30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tombstone (Arizona)

I don’t know how you got here, but what I’m sure of is that you are looking for a place to visit, tour, and probably have the best, most fun, educative, and entertaining time of your life. Tombstone is your go-to city.

Tombstone is filled with lots of history, the local mines, arts, and historical museums, among others.

It is also home to lots of controversial occurrences. The gunfight at OK Corral will always be a part of the city’s legacies.

A prospector named Ed Schieffelin built the community (Tombstone) in the 1870s when he was trying to discover silver.

As you prepare to visit Tombstone, take a close look at the list of best and fun things you can do during your stay in the city.

Things To Do In Tombstone

1. Tombstone Newspaper and Epitaph Museum

Arizona’s oldest continuously published newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph Museum, is located on Fifth Street between Allen and Fremont Street behind the Crystal Palace Saloon.

It was founded in 1880 by John Phillip Clum.

Home to many controversies, the Tombstone Epitaph has its fair share of contributions to these controversies. And also contributes a lot to the city’s history.

One of the important stories covered by the Newspaper is the gunfight at O.K. Corral.

Suppose you are the type that likes to learn more about history. The Tombstone Epitaph should be your first stop when you get to Tombstone, as you would get to see lots of different printing techniques from the 1880s.

And if you like, you can grab a copy of the newspaper and see old writing styles, techniques, and stories.

The museum opens every day from 12 PM – 5 PM except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Address: The Tombstone Epitaph, P.O. Box 1880, Tombstone, AZ 85638

2. Gunfight At The O.K. Corral

Arguably the biggest and most popular site in Tombstone, O.K. Corral, was the location of the epic shoot-out between the Earp and Clanton gangs in 1881, which became a legend in the Old West.

Precisely what happened at that time is being shown daily at the O.K. Corral.

With life-size duplicates of the nine gunfighters stationed where the gunfight occurred, indicating the distance, or lack thereof, between each of the men, as well as the general layout.

You get to hear sounds of pistols shooting and see smoke in the air.

Also, there are a lot of shows available for you to watch aside from the gunfight of 1881.

A ticket you get to the O.K. Corral has some other goodies attached to it; like you get an opportunity also to see the Historama and Tombstone Epitaph.

There are also shops around the O.K. Corral where you can quickly get something to eat, munch on, and anything you need.

I recommend you go during the weekends even though it’s always busier, but it will allow you to experience more of what O.K. Corral offers.

Address: 326 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

3. Tombstone Historama

The very heart of the history that makes up Tombstone. If you are looking for a place to get the original history amidst many other controversies in Tombstone, then you are in the right place.

No doubt you might have been seeing a lot of stories about Tombstone on the internet, but Historama gives you the perfect platform to hear the original.

A 30-minute video presentation narrated by Vincent Price helps visitors relax and better understand the Old West.

A lot is told about the foundational stories that make up the myths and legends surrounding the town.

As you plan to visit Tombstone Historama, make preparations to visit the O.K. Corral alongside because they are both packaged together.

4. Boothill Graveyard

You may wonder what is fun or educative about visiting a graveyard. However, a visit to Boothill graveyard entails a lot.

Boothill graveyard was founded in 1878, and among all the graveyards built then, it is the most popular.

This graveyard is an essential part of Tombstone’s history, as it is where most of the unfortunate victims of the town’s shooting, hanging, and lynching are buried.

One of the most notable things about the graveyard is that only a few graves have markers and identification.

Also, visit during the cool evening rather than in the afternoon because there are no shades that will protect you if the sun shows all of its glory.

Paying to visit a graveyard may sound absurd at the very least, but I tell you, it is worth every penny.

Address: 408 AZ-80, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

5. Courthouse State Historic Park

Laced with many of the town’s historical exhibits and artifacts, the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is another beautiful place to visit in Tombstone.

The park was founded in 1882 and featured a 12,000-square-foot museum.

Inside the Courthouse Museum, you get to see historical artifacts and detailed information about the city’s history.

Some items on display in the Courthouse are the items that belonged to the combatants of the famous O.K. Corral shootout.

However, that is not all about the Courthouse museum: detailed information about the local mining, ranching, and some people who lived in Tombstone is also readily available.

Also, gift shops and shaded areas where you can picnic are also available at the Tombstone Courthouse State Museum.

Address: 223 E Toughnut St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

6. Rose Tree Museum

Home “The Largest Rose Tree in the world”, the Rose Tree Museum is another incredible place for you to visit in Tombstone.

A step into the backyard to see the Rose Tree will definitely leave you wowed.

The rose tree provides plenty of shade and is a beautiful place to cool off in Tombstone’s summer heat.

The museum also has suites where you can stay and enjoy unlimited access to the rose tree.

If you would be visiting the rose tree, I would recommend you go between mid-March and mid-April because that is when the tree blooms more, and you can see the rose tree in all of its glory.

Be sure to visit the rose tree museum if you are in Tombstone. It is a sight worth seeing!

Address: 118 S 4th St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

Want to see more of Arizona? Check out our list of things to do in Yuma, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Gilbert!

7. Flandrau Science Center

Are you a lover of science, and you are in Tombstone? The Flandrau Science Center is the perfect place for you to fulfill your science adventures and fantasies.

The center is very informative and educative for children alike, not only for adults to enjoy. Flandrau Science Center is the dream of every child.

There are plenty of things to do at Flandrau Science Center.

Some exhibits about the planets, our natural world, sharks, exciting things to read and touch, and interactive games.

Another beautiful thing about the Center is you get to see a movie at the center.

There are also souvenir shops where you can get something to refresh with.

However, most of them don’t have snacks, but you can get yourself chilled water and chilled ice creams.

Address: 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States

8. The Wyatt Earp House and Gallery

Owned by Wyatt Earp and his wife, Mattie. The Wyatt Earp House is one of the ancient figures contributing to Tombstone’s history.

Now that it is a museum, the Wyatt Earp House contains some works and collections of this famous man, all of which are available to see.

Until you get to the house, you will realize how close Wyatt Earp lived to the O.K Corral.

Outside the house, you could see the statue of Wyatt Earp himself. And if you enter into the house, metal art, pottery, Talavera, and varieties of oil and vinegar are available to see.

There are also items for sale in the house if you want to get yourself a piece of American history.

It might be a small historical site, but it is worth visiting.

Address: 102 E Fremont St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

9. Bird Cage Theatre

Another one for the history books, the Bird Cage Theater, is an enormous part of Tombstone.

It started as a theater until it became a dancing hall, brothel, and drinking institution, which isn’t surprising considering the tumultuous history of Tombstone, Arizona.

Also, according to mythology, approximately 200 bullet holes in the walls were shot by drunken guests throughout the years.

Therefore, you have to consider visiting the theater if you are in Tombstone:

It’s like going back in time to the late 800s; many original artifacts are available for display.

And the one that wowed me the most, The Ghost Tour. Once you go on this tour inside the building, you could feel lost souls that have been victims of sporadic shootings in Tombstone roaming the house.

Perhaps, even hearing their faint eerie cries and them reaching out to you to save them.

Sounds a lot creepy, right? But I tell you it is an experience you’ll never forget.

Address: 535 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

10. Big Iron Shooting Gallery

Looking to catch a different fun aside from the usual historical tours and sightseeing, the Big Iron Shooting Gallery is your biggest shot.

Having such a big shooting gallery is no coincidence, considering the shooting history of Tombstone.

The ammunition used for most of these ancient gunfights is still available at the Big Iron Shooting Gallery.

You can also shoot with some of them. Though the guns are real, the ammunitions aren’t, so it is safe for you to experience.

Both children and adults alike can visit the shooting gallery. Children can also feel the gun experience, as it is safe for them.

You know the fun will be incomplete if you visit a town with an extensive shooting history and not shoot a gun yourself.

Address: In Watt & Tarbell, Undertakers, 521 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

11. Fort Bowie National Historic Site

If you love history as much as I do, then this is another historical site for you to visit.

The Fort Bowie National Historic Site is located nearby the town of Willcox.

was initially a military outpost entrusted with forcing the Chiricahua Apaches out of the area by whatever means necessary.

The fort is named after Captain George Washington Bowie, who led a detachment of California volunteer soldiers in the renowned and fatal Battle of Apache Pass in the early 1860s.

The fort is also a very beautiful and impressive area to hike in.

However, for those of you who do not want to hike in, you can drive up to the fort using the accessibility road.

