10 Things to do in Tombstone Arizona

This guide to the best things to do in Tombstone Arizona will help you plan your first visit to this historic city.

Nestled in the sultry Arizona desert, Tombstone is most famously known for the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881.

This action-packed confrontation between the Earp brothers, Doc Holliday, and a group of outlaws still echoes in the annals of American history. However, Tombstone’s allure doesn’t stop there.

Tombstone Arizona a virtual time capsule of Western nostalgia, with its historic saloons, stagecoach tours, and lively reenactments.

The town has done a nice job of preserving the history of the area making Tombstone a great day trip destination while visiting Arizona.

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Things to do in Tombstone Arizona

In this post I’m going to share the top 10 things to do in Tombstone Arizona. These are the city’s most popular attractions that draw visitors to this remarkably fun old west town.

I recommend planning to spend one afternoon in Tombstone, or about two to three hours. If you’d like to get photos while you’re there, plan to arrive around 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to beat the crowds.

If I were to return my Tombstone itinerary would look like this.

9:30 a.m. – Arrive and find a free parking spot along one of the side streets. I parked just around the corner from Big Nose Kate’s Saloon on the corner of Allen and 4th.

9:45 a.m. – Walk over to the OK Corral complex and purchase your tickets for the gunfight reenactment at 11:00 a.m. (This is the first one, otherwise you’ll have to wait until 1:00 p.m. ) Tickets must be purchased on site and are $10.

10:00 a.m. – Spend the next 1 hour exploring the historic center of Tombstone. There’s lots to see but it’s all in a small area.

10:55 a.m. – Enjoy the gunfight show at the OK Corral. The show lasts about 30 minutes.

11:30 a.m. – Grab some drinks and lunch at Big Note Kate’s Saloon.

1:00 p.m. – Visit the Boothill Graveyard.

After you’ve finished at Boothill Graveyard you can either head down to Bisbee, or treat yourself to a visit to Chiricahua National Monument. I headed to Chiricahua and loved it.

Tombstone Tours

If you’d like a more immersive experience during your visit to Tombstone, there are several fun guided tours you can take during your visit.

The most popular tour is the Tombstone Trolley Tour. The Tombstone Trolley Tours are just 30 minutes long but they’re a fun way to learn about the history of the city.

The Bullets and Bordellos is perfect if you’re into ghost tours. Dead Man’s Tails is another popular ghost tour in Tombstone. Both of these tours last about 90 minutes.

OK Corral

A visit to the OK Corral is a must while exploring Tombstone. This is the location of the notorious 1881 gunfight and it’s modern day reenactment.

The OK Corral offers the live gunfight show three times daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased on site the day of.

I recommend picking up your tickets to the gunfight as soon as you arrive. Afterwards stick around to explore the Tombstone Historama and Tombstone Epitaph newspaper museum.

At the Tombstone Historama you can learn all about the history of the city. At the Tombstone Epitaph, the museum of Arizona’s oldest newspaper, you can view the original reports of the 1881 OK Corral gunfight.

Allen Street

East Allen Street in Tombstone, Arizona, remains an enchanting witness to a time when cowboys, gunfights, and sarsaparilla reigned supreme. Sauntering down this storied avenue feels like taking a step back in time.

Lined with rustic saloons, vintage storefronts, and bewitching wooden boardwalks, Allen Street effortlessly evokes images of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp sauntering into the OK Corral.

As the main thoroughfare through the town, this is where you’ll find many of the biggest Tombstone attractions including the OK Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, and Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.

You’ll also find clothing and souvenir shops and even a wine tasting room.

Mine Underground Tour

Since the city of Tombstone began as a silver mining town, learning about its mining history is a great way to learn more about the town.

The Good Enough Silver Mine was Tombstone’s major silver producer which began operations back in 1879.

Today, visitors can take a guided 45 minute tour of the perfectly preserved hard rock mine.

On the guided tour you’ll get to learn about what life was like for silver miners back in the day including how much they worked and what conditions were like in the mine.

You’ll also get to see what silver ore looks like and learn about the mining process.

Gunfighter Hall of Fame

The Gunfighter Hall of Fame is the perfect stop for those of you really into old west history. The museum features all sorts of memorabilia and historical items.

The museum and items on display are privately owned so I’m unsure of the authenticity of the items on display. However, this is an interesting stop while you’re in the area.

The Gunfighter Hall of Fame is located just next door to the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park.

The hours are a bit sporadic, so I would just check and see if they’re open when you’re nearby.

The Rose Tree Museum, home to the world’s largest rose tree, is also just across the street from here and is an interesting stop as well.

Tombstone Saloon Theatre

The Tombstone Saloon Theater features live performances of several different gunfights in Tombstone’s history.

While I did not get to attend a show during my own visit to Tombstone, I am told the shows here are excellent. In fact, people often recommend this show over the one at the OK Corral.

So if you’re in the area when they are open I highly recommend stopping in to see a show.

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, positioned just off East Allen Street, offers a fascinating snapshot into Arizona’s Wild West history.

Housing one of the most authentic 19th century courthouses, this historic site allows visitors to delve into the captivating stories of outlaws, miners, and pioneers of the American Frontier.

As you wander through the corridors of the red brick Cochise County Courthouse Museum, you’ll uncover intriguing artifacts, photographs, and exhibits showcasing Tombstone’s raucous past.

Not only does this park commemorate the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but it also highlights the area’s silver mining boom, which significantly transformed the landscape of the Southwest.

No visit to Tombstone would be complete without stepping foot inside the Courthouse State Historic Park, a testament to the rich tapestry of a bygone era.

Bird Cage Theatre

The Bird Cage Theatre stands as a testament to the lively and colorful history of the Wild West.

This storied establishment originally opened its doors in 1881, captivating visitors with its unique combination of entertainment and vice, including gambling, liquor, and even ladies of the night.

Today, tourists have the opportunity to delve into this fascinating past through guided tours of the still intact original structure, where bullet holes can be seen scattered across the walls, maintaining the authenticity of the theatre’s notorious heritage.

Some may even consider the Bird Cage Theater to be haunted, as the spirits of its former patrons purportedly linger to share their tales of ambition, desire, and danger.

Whether seeking to gain insights into the culture of the Old West or simply to venture into the realm of the unknown, a trip to the Bird Cage Theatre promises to be an enthralling and enriching experience.

Cabal Cellars Wine Tasting

If you’re interested in trying local Arizona wine while you’re exploring Tombstone, Cabal Cellars has a wine tasting room right on East Allen Street.

Cabal Cellars is a collaboration between Passion Cellars and Salvatore Vineyards who grow their wine in nearby Wilcox, Arizona.

You can stop in for a glass of their Chardonnay, Malbec, or Syrah wines including a few others.

Cabal Cellars is open daily at 11:00 a.m.

Big Nose Kate Saloon

Big Nose Kate’s Saloon has come a long way since its establishment in the 19th century. This rich piece of history is named after the famous Big Nose Kate, who was well known as the companion of the legendary gunfighter, Doc Holliday.

Today, the saloon not only serves as an endearing remnant of the late 1880s, but it also functions as a popular venue for people seeking a vibrant atmosphere while indulging in delicious food and drinks.

With an educational tinge to its ambiance, visitors can catch a glimpse of the past while partaking in live music and entertainment events reminiscent of the bygone era.

Big Nose Kate’s Saloon serves beer, wine and cocktails and a full lunch and dinner menu. The food selections range from burgers and sandwiches to pizzas and calzones.

A quick note, Big Nose Kate’s opens at 10:00 a.m. daily but does not begin serving food until 11:00 a.m.

In my opinion, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is the perfect last stop in the Tombstone historic center before heading over to Boothill Graveyard.

Also, the Crystal Palace Saloon just down the street is another great option if Big Nose Kate’s is too crowded.

The Oriental Saloon can be another option as well, which I believe also has a live gunfight performance.

Also, before driving over to the Boothill Graveyard you may also want to walk over to the Wyatt Earp House which is located about two blocks from the OK Corral on Fremont Street.

Boothill Graveyard

Among the many remnants of the old west, the Boothill Graveyard stands as a haunting testimony to the arduous life led by the inhabitants of the time.

Established in the late 1870s, this historic cemetery of Tombstone shelters the final resting place of outlaws, as well as ordinary citizens who all lived and died in the midst of gunslingers and vigilante justice.

Entrenched in legends and enigmatic tales, Boothill Graveyard occupies a unique place in American history, concealing within its borders the very essence of the perilous yet captivating Wild West.

Visitors to Boothill Graveyard can walk through the aisles lined with weathered wooden gravestones and read about the lives and often untimely deaths of those buried here.

There is also a gift shop on site for those looking to pick up Tombstone souvenirs before heading home.

If you have extra time to spend in the area you can also visit the historic Gleason Jail in the nearby ghost town of Gleason, Arizona. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Tombstone.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the 10 best things to do in Tombstone Arizona and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. As always, thanks so much for reading.