Tombstone ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tombstone, Arizona.
1. O.K. Corral
LEGENDARY GUNFIGHT SITE
The O.K. Corral is one of the most iconic locations in Tombstone, where the infamous 1881 gunfight between the Earp brothers and the Clantons took place. Visitors can watch daily reenactments of the shootout and explore exhibits detailing the fateful events that made this location world-famous. The site immerses guests in the Wild West atmosphere that defines Tombstone's storied past.
2. Boothill Graveyard
HISTORIC PIONEER CEMETERY
Boothill Graveyard is the final resting place for many of Tombstone's early residents, including outlaws and notable townsfolk. Each grave tells a story, often noted with colorful epitaphs that reveal the tumultuous lives—and deaths—of those who shaped Tombstone's history. Visitors can stroll among the weathered markers and reflect on the legends buried beneath the Arizona desert.
3. Bird Cage Theatre
WILD WEST SALOON & MUSEUM
The Bird Cage Theatre once earned its reputation as the wildest night spot between 1881 and 1889, hosting gambling, drinking, and infamous entertainment. Today, it stands preserved as a museum, filled with original artifacts and stories of its raucous past. Guests can tour the interior and imagine the lively characters who frequented this saloon and theater.
4. Allen Street
HISTORIC BOARDWALK DISTRICT
Allen Street is the heart of Tombstone's historic district, lined with authentic 19th-century buildings, shops, and saloons. Costumed actors bring the Old West to life, engaging visitors with street performances and tales from Tombstone's frontier days. A stroll down Allen Street is essential for anyone wanting to soak up the classic ambiance of this famed mining town.
5. Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
FRONTIER JUSTICE MUSEUM
The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park preserves the original Cochise County courthouse, now a museum chronicling law and order in the Old West. Exhibits include period weapons, mining equipment, and legal artifacts that tell the dramatic stories of the region's boomtown era. Visitors can also tour the restored courtroom and climb the gallows in the courtyard.
6. Good Enough Mine Tour
SILVER MINING EXPERIENCE
The Good Enough Mine Tour invites travelers underground to explore Tombstone's original silver mine. Guided tours reveal the grueling work and historic technology that fueled the town's explosive growth in the 1880s. The experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the mining heritage that gave rise to Tombstone's notorious reputation.
7. Rose Tree Museum and Books
WORLD'S LARGEST ROSEBUSH
The Rose Tree Museum and Books is home to the world's largest rosebush, planted in 1885, which blooms spectacularly each spring. The museum itself showcases Tombstone's frontier artifacts and family heirlooms, providing insight into the daily lives of early settlers. During the blooming season, visitors can relax in the shade of the massive rose canopy, a testament to the town's unique horticultural history.
8. The Tombstone Epitaph
HISTORIC NEWSPAPER MUSEUM
The Tombstone Epitaph is the town's original newspaper, still in operation and offering a museum dedicated to Old West journalism. Guests can view antique printing presses and see how the paper chronicled legendary events like the O.K. Corral gunfight. The museum captures the important role the press played in spreading news throughout the Arizona Territory.
9. Old Tombstone Western Theme Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILD WEST
Old Tombstone Western Theme Park entertains visitors with high-energy gunfight reenactments, old-time photo studios, and interactive activities. The park's characters and set-pieces transport guests back to the days of cowboys and outlaws. It's a popular destination for families and anyone looking to experience a slice of the Old West in a lively, theatrical setting.
10. Tombstone Historama
MULTIMEDIA HISTORY SHOW
Tombstone Historama presents a dramatic multimedia experience that narrates the town's history using photos, dioramas, and narration by Vincent Price. The show covers the rise and fall of Tombstone, its mining boom, and legendary figures. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the historical events that continue to fascinate travelers from around the world.
11. Tombstone Trolley Tour
GUIDED TOWN TOUR
The Tombstone Trolley Tour offers a narrated ride around town, introducing guests to significant landmarks and little-known stories from Tombstone's past. Knowledgeable guides share anecdotes about famous residents, dramatic events, and architectural legends. The trolley is an enjoyable way for visitors of all ages to orient themselves and deepen their appreciation of Tombstone's rich history.
12. Big Nose Kate's Saloon
NOTORIOUS OLD WEST BAR
Big Nose Kate's Saloon is housed in the original Grand Hotel building and boasts a lively atmosphere filled with vintage décor and live music. Named after the famous outlaw's companion, the saloon offers hearty meals and a true sense of the Wild West's raucous spirit. Patrons mingle with costumed staff and can soak up the colorful history that permeates the walls.
13. Tombstone Ghost Tours
SPIRITS AND LEGENDS WALK
Tombstone Ghost Tours lead visitors through the most haunted sites in town, sharing tales of restless spirits and mysterious happenings. Experienced guides recount chilling legends and historical facts, blending entertainment with a touch of the supernatural. The tours provide a unique perspective on Tombstone's darker side, making for an unforgettable evening adventure.
14. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
RIPARIAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, just north of Tombstone in Sierra Vista, preserves riparian habitats along the San Pedro River. The area is renowned for birdwatching, hiking, and opportunities to observe diverse wildlife native to southern Arizona. Nature lovers can explore scenic trails and enjoy the tranquil beauty just a short drive from historic Tombstone.
15. Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
MINING HERITAGE CENTER
The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, located in the nearby town of Bisbee, chronicles the rich history of copper mining in Cochise County. The museum features interactive exhibits and artifacts, offering an in-depth look at the people and technology that powered Bisbee's boom. Visitors can learn how mining shaped the economy and culture of southeastern Arizona.