Things to Do in Tombstone, Arizona: Gunfights, Saloons, and History
A visit to modern-day Tombstone, Arizona, will transport you back to the 1880s and the “Wild West.”
It became one of the most iconic towns of the American West, known for its rich history of mining, lawlessness, and the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The names Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday are still synonymous with Tombsone.
After the silver mines closed, Tombstone was reborn as a tourist destination. Today, visitors can stroll down Allen Street, see historical reenactments, and immerse themselves in Western history.
Key Info on Visiting Tombstone
- 190 miles from Phoenix
- 75 miles from Tucson
- Allen Street is lined with the O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theater, saloons, and more.
- Tombstone is pedestrian-friendly, and entirely walkable.
Tombstone Tours
Every time I’ve been to Tombstone, I’ve seen people who are REALLY into the history of the town. Whether that’s you, or you’re just looking for some entertainment, there are a few different show and tour options to choose from.
➡️ Click to Book: Phoenix to Tombstone Day Trip
➡️ Click to Book: Tucson to Tombstone
For the O.K. Corral and other gunfight reenactments, you can book online in advance, or when you arrive in Tombstone.
Where to Stay in Tombstone
There are a few hotel and rental options in Tombstone to choose from. Another option would be to stay in nearby Bisbee, AZ. I’ve centered this interactive map on Tombstone. You can plug in your dates to check rooms and rates for your visit.
The O.K. Corral
The most famous event in Tombstone’s history occurred on October 26, 1881. Brothers and lawmen Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, along with Doc Holliday, clashed with the Clanton-McLaury gang.
The gunfight resulted from tensions over law enforcement, cattle rustling, and personal grudges.
The shootout lasted only about 30 seconds but resulted in the deaths of Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers. It became a symbol of the “law versus outlaw” struggle in the Wild West.
The Modern-Day O.K. Corral in Tombstone
The original gunfight in 1881 did not occur within the O.K. Corral, but in a lot behind it. The O.K. Corral itself was a stable and livestock yard.
The current O.K. Corral is largely a replica, built in the 1950s, including exhibits, reenactments, and a museum.
Gunfight Reenactments:
- Live performances of the famous gunfight take place several times daily. These staged shows provide a dramatized, entertaining version of the events.
- Actors in period costumes recreate the tension and chaos of the 1881 shootout in the “Streets of Tombstone Theater.”
- You’ll also come across other gunfight reenactments in town.
Museum and Exhibits:
- Today’s O.K. Corral includes a museum showcasing artifacts, photographs, and information about the historical figures involved in the gunfight.
Visiting Information
For a $10 ticket, purchased on-site, you can see the gunfight reenactment, and tour the museum.
- Hours: The O.K. Corral is typically open daily, with several shows.
- Tickets: Admission usually includes access to the reenactments, museum exhibits, and audio tours.
The Bird Cage: One of Tombstone’s Originals
The Bird Cage Theatre is one of the few remaining original buildings from Tombstone’s heyday.
Built in 1881, the Bird Cage was a combination saloon, theater, gambling hall, and brothel, operating 24/7 for years.
The building’s walls still bear bullet holes, and it’s rumored to be haunted. Today, the Bird Cage is a museum, showcasing original artifacts and offering tours that delve into its notorious past.
The Tombstone Courthouse
The Tombstone Courthouse, built in 1882 when Tombstone was the Cochise County Seat, is now a state historic park and museum.
The two-story Victorian courthouse is one of the original buildings in town still standing, and is a short walk from the saloons and sites on Allen Street.
Hours & Fees
- Adults: $7
- Kids: $2
- Summer Hours: 9am-3pm (June-September)
- Fall/Spring: 9am-4:30pm (October-May)
Other Original Tombstone Buildings:
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1882): The oldest Protestant church in Arizona still in use.
- Crystal Palace Saloon (1879): Originally a saloon and the Golden Eagle Brewery.
- Schieffelin Hall (1881): Built as an adobe theater and community center
- Boot Hill Graveyard: Tombstone’s original cemetery, where many from the O.K. Corral gunfight are buried.
