Discover Williams Beyond the Tracks: Pie, Pines, and Play
By STaR Plus CoHost · October 30, 2026
williams azfamily funlocal eatsgolfadventure
Just a few blocks from your home-away-from-home, Pine Country Restaurant is a beloved Williams institution. Known for its mile-high pies—with flavors like blueberry‑apple‑peach and pineapple‑coconut—and a homey, pine‑paneled dining room, it’s the kind of place where breakfast, lunch, or dinner all feel like pie time. The coffee bar even serves whimsically named drinks like the Doc Holliday Steamer and Clint Eastwood Espresso. It’s the perfect cozy stop to fuel up before—or after—your Grand Canyon adventures.
For a change of pace, head to Canyon Coaster Adventure Park on Route 66. This is Arizona’s first and longest mountain coaster, weaving through ponderosa pines over a mile of track with steep drops, hairpin turns, and 360‑degree corkscrews. You control the speed with a handbrake, while an automatic braking system keeps things safe. In winter, the park transforms with snow tubing—including glow tubing under LED lights—and in summer, there’s synthetic mountain tubing. A cozy bar & grill onsite serves burgers, pizza, and chili cheese fries, with plenty of screens and fire pits to relax around.
Just a short drive from downtown Williams, Elephant Rocks Golf Course sits at about 7,000 feet amid towering pines and offers an 18‑hole public championship layout. Originally reworked in the 1990s and expanded to 18 holes in 2000, the course is known for its scenic, forested fairways and cool mountain air—a refreshing contrast to desert golf. Golfers often praise its fun, well‑maintained design and reasonable pricing.
Your rental puts you in the heart of downtown Williams—walking distance to shops, dining, and the Grand Canyon Railway. These three spots each capture a different side of the town: nostalgic comfort, adventurous fun, and tranquil recreation. They’re all nearby, easy to access, and memorable in their own way.
Let me know if you’d like help planning a day that blends pie, coaster rides, and pine‑framed golf—or anything else to make your stay in Williams feel like home.
Photos: Pine Country Restaurant, Brian Van Valer via Google Maps.