Tombstone is the closest you can get to stepping into an Old West movie without a director yelling, “CUT.” Whether you’re here on a quick day trip, a road-trip stop, or checking off Arizona’s best ghost towns, this little town in Cochise County delivers: saloons, gunfights, legends, and enough history to keep you saying “wait, that really happened?” every ten minutes.
If you have the time, I highly recommend turning Tombstone into a weekend getaway.
A full day covers the classics (O.K. Corral, Allen Street, the Courthouse museum, Boothill), but staying overnight is when Tombstone feels most alive, with spooky night tours and a quieter, more atmospheric main street.
Founded in 1877 after prospector Ed Schieffelin’s silver discovery, Tombstone boomed into one of the richest mining towns in the West and became famous for the 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral and its cast of characters, including Wyatt Earp.
Today, it still lives up to its nickname, “The Town Too Tough to Die,” and it’s surprisingly fun for families, solo travelers, and anyone who loves history with a side of theatrics.
This guide is built for first-timers planning a Tombstone day trip or overnight stay, especially during the cooler months when walking Allen Street and doing tours feels easiest.
In this updated 2026 guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Tombstone, what to book ahead, where to eat and stay, plus easy itineraries you can steal.
- Best for: Wild West history, gunfight shows, haunted legends, and “I’m living inside a Western movie” photos.
- Do first: O.K. Corral gunfight + Allen Street stroll, then Boothill for the classic Tombstone finale.
- Skip the stress: do one guided tour (trolley or ghost walk) so the town’s stories click fast.
- Book ahead: ghost tours + any day tours from Tucson (popular weekends + event weekends).
| Ideal trip length | Half day (highlights) or 1 night (best vibe) | Closest airport | Tucson (TUS) is usually easiest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Spring + fall (walking weather) | Don’t miss | O.K. Corral + Boothill + Courthouse museum |
| Best “quick win” | Historic trolley tour (orientation) | Best add-on | Bisbee (easy “two towns, one trip” combo) |
Day 2: Bird Cage + courthouse + ghost tour at night (or a day trip combo from Tucson).
Day 3: Bisbee add-on (perfect contrast: artsy mining town vs Wild West set).
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
HOW TO REACH TOMBSTONE, AZ?
By Air – Tucson International Airport(TUS), is the closest major airport, 70 miles north of Tombstone.
Tombstone is a popular day trip from Tucson, offering plenty of fantastic things to do and see. I recommend keeping at least 3 days in Tucson if you have time.
From there, I recommend renting a car for a comfortable journey to Tombstone, as there are no public transport options.
If you are flying, compared to Tucson, Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport sometimes has more budget-friendly options for airfare than Tucson, so I suggest checking for flights to Phoenix first.
By road – If you’re on a road trip, it takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tucson and about 3 hours to get from Phoenix to Tombstone.
The most convenient way to access is taking Interstate 10 to Benson and continuing on Highway 80 South to arrive at Tombstone.
Easy first stop: if you want maps, current event info, and help deciding what to pay for first, stop at the Tombstone Visitor Center at 395 E Allen St. It is typically open 9am–4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday to Sunday.
Tombstone is in southeastern Arizona in Cochise County. The easiest airport for most people is Tucson (TUS). Phoenix works too, but it’s a longer drive. If you’re already doing a Southern Arizona loop, Tombstone pairs perfectly with Bisbee.
- Closest airport to Tucson (TUS): what to pick
- Closest airport to Phoenix (PHX vs AZA)
- Best things to do in Bisbee (easy add-on)
Good to know: there’s no admission fee to enter Tombstone since it’s a living town, but individual attractions have their own tickets.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TOMBSTONE ARIZONA?
Like most cities and towns in Arizona, the best time to visit Tombstone is spring from March to May or fall from September to November. Both seasons offer manageable and pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
During these seasons, the average high temperature is in the 70s and 80s with enjoyable evenings.
If you want a snowy holiday in Arizona and love the cold weather, December to February is also a great time to visit Tombstone. Expect fewer crowds and lower prices as well during these months.
I suggest avoiding the summer months from June to August as it is hot and dry, with average high temperatures in the 90s and low 100s.
