Overview
Tombstone is a former mining town in Southeast Arizona. Along with Deadwood, South Dakota, Tombstone was America's most storied town in the wild frontier days.
9 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Tombstone
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Former county courthouse, built in 1882 and now a museum dedicated to the history of Tombstone.
Birdcage Theater
A former combination theater, saloon, gambling parlor, and brothel which operated from 1881 to 1889 and is now a historic museum. Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, Diamond Jim Brady, and George Hearst were noted visitors. The…
O.K. Corral
Originally a small horse corral, associated with the infamous 'Gunfight at the O.K. Corral' and now a National Historic Landmark. It is the setting for a daily reenactment of the gunfight staged for tourists.
Boothill Cemetery
Many outlaws were buried here, with deaths not by natural causes. Heavily restored, entrance through the giftshop.
Rose Tree Museum
Said to house the world's largest rose tree, as well as a historical museum.
Ed Schieffelin Monument
Ed Schieffelin first discovered silver in the area, which eventually led to the foundation of Tombstone. A monument stands near the site of his original claim, resembling markers used by miners.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Chiricahua National Monument)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TUS Tucson International Airport, Tucson — 57 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SVC Grant County Airport, Silver City — 129 mi away. Directions
Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the closest airport to Tombstone.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $79–$79 a night (typical $89), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Rose Tree Museum, O.K. Corral
- Lunch Crystal Palace
- Afternoon Birdcage Theater, Boothill Cemetery
- Dinner Longhorn Restaurant
- Evening Big Nose Kate's Saloon
Day 2
- Morning Fairbank Historic Townsite, Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate
- Afternoon Charleston & Millville Historic Townsite
Day 3
- Morning Ed Schieffelin Monument
- Afternoon Tombstone Rose Tree Festival
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
"The Town Too Tough To Die" was founded in 1877 as a mining camp. There were seven years of gold, silver, and total lawlessness to follow, climaxing in the famous shoot-out between Wyatt Earp and the Clanton gang at The O.K. Corral. Today, Tombstone's main industry is tourism. It has several streets of vintage churches, saloons, and hotels from the 1880s.
Get in
By plane
Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the closest airport to Tombstone.
By car
From Tucson, take Interstate 10 east to the city of Benson, about 1 hour away. Take Exit 303 through Benson to reach Arizona State Highway 80. Tombstone is about 40 minutes south of Benson by way of AZ-80.
By train
Benson is the nearest city with an Amtrak station. It is served by two routes: the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle.
Get around
Tombstone has only one road of importance: Fremont Street, which is part of AZ-80. With the exceptions of Boot Hill Cemetery and the Ed Schieffelin Monument, the historic attractions are all easily accessible on foot.
See
See Ed Schieffelin Monument
Ed Schieffelin first discovered silver in the area, which eventually led to the foundation of Tombstone. A monument stands near the site of his original claim, resembling markers used by miners.
See Fairbank Historic Townsite
A ghost town which once functioned as transit point for Tombstone, with an even wilder reputation. The town has been incorporated into the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and a number of buildings remain, with the former schoolhouse now functioning as a gift shop. The old nearby cemetery is also worth a visit, and can be found along a foot trail heading north of the town.
See Charleston & Millville Historic Townsite
Remains of two ghost towns, both of which were founded in 1879 and completely abandoned by 1889. The sites have now been incorporated into the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area; an interpretative trail leads past some of the remains and some pre-Columbian petroglyphs. Watch out for rattlesnakes!
See Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate
The most intact remains in the US of a Spanish colonial fortress, built in 1776 and abandoned just four years later due to persistent Apache attacks. The site is now managed as part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
Do
Do Tombstone Rose Tree Festival
A three-day festival held annually in early April, celebrating the blooming of the world's largest rose tree (see listing above). Events include musical and dance performances, variety shows, and a parade.
Eat
Eat Crystal Palace
Established in 1881, this is one of the few buildings on Allen Street that survived fires that devastated Tombstone in 1881 and 1882. Virgil Earp used to have an office on the second floor. The Crystal Palace now offers decent steaks and burgers, and even good salads.
Eat Longhorn Restaurant
In 1881 Virgil Earp was shot at this location. The original building burned down in 1942, and was replaced with this replica. The restaurant is now known for barbeque pork ribs and steak.
Drink
Drink Big Nose Kate's Saloon
Established in 1880 as the 'Grand Hotel' and run by 'Big Nose Kate', the common-law wife of Doc Holliday. Ike Clanton and two McLaury brothers stayed here on the eve of the O.K. Corral gunfight.
Sleep
Nearby
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Rural area · 11 listings · 12 mi away
Sierra Vista
City / town · 66 listings · 19 mi away
Benson
City / town · 24 listings · 22 mi away
Bisbee
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Sonoita
City / town · 8 listings · 34 mi away
Douglas
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Willcox
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Patagonia
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