As you visit Tombstone, Arizona, you truly are stepping into history as you walk along the same dusty street as many of the West’s most notorious characters.
This 1880s silver mining boomtown was made infamous by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, the Gunfight at O.K. Corral, and a little help from Hollywood.
Tombstone has seen its fair share of devastation but the town has a fighting spirit. As thousands of tourists visit each year, it continues to live up to its legend as “The Town Too Tough to Die”.
We have visited Tombstone a few times and I’m here to share the best things to do in Tombstone, AZ so that you can make the most of your time there!
Best Things to Do in Tombstone, Arizona
Table of Contents
- 1. See the Gunfight at O.K. Corral
- 2. Visit the Historama Theater
- 3. Pick up a newspaper at the Tombstone Epitaph
- 4. Tour C.S. Fly’s Photo Gallery
- 5. Stroll Along Allen Street
- 6. Tour the Goodenough Silver Mine
- 7. Take a Ride on a Stage Coach
- 8. Visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
- 9. See The World’s Largest Rose Tree
- 10. Drive by Historic Buildings
- 11. Visit Famous Gravesites at Boothill Graveyard
1. See the Gunfight at O.K. Corral
Watching the re-enactment of the Gunfight at O.K. Corral is the biggest draw and one of the top things to do in Tombstone. I would recommend starting your day off here to learn the history and backstory.
You’ll purchase tickets at the gift shop and museum where you can also view some paraphernalia from the Old West.
Head out back to the corrals where you can see antique cowboy saddles and gear.
Then visit the Cowboy Bunkhouse where the caretaker tended the cattle and doubled as the local undertaker.
You can also see the original Corral office to learn about daily life in the Corral, the two murders that happened here, and why the famous Gunfight didn’t happen inside the OK Corral.
Visitors can also pan for gemstones, sit in a buggy, walk through the blacksmith shop, and even view a prostitute crib.
Prostitution was legal in Tombstone and you’ll see evidence of it throughout the town. I did appreciate that it wasn’t done in a salacious manner, but was merely historically documented.
They have also erected life-sized figures of the eight gunfighters in the exact location of the original O.K. Corral gunfight.
The gunfight actually took place on a vacant lot off Fremont Street adjacent to the O.K. Corral and C.S. Fly’s Photo Studio and 12-room boarding house.
The gunfight re-enactments are held daily at 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm.
You will be seated on bleachers at the “Streets of Tombstone Theater” and watch the action play out on the outdoor set.
The show was unexpectedly entertaining and funny, we all really enjoyed it.
The guns were a bit loud during the 30-second showdown, so use caution with younger kids. Of course, that was my boys’ favorite part.
The actors did a great job and afterward they’ll stick around for handshakes and pictures.
Tickets to the show also include admission to the Historama theater, as well as a free newspaper souvenir at the Tombstone Epitaph.
The O.K. Corral is located next to the small Tombstone City Park. There is parking available here and it is a great place to let the kids get out some energy on the swings!
2. Visit the Historama Theater
Your ticket to the gunfight also includes admission to the Historama Theater. It is located next door to the O.K. Corral and is a great place to brush up on your Tombstone history.
The Historama theater consists of a large-scale rotating diorama. The narrator delves into the area’s history, highlighting several major events that shaped this mining town.
The setup seems a bit hokey, but the show was informative and held my kids’ attention the majority of the time. There are sound and multimedia effects that keep it engaging.
I am a bit of a history nerd so I really enjoyed learning more about Tombstone beyond just the gunfight at O.K. Corral. The show is about 25 minutes long and was worth a stop.
3. Pick up a newspaper at the Tombstone Epitaph
The Epitaph is Arizona’s oldest newspaper and is still published today.
You can visit the print shop and museum and read the original reports of the gunfight in 1881.
If you purchase a ticket to the O.K. Corral gunfight you can also receive a copy of the original 1881 newspaper reporting about the gunfight.
You can tour the print shop to see the different machinery and printing presses used over the years.
You’ll also learn more interesting historical facts, like how the editor of The Epitaph is the one responsible for the capture of Geronimo, the Apache warrior.
