Tombstone, Arizona: The Perfect 1-Day Wild West Itinerary
Hi friends! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk the real streets of the Wild West? If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, you can’t miss the town they call “Too Tough to Die.” Welcome to Tombstone, where dust still rises on wooden boardwalks, stagecoaches rumble down Allen Street, and the echoes of lawmen and outlaws linger in the desert air. This 1-day itinerary is your complete guide to exploring Tombstone, with all my favorite stops, local tips, and photo-worthy moments from my own visit. It’s the perfect mix of history, atmosphere, and that cinematic Wild West magic.
Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ
Location & History
Tombstone sits in the far southeast corner of Arizona, about 70 miles southeast of Tucson and Saguaro National Park. If you’re planning a road trip to Bisbee, Chiricahua National Monument, or other southern AZ destinations, a day or 2 in the historic district of this iconic Wild West town is a must.
It began in 1877 when prospector Ed Schieffelin struck silver in the nearby hills. Soldiers warned him he’d “only find his tombstone out there,” — but instead, he discovered one of Arizona’s richest silver lodes, and this boomtown was born. By the 1880s, Tombstone was roaring with miners, gamblers, saloon owners, and sheriffs...and it was here that Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton gang made history at the O.K. Corral. Though fires and floods nearly wiped it off the map, the spirit of the Old West survived. Today, Tombstone’s historic district is beautifully preserved — a living museum you can walk through one creaky board at a time.
Nate riding stagecoaches in Tombstone as a child
Personal Connection
Before jumping into the itinerary, I’d love to share a very special connection we have with Tombstone. You might remember from my Bisbee posts, my husband Nate spent quite a bit of time in southern Arizona during his childhood during visits with his grandfather, who lived in both Bisbee and Tombstone. As a young boy, he’d spend his days running up and down the Allen Street boardwalks and riding stagecoach tours on constant repeat. He even made friends with the local cowboys, including Gale Bell, a local legend who ran the stagecoach rides for decades and regularly allowed Nate to hold the reigns up top with him.
Walking down Allen Street in Tombstone, AZ
Tombstone stagecoach tours
Morning
Walk Back in Time on Allen Street
Start your day early while the streets are still quiet, when the air is cool and the town feels almost suspended in time. Allen Street is the heartbeat of Tombstone, lined with saloons, theaters, and historic storefronts that once entertained miners and cowboys. Walk the boardwalks, peek into Western shops and galleries, and let yourself soak up the sounds of boots on wood and laughter drifting from the saloons. If you have time, hop on one of the narrated stagecoach tours that circle the historic district. The drivers share old stories and legends as you rattle past landmarks. It’s a great way to get your bearings before the crowds arrive midday. Other highlights include...
Crystal Palace Saloon: Still serving drinks and lunch in a restored 1880s barroom.
Big Nose Kate’s Saloon: A lively spot with live music, hearty meals, and lots of character.
Oriental Saloon & Theatre: Once one of the rowdiest gambling halls in town.
O.K. Corral Gunfight Show in Tombstone, AZ
Late Morning
The O.K. Corral Gunfight Show
No visit to Tombstone is complete without witnessing the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Re-enactments take place multiple times daily. Your ticket includes the show, a walk through the original corral stables, a small museum, and the Historama, a charming vintage presentation of Tombstone’s wild past and one of Nate’s favorite spots to explore as a young boy.
At the O.K. Corral show, you’ll meet the Earps, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton brothers, and you can watch the gunfight that became legend. It’s theatrical and family-friendly thrill to see history come alive right where it happened.
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Good Enough Silver Mine Tour in Tombstone, AZ
Afternoon
Museums & Mining Heritage
After lunch (I love Big Nose Kate’s), explore a few of Tombstone’s most historic interiors.
The Tombstone Epitaph Newspaper & Museum: Founded in 1880, the Epitaph is Arizona’s oldest continuously published newspaper. Inside the museum, you’ll find original press equipment and front-page stories that once shaped the West, from mine strikes to the gunfight trials.
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: Built in 1882, this red-brick courthouse was once the heart of law and order in Cochise County. Step inside for two floors of fascinating exhibits, including old maps, ledgers, and case files that trace the rise and fall of the boomtown. Out back, the wooden gallows still stand as a somber reminder that justice here was often swift and final.
Good Enough Silver Mine Tour: Dive below the surface of history with a guided mine tour at the original Good Enough Mine. The underground temperature stays a refreshing 65°F year-round, a welcome break on a hot summer day. The guides share fascinating details about Ed Schieffelin’s discovery and the mining techniques that built this town.
Historic Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone, AZ
Late Afternoon
Boots & Bullet Holes
Before you leave town, save time for two final stops that capture Tombstone’s spirit.
Bird Cage Theatre: Opened in 1881 as a “family theatre,” the Bird Cage quickly became notorious for its 24-hour parties, gambling, and shows that catered to miners. More than 140 bullet holes still mark its walls. Today, you can tour the stage, poker tables, and catwalk boxes above the saloon.
Boothill Graveyard: Just outside town, Boothill is the final resting place for many of Tombstone’s earliest residents — outlaws, lawmen, and innocents alike. The name came from the fact that many were buried “with their boots on.” Walk the rows as the sun sets and you’ll find both sober reflection and dark humor in the epitaphs (“Here lies Lester Moore, Four Slugs from a .44, No Les, No More.”).
Boothill Cemetery in Tombstone, AZ
Know Before You Go
• Getting There: Tombstone is about an hour and a half southeast of Tucson, Arizona, along AZ-80. There’s free parking around the historic district, and once you’re here, the whole downtown is wonderfully walk-able.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal for comfortable weather and smaller crowds. Summer brings intense desert heat, but early mornings and evenings are still lovely.
• What to Bring: Desert days call for the essentials — sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, water, and comfy walking shoes for the wooden boardwalks. Layers are great for balancing midday heat and cool underground mines.
• Gunfight Showtimes: The O.K. Corral Gunfight Reenactment typically runs three times a day — around 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Check the schedule when you arrive and get tickets in advance, so you don’t miss one of the shows.
• Combo Tickets: If you’re planning to visit several historic sites, look for combo passes that include the O.K. Corral, the Courthouse, and the Good Enough Mine. It’s an easy way to see more and save a few dollars.
• Where to Eat: Big Nose Kate’s Saloon is lively, with hearty comfort food, live music, and Old-West décor that makes you feel part of the story. For a quieter atmosphere and great steaks, Crystal Palace Saloon delivers delicious food with a side of history.
• Where to Stay: If you’d like to be right in the middle of the action, the Larian Motel is a local favorite — charming, comfortable, and within walking distance of Allen Street. For modern amenities and sweeping desert views, try The Tombstone Grand Hotel or Lookout Lodge just outside of town.
• Photo Tips: Plan your photos early and late in the day when the light is golden and shadows are long...and be ready for Arizona sunset magic!
Top 10 Things to Do in Southern Arizona
Tombstone
Coronado National Memorial
Picacho Peak State Park
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Pima Air & Space Museum
Historic Allen Street in Tombstone, Arizona
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Planning a trip to Arizona or California? I’ve got in-depth travel guides and itineraries for several national parks and beautiful destinations. Check out a few of them below, or click here to see them all!
Good Enough Silver Mine Tour in Tombstone, AZ
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in southern Arizona. For a virtual visit of Tombstone, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
The gallows at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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