Tombstone, Arizona, is about an hour and a half drive from Tucson. It is a historic city that was founded in 1879 in Cochise County. Tombstone was once the hub of the largest silver mining district in Arizona. Nowadays, Tombstone is renowned as a tourist destination, providing visitors with a taste of the ‘Wild, Wild West’ experience.
The Good
Tombstone is a highly accessible attraction with a walkable layout. The residents, who primarily work in the western town, are amiable and possess extensive knowledge about the town’s rich history. Notably, Tombstone is immaculately clean with several unique attractions, making it family-friendly. The stagecoach ride is a thrilling experience that allows visitors to travel back in time and enjoy the Western atmosphere. Additionally, many shops in town welcome dogs and offer water bowls to keep your furry friend hydrated.
The Bad
The Main Street of Tombstone is lined with stores that sell Western clothing and souvenirs. Although it is essential to support the local economy, the town’s rich history should be emphasized more than commercial tourism. Unfortunately, only a handful of the original buildings in Tombstone remained intact as a series of fires swept through the downtown area in 1881 and 1882. Some surviving structures include the Tombstone Courthouse, the Epitaph building, Schieffelin Hall, Boothill Graveyard, Tombstone City Hall, several churches and homes, and the Southern Pacific Depot, which has now been converted into a library.
The Ugly
Situated at 4,540 feet in the Southern Arizona Desert, the summer season from April to June is arid and gradually heats up. Temperatures of over 100 degrees are typical during this period. During the winter, temperatures can drop to near zero, with occasional snowfall. The bottom line is Tombstone is worth a visit if you pick the right season and keep in mind the primary source of income is tourism.
Things to do in Tombstone, Arizona
Good Enough Mine Tour
Tombstone’s town is built on top mines, and tours to the historic Good Enough are popular with tourists. One of the 25 mines in the district of Tombstone, the Good Enough Mine, started the silver mining boom. Join a knowledgeable guide as you tour several mine chambers while learning all silver mining in the 1880s.
From seeing rocks and minerals to understanding what ore looks like and how it is processed, the Good Enough Mine Tour takes you through a unique town attraction, making it an exciting and enjoyable experience. The tour takes about 45 minutes and is reasonably priced. Kids under 7 are free. This tour is even dog-friendly. Website.
The O.K. Corral Enactment
The streets of Tombstone come alive with the famous Gunfight at O.K. Corral. The historic gunfight between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Virgil, and Morgan Earp on one side and the McLaurys and Claytons on the other was Tombstone’s claim to fame. Today, reenactments are performed daily at the same spot where they initially occurred. Life-size figures of the eight gunfighters adorn the area, and you can stand beside them and get your picture clicked. No dogs are allowed at this event. However, the town of Tombstone is dog-friendly, including the stagecoach ride.
Historic Tombstone Walking Tour
Stroll through Tombstone’s history on this informative walking tour. The tour includes information on the beginnings of the town. What made the city so unique back in the 1880s? Famous buildings in Tombstone and the different eras they belonged to. And finally, the history of Tombstone’s prominent families, including the Earps, Clantons, and McLaurys. Tours last 2 hours and cost around $20.00. Tour website.
Museums of Tombstone
The town’s in-depth history is beautifully documented in the many museums in the city. The Tombstone Western Heritage Museum is home to over 12,000 artifacts, including original papers, photos, firearms, furniture, clothing, and other antiques belonging to the town and its renowned citizens.
Rose Tree Museum
The Rose Tree Museum showcases the family’s story of who made Tombstone their home for over six generations. The Robertson-Macia family’s dedication to the town’s betterment is beautifully captured in the museum’s exhibits, including the world’s largest Rose Tree. Website.
Gunfighter Hall of Fame
The Gunfighter Hall of Fame is home to a fantastic gun collection of eras gone by, and checking out these exhibits will transport you to times when gunfights between cowboys were common! Address: 4th and Toughnut Street.
Tombstone Epitaph Museum
The Tombstone Epitaph Museum houses Arizona’s oldest and continuously published newspaper. Visitors can watch how The Epitaph was printed and check out the original Hand Press. The Tombstone Epitaph, 11 South Fifth Street. Website.
Bird Cage Theater
The Bird Cage Theater was known as the wildest and wickedest nightspot in the town. The Theater was also the location of more than 26 deaths. Today, the Theater serves as a museum. Tours of the Bird Cage are offered for a fee during the day. Evening, a ghost tour is also provided. Address 535 E Allen Street.
Getting to Tombstone, Arizona
The drive from Phoenix is about three hours. Tombstone is a short day trip from Tucson, with the drive taking a little over one hour. Bisbee, Arizona, is only a half-hour south of Tombstone and well worth a look. For more information on old Tombstone, visit tombstonetraveltips.com.
I want to thank you for the wonderful information on toumb stone.
Thanks for reviewing our historic town in a favorable manner.
Here is some more information about our town. The Crystal Palace has been renovated & there is now an upper balcony, which makes for great views of Allen Street, as you have a drink and a meal. They kept the outside renovation in tune with the historical look of Crystal’s grand opening which occurred after the horrific May 1882 fire. The same ownership has now also become involved with the Oriental Saloon. You can now have a drink at the historical bar inside, just like Doc Holliday! And see a show daily. Also, they’re now featuring bands on some weekend evenings.
Karen McGowan
Thanks for the update, Karen. I am sure you will be seeing lots of daytrippers walking the streets of Old Tombstone.
Gordon
daytrippen.com
Is there anything you could send me, like catalogs and any information about Tombstone, AZ.
You might want to contact the visitor center for Tombstone I am sure they would be more than happy to send some info