I had high hopes for Tombstone, Arizona. I’m a big fan of The Film and books set in the Old West are one of my jams. But the city of Tombstone fell totally flat for me. It was just ok, and I’m not talking corral.

The whole town felt sad. No raucous whooping drifting from the saloons, no “soiled doves” trolling the boardwalk (I expected actresses, of course) and no egos pacing off in the street ready to skin their smoke-wagons. No, the Queen of Boomtowns was dead quiet. Like a gunfight happened right before I got there and everyone either split or went back quietly to their business pretending nothing happened. Tombstone was a ghost.

Oh, did I mention I was there during the COVID-19 pandemic? Sorry about that. That’s kind of important.

The Ghost of Tombstone

Tombstone wasn’t a ghost because of its dying appeal. Like a lot of cities during the pandemic, it was a mandated ghost. But with true western grit, Tombstone defied its prescribed deathbed, pulled up its bootstraps, and came back swinging.

Today, Tombstone’s legendary spirit is thriving, drawing visitors in droves, and proving it’s still “The Town Too Tough to Die”. Will I go back? You’re darn tootin’. But until I do, here’s my guide to the ghost that isn’t.

You’ve Heard of Tombstone, Right?

I guess I should have asked that first. If you haven’t heard of Tombstone, please see The Film. I say, “The Film” because there is only one worth watching about Tombstone (in my opinion). You can find it on Amazon to rent or buy.

Tombstone was founded after silver and gold were discovered in the area in the late 1870’s. Hundreds of people flocked to this wild west town with big dreams and dollar signs in their eyes. A few got rich, but history got even richer with the arrival of Wyatt Earp, outlaw turned lawman, and his brothers Morgan and Virgil, along with the infamous bad boy Doc Holliday. Tombstone made them legends.

Note: If you want to learn a little more about thehistory of these iconic men of the American West, take a look at this short article about Wyatt Earp from the History Channel . If you’re more of a Doc Holliday fan and you like historical fiction, I recommend the book Doc by Mary Doria Russell, a romanticized tale of his conflicted life.

Where is Tombstone?

The city of Tombstone is located in Cochise County, Arizona about 30 miles (48 km) from the Mexican border. Tombstone, though it feels remote, is actually an easy drive from Tucson and Willcox, AZ by way of Interstate 10 and Highway 80.

If you plan to visit Saguaro National Park, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Chiricahua National Monument, or the historic mining town of Bisbee, AZ, go ahead and make Tombstone part of the plan. (And by the way, you should visit all of the above.)

Best Time to Visit Tombstone

Not during a pandemic. Otherwise, spring, autumn, and even winter are the best times to visit. We visited mid-May and the weather was perfect.

December-February tends to have larger crowds because southern Arizona’s milder temperatures and sunshine make it such a great place to travel in winter. It’s a prime migration spot for snowbirds.

However, deserts are capable of experiencing cold and snow. In fact, Tombstone experienced an unexpected cold spell with an unusual amount of snow at the beginning of 2025 which caused a dramatic slowdown in tourism.

Mid-June through July, you can expect Tombstone to be hot, hot, hot. And it’s monsoon season. Monsoons are intense thunderstorms that can pop up quickly and really put a damper on things. High summer isn’t the best time to visit Tombstone, but if that’s your only option, go for it! Just go prepared.

Top 10 Things to Do in Tombstone

There were several things we couldn’t see and do on our trip because of pandemic shutdowns and limited services, but that didn’t run us out of town. I just put on my poker face and enjoyed the hand we were dealt. The good news is you can go all in and enjoy every one of these Top 10 things to do in Tombstone. This old town is open and ready for business and I’m betting you’ll have a ball.

1. O.K. Corral and Gunfight

326 E. Allen St. – Downtown Tombstone

The gunfight reenactment at O.K. Corral is probably the biggest attraction in Tombstone and for good reason. There have been so many books and movies centered around this historic event. For ages, this battle has captured people’s imaginations and served as a defining moment in the American outlaw culture.

2. The Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper Museum

11 S. Fifth St.- Downtown Tombstone

Besides seeing the O.K. Corral gunfight reenactment, the Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper Museum was at the top of my list of things to see in Tombstone. Put it at the top of yours, too! The Epitaph Museum is an attraction in its own right, but entry to the museum is included with your O.K. Corral ticket.

