Assuming you are entering the park via the south entrance station your first stop will probably be the canyon overlook at Mather Point. The view from this overlook is one of the finest and represents the first view that many visitors have of the Grand Canyon.

Directly across the road from Mather Point is the Canyon View Center, the new main visitor center for the south rim. There also a combination book / gift / souvenier shop here which is operated by the Grand Canyon Association.

Your next stop beyond that should be the Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point. This overlook also offers some spectacular views of this section of the canyon and you can even glimpse some small portions of the inner canyon, including Phantom Ranch. The Yavapai Observation Station has some small exhibits describing the geological history of the Grand Canyon, a bookstore which is operated by the Grand Canyon Association and a number picture windows which look out into the canyon. Plaques below each window describe the various scenes at which you are looking.

Beyond Yavapai Point you could stop at the old visitor center to and see if the Park Service has decided to do anything with it. There is also a historic cemetary located near the old visitor center where many famous Grand Canyon pioneers are buried. For the total Canyon experience leave your car at Yavapai Point and walk the 3/4 mile along the rim trail to the old Visitor Center. The easy walk along this paved trail offers some additional splendid views of the Canyon and of the Pinon-Juniper forest that occupies most of the south rim. Grandeur Point which offers an excellent view of he inner canyon and also of the Bright Angel Trail ascending from its depths. The main visitor center will give you additional information about visiting Grand Canyon including maps and brochures. It also offers exhibits describing the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon and offers a variety of audio-visual presentations.

General Store is located as well as the post office. Yavapai Lodge is also located here along with its restaurant and gift shop.

Beyond the Visitor Center and shopping area you enter the Historic District of Grand Canyon Village. This is where the old Grand Canyon Depot is located and if you are lucky enough you may even get to see the rebuilt engine number 18 of the Grand Canyon Railway at the station. The train normally arrives at Grand Canyon around noon or so and departs for Williams again at around 4:00 PM. It operates everyday during from late spring through early autumn and on weekends only during the rest of the year. It is quite a spectacle to watch the train arrive or depart. So many people have been using the train these days that they normally have to throw a diesel engine in behind old number 18, to help pull the coaches.The parking lot next station is one of the better places to park if you are just visiting for the day. Some of the hotels in the area have some small parking lots but it is better to leave the space in these available for people that will actually be staying at them. During peak tourist season, which is most of the year, the parking situation at Grand Canyon is a nightmare. If you don’t really need your car you would be advised to drive it to Williams and take the train up to the Canyon.Historic District, perched right on the rim of the Canyon are Hopi House and the El Tovar Hotel. To reach the either just climb up the hill next to the railway station. There is some limited parking available at the top next to the hotel, behind Hopi House, if you are physically challenged (or real lazy), otherwise leave it for the hotel guests. If you like to walk and you want to leave your car at the Yavapai Observation station, all of the rim sites are accessible via the rim trail. You can walk from the observation station to the visitor center and continue on along to the Historic District on the rim. The views of the Canyon from along the rim walk are fantastic. Both Hopi House and the El Tovar where designed by Mary Jane Coulter and both have a rich history.