The hubs and I are big fans of the movie Tombstone. We can probably quote the entire movie, no joke. Doc Holliday is just one of the coolest that ever was (I’m your huckleberry). We thought it’d be a fun long-weekend getaway to drive to Arizona for a camping trip and visit to Tombstone. Are you also planning a trip and wondering what to do in Tombstone, AZ? Since Tombstone is small, it is very easy to do a walking tour, as most major historic sites are within a few blocks of each other. I am sharing the seven must-visit things to do in Tombstone, Arizona. You’ll want to save this post for a list of Tombstone, AZ attractions.
7 Must-Visit Tombstone, AZ attractions
Boothill Graveyard (408 AZ-80, Tombstone, AZ 85638)
Visiting Boothill Graveyard is one of the quintessential things to do in Tombstone, AZ. Boothill is on the outskirts of town, so best not to try to walk there, but instead hit it up on the way into town. You’ll see many famous grave sites, including Billy Clanton’s and the McLaurys’ (after they died at the infamous fight at the OK Corral), as well some famous humorous gravestone epitaphs, such as the one for Lester Moore (who died from four slugs from a 44, no Les, no more).
Tombstone Courthouse (223 Toughnut Street, Tombstone, AZ)
Established in 1882, the Tombstone Courthouse is a must-see for a lot of the town’s wild west history. You can even see the gallows when you visit this one of the key Tombstone attractions.
OK Corral (326 East Allen Street, Tombstone, AZ)
C’mon, you can’t go to Tombstone without seeing the OK Corral! They have live reenactments of the famous (perhaps the wild west’s most famous) gunfight daily at 2:00 and 4:00 pm, where actors portray Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp along with Doc Holliday, facing off against the Clantons and McLaurys.
Tombstone Epitaph (11 South 5th Street, Tombstone, AZ)
If you’re looking for what to do in Tombstone, AZ, you should make a visit to Tombstone’s newspaper, The Tombstone Epitaph. According to Wikipedia, The Epitaph is the oldest continually published newspaper in Arizona. The museum has free entry, and you can even pick up a free reprint of the paper the day after the infamous OK Corral showdown.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (417 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ)
An homage to Doc Holliday’s lady, Big Nosed Kate, this watering hole serves up a great Rueben sandwich! Stop at this Tombstone attraction to hear some live music, grab a cold beer, and a great Rueben to take a break from your walking tour. The saloon’s building was originally the Grand Hotel (built in 1881).
Crystal Palace Saloon (420 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ)
The Crystal Palace, built in 1879, is a beautifully-preserved piece of Tombstone history. Virgil Earp once had an office upstairs. A visit to the Crystal Palace should definitely be on your list of things to do in Tombstone.
Bird Cage Theatre (527 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ)
It is definitely worth taking the cheap and quick tour at the Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone. Bullet holes in the ceilings, and a ton of Tombstone and Wild West history. Not to mention that it’s haunted (if you saw our DIY Savannah walking ghost tour you’ll know we love that kind of thing)! Tombstone also has evening themed ghost tours that you can book at the Bird Cage Theatre.
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Veru says
Crystal Hotel….THE BEST RIBS I EVER HAD!!!!!! And great service, lush beer and awesome atmosphere. I want to come back one day:o) Veronika from the Czech republic
Walter Brown says
Wow, 2012 to 2025. I hope you really enjoyed your time in the American Southwest. That you came from the Czech Republic and visited America’s Old West is fantastic. And Tombstone is the epitome of Old West history.
I seriously hope you get back here some day. There is so much Western history. You can find ghost towns all over Arizona. There is The Little Big Horn up in southeast Montana, where General George Custer and hic cavalry troop were wiped out by a large band of Indians. There is Donner Pass outside Reno, Nevada, where a wagon train of immigrants to the West were stranded one winter, and resorted to canabalism to survive.
Many places to see. I seriously hope you get to come back some day.
Walter Brown says
I absolutely love Tombstone. Over the years I have wondered if I was an Old West cowboy in a previous life. Then, when I get to Tombstone, I feel it more. I get out there 3 or 4 times a year (my son lives about 25 miles away.) I see a little more and enjoy a little more every time I go out there. Usually eat at least one meal there somewhere.
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
It really is a special place! You can feel the ghosts of the Old West there. I look forward to going back again and again.