Tombstone Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich Tombstone in Southeast Arizona with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the must-visit sights, best things to do, and insider tips for your trip to this historic Wild West town.


Introduction to Tombstone

Tombstone, often known as “The Town Too Tough to Die,” is a historic Wild West town located in Southeast Arizona. Visitors from around the world come to Tombstone to witness the old western ambiance, walk in the footsteps of famous outlaws and lawmen, and experience its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.

List of Places to Visit in Tombstone

Tombstone is a small and compact town, and tourists can easily explore its major attractions on foot. Here is a list of must-visit places in Tombstone, AZ.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • OK Corral: This is where the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place on October 26, 1881, and changed the history of Tombstone forever.
  • Bird Cage Theatre: A preserved theater that is known for its colorful history of gambling, prostitution, and violence.
  • Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: A museum that exhibits the history of Tombstone and the Wild West.
  • Tombstone Epitaph: A famous local newspaper from the 19th century that is still in circulation and has a museum in its honor.
  • Rose Tree Museum: This museum showcases the world’s largest rose bush, which was planted in Tombstone in the late 1800s.
  • Boothill Graveyard: The final resting place for the many outlaws, lawmen, and pioneers in the Wild West.

Natural Attractions of Tombstone: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tombstone Monument Ranch: A premier guest ranch that offers horseback riding, cattle drives, and other outdoor activities.
  • Cochise Stronghold: A scenic natural area with hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities.
  • Bisbee: A nearby historic mining town that is worth exploring for its art galleries, antique shops, and picturesque views.
  • Kartchner Caverns State Park: A state park known for its stunning limestone caves, located about an hour away from Tombstone.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tombstone

The rugged terrain of Southeast Arizona, with its rolling hills and canyons, offers stunning landscape views, making it an ideal destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best trails in Tombstone:

  • Empire Ranch Trail
  • Coronado National Forest
  • Miller Canyon Trail
  • Turquoise Trail

Best Things to Do in Tombstone: Activities and Tours

Apart from the cultural and natural attractions of Tombstone, there are also several activities and tours that visitors can enjoy during their stay:

  • Helicopter Tour: Get a bird’s-eye view of Tombstone and the surrounding area on a helicopter tour.
  • Ghost Tours: Explore Tombstone’s haunted past on various ghost tours offered in the town.
  • Gunfight Shows: Watch reenactments of the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and other Western scenes.
  • Horseback Riding: Explore the nature and beautiful landscapes surrounding Tombstone on horseback.
  • Whiskey Row Tours: Visit saloons, dance halls, and other historic establishments from the wild west on whiskey row tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tombstone

Here is a week-long itinerary for Tombstone, outlining how visitors can explore all the major attractions in and around Tombstone.

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and Rose Tree Museum
Day 2 Explore the outdoors with hiking and horseback riding
Day 3 Experience the Western history by visiting Birdcage Theatre, and Boothill Graveyard
Day 4 Discover local flavors on a food and drink walking tour
Day 5 Visit the nearby Bisbee and Cochise Stronghold
Day 6 Take a helicopter tour and get a birds-eye view of Tombstone
Day 7 Wrap up the trip with a ghost tour or whiskey row tour

Food and Drink Scene of Tombstone

When it comes to food and drinks, Tombstone has several restaurants and bars that serve delicious dishes and local specialty beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mesquite-grilled steak: A signature dish of Tombstone, known for its unique flavor.
  • Sonoran hot dog: A Mexican-style hot dog served with beans, onions, tomatoes, and other toppings.
  • Fry bread: A popular Native American dish, served with beans, cheese, and meat toppings.

Local Beverages

  • Sarsaparilla: A non-alcoholic, root beer-like drink that was popular in the Wild West era.
  • Prickly pear cactus juice: A refreshing and healthy drink with a sweet and tart flavor.

Where to Stay in Tombstone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tombstone has several options for accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the best-rated places to stay in Tombstone include:

  • Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch
  • Larian Motel
  • Tombstone Bordello Bed and Breakfast

What to Buy in Tombstone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tombstone is famous for its Western-themed souvenirs and local products that make great gifts for friends and family back home. Here are some of the best places to shop in Tombstone:

  • Tombstone Harley-Davidson: A store that sells Harley-Davidson merchandise and other Western souvenirs.
  • Toughnut Mining Co.: A gift shop that specializes in rocks, minerals, and other unique products.
  • Tombstone Art Gallery: A gallery that showcases local artwork and crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Tombstone

Tombstone is a town with deep Western roots and a unique culture that celebrates its history. Visitors are encouraged to respect and honor the local customs and traditions of Tombstone.

Best Time to Visit Tombstone

The best time to visit Tombstone is from October through April, when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the outdoors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tombstone

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Tombstone:

Do:

  • Respect the town’s Wild West history and customs.
  • Visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and other historical sites for a better understanding of the town’s history.
  • Explore the outdoors and take advantage of the stunning landscape and views.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of locals without their permission.
  • Litter or damage historical sites or natural areas.
  • Disrespect the local culture and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tombstone

Tombstone is generally a safe town, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety. Always be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Tombstone

Visitors should avoid dehydration and sunburn by drinking plenty of water and wearing sunscreen. Also, be cautious of any venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes in the outdoors.

Getting to Tombstone: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tombstone

The nearest airports to Tombstone are:

  • Tucson International Airport
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Bus Stations Near Tombstone

There are no bus stations in Tombstone, but visitors can take a Greyhound or Trailways bus to a nearby town and take a taxi or a private transfer to Tombstone.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car for their transportation needs or take a shuttle service offered by some local transportation companies.

How to Get Around in Tombstone

Tombstone is a small town, and visitors can explore most of the attractions on foot. However, there are also horse-drawn carriages, trolleys, and private tours available for visitors who prefer not to walk.

Where to Go Next from Tombstone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions from Tombstone include:

  • Saguaro National Park: A scenic national park located about an hour away from Tombstone and is known for its giant saguaro cacti.
  • Tubac: A charming artisan village located in the Santa Cruz River Valley.
  • Benson: A nearby town known for its Railroad and Transportation Museum and Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Conclusion

With its rich history, natural beauty, and Western charm, Tombstone is an exciting destination that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Tombstone and make the most of your stay in one of the most authentically preserved Wild West towns in the United States.

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