THE BEST TOURS TO EXPLORE TOMBSTONE AZ
Although you can explore the main sights in Tombstone on foot, I recommend taking the unique stagecoach tour, a private guided tour of Tombstone or a walking tour to get to know the town the best, especially if you’re with your kids.
Check out these highly-rated guided tours in Tombstone, Arizona:
| Tour | Best for | Length | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tombstone Trolley Historical Tour | Fast orientation + less walking | ~30 min | Book tour → |
| Ghosts & Gunslingers Walking Ghost Tour | Classic spooky + history | ~1 hr | Book tour → |
| Bullets & Bordellos Ghost Tour | More intense haunted storytelling | ~1.5 hrs | Book tour → |
| Dead Men’s Tales Walking Ghost Tour | Family-friendly spooky + local legends | ~1.5 hrs | Book tour → |
| Gunfight Show (Old Tombstone) | Quick show, easy win with kids | ~45 min | Book tour → |
| Bisbee + Tombstone Day Tour (from Tucson) | No-car plan from Tucson | Full day | Book tour → |
Are you planning to visit Tombstone on a day trip from Phoenix? I highly recommend this guided day tour with excellent reviews. Check out full details here.
PICK YOUR VIBE: THE BEST WAY TO DO TOMBSTONE
Tombstone can be family-friendly and showy, spooky and dramatic, or just a glorious “we came, we saw, we took 200 Old West photos.” Pick your vibe below and steal the plan.
💛 Couples: Wild West romance + a little haunted
- Start with the classics: O.K. Corral + Allen Street stroll (shops + saloons + photos).
- Golden hour move: slow walk + viewpoints around the historic district (the light hits different here).
- Night anchor: do a ghost tour (best way to make Tombstone feel “alive” after dark).
- Stay overnight: it’s calmer and way more atmospheric once the day-trippers leave.
👨👩👧👦 Families: Shows + history (no overplanning)
- Best first win: a gunfight show (kids immediately “get” Tombstone).
- Then: courthouse museum for the story + one “wow” stop like Boothill.
- Snack strategy: plan one treat stop because Allen Street shopping can become a marathon.
- Keep it simple: choose 2–3 paid attractions max so nobody burns out.
✨ Girls Trip: Photos + saloons + “we’re in a Western” energy
- Start with orientation: trolley tour so you don’t miss the best story stops.
- Then: Allen Street shopping + old-time photos + cocktails.
- Night anchor: ghost tour if you want “spooky fun,” or live music if you want “saloon vibe.”
- Pro tip: if you’re coming on an event weekend, book your stay early.
🧿 Solo: History-first + slow wandering
- Start with context: walking ghost tour gives you the “story spine” of Tombstone.
- Then: courthouse museum + slow Allen Street wandering (shops, galleries, photo stops).
- Best solo moment: Boothill near the end when you’re ready for the reflective vibe.
- Easy social energy: grab a seat at a saloon for live music without needing a plan.
KNOW THIS BEFORE YOU PLAN
- If you only have 1 day: Do O.K. Corral, Allen Street, the Courthouse museum, and Boothill. That gives you the full Tombstone “greatest hits” without overpacking the day.
- No-car version: Base yourself in Tucson and book a guided Tombstone day tour, or stay overnight in Tombstone so you can walk the historic core once you arrive.
- With kids: Start with one gunfight show, then add the courthouse or trolley. Two to three paid attractions is usually enough before the novelty wears off.
- If you hate crowds: Arrive early, do O.K. Corral before midday, and stay overnight if you want Tombstone at its quietest and most atmospheric.
QUICK FAQS ABOUT TOMBSTONE
Is Tombstone worth visiting? Yes. It is the most “Wild West on display” town in Arizona, with gunfight shows, saloons, museums, and famous stops like O.K. Corral and Boothill.
How many days do you need? A half day covers the highlights, but one night is the sweet spot if you want a ghost tour and a less rushed experience.
What is the #1 must-do? Start with O.K. Corral, then do Allen Street and Boothill for the classic Tombstone flow.
Can you combine Tombstone with Bisbee? Yes. It is one of the best Southern Arizona pairings: Tombstone for Wild West history, Bisbee for artsy mining-town vibes.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOMBSTONE AZ
WATCH THE GUNFIGHT AT O.K.CORRAL
Your trip to Tombstone must include the iconic attraction, indeed.
The OK Corral, one of the top things to do in Tombstone AZ is infamous for the tragic shoot-out in 1881 between the leading Earp and Clanton gangs, a legendary event in the Old West.
Head to The O.K. Corral located next to the small Tombstone City Park.
Watch a reenactment of this famous gunfight performed by actors in period costumes and with period weapons, recreating the events of that day as accurately as possible, where you can hear the sounds of pistols firing and gun smoke in the air.

Apart from watching the reenactment, there are many activities here. You can buy your tickets online here.
Check out the life-size replicas of the nine gunfighters in the same way as the setting was in 1881 at the exact location of the original O.K. Corral gunfight.
With the tickets to OK Corral, you can also check out the Historama theatre, collect a free newspaper souvenir at the Tombstone Epitaph, and tour the stables and C.S. Fly’s Photo Gallery.
Check out the museum, home to artefacts from the lives of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, antique cowboy saddles, and gear from the Old West, including gear related to gunsmithing, leather working, and blacksmithing.

Visit the Cowboy Bunkhouse, see the original Corral office to learn about daily life in the Corral, pan for gemstones, and sit in a buggy.
2026 quick facts: The O.K. Corral Historic Complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The live gunfight reenactment typically runs at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, with extra shows added when busy.
Important: tickets for the live gunfight are usually purchased in person on the day of the performance, not online. Admission with the reenactment is currently $10, and children 5 and under are free.
VISIT THE HISTORAMA THEATER
Another of the best things to do in Tombstone AZ is the Historama Theater, which you can visit while at the O.K. Corral since the exact tickets give toy access to this unique theatre.
One of the top attractions in Tombstone, Historama Theatre is the best start to getting to know about the rich history of this mining town.
This 30-minute video presentation, narrated by the legendary actor Vincent Price, gives you glimpses of the area’s history presented on a large-scale rotating diorama.
GET YOUR FREE SOUVENIR AT THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH
Who doesn’t love a cute souvenir, especially when it is free, right?
One of the top free things to do in Tombstone AZ is the iconic Tombstone Epitaph, a local newspaper founded in 1880 by John Philip Clum, which widely covered the happenings of the town, including the first big stories of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

See the printing techniques of the 1880s at the print shop and museum and read the original reports of the gunfight in 1881, the many exhibits depicting the history of the Old West.
Also, check out the original press on display.
Do you know? The Epitaph is Arizona’s oldest newspaper that is continuously in operation even to this day.
If you purchase a ticket to the O.K. Corral gunfight, ask for a copy of the original 1881 newspaper report about the gunfight.
JOIN ONE OF THE SPOOKY NIGHT TOURS
If you are looking for a thrilling night in Tombstone, choose from one of the many fun night tours for hunting the ghosts in the town, one of the fun activities in Tombstone AZ.
Not only will you be taken to the most haunted places in the town, home to otherworldly beings, but you will also hear spooky stories and legends about the town that will send chills down your spine.
| Tour | Best for | Vibe | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dead Men’s Tales Walking Ghost Tour | First-timers, families, “spooky but not too much” | Classic legends + history | Book tour → |
| The Bullets and Bordellos Ghost Tour | Adults, bolder storytelling | Darker lore + rowdy history | Book tour → |
| Tombstone Terrors: Ghosts and Gunslingers of the Wild West | People who want the “full Tombstone drama” | Spooky + gunslinger legends | Book tour → |
CHECK OUT C.S.FLY’S PHOTO GALLERY
When visiting the OK Corral, also stop by C.S. Fly’s Photo Gallery, one of the top things to do in Tombstone AZ for art lovers.
Since the tickets give you free access to the gallery, it is worth checking out this small gallery housing the works of Camillus Sydney Fly, a legendary early photojournalist and well-known photographer in the Old West.

In the early 1880s, C.S. Fly ran a boarding house with a photographic studio in Tombstone.
He was one of the few witnesses of the O.K. Corral gunfight and took a photo of the deceased men in their caskets, displayed at the O.K. Corral facility.
Among his legendary captures are his photos of the negotiations between Geronimo and General George Crook, and many photographs of the Native Americans.
Take a quick tour of the gallery for these glimpses of the past that are major portions of the identity of Tombstone town.
Another thing that made Tombstone attract tourists happened after being the filming venue showcasing the infamous gunfight at O.K. Corral in the 1993 movie Tombstone.
You can experience the old west architecture in Tombstone on one of the excellent guided tours. Or hop on a horse-drawn wagon or stagecoach.
Or better, how about exploring the town on this historic Tombstone Trolley bus?
EXPLORE ALLEN STREET
Regarded as the heart of the town, strolling along Allen Street is one of the best things to do in Tombstone AZ.
Although most of the history of Tombstone is well-preserved, Allen Street takes you straight to the 1880s as you walk along the pedestrian-only street packed with homes, retail shops, businesses, and restaurants functioning amidst historic buildings, famous saloons and landmarks.

Although many of the original buildings were burned during multiple fires, most have been rebuilt to look exactly like the venues of the Wild West.
It is also the best place to click pictures with cowboys roaming the streets in their perfect costumes.
If you visit in the afternoon, you can witness a free gunfight in the street at 1 PM, as Allen Street is also the scene of occasional historical re-enactments, where performers put on staged gunfights, and barroom brawls break out.
TOUR THE BIRD CAGE THEATER
The Bird Cage Theater is one of the iconic landmarks in Tombstone and among the top places to visit in Tombstone AZ.
Constructed in 1881, The Bird Cage Theatre was the centre stage of actions throughout the 1880s as it functioned as a saloon, bar, theatre, and brothel.
The Bird Cage got its name from the 14 Bird Cages suspended from the ceiling, adorned with red velvet drapes, a hand-painted stage and an original curtain.
The Bird Cage Theatre never closed during its eight years, operating for 24 hours.
Unlike many of the buildings that were destroyed by fire in Tombstone, the Bird Cage is one of the best-preserved landmarks containing authentic artefacts that you can check out on a paid tour.

See the original chandeliers, drapes, gambling tables, jukebox, grand piano, and 9-foot bar painting marked with 6 bullet holes.
Being the venue for many fights between lawless people inhabiting it at the time, the theatre stands as a testimony to those violent days, displaying more than 140 bullet holes in the wall and ceiling.
Located across the street from the Tombstone Mercantile, the Bird Cage Theater is one of the rumoured haunted places in the town, and if you are up for something spooky, I highly recommend joining the ghost tour of the theatre in the evening.
You can either choose a family-friendly tour or this adults-only tour.
STOP AT BOOT HILL GRAVEYARD
One of the quirky things to do in Tombstone AZ is visiting the local cemetery in the town, Boothill Graveyard, the final resting place for the victims of the violence and the residents that occupied the mining town and beyond.
Home to nearly 300 graves, Boothill was founded in 1878 and was then known as the City Cemetery.
The graveyard gets its name “Boothill” as it was a common name given to graveyards home to gunfighters and outlaws dying violent deaths or “died with their boots on.”

Unlike the usual graveyards, here you can see the cause of the death marked on the tombs, ranging from drowned to shot down.
Among the many outlaws and cowboys, you will find Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers, who died at the O.K. Corral gunfight.
Among the graves, you’ll find humorous and grim epitaphs that tell a story of complex lives and sudden deaths.
It’s a stark reminder of the perilous existence in the Wild West, where law and order were often decided by the quickest draw.
2026 quick facts: Boothill Graveyard is typically open daily from 8 am to 5pm. Admission is currently $6, and it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
✅ Join mysterious tours to feel spooky at Boothill Cemetery.
VISIT SHIEFFELIN HALL
Among the notable landmarks in Tombstone was Shieffelin Hall, a prominent entertainment venue and one of the top places to see in Tombstone.
Considered the largest standing adobe structure in the Southwest, this hall functioned as a popular venue for opera shows, theatre performances, recital hall, and location for town meetings. Today it houses the mayor and city offices.
Do you know? Shieffelin Hall has been in continuous operation since 1882 and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966.