4. Tour C.S. Fly’s Photo Gallery
Camillus “Buck” Sydney Fly was a legendary early photojournalist and well-known photographer in the Old West. He also happened to serve for two years as the Cochise County Sheriff.
C.S. Fly took the only known photos of Native Americans during the time that they were at war with the United States.
His photos of the negotiations between Geronimo and General George Crook are world-famous.
He also documented life in Tombstone and was a witness to the gunfight at O.K. Corral. The gunfight took place in the alley that bordered his studio.
The cowboys were there waiting for Doc Holiday to return to his rented room at the boarding house when the confrontation took place.
Once the shots started firing, Ike Clayton ran to take cover inside the studio. C.S. Fly was the one that disarmed Billy Clayton as he lay dying.
Many of his photos and negatives were lost in two devastating fires at his studio, and the majority of those that were salvaged have been donated to the Smithsonian Institute by his wife.
However, several photographs remain on display and can be viewed at the C.S. Fly Photo Gallery, including those of Geronimo.
You can also visit the boarding house where Big Nose Kate witnessed the gunfight.
5. Stroll Along Allen Street
The town of Tombstone is still relatively small but has grown to include residential housing, retail shops, businesses, and restaurants.
However, Allen Street has been preserved to reflect life in the 1880s. The street is closed to traffic and is a relatively short street that is easy to explore on foot.
Many of the original buildings were burned during multiple fires that raged through the town, but have since been rebuilt to look just as they did during those lawless days of the Wild West.
You’ll even see cowboys roaming the streets dressed up in boots, spurs, and holsters.
And if you are visiting at 1 pm you’ll be treated to a free daily gunfight show in the middle of Allen Street.
The residents of Tombstone are passionate about preserving the history and heritage of their town and it shows.
You’ll find cowboys dressed up who are more than happy to stop and chat or pose for a picture. This guy was so fun and was trying to teach my son how to do a tough cowboy face!
The O.K. Corral Historic Complex is located on Allen Street, but there are several other notable spots worth checking out along this dusty main street.
Crystal Palace Saloon
During its peak, Tombstone was home to over 100 saloons. The Crystal Palace Saloon, originally known as the Golden Eagle Brewing Company, was one of Tombstone’s very first saloons.
Wyatt Earp was a regular patron at the Crystal Palace, and US Deputy Marshal Virgil Earp had an office above the saloon.
Today you can grab a bite to eat or a cold drink in this historic location.
T. Miller’s Tombstone Mercantile and Hotel
T. Miller’s Tombstone Mercantile and Hotel is a great place to pop in and grab an ice cream cone at the old-fashioned soda bar.
The 1913 vintage bar is an original that came from the Bisbee/Warren Pharmacy.
You’ll also find a variety of souvenirs and gifts at the Antique and Cowboy Collectibles Store.
Bird Cage Theater
Across the street from the Tombstone Mercantile, you’ll find the Bird Cage Theater.
In 1882 the New York Times referred to this lusty den as the “wildest, wickedest night spot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast“
The Bird Cage Theater originally opened its doors in 1881 and aspired to be a family-friendly venue. This didn’t necessarily appeal to the rough mining crowd and soon earned its lewd reputation.
It was open 24 hours a day for nine years straight until the mines flooded and they were forced close the doors and board it up.
The Bird Cage was named for the 14 Bird Cages suspended from the ceiling where the soiled doves would lure the men.
Visitors today can view the bird cages with their original red velvet drapes, as well as the hand-painted stage and original curtain.
The Bird Cage was more than just a theater, it was also a saloon, gambling hall, and brothel.
A fun fact is that the longest poker game in history was actually played in the basement of the Bird Cage Theater and lasted for 8 years, 5 months and 3 days. The poker table still stands today.
It is estimated that there were 26 deaths and 16 gunfights in the theater during the 9 years that it was open. If you step inside the theater you can spot dozens of bullet holes in the wall, in fact, there are over 140 bullet holes throughout the building.
Today the Bird Cage Theater is a museum that can be toured for a fee. It is also a hot spot for paranormal activity and has been touted as the “Epicenter of the Paranormal” by The Travel Channel.
The History Channel has also referred to the Bird Cage Theater as “Ground Zero for the Paranormal“.
