Staying inside the National Park is one of the best ways to see the Canyon at sunrise and sunset since you are right there close to the Rim. Park lodges are also convenient for day hikes or nature walks around the Canyon. The Lodges are popular so we recommend booking your lodge far in advance of your vacation dates. The disadvantage of staying inside the Park is limited restaurants and evening entertainment.
Just outside the Park is a small town, Tusayan that offers a variety of hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Although Tusayan could be considered a “drive-through” town on the way to the Grand Canyon, there is actually quite a lot to do and lots of places to stay including evening entertainment, swimming pools, and game rooms for the kids.
Valle, AZ is a bit farther from the Grand Canyon but it does have a few hotels that are comfortable and affordable. Valle, AZ is also home to the Planes of Fame Air Museum. If you are interested in aviation and historical aircraft, this is a wonderful museum to visit.
Williams, AZ is a charming town surrounded by ponderosa pine forest and pristine clear lakes. Golfing, fishing, ATV riding and hiking are a few of the available outdoor activities and the town has plenty of shopping and dining options. Williams is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway, a great way to visit the Grand Canyon while bypassing all the traffic!
Flagstaff is one of the largest cities in Northern Arizona with a huge bounty of things to do and see. Flagstaff is a delightful mix of old west history, Native American culture, outdoor activities, Route 66 nostalgia and college town. There are over 60 hotels from which to choose.