It is here that Morgan Earp attended a performance with his brother Wyatt before heading to play cards at Campbell & Hatch’s Saloon where he met his fate.
Across the street from Schieffelin Hall, you’ll find the Tombstone City Hall.
Built in 1881 by Albert Schieffelin, the brother of Tombstone’s founder, although it has been completely restored multiple times since 1963, you can still see the rich heritage and its past as you explore this monument south of Allen Street.
CHECK OUT TOMBSTONE COURTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC PARK
The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, the Tombstone Historic District, is a historic museum listed on the US National Register Of Historic Places since 1966.
The Tombstone Courthouse, now a State Historic Park, was built in 1882 but abandoned in 1929 when the county seat moved to Bisbee.
The courthouse was home to a jail, the sheriff, the recorder, the treasurer, and the board of supervisors.

Today you can explore the historic buildings and unique architecture of the era, and the museum itself is worth your time.
Check out many exhibits, including a replica sheriff’s office, courtroom, jail, mining exhibit, and a saloon and gambling room, and a replica of the gallows in the outdoor courtyard, where convicted murderers were put to death.
ATTEND ONE OF THE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
If you want Tombstone at its most theatrical, time your trip around one of the town’s annual events.
A few of the strongest 2026 picks are Vigilante Days (Feb 14–15), the Annual Wine Celebration (Apr 4), the Rose Tree Festival (Apr 11–12), Schieffelin Days / Donkey Dash (Apr 18), and Wyatt Earp Days (May 23–25).
These weekends are more lively and more crowded, so book tours and hotels early if you want the fun without the scramble.
Recommended – 15 Best Christmas Destinations In Arizona For Christmas Spirits
FUN THINGS TO DO IN TOMBSTONE AZ
RIDE ON A STAGECOACH
Tombstone is where you can enjoy a ride in a stagecoach is one of the fun things to do in Tombstone with kids.
The Wells Fargo Stagecoach line, one of the oldest companies in the world, played a large role in Tombstone’s history.
This historic stagecoach was the primary transport for mail, money, gold, goods, and passengers.
But thanks to the many lawless inhabitants, the stagecoaches were also the venues for many infamous stagecoach robberies and murders n the 1800s.

Today, you can enjoy a ride between 20 to 30 minutes on the guided stagecoach tours run by two companies.
In a replica stagecoach pulled by a team of mules, on this thrilling ride, you will be taken through the same route as the original stagecoach line, which took passengers from Tucson to Tombstone and beyond.
Buy tickets from a booth on Allen Street near the O.K. Corral, which costs $10 per adult and $5 per kid.
CHECK OUT THE ANCIENT SALOONS IN TOMBSTONE
Tombstone was home to over a hundred saloons when it was a flourishing mining town.
Today, there are a few well-preserved saloons that give you peeks into their history and operations.
Hopping these famous saloons is one of the fun things to do in Tombstone AZ. Crystal Palace Saloon is among the top tourist attractions in Tombstone.

The Crystal Palace Saloon, originally known as the Golden Eagle Brewing Company, was one of Tombstone’s first saloons.
Many celebrities and powerful people resided here, including Wyatt Earp, a regular patron of the Crystal Palace.
Today, the saloon is home to one of the top restaurants in Tombstone and is known for its delicious food and drinks. Stop here for lunch or a quick bite.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon was a part of the legendary Grand Hotel, one of the finest and most luxurious in the West, which was destroyed in a massive fire only two years after its opening.
Today it is one of the best Old Western Bars in the United States that you should definitely visit.
The Campbell & Hatch Billiards and Saloon is another old Saloon on Allen Street.

The original building was burned, rebuilt, and then closed during the prohibition era and is now one of the historic hotspots in Tombstone.
The Campbell & Hatch Billiards and Saloon is known for being the location where Morgan Earp was fatally shot in the back through the window of the door while playing cards.
If you want to witness another of the classic gun fights in a saloon, stop at the Oriental Saloon, which was frequently visited by Wyatt Earp.
Today, you can enjoy snacks enjoying live music, and karaoke besides watching gunfights.
JOIN AN UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR
One of the best ways to get a close-up of the mining history of the town is by joining the underground mine tour at the Goodenough Mine.
One of the fun things to do in Tombstone AZ, is to take an underground tour and learn about the workings of the mine, and stories about the miners at 100 feet below the surface, to the remnants of this silver mine, accessible only by a 100-foot vertical shaft.
The Goodenough Mine was one of the major silver-producing mines that started in 1879. For many decades, the mine was one of the top producers of silver, leading to the boom of Tombstone.
The Good Enough Mine was claimed in 1878 by Ed Schiefflin, the founder of Tombstone.