Evening ghost tours are available with a family-friendly tour and an adults-only tour.
However, you are free to step into the main foyer to take a peek at the bullet holes and see Tombstone’s only remaining bar in its original building.
In fact, the Bird Cage is Tombstone’s only historic landmark found in its original state.
Unlike many of the buildings that were ravished by fire, the Bird Cage was preserved and is still adorned with the original chandeliers, drapes, gambling tables, jukebox, grand piano, and 9-foot bar painting of Fatima that is marked with 6 bullet holes.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon stands where the Grand Hotel once stood. The hotel was one of the finest and most luxurious in the West, but after being open for only 2 years it was destroyed in a devastating fire.
Not much remains of the Grand Hotel, except for the long bar that you can now find at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.
Big Nose Kate was a prostitute (allegedly the first in Tombstone) and long-time girlfriend and common-law wife of Doc Holliday.
She supposedly got her nickname for being a gossip and sticking her nose in other people’s business.
Today Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is named as one of the best Old Western Bars in the United States.
Enjoy a meal, live music, and even take free photos behind the bar or on the piano while dressed up in period costumes.
Campbell & Hatch Billiards and Saloon
The Campbell & Hatch Billiards and Saloon located on Allen Street is where Morgan Earp was fatally shot in the back through the window of the door while playing cards.
Friends of the slain cowboys at the O.K. Corral gunfight were exacting their revenge. Two months earlier they ambushed Virgil and left him maimed.
The original building was burned, rebuilt, then closed during the prohibition era. It has since been reopened and serves as a historical marker.
6. Tour the Goodenough Silver Mine
Experience history as you tour the mine that was the main producer of silver in Tombstone, making it one of the richest mining towns in the West.
There are still miles of extensive mine tunnels that lie beneath the streets of Tombstone.
An entrance to one of the tunnels can even be found in the basement of Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.
Visitors can take an underground mine tour or an above-ground trolley tour to various landmarks.
During the tour, you will learn about daily life as a miner. You will see what silver ore looks like and how it was extracted.
The mine is located just south of Allen Street and tours are available.
7. Take a Ride on a Stage Coach
The Wells Fargo Stagecoach line played a large role in Tombstone’s history. It was used to transport mail, money, gold, goods, and passengers.
Unfortunately, stagecoach robberies were a way of life in the 1800s.
One of the more infamous robberies was when a driver and passenger were robbed and killed by a group of bandits.
Wells Fargo sent in their top detective to solve the case, but he blew it off saying that stagecoach robberies were soon to be a thing of the past.
He quickly learned that was not the case as his stagecoach was held up at gunpoint a year later while en route to Tombstone.
You’ll hear stories like this, as well as other interesting historical details while taking a 20-minute narrated ride through the streets of Tombstone.
Tours are run by the Old Butterfield Stage Coach Tour Company.
Tickets can be purchased from a booth on Allen Street near the O.K. Corral. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids, 6 years and under are free.
8. Visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Tombstone served as the county seat when Cochise County was formed in 1881. The county seat was moved to Bisbee in 1931 and the courthouse remains as a historic museum.
The museum is rich in history and houses several exhibits including a replica sheriff’s office, courtroom, jail, mining exhibit, and a saloon and gambling room.
In the outdoor courtyard, you’ll find a reproduction of the gallows where many convicted murderers were put to death.
Shaded picnic tables are also available on the grounds of the courthouse.
9. See The World’s Largest Rose Tree
Who would have guessed that the largest rose tree in the world resides in the barren desert of Tombstone, Arizona?
The story of how this rose tree came to be is actually quite remarkable.
Cuttings from a Scottish rose tree were sent to a young bride from her family in Scotland when she was feeling homesick.
She planted it on the grounds of the Arcade Boarding House where she was living. Against all odds, the Scottish rose tree grew and still continues to grow today.
The boarding house later became the Rose Tree Inn and today it stands as the Rose Tree Museum.
Guests can still book an overnight stay in one of the suites, or the $5 admission will allow you to visit the museum and rose tree.
The rose tree, also referred to as “Tombstone’s Real Shady Lady”, has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and covers over 5,000 square feet.
