Tombstone Historic District
Step back in time to the Wild West at Tombstone Historic District, a living museum of cowboys, gunfights, and frontier legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Tombstone Historic District
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time to the Wild West at Tombstone Historic District, a living museum of cowboys, gunfights, and frontier legends.
"It's a town where history comes alive with every corner you turn."
🤠 Dress the Part!
Embrace the Old West by dressing in period attire for a more immersive experience.
🚶♀️ Walkable Historic District
The main attractions are concentrated, making it easy to explore on foot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boothill Cemetery
East of Allen Street
Visit the final resting place of outlaws and cowboys. Famous for its epitaphs like 'Here lies Lester Moore.'
Allen Street
Historic Downtown
The heart of Tombstone, lined with saloons, shops, and historic buildings. Perfect for soaking in the Old West atmosphere.
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Tombstone Epitaph
Various locations
Discover the stories behind the town's famous residents and their final resting places.
Big Nose Kate's Saloon
417 E Allen St
Experience a historic saloon that opened in 1880, offering a taste of the Wild West.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild West Vibe
Plan for Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤠 Dress the Part!
Embrace the Old West by dressing in period attire for a more immersive experience.
🚶♀️ Walkable Historic District
The main attractions are concentrated, making it easy to explore on foot.
👻 Consider a Ghost Tour
Explore the haunted history of Tombstone after dark for a spooky adventure.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities with historic buildings and reenactments.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤠 Dress the Part!
Embrace the Old West by dressing in period attire for a more immersive experience.
🚶♀️ Walkable Historic District
The main attractions are concentrated, making it easy to explore on foot.
👻 Consider a Ghost Tour
Explore the haunted history of Tombstone after dark for a spooky adventure.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities with historic buildings and reenactments.
🐴 Donkey Dash Fun
Check for local events like the Donkey Dash for family-friendly entertainment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tombstone Historic District is widely praised for its authentic Wild West atmosphere and historical immersion. Visitors love the reenactments, the unique gravestones at Boothill Cemetery, and the charming Allen Street. Some find it to be a bit of a tourist trap, and parking can be challenging during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tombstone is located in southeastern Arizona. The closest major airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS), about a 1.5-hour drive away. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Tombstone from Tucson or other nearby cities.
Public transportation options directly to Tombstone are limited. It's primarily a destination best reached by car.
Tucson is approximately 70 miles (113 km) from Tombstone, making it a popular day trip or short excursion.
Yes, there are parking areas available near the historic district, though they can fill up during peak times.
Yes, Tombstone can be visited as a long day trip from Phoenix, but it's a significant drive (around 3-4 hours each way). An overnight stay is recommended for a more relaxed visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The historic district itself is generally free to wander. However, specific attractions like museums, reenactments, or tours may have separate admission fees.
Most shops and attractions in the historic district operate during daylight hours, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM. Some saloons and tour operators have extended evening hours.
Some attractions offer package deals or passes for multiple sites. It's worth checking with individual venues or the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce for current offers.
Boothill Cemetery usually has a small entrance fee or donation request to help with its upkeep. +1
For specific tours or attractions, purchasing tickets in advance might be advisable, especially during busy seasons or for popular evening ghost tours.
🎫 🤠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Boothill Cemetery, Allen Street for its historic saloons and shops, and the Tombstone Epitaph newspaper office. Reenactments are also a highlight.
Yes, Tombstone is famous for its live-action historical reenactments, often depicting famous gunfights. Check local schedules for showtimes.
You'll find a variety of shops selling Western wear, souvenirs, Native American crafts, and historical memorabilia.
Tombstone offers a family-friendly experience with historical exhibits and events like the Donkey Dash.
Engage with reenactments, visit historical sites like Boothill Cemetery, and explore the saloons and shops on Allen Street.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Big Nose Kate's Saloon is a popular spot for a Wild West dining experience. You'll also find other diners and cafes offering American fare.
Expect classic American diner food, burgers, sandwiches, and some Southwestern-inspired dishes.
Options may be limited, but most diners will have salads or sides that can accommodate dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly.
Absolutely! Visiting a historic saloon like Big Nose Kate's is part of the Tombstone experience.
Dining prices are generally moderate, typical for tourist towns. You can find casual meals for around $10-$20 per person.
📸 📸 Photography
Allen Street with its historic facades, Boothill Cemetery with its unique gravestones, and any of the saloons offer great photo opportunities.
Photography policies vary by attraction. Some may allow personal photos, while others might restrict it, especially for commercial use. Always check signage.
Generally, personal photography is allowed in Boothill Cemetery, but be respectful of the site and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more dramatic lighting for capturing the historic architecture and atmosphere.
The iconic 'I'm your Huckleberry' quote from the movie 'Tombstone' is a popular theme for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the historical sites, events like the Schieffelin Days & Tombstone Desert Donkey Dash provide lively entertainment for all ages.
Encourage children to dress up in Western attire for added fun. Most attractions are easily walkable, making it manageable for families with younger children. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as Arizona can get hot.🤠 History Buffs & Western Enthusiasts
Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical context and local lore. Many visitors are drawn to the dark tourism aspects, exploring the stories of outlaws and the town's more notorious past.
👻 Ghost Tour Aficionados
These tours provide a thrilling perspective on the town's past, blending historical facts with chilling paranormal accounts. Many of these tours focus on the spectral residents of historic buildings and cemeteries, offering a unique way to experience Tombstone after dark. It's a popular activity for those seeking a bit of a scare and a deeper dive into the town's mysterious side.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legends of Boothill Cemetery
Beyond Lester Moore, the cemetery is the final resting place for figures like Johnny Ringo, a notorious outlaw whose grave is a point of interest for many visitors inspired by Western lore.
Experiencing Allen Street: The Heart of Tombstone
The street is often alive with the sounds of live music and the sights of historical reenactments, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Walking down Allen Street, you can almost hear the echoes of cowboys, miners, and lawmen who once frequented its establishments. It’s a place where you can grab a drink at a classic saloon, browse for authentic Western gear, or simply soak in the ambiance. Many visitors enjoy dressing up in period clothing to fully embrace the experience, making for memorable photos and a deeper connection to the town's storied past.
The street serves as the central hub for most of Tombstone's attractions, making it the perfect starting point for any exploration. The Tombstone Epitaph: A Voice from the Past
While the original newspaper is no longer in daily publication, its legacy is preserved. The stories and reporting from the Epitaph provide invaluable historical context for understanding the characters and conflicts that defined Tombstone. Many visitors are fascinated by the raw, unfiltered accounts of life in a frontier town, which are often more compelling than fictionalized portrayals.
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