What to do in Tombstone, AZ: The 7 things you MUST see

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.  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.  Today I am sharing the seven things you can't miss when traveling to Tombstone.

Here are my recommendations for what to do and places to see in Tombstone, Arizona:



Boothill Graveyard (408 AZ-80, Tombstone, AZ 85638)


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.


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)


Tombstone's newspaper. According to Wikipedia, The Epitaph is the oldest continually published newspaper in Arizona. 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 reuben sandwich! Stop here to hear some live music, grab a cold beer, and a great reuben 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.


Bird Cage Theatre (527 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ‎)

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 it's haunted! You can take advantage of one of the evening themed ghost tours.

Planning a trip to Arizona or the Southwest?  Here are some other articles you might find helpful:

• Complete route and itinerary for a family Route 66 road trip
• Family Road Trip from Texas to California - Where to Stay, Stop, Eat, and What to Do
• The Best Easy Sedona, AZ Hike for Families with Children
• Tips for Visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ
• Route and Recommendations for a Road Trip Through the U.S. Southwest