The best time to visit is in the spring when it blooms for about 6 weeks between March and April.
10. Drive by Historic Buildings
Many historic buildings are scattered around Tombstone and are not just confined to Allen Street.
You can take a trolley or stagecoach tour to discover the history of these landmarks, but you can also find many of them just by driving around town.
While the rowdy residents of Tombstone could be found at the Bird Cage Theater, the more respectable citizens could be found at Schieffelin Hall.
Shieffelin Hall was a prominent entertainment venue that was used as a theater, recital hall, and location for town meetings.
As a side note, this is also considered the largest standing adobe structure in the Southwest.
It is here that Morgan Earp attended a performance with his brother Wyatt before heading to play cards at Cambell & Hatch’s Saloon where he met his fate.
Across the street from Schieffelin Hall, you’ll find the Tombstone City Hall.
This fired red brick building has been in continuous operation since 1882 and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still in use today and houses the mayor and city offices.
Just south of Allen Street you’ll find this adobe home that was built in 1882.
I love reading the plaques that accompany these historic landmarks, it really makes the history come alive.
11. Visit Famous Gravesites at Boothill Graveyard
I was not expecting much when we visited the Boothill Graveyard and was pleasantly surprised at how fascinating it really was.
This plot of land was originally referred to as the City Cemetary.
Back then, “Boot Hill” was a common name given to graveyards where a number of gunfighters and outlaws were buried after dying violent deaths with “their boots still on”. Hence the name, Boothill Graveyard.
Here you’ll find the graves of Billy Clanton, Frank McLaury, and Tom McLaury, the three victims of the gunfight at O.K. Corral.
The cemetery holds over 300 graves but not all of the occupants were outlaws.
The cemetery is the final resting place for businessmen, housewives, miners, prostitutes, gamblers, and a number of Tombstone’s residents.
The City Cemetery was closed in 1886 when the new Tombstone Cemetery was built on Allen Street.
After years of neglect, many of the grave markers were faded and unreadable.
A group of interested citizens volunteered their time to research burial records. They also met with relatives and older residents to identify and properly mark the gravesites.
What made a trip to this graveyard so intriguing was the way they marked each grave with the cause of death.
Some were pretty entertaining with little rhymes, but overall it was so interesting to see what hardships they faced back then and how different our lives are today.
There is a small museum and gift shop as well. Entrance is only $3 and you’ll receive a brochure cataloging each of the gravesites with the name, year, and details surrounding the death.
The Boothill Graveyard is located on your way out of town and is worth a stop! You can also view “The Black Moriah”, the original Boothill hearse in the Bird Cage Theater.
This hearse was used to transport all but 6 people to their final resting place in Boothill Graveyard.
The car is trimmed in 24-carat gold leaf and sterling silver and is considered Tombstone’s most valuable antique.
There are several more lesser-known ghost towns near Tombstone, check out our guide 11 of the Coolest Ghost Towns in Arizona for more information.
And if you’re planning to pass through Tucson on your way to Tombstone, check out our guide for 10 Fun Things to Do in Tucson.
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Where to stay at Tombstone
If you’re looking for the authentic Tombstone experience, I can’t recommend Tombstone Monument Ranch enough!
This dude ranch offers horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, family-friendly poker nights, and a variety of ranch activities.
It is located only about 3 miles outside of Tombstone and is the perfect home base.
The ranch is designed to look like a miniature Allen Street and the front of each guest room is a faux storefront. My kids got a kick out of staying in Doc Holliday’s Dentist Office.
We absolutely loved staying at Tombstone Monument Ranch, it made our Tombstone adventure so much more memorable.
I would also highly recommend taking a day trip to the quirky mining town of Bisbee. Read our Bisbee Guide to discover the best things to do there and find out why we loved it so much!
Many people may argue that Tombstone is a bit of a tourist trap, and it can be. However, it is such an iconic piece in the history of the Wild West and is worth a stop on your Arizona road trip!
We loved our time there and hope that this guide has helped you discover the best things to do in Tombstone!
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I really appreciate all the effort you took to make this post and look forward to checking out Tombstone.
Thanks so much for your kind comment, I hope you enjoy visiting Tombstone!