Tombstone - Tombstone, Arizona

Tombstone: A Living History in the Arizona Desert

Tombstone, Arizona, is a small town with a big history, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. With its rich past and well-preserved architecture, Tombstone has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. In this article, we will delve into the details of this fascinating town, exploring its main services, location and access, featured characteristics, practical information, and what visitors have to say about their experiences.

Main Services

• Attractions: Tombstone is home to a wide range of attractions, including the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, the Bird Cage Theatre, and the Tombstone Epitaph Museum.
• Shopping: Visitors can browse through the many shops and boutiques that line the streets of Tombstone, offering everything from souvenirs to Western wear.
• Eating & Drinking: Tombstone is famous for its cowboy cuisine, with many restaurants serving up classic dishes like burgers, steaks, and BBQ.
• Hotels/Motels/Lodging: From budget-friendly options to luxury resorts, Tombstone has a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
• Coming Events: Tombstone hosts many events throughout the year, including the annual Tombstone Rodeo and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral reenactment.
• Services: Visitors can take advantage of a range of services, including guided tours, horseback riding, and souvenir shopping.
• History: Tombstone is steeped in history, with many buildings and landmarks offering a glimpse into the town's past.
• Contact Us: For more information or to plan a visit, visitors can contact the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce or check out the town's website.
• Tombstone Map: A handy map can help visitors navigate the town and plan their itinerary.
• Visitor Resources: The town offers a range of resources for visitors, including brochures, maps, and information on local attractions.
• Tombstone FAQs: Answering common questions about the town and its attractions.
• Souvenirs: Visitors can take home a piece of Tombstone with a range of souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and postcards.
• Eating: From classic diners to fine dining restaurants, Tombstone has a wide range of options for every taste and budget.
• Lodging: From budget-friendly options to luxury resorts, Tombstone has a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

Location and Access

Tombstone is located in the southern part of Arizona, approximately 30 miles southeast of Tucson. The town is situated in the Sonoran Desert, and its unique landscape is characterized by sandy dunes, rocky outcroppings, and desert vegetation. Visitors can easily access Tombstone by car, with several major highways passing through the town. The nearest airport is the Tucson International Airport, which is approximately 30 miles from Tombstone.

Once in town, visitors can park their cars in one of the many designated parking areas, which are wheelchair-accessible and offer easy access to the town's attractions. The town's streets are also lined with benches and shade trees, providing a comfortable spot to rest and take in the sights.

Featured Characteristics

Tombstone is known for its unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Some of the town's most notable features include:

* The O.K. Corral: This historic site is where the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place, and it is now a museum and tourist attraction.
* The Bird Cage Theatre: This historic theater is one of the oldest in the United States and offers live performances and tours.
* The Tombstone Epitaph Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of Tombstone and features exhibits on the town's early days, its famous residents, and its role in the American West.
* The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: This park is home to the original courthouse building, which was completed in 1881 and is now a museum and tourist attraction.
* The Allen Street: This historic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions, and it is a great place to explore and take in the sights.

Practical Information

Visitors to Tombstone should be aware of the following practical information:

* Getting There: Tombstone is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Tucson. Visitors can fly into Tucson International Airport and then take a taxi or rent a car to get to Tombstone.
* Parking: There are several designated parking areas throughout the town, which are wheelchair-accessible and offer easy access to the town's attractions.
* Hours of Operation: Many of Tombstone's attractions and businesses have limited hours, so it is a good idea to check ahead of time to plan your itinerary.
* Weather: Tombstone is a desert town, and the weather can be hot during the summer months. Visitors should bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay comfortable.
* Accommodations: Tombstone has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can choose from hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Tombstone has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors, with many praising the town's unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Some of the most common praises include:

* "Tombstone is a living history museum, with many buildings and landmarks that date back to the 19th century. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the American West."
* "The town is so charming and well-preserved, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore. It's a great place to spend a day or two."
* "The people in Tombstone are friendly and welcoming, and they are always happy to help visitors plan their itinerary."
* "The town's history is fascinating, and there are many museums and attractions that offer a glimpse into the past."
* "Tombstone is a great place to take the family, with many activities and attractions that are suitable for all ages."

👍 Reviews of Tombstone

Isabella C.

5/5

The show was far more theatrical fun vibe. The 'Gun Fight at O.K Corral' show is scheduled at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and live. $10 for the ticket, veterans discount is $2.

I recommend that if you are bringing a baby/toddlers, bring some earplugs for them for the sound effects and blank-firing guns noise.

The town is like a real life museum. Folks dressed like cowboys walking around.

Lots of restaurant of choice too, you can grab a drink and feel like you’ve brought back to the 1880's.

Don't forget to bring something to drink or water, it's hot when we went and it's perfectly fine if you bring food ir drink while watching the show. It's 45minutes and they allowed us to bring snacks/food inside.

Also some stores doesn't accept card for buying souvenirs and stuffs. So have some cash handy (for actors tip too).

Connie B.

5/5

Very cool place to visit. Liked the old west feel. Some attractions were free to see, some had a fee (e.g., gun fight). Bird Cage Theater had a section that was free to see and there was a tour available for a fee. Several restaurants around; we ate at the Hitching Post Cafe, good menu selection, good food and friendly staff.

Ryan S.

3/5

If you like to story of the shootout at the OK Corral, you will like this area. I love seeing the old original buildings, although there are only a few left. It’s mostly tourist trap and art stores. If you’re looking for tee shirts and shot glasses then this is your place. I was a little let down, but it’s ok. More tourist trap than historical look at the old west.

Auburn

5/5

I absolutely loved visiting here. Anyone thinking of visiting, should. It's absolutely wonderful and filled with history. We visited for my partners birthday, and he had so much fun. We only got the chance to visit the Court House, and Big Nose Kate's, because of time. But honestly even just walking around was amazing. Lightning, thunder, and rain ended up striking down around us, and it made it feel more authentic to the time. Especially when the big thundering booms hit. It was absolutely a blast, and I recommend it 100%. I will be going back at an earlier time to do more!

Rebecca C.

5/5

An excellent place to stop if you have never been there before. Yes, it's commercialized but it's an interesting place with lots of stories. The boardwalk and the stores on both sides made for a nostalgic experience. We spent a short couple of hours there and enjoyed a great lunch at Big Nose Kate. Wonderful experience! Oh, they have a huge parking lot down 6th Street for RVs and trucks, making it convenient for us.

Nelida S.

5/5

Great strip of old western historic buildings. It looked like a movie set. It was very interesting. There’s some shops and restaurants there too.

Lavonna S.

4/5

One of the most authentic towns we have seen. Super people working the venues. Not much free activities. Most things are cash only. Definitely a great place to see if you want a glimpse of the old west.

E C. P.

5/5

Well the ultra-scenic drive over to Tombstone was the main attraction for me, but our visit to this wild west theme town was great fun also. We arrived early and found optimum parking. Stores were just opening, so we did the obvious activity: a touristy narrated stage coach tour, and I do recommend that for getting the gist of this place--many historical bits were shared in passing and the jaunt did entertain and educate. Then we walked up and down the main street, window-shopping and eating.