Also, one thing you must be sure to do as you tour around the fort is to grab a pamphlet so you can understand the history around the fort.

Address: 3500 Apache Pass RD, Bowie, AZ 85605, United States

12. Tombstone Trolley Historical Tour

The Tombstone Trolley Historical Tour gives you an overview of everything that is to be enjoyed in Tombstone.

This tour gives you the opportunity to settle back and relax as you digest everything the town nicknamed “Too Tough To Die” offers.

As you drive along the city, you will come across a lot of historical places and beautiful sights Tombstone offers.

From the Boothill Graveyard, Tombstone Epitaph, Flandrau Science Center among many others.

You needn’t worry about how to get detailed information about all the things you are going to see because a tour guide will be with you throughout the drive around the city.

Also, if you feel you need to take a break and refresh yourself, stopovers have been scheduled at different exquisite restaurants for you to do so.

Looking forward to you going on this tour and having one of the best time of your life!

Address: 137 S 4th St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

13. Old Tombstone Western Theme Park

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Tombstone, The Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, is the direct opposite of the gunfight at O.K. Corral.

Here, a not-too-serious take on what really transpired at the O. K Corral is being portrayed.

Visitors at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park get to see costume actors performing different antics and acrobatics. It is a place to get a good laugh.

Also, there are some other things you can enjoy while you are in the park. There is a mini golf course, small stores to get cheesy pizzas for refreshments, a Shootin’ Gallery, a train museum, and also a pub in the back that serves beer.

There is really a lot for you to do at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park. It is a place filled with great shows and great places for food and refreshments.

Address: 339 S 4th St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

14. Wander down Allen Street

One of Tombstone’s main busiest streets and the heart of action of all that there is to it in Tombstone, Allen street boasts of lot of historical places to visit and lots of beautiful places to sightsee.

For someone that wants to experience and have a proper feel of history, a stroll down Allen street is your safest bet.

There are lots of beautiful things to see on each side of the street. There are many shops and restaurants, saloons, and places to checkout.

Also, you must know: if you are thinking of driving around the street, it would be advisable not to; because you won’t get that feeling of history you are supposed to get.

What’s a trip to Tombstone without strolling through Allen street?!

15. Good Enough Mine Tour

Do you still remember mining and local mines are one of the things we know Tombstone for? The Good Enough Mine is one of these.

The Mine was a notable silver producer in the area when it first opened in 1879

It gives you the opportunity to have a unique taste of what Tombstone is known for other than its regular violent nature.

Also, one thing you should be excited about on the Good Enough Mine tour is that it is an underground tour.

A tour guide will lead you on a 50-minute fun and educative tour and tell you all that you need about the silver mine, and the history of the mining business in Tombstone, amongst many others.

This Mine is filled with a lot of knowledge that you wouldn’t want to miss. If you are in Tombstone or planning to visit, do well to check it out.

Address: 501 E Toughnut St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

Planning to visit other parts of Arizona? Check our lists of things to do in Show Low, Jerome, Lake Havasu City, and Buckeye!

16. Fairbank Historic Town

This historic town with lots of creepy history. Fairbank, Tombstone, Arizona is also called ghost town.

It was also once called “Junction City” because it is the closest rail stop on the way to Tombstone.

Although, right now the town looks deserted but there have been some refurbishments that have taken place in the town and therefore allow you to visit.

A museum and gift shop run by the locals and volunteers is also available to tour.

There might not be a lot to visit and experience in Fairbank, but the feeling you’ll get once you set foot in the town surely is a fresh feeling to the one you’ve been feeling from some of your previous tours around Tombstone.

17. Benson Arts and Historical Society Museum

A mix of Art and History. Benson Arts and Historical Society Museum offer you both.

This museum, just a little over twenty miles north of Tombstone, serves as the state railroad hub.

Visiting the Museum is like traveling through time. There are lots of artworks on display in the museum, some of which include a photographic gallery, of some of the remaining historic buildings, houses, structures, and monuments, etc.

Lovers of arts and history can’t help but visit this museum.

Address: 180 S San Pedro St, Benson, AZ 85602, United States

18. Gunfighter Hall of Fame

A massive place that carefully depicts the culture of the Old West. There is a lot of history in this place.

The Gunfighter Hall of Fame has to be one of the most authentic western relics exhibits I’ve ever seen. It’s all here, from the original gear of outlaws and sheriffs in the ancient west to modern-day representations by Hollywood legends.

Right from the outside, there are a lot of pictures and paintings already displayed by the museum that will surely catch your attention and make you yearn for more.

Also, we would recommend you ask to see Clint Eastwood’s 44 Mag from Dirty Harry and the trigger finger of Jesse James. Mouthwatering stuff!

The Gunfighter Hall of fame is a must-see in Tombstone.

Address: 395 E Toughnut St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

19. The Bullets and Bordellos Ghost Tour

This tour takes you on a trip to explore Tombstone’s history and dark past.

This tour is so sensitive that it is only available to adults and not open to children. It is going deeper into the wild and intricate world of the old Tombstone.

Some things you will learn, see and hear about while you are on this tour include the brothels, murders, suicides, the city’s Red-Light District, O.K. Corral, and demonic entities.

I bet you must have seen a horror movie. This tour makes you feel like an actor in a horror movie.

One of the most adventurous and real tours in Tombstone, I tell you.

20. The Dead Men’s Tales Walking Ghost Tour

Lots of tours are made available for you to experience the murderous nature of Tombstone.

The Dead Men’s Tales Walking Ghost Tour in Tombstone is another one of those tours.

What you get to experience in this tour are the city’s hauntings and ghost stories, focusing on notable cowboys and gunslingers. We’ll also look into the spirits of Tombstone’s first residents, as well as gunfights, murders, and the city’s role in the Wild West.

21. Crystal Palace Saloon and Restaurant

It is no news again that Tombstone is home to many historical buildings.

While many of them might not function or be in operation again; however, the Crystal Palace Saloon is still in operation till today.

If you want a place to get sumptuous meals to taste and eat, then Crystal Palace Saloon is your go-to restaurant.

There is a wide range of variety of foods for you to try out at the Crystal Palace Saloon. Green beans, fresh shrimps, fries, burgers, pizzas, and many more are available for you to try out.

I also loved the way the hostess and hostesses attend to visitors — classic reception and hospitality.

If you are still at Tombstone, or you are planning to visit, then the Crystal Palace Saloon is a must try!

Address: 420 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

22. The Dancing Y Cattle Ranch

A typical cowboy cattle ranch, the Dancing Y Cattle Ranch is another exciting place you can visit in Tombstone.

If you are a lover of animals and you are planning on seeing one or two before you leave Tombstone, then this cattle ranch is one of the best places you can try out.

In case you are having doubts about what you can do while at the ranch, you needn’t worry because there are lots of exciting things you can do while at the ranch.

You can volunteer to feed the animals; trust me, this is very fun to do.

Also, you can take a tour of the ranch, get to see the properties owned by the ranch and even learn what it’s like to live on a ranch.

Mind you, the Dancing Y Cattle Ranch is not a facade or acting like a Hollywood Cowboy movie. It is a real experience!

23. Ed Schieffelin Monument

Widely known to be the discoverer of silver which led to the founding of Tombstone, Arizona, Edward Lawrence Schieffelin has his monument erected just outside Tombstone.

You might have seen the monument in pictures, but trust me, it is much bigger than it appears in pictures.

There is an information sign just outside the monument, a picnic table and the monument has a really pleasant view.

If you are in Tombstone or you are planning to visit, a tour of this monument should be the first on your bucket list.

What’s even a tour to Tombstone without visiting the monument of its founder?!

Address: 895 W Monument RD, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

24. The Historic Gleeson Jail

A visit to the Gleeson Jail won’t be a bad visit if you truly want to get a feel of the ghost town of Tombstone.

Although the Gleeson Jail may not retain its old historical look, it is still worth visiting.

Some of the jail’s historical artifacts have been restored and much work is being done to make it look authentic.

It might not house large numbers of artifacts of what you expect from a proper museum.

But if you consider the history of the Gleeson jail and Tombstone in particular, you will see it is a place definitely worth visiting.

Address: 11250 North Lonesome Road, Gleeson, Arizona.

25. Silver Strike Winery

Are you a wine lover or do you love locally brewed wines? Why not try out your tasting prowess at the Silver Strike Winery? You won’t regret doing so.

The winery produces its wines from grapes locally grown in the Mediterranean: France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal.

Some of the best and most fun things you can do while at the winery include tasting wines in the winery tasting room and relaxing in the lounge area within the winery.

In case you want to get a bottle of wine and take it along with you, you can purchase it at the winery as well.

Craving for a taste of a lifetime, visit the Silver Winery at Tombstone.

Address: 334 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, USA

26. Tin Cup Mining Company

What do we have here? A big historical site that contributes to the riches of Tombstone in the then Old Wild West.

The Tin Cup Mining Company, which was founded during the gold rush in Tombstone, was a working mine in the town where many of the men labored and died.

The Tin Cup mining company contributed a lot to Tombstone in riches and wealth.

A lot of violence is also said to have taken place in the mine.

However, a tour of this mine will allow you to know how the silver is being extracted from the mines. Don’t worry, the temperature at the mine is very cool.

Also, ensure to take a tour guide along with you.

A good place to visit for everyone, though; a cave, rocks, and mountains lovers will particularly love this place.

27. Longhorn Restaurant

Longhorn restaurant is more than a restaurant! This is another beautiful restaurant you can visit while you’re in Tombstone.

And you might not know, it is the oldest restaurant in Tombstone and is still in operation even till today.

To have survived and stood the test of time in a town known for its wild history is one that baffles and confounds me to date.

If you don’t know, a bloodbath has once happened in this restaurant; Virgil Earp got shot and was killed here. This adds to the already big history this restaurant has.

Aside from all this, the restaurant is an immaculate and beautiful place for you to try its food. The restaurant also has some of Tombstone’s history paintings hanging all around its walls.

They also served exceptional foods in this restaurant. From cheeseburgers, tacos, bean burritos, and many other sumptuous foods.

The Longhorn restaurant is just too beautiful to miss out on it.

Address: 501 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

28. Big Nose Kate’s Saloon

This historic saloon tells more about Tombstone history and the Old Wild West culture.

The Grand Hotel, which was rated one of the greatest hotels in the state, with 16 bedrooms, elegant furnishings, and art-adorned walls, opened in 1880 as the favorite bar.

The hotel has also served as home to some of Tombstone’s historic personnel, including Wyatt and Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday, the McLaury brothers, and the Clanton Gang when they visited Tombstone.

Although the grand hotel undergone a major decline when it got destroyed by fire in 1882, it has since been refurbished and named the Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.

It also climbs the ranks to become one of the ‘best cowboy bar’ in Tombstone.

A lot of fun things you can do at the saloon include trying out the foods available and listening to the feel of raw soulful music, especially at night.

Address: 417 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States

29. Gammon’s Gulch Movie Set

You sure must have heard or visited a lot of haunted towns or places in Tombstone, but they might not be as haunted or deserted as Gammon’s Gulch.

This town is a real ghost town with historic buildings, antique cars, trucks, and other relics from the 1800s to the late 1930s.

It is also an excellent location for photography.

You also get to learn stories about some movies that depict the Old West culture.

Overall, Gammon’s Gulch is an exciting place for you to visit in Tombstone.

Address: 331 W Rockspring LN, Benson, AZ 85602, United States

30. San Pedro Riparian Conversation Area

Finally, one for nature lovers! This Conversation Area is one of the most beautiful places you can visit while you are in Tombstone.

The area is swarming with flora and animals, and it is especially well-known for being home to hundreds of different bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s dream.

The area is also beaming with lots of fun and the best things to do aside from watching these animals.

Ranging from the historical sites present, picnic areas, gift shops, the wonderful Natural Riparian River and even hiking among many more.

Just too serene and beautiful, nature’s masterpiece. The San Pedro Riparian Conversation Area is a must-visit for anyone in Tombstone.

Address: 4070 S Avenida Saracino, Hereford, AZ 85615, United States

 

Planning to visit or you are already in Tombstone, and you are looking to catch maximum fun;

By now, you should know Tombstone is one of the perfect places you can visit.

As you have seen from the above-listed best we’ve compiled for you, there is a lot to Tombstone than just its shooting history.

However, try your best to try out everything we’ve compiled for you because they are all fun.

And if you can’t try out everything, make sure you try out a substantial amount.

Wishing you a happy and safe tour/travels!