Nicknamed “The Town Too Tough to Die,” Tombstone, AZ, stands as a unique attraction in Southern Arizona where visitors can take a step back in time to explore a slice of the Old West. For residents of Sierra Vista, Tombstone is a great destination for a day trip or a short weekend getaway. The walkable streets of Tombstone’s historic district are lined with saloons, shops, museums, and churches that showcase what life was like for Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, their friend “Doc” Holliday, and other infamous cowboys of the Wild West.
Getting to Tombstone From Sierra Vista
Tombstone is just under 30 minutes from Sierra Vista, and the drive takes you through a rugged desert and passes over the San Pedro River. From Highway 92, turn onto E. Charleston Rd. and head northeast for 18.7 miles. Turn right onto E Toughnut Street to find a large parking lot at the corner of Toughnut and 6th. There are also several other parking lots surrounding the historic district. Note that Allen Street is closed to all vehicular traffic.
Things to Do in Tombstone
There are many points of interest in Tombstone, AZ, and you can easily spend a full day (or two) exploring the history of the area and learning about the rugged outlaws, lawmen, and gamblers that shaped the legends of the Old West. Here’s a closer look at things to do during your visit.
- Shopping – You’ll find no shortage of authentic Western wear, Native American jewelry, local artwork, gifts, antiques, and home décor at the shops lining the streets of Tombstone. Most can be found in the center of town on Allen Street with a few notable stops including The Branding Iron, Bronco Trading Co., Arlene’s, and Best of the West Antiques.
- Dining – A go-to for a great meal in Tombstone is Big Nose Kate’s Saloon & Restaurant, but you can also find some authentic cowboy fare and more modern favorites at Crazy Annie’s Saloon, Crystal Palace Saloon & Restaurant, Doc Holliday’s Saloon, Hitching Post Café, and The Longhorn Restaurant among other great choices. For dessert, don’t forget to stop off at Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor or U Scream 4 Ice Cream.
- Tours – If you’re a real history buff, you won’t want to skip a narrated stagecoach tour from E Bar 5 Stagelines or a silver mine tour from Good Enough Underground Mine Tours. You can also get to know the spooky side of Tombstone with local ghost tours or take a guided trail ride on horseback.
- Old Time Photos – One of the most popular souvenirs from Tombstone is old time photos complete with costumes and props from the 1880s. Visit Can Can Old Time Photos or Lady L’s Creations to get a commemorative photo that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
- Museums – There are several museums packed into this tiny town, including perfectly preserved Bird Cage Theater, Boothill Graveyard, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, and the Gunfighter Hall of Fame.
- Gunfights – Of course, no visit to Tombstone would be complete without witnessing a recreation of the town’s legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Reenactments take place daily.
After a day of stepping back in time in historic Tombstone, come home to modern comforts in your Castle & Cooke home in Sierra Vista. Explore our move-in ready and coming soon properties in our Holiday community so you can live where you play!