The other popular mines in Tombstone of the period were Tough Nut and the Lucky Cuss.
The entrance of the mine is in the basement of Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, located just south of Allen Street.
You can take an underground mine tour or an above-ground trolley tour, depending on your preference.
The Good Enough Mine Underground Tour lasts for about 45 minutes and takes you 100 feet down into the darkness of a silver mine, including climbing down a few stairs. If you are claustrophobic, I recommend avoiding this option.
The Good Enough mine is also said to be haunted, and you can even join one of the ghost tours to explore the mine.
2026 quick facts: The underground mine tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes a 60-step stairway with handrails. Current pricing is $20 adults, $18 seniors/military/first responders, $10 children ages 6–12, and free for children under 6.
If you want the easier version, the historical trolley tour also runs about 45 minutes and is a better fit for anyone who wants less physical effort.
SEE THE LARGEST ROSE TREE
One of the unique things to do in Tombstone is to visit the world’s largest rose tree, an impressive sight worth visiting.
The barren desert of Tombstone is home to the Rose Tree Museum, which boasts the largest rose tree in the world.
A young bride from Scotland received the stems of this Scottish Rose from her family, which she planted on the grounds of the Arcade Boarding House, where she resided.

The Scottish rose plant turned into this rose tree that still continues to grow today.
Today it is the famous Rose Tree Inn, home to the Rose Tree Museum.
2026 quick facts: The Rose Tree Museum is usually open Monday to Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10:30am–5pm. Admission is currently $6 per person; children under 12 are free with an adult, and there is also a family rate.
Best time to go: Bloom season is typically mid-March through April, when the rose is at its most impressive.
TAKE A TROLLEY TOUR
Another unique way of exploring the mines and their history is joining a trolley tour, one of the fun things to do in Tombstone AZ.
Running through the Good Enough Mine, the trolley ride lasting for about 45 minutes takes you to all the major attractions in Tombstone AZ, including the Boothill Cemetery and dozens of landmarks.
You can also do both the underground and the trolley tour.
The tickets are available at the Good Enough Mine. I recommend going for the combo ticket if you wish to do both. Book your tickets here
EXPERIENCE MORE OF THE OLD WEST IN TOMBSTONE
If you want to experience more of the Old West of America, head to the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, one of the best things to do in Tombstone AZ, with kids.
The Old Tombstone Western Theme Park also hosts many gunfight shows, a top attraction here, including recreating the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral and other Old West shootouts.
The Old Tombstone Western Theme Park is perfect for the entire family since the gunfights are more comical and give good laughs to the whole family, unlike the more gruesome ones at the OK Corral.

