Historic Route 66 also passes through the Williams' downtown area, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places December 30, 1984. The streets are lined with old western style shops and numerous motels and restaurants.
At 6,754 feet amidst the peaks of the volcanic region of central northern Arizona, Williams enjoys spot at the edge of forested hillsides at the feet of Bill Williams Mountain. Ponderosa pines are the dominant trees, while a small grassy valley lies to the north. Forested hills dot the landscape further north.
Williams was settled in 1874 and has a population of 2,842, as of the year 2000.
