Top 10 Things to do in Tombstone, Arizona
Written and Photographed by Randy and Caly Behymer
Tombstone is a historic Old West mining town made famous by a silver boom in the late 1800’s, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. What many people don’t know is there is so much more to Tombstone than just infamous law men and outlaws. So, get ready to saddle up and explore Tombstone – you may be surprised at all this small, almost ghost town has to offer!
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Tombstone, Arizona by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly, Nova Fleury and Toni Jo talk about Tombstone on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Grab a Brew or Vino – Though the town is small in size, there are several options to choose from if you are looking for a great brew or a glass of wine. Tombstone Brewing company offers IPAs, a Berliner Weisse and seasonal ales. Enjoy a glass of wine at Silver Strike Winery or Cabal Cellars. Both serve great, local, Arizona wines.
9. Ride a Stagecoach – You see them rumbling through the streets, large, red carriages pulled by two, stout horses. Guests can enjoy a quick ride around town as popular sites are pointed out as the stagecoach driver narrates the ride. It’s a great way to get an overview of some of what there is to see in town.
8. Belly Up to a Bar – Bellying up to a bar is almost a rite of passage in this town. With so many great historic saloon options, finding a place to grab a cool libation is easy. Big Nose Kate’s, Doc Holliday’s and Crystal Palace Saloons are all great options that offer up an authentic, western atmosphere. Pro tip – ask for a shot of Old Overholt, which is the oldest brand of whisky found in the US and was the whiskey of choice in Tombstone in the 1800’s. You may just find yourself yelling “yee-haw” as you order another round.
7. Great Eats – When you are done grabbing a cold brew at a historic bar, now it’s time to grab some delicious food. From options ranging from bar-b-que to a sandwich shop to a steakhouse to great American fare found at most of the saloons, you are sure to find the perfect meal. After your meal, be sure to check out the Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor or Grandma Fudpuckers for dessert. And top it all off with an authentic rootbeer from Sarsaparilla Emporium.
6. Shop, Shop, Shop – You could spend a day just perusing and shopping at all the great boutiques in Tombstone. Here, you can find just about anything Western and not. From clothing to souvenirs, jewelry and antiques, you are sure to find the perfect bit of Tombstone to take home with you. After spending a day in town, you may find yourself looking for the perfect pair of spurs and chaps – and Tombstone has it.
5. Dig into History – Finding history in Tombstone is easy. The town is a living, breathing piece of history. The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is home to reconstructed gallows, historic documents and photos, artifacts and even mining exhibits. House in a gorgeous 1882 building that served as the county’s legal center until 1929.
4. Tour the Town with Arizona Bill – Do yourself a favor and book a tour with Bill. Incredibly informative and entertaining, Bill walks you through the heart of the historic district, sharing the history of the town along with locations to check out after dark. Though not a ghost tour, Bill points out numerous locations to visit after the sun goes down – if you dare.
3. Boothill Graveyard – In such a lawless town, a visit to the cemetery is a must. Laid out in 1878 as the town cemetery, it quickly filled up by the early 1880’s. Here you can see the graves of China Mary, Marshal White, the Clanton and McLaury boys and Margarita, the only woman killed at Birdcage Theater. Just reading some of the tombstones is entertaining in and of itself. “Here lies Lester Moore. Four slugs from a 44. No less, no more.”
2. Birdcage Theater – The Birdcage is seemingly frozen in time. This is where the town went for gambling, drinking, national theater acts and late-night entertainment provided by a certain class of working women. Pay the entrance fee and take the self-guided tour. See bullet holes (two of which were left by Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo), original wallpaper, artifacts and the table where the longest running game of poker was played for 8 years, 5 months and 3 days.
1. O.K. Corral – Today, the O.K. Corral is home to more than just the location of the famous 30-second gunfight. Your admission ticket grants you access to the original corral, an outdoor museum which includes various buildings, a blacksmith, a seat at the shoot-out reenactment and a must-see diorama show. Plus, you can stand inches from the actual shoot-out location. Be sure to grab your copy of the Tombstone Epitaph at the Epitaph Museum which depicts the entire O.K. Corral story which was printed the day after it happened.
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