The Old Tombstone Western Theme Park also has plenty of rides and activities for kids and adults, including a vintage carousel, a train ride through the park, and a mine tour through a simulated underground mine that kids will enjoy.
There is a 17-hole miniature golf course, a shooting Gallery, an opportunity to pan for gold, and a jailhouse.
If you are here on Friday and Saturday nights, go for the trolley tour that covers Tombstone’s most haunted landmarks, including the Boot Hill Graveyard, regarded as Tombstone’s most haunted hotspot.
TASTE THE BEST BREWS AT THE LOCAL BREWERY
If you are a fan of Craft Beer, one of the must-see things to do in Tombstone I recommend is stopping at Tombstone Brewing Company, famous for its local breweries and one of the best in the Southwest.
Depending on the season and the week, you will be spoilt for choice with their many delicious brews, best tasted with snacks.
It is the best way to spend an evening and cool down after being in the hot outdoors when in Tombstone.
WEAR PERIOD COSTUMES
What is better than exploring the history of the Old Wild West? Dressing up in cowboy boots and everything that screams of the Old West attire
You can accompany many locals and actors dressed up in the Old West and stroll downtown.
Although there are no rental shops, you can buy clothes at the small shops that you can also take home as souvenirs.
STOP AT TOMBSTONE MERCANTILE AND HOTEL
T. Miller’s Tombstone Mercantile and Hotel is one of the best stops to make on your Tombstone trip.
This 1913 vintage soda bar is the best place to grab an ice cream cone for your kids while you order their best drinks.
You can also shop for cute souvenirs and gifts at the Antique and Cowboy Collectables Store here.
WEEKEND PLANS: 1–3 DAYS IN TOMBSTONE (DONE RIGHT)
| Plan | Morning | Afternoon | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day (Classic) | Orientation tour + Allen Street stroll | O.K. Corral + Courthouse museum (then shops) | Boothill at sunset + saloon dinner |
| 2 Days (Best Vibe) | Day 1: O.K. Corral + Allen Street + gunfight show | Day 2: Courthouse museum + Bird Cage + Boothill (unhurried) | Ghost tour night (the town hits different after dark) |
| 3 Days (“Two Towns” Combo) | Day 1: Trolley tour + O.K. Corral + Allen Street wandering | Day 2: Museums + Boothill + ghost tour | Day 3: Add Bisbee (best pairing) or do a Tucson-based guided combo day |
| Attraction | Why go | 2026 details | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| O.K. Corral | Iconic gunfight + full historic complex | Open 9–5 daily (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas). Gunfight shows: 11am, 1pm, 3pm. Historama shows: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm. | Details → |
| Boothill Graveyard | Classic Tombstone history + famous graves | Open daily 8am–5pm. $6 admission. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas. | Details → |
| Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park | Best museum stop (guns, glitter, history) | Summer hours (Jun 1–Sept 30): 9–3. Fall–spring (Oct 1–May 31): 9–4:30. Fees: Adult $10, Youth $5, kids 0–6 free. | Details → |
FOOD + DRINKS IN TOMBSTONE (SALOONS INCLUDED)
| Spot | Best for | Why it works | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Nose Kate’s Saloon & Restaurant | Dinner + live entertainment | Peak Tombstone saloon energy, great “end the day” spot. | Menu + info → |
| Crystal Palace Saloon & Restaurant | Classic long bar + Old West vibes | Historic “this is Tombstone” atmosphere (often live music). | Info → |
| The Longhorn Restaurant | BBQ + hearty comfort food | Reliable “big meal” stop after you’ve walked Allen Street twice. | Menu + info → |
| Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon & Theatre | Drink + show vibes | Historic saloon stop with entertainment (great “nightcap”). | Info → |
| Tombstone Brewing Co. | Beer + laid-back break | Good reset spot if you’ve done museums and need a breather. | Taproom → |
| Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor | Dessert + fudge + treats | Perfect “reward” stop before the drive back. | Treats → |
WHERE TO STAY IN TOMBSTONE?
| Stay | Best for | Why it works | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Russ House | Historic charm + walkable | Boutique feel right in town. | Check rates → |
| Inn History Tombstone | Best reviewed “close to everything” stay | Modern comfort + Tombstone storytelling. | Check rates → |
| Larian Motel | Budget + location | Easy base for a one-night Tombstone run. | Check rates → |
| Tombstone Grand Hotel (Baymont by Wyndham) | Family-friendly amenities | Good “easy logistics” choice. | Check rates → |
| Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch | Unique “Old West” stay | Great if you want the theme without the crowds. | Check rates → |
- Vigilante Days: Feb 14–15, 2026 (street shows + re-enactments).
- Annual Wine Celebration: Apr 4, 2026.
- Rose Tree Festival: Apr 11–12, 2026.
- Helldorado Days: Oct 16–18, 2026 (the big one).
TOMBSTONE FAQS
Yes. It’s the most “Wild West on display” town in Arizona with gunfight shows, historic saloons, museums, and famous sites like O.K. Corral and Boothill.
A half day covers highlights. One night is ideal if you want a ghost tour and a less rushed experience.
No. Tombstone is a living town, so there’s no entrance fee, but attractions charge admission.
O.K. Corral is the classic first stop, then do Boothill for the “Tombstone ending.”
Typically 11am, 1pm, and 3pm (with extra shows added when busy). Always check the official schedule before you go.
It’s typically open 8am–5pm daily, admission is $6, and it’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Yes. Kids love the shows, museums, and “Old West set” vibe. Just plan water and shade in warmer months.
Spring and fall are best for walking. Event weekends are fun but busier.
Yes, and it’s one of the best Southern Arizona combos: Tombstone for Wild West history, Bisbee for artsy mining-town vibes.
Stay in Tombstone if you want to walk to everything and experience the town at night. Stay outside if you want more modern chain-hotel options.
