Tombstone is located in the southeastern corner of Arizona. It is known for its Wild West history, Cowboy lifestyle, and resident ghosts that are said to haunt the town and the Bird Cage Theater. You will feel as if you were transported back into the 1800s when visiting this history-dense town. Tombstone is a perfect weekend getaway for those who live in Arizona or if you are visiting the state. Follow this guide to help plan your perfect visit to Tombstone Arizona.
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FRIDAY – Arrive
Arrive early evening and check into Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch.
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch is an actual working cattle guest ranch, located about 2.5 miles from the main town of Tombstone. The ranch is designed to resemble an 1880s Western town. Some hotel guest packages include a chuckwagon breakfast, activities such as western shooting, archery, horseback riding, UTV tour, and even working on the ranch! The ranch even has its very own saloon with evening entertainment, cards, and dancing.
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch is one of the coolest places I have ever stayed! The staff is exceptional and Arizona Bill is iconic. If you plan on visiting Tombstone, it is an absolute must you stay here. It made our trip!
Friday Evening
Night Ghost Tour of Bird Cage Theater. Ready to be spooked? The paranormal ghost tour of the Bird Cage is quite the experience. Many visitors and employees have reported seeing the spirits of former prostitutes and cowboys.
The tour will take you through each room of the building, giving a brief history and story of the paranormal activity that has occurred. At the end of the tour, you will experience the lights-out portion, to truly feel what it’s like to be in the building.
Mel’s Tip: There is a strict NO alcohol policy prior to the tour. Take this into consideration when booking your ticket time. Currently, there is a 6:15 pm, 8:00 pm, and during high season a 9:30 pm tour.
SATURDAY – Explore Tombstone
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch Activities:
Wake up to a Cowboy Breakfast at the Chuckwagon at Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch. Arizona Bill will serve you breakfast while telling old cowboy tales.
After breakfast, gear up for some fun western activities at the ranch! We picked the slow horseback ride, which takes you through the beautiful rolling hills and next to the actual Tombstone Monument.
For our second activity, we chose western-style shooting. We were able to shoot a Henry lever action .22 caliber rifle, Ruger .22 revolvers, and a 20 gauge coach gun on the ranch shooting range.
Click here to see all ranch activities.
Tombstone Town
After your ranch activities, head into the old western town of Tombstone!
- Enjoy a pizza and panini lunch at Mario’s Bakery Cafe.
- OK Corral Gunfight. Watch the legendary reenactment gunfight between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Virgil, and Morgan Earp. Purchase your tickets in advance!
- Walk around the town and visit the