Rocks Golf Course, Williams, Arizona/Facebook

Wild West Junction/Yelp

Alan English CPA/Flickr

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

Kent Kanouse/Flickr

Loco Steve/Flickr

Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe/Facebook

The Grand Canyon Wine Co./Yelp

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