In addition to watching how newspapers were printed back in the day, you’ll receive a free copy of the 1881 historic newspaper detailing the battle between The Cowboys and the Earp brothers at O.K. Corral.

You can also subscribe to The Tombstone Epitaph to receive one year’s worth of monthly issues. The subscription is only $25 (as of 2025). See The Tombstone Epitaph site for more information.

This is one of the ways I got to experience Tombstone even after I got home. Worth it!

3. The Original Birdcage Theater of Tombstone

535 E. Allen St.- Downtown Tombstone

Do you remember the scene in The Film where The Cowboys are shooting up the ceiling in the theater while the Earps, Doc, and Kate sit in their boxes looking on? Well, the Original Birdcage Theatre is a real place. We saw the exterior but missed the chance to take a tour.

4. Boot Hill Graveyard

408 Arizona Hwy. 80

The final resting place of outlaws, locals, and murder victims, Boot Hill Graveyard is probably the most famous cemetery west of the Mississippi River. Many were buried with their boots on, hence the name. Boot Hill is worth a short stop to see the tombstones.

5. Old Tombstone Western Theme Park

339 S. 4th St.- Downtown Tombstone

We only got to partially experience the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park. Set up like a miniature Old West town complete with authentic-looking building facades, an old train car, a gold panning station, a shooting gallery, restaurants, narrated trolley tours, live old west shows, and mini-golf. The town was a neat place for photos, but there was not a soul in sight. (We probably weren’t supposed to be there.) Dang that pandemic. I can’t believe I missed mini-golf!

Take a look at the website for a video that will give you an overview of all of the activities available. This would have been my kind of place!

6. Good Enough Silver Mine Tour

501 E. Toughnut St.

Remember why Wyatt and his brothers were drawn to Tombstone (in The Film)? For silver. They planned to make their fortunes by opening a silver mine. The Earps may not have fulfilled their Tombstone dreams, but others did- namely a guy named Ed Schieffelin who founded Good Enough Silver Mine in 1878. He became a millionaire. Mine tours are offered daily. See the Good Enough Silver Mine website for more information.

If you want to learn more about Tombstone’s mining history, check out this Legends of America article.

7. Stagecoach Rides

Definitely sign up for a stagecoach ride to experience how folks traveled in the old days. Drivers narrate tours of Tombstone and share fun facts about the town’s history. There are several liveries in town traveling up and down the streets throughout the day. You can’t miss them.

8. Big Nose Kate’s Saloon

417 E. Allen St.- Downtown Tombstone

Named after Doc Holliday’s enduring paramour and sidekick- Mary Katherine Haroney, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is one of the most popular saloons in Tombstone.

When we visited, the only part of Big Nose Kate’s we could enter was The Shaft, the saloon’s merchandise emporium. Those darn pandemic restrictions again! If you’re into bar related merch and t-shirts, check out The Shaft before or after you enjoy a libation or two at the bar. But be sure to quit before you defile yourself. There’s a lot more to do in Tombstone than sit around in a saloon.

9. Paranormal Tours

Originally, I had something else planned for this spot in the list, but after researching post-pandemic Tombstone, I discovered that paranormal tours have become hot tickets. And just because Tombstone isn’t really a “ghost town” doesn’t mean there aren’t any ghosts. Au contraire, my friend. By all accounts, there are plenty. Tombstone was a rough place, and with several nooses on display in town, I can easily imagine some disgruntled spirits hanging around. You can book a paranormal tour with Ghost City Tours, Tombstone Terrors, or Tombstone Gunfighter & Ghost Tours. This is on my list of things to do when I get back to Tombstone!

10. Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

223 Toughnut St.- Downtown Tombstone

I’ve always appreciated the architectural details of old courthouses, so I really looked forward to a tour of Tombstone’s at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. But alas… (you know what I’m going to say.) If you can take a tour of Tombstone’s courthouse, take it. And even if you can’t, the exterior is still worth a look.

If you can’t tour the courthouse, you can learn more about Wyatt Earp’s trial on the Justice For All website.

Experience Tombstone’s Local Flavor and Personality

Longhorn Restaurant

501 E. Allen St.-Downtown Tombstone

If you’re hungry for it, Longhorn probably has it. Longhorn’s extensive menu should please just about anybody. They even have “child-friendly” options. Give it a go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

O.K. Cafe

220 W. Allen St.– Downtown Tombstone

Despite its name, this cafe is more than okay. In fact, O.K. Cafe is known to have the best breakfast in town. It’s a good spot for lunch, too, but don’t expect to get dinner here, okay? The cafe closes at 2:00 PM (as of 2025, anyway).

Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor

525 E. Allen St.- Downtown Tombstone

Although the pandemic forced me to pass Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor on my trip, it didn’t stop me from trying their delicious fudge when I got home. I just ordered it online and ate a whole sinful pound of it! At almost $30/lb. (including shipping), this sweet ain’t cheap, but I dare say it ranks as some of the best fudge I’ve ever eaten.

Fallen Angel offers a wide selection of flavors, but huckleberry was the obvious choice for me. Please tell me you know why. The Film, people. The Film.

Undertaker’s Espresso Bar

521 E. Allen St.- Downtown Tombstone

The name alone makes Undertaker’s Espresso Bar worth a shot- of espresso, of course. Don’t like espresso? Undertakers Espresso Bar has a wide variety of specialty drinks on their menu- including a huckleberry latte. Be still my heart. Undertaker’s is housed in a historic building right next to Big Nose Kate’s.

Old West Books

401 E. Allen St.- Downtown Tombstone

Old West Books specializes in books about… surely, I don’t have to tell you. You can find books about the history of Tombstone and a lot of other stuff in this neat little store. I love a good bookstore. If you don’t, there are plenty of other things you can do. Like finding a “I’m your huckleberry” hat. Huh? Keep reading.

Take Some Tombstone Home

There are so many souvenir stores in Tombstone including ones with high-quality clothing, accessories, and home decor. With so much to choose from, you’d think I would have found something to take home. But alas, Tombstone did not have the one souvenir I had my heart set upon.

That souvenir was a hat. Just a simple baseball cap with the phrase, “I’m your huckleberry.” You’d think every store in Tombstone would have one, right? Wrong! I looked in every open shop (granted, fewer than normal) and never found my huckleberry. I’m still dead set on getting that hat. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I’ll go to Tombstone again. Seriously. And please don’t suggest I order one from Amazon. “That’s a hell of a thing for you to say to me.”- Doc Holliday

Enjoy Tombstone’s Charm

You can learn a lot about this town just by walking the streets. Tombstone has a distinct flavor you don’t find in a lot of tourist-centric towns. There’s still authenticity. Take this sign, for instance. I think people were just as sick of politicians during the pandemic as they were in Tombstone’s early days. I know I was pretty sick of them, weren’t you? Many of us still are.

Even though there weren’t a lot of people in town, there was still an interesting mix. Old, young, bikers, drifters, RVers, pedestrians, and even horseback riders.

The main drag is closed to vehicles, but not to horses. What a cool way to see Tombstone!

One of my favorite memories from Tombstone was hearing this group of street musicians. Something about them made me think of my favorite cowboy song written by the great Bob McDill.

He cursed all the roads and the oilmen. He cursed the automobile. He said, “This is no place for an hombre like I am. This new world of asphalt and steel.” Then he looked off someplace in the distance, saw something only he could see. He said, “All that’s left now of the old days- damned old coyotes and me.”-Coyotes

These guys probably didn’t make a whole lot of tips the day I was there, but they definitely added to Tombstone’s charm.

I Reckon That Does It for Tombstone

For now. I’ll let you know when this tumbleweed rolls through again. I hope you decide to roll through one day, too. Tombstone’s a wild west town you’ll never forget.

Thank you kindly for the invitation, Tombstone. I think I will.

I’ve always objectified cowboys and outlaws as tumbleweeds as described in my poem Desert Devil Tumbleweed. Tombstone was my inspiration for this one.

Photo Attribution:

Monsoon- ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Actors on the way to the O.K. Corral- Scott Edmunds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

O.K. Cafe sign- https://www.flickr.com/photos/adactio/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boot Hill Cemetery- M McBey CC 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Good Enough Silver Mine- kallahar, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Interior of Big Nose Kate’s- M McBey- CC by 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons