Tombstone, Arizona is possibly the Wild West’s most famous and legendary town. Here, a plethora of signs proudly welcome visitors with its motto; “the town too tough to die.”
Isolated from the modern cities, Tombstone is situated in the desolate desert just miles from the Mexican border.
Go on a Wild West Adventure with these Things to Do in Tombstone, Arizona
Tombstone was founded in 1879 by Ed Schieffelin against everyone’s advice. After striking it rich in a mine, it quickly became a prosperous silver boom-town with a population growing from 100 to over 14,000 in under 7 years.
With the promise of wealth came hoards of new fortune seekers, outlaws, and numerous saloons/brothels to keep them entertained and rowdy. Having nearly vanished into a ghost town, today Tombstone has been rebuilt into a tourist destination with romanticized folklore, a blend of fun comedy and factual history.
Travel Tip: The best time of year to visit is October–April due to less extreme temperatures than the summer months. With highs maxing out at an average of 94° in June, it’s wise to dress lightly and prepare for sun exposure.
Check out Visit Arizona for the most up-to-date attractions and schedule of things to do in Tombstone, Arizona.
Take a stroll down Allen Street and you’ll find historic saloons, restaurants, and shops. Make sure not to miss the great attractions below before kickin’ off your cowboy boots and high-tailin’ it out of town.
#1 Visit the Boothill Graveyard
Dust blows with the wind as I arrive at the Boothill Graveyard—the cemetery serves as a final resting place for an unknown number of souls, including the 3 men killed at the famous O.K.
Corral gun battle, Billy Clanton and brothers Tom and Frank McLaury. Restored wooden grave markers indicate all manners of death including now-forgotten illnesses, murders, and lynchings—a somber reminder of the tough and wild times of the 1880s.