Tombstone’s Saloons & Shops on Allen Street
Allen Street is lined with saloons, shops, and attractions that celebrate the American West.
You’ll find everything from leather shops to espresso shops to wineries selling bottles made in nearby Sonoita.
Crystal Palace Saloon
- Originally the Golden Eagle Brewery in 1879, it became the Crystal Palace in 1882.
- Popular for its bar and balcony overlooking the street, offering a great spot for people-watching.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon
- Formerly the Grand Hotel, it was renamed after Big Nose Kate, Doc Holliday’s girlfriend.
- It’s a lively saloon with live music, and staff dressed in western wear.
- Check the “Underground Room,” for remnants of the original Grand Hotel.
A Brief History of Tombstone
If you’re looking for some basic background on Tombstone before your visit, here we go:
Founded in 1877
- Prospector Ed Schieffelin discovered silver in the area.
- Miners, investors, and entrepreneurs turned Tombstone into a thriving boomtown.
- By the early 1880s, it had a population of about 15,000 people.
The Wild West
- Tombstone’s mines produced millions of dollars worth of silver, attracting gamblers and outlaws.
- The rapid population growth came with feuds, cattle rustling, and gang fights. The town gained notoriety for its rough-and-tumble lifestyle.
Ghost Town
- By the late 1880s, Tombstone’s silver mines flooded. Pumping water became too expensive, as the price of silver fell.
- Many residents left the area, and Tombstone became a shadow of its former self, and nearly a ghost town.
Revival & Preservation
- In the 20th century, efforts were made to preserve Tombstone’s historical buildings and legacy.
- The town was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1961.
Vigilante Sundays & Events in Tombstone
The reenactment group “Tombstone Vigilantes” (and Vigilettes) meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. They perform free shows on Allen Street.
On one of our visits, we were lucky to watch reenactment groups from around the country convene to perform through the day on Allen Street.
Annual Tombstone Events
- Wyatt Earp Days (April)
- Film Fest (January)
- Festival of Western Books (March)
- Wine Festival (April, but varies)
The Best Time to Visit: Seasons in Tombstone
As you’d expect: Tombstone (like much of Arizona) is HOT in the summer. The winters are generally mild. Spring and fall are very enjoyable.
Winter (December to February)
- Average Highs: 55°F to 65°F
- Average Lows: 30°F to 40°F
- Nights can get cold, near freezing with snow on rare occasions.
Spring (March to May)
- Average Highs: 65°F to 85°F
- Average Lows: 35°F to 50°F
- The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it an ideal time to visit Tombstone.
Summer (June to August)
- Average Highs: 85°F to 95°F
- Average Lows: 60°F to 70°F
- Temperatures soar into the mid-90s during the day. The monsoon season typically begins in July and lasts into September, bringing sudden, intense thunderstorms.
Autumn (September to November)
- Average Highs: 70°F to 85°F
- Average Lows: 45°F to 55°F
- Fall is one of the best times to visit Tombstone, with warm days and cool nights.
More Photos of Tombstone
How Tombstone Got its Name
I always figured the town got its name from some sort of Wild West gunfight, but thinking more about it … I realized that wouldn’t make sense.
Turns out, the name “Tombstone” comes from a sarcastic warning given to the town’s founder, Ed Schieffelin.
Before he found silver, soldiers at Fort Huachuca told him that all he’d find in the wilderness was his tombstone.
The name stuck, after the town became a mining mecca.
Tombstone later gained the nickname: “The Town Too Tough to Die.” It’s a nod to its resilience through economic collapse and its rebirth as a historical destination.
Other Things to Do Near Tombstone
Southern Arizona is a great road trip destination, because you can explore a lot of history and natural beauty. I love sending people on a road trip from Phoenix to a range of sites, including:
- Saguaro National Park
- San Xavier Mission
- Picacho Peak State Park
- Kartchner Caverns State Park (photo below)
- Chiricahua National Monument
- The wineries in Sonoita & Elgin, including Dos Cabezas, Los Milics, and Rune Wineworks
- Bisbee
- The retro town of Lowell, AZ (near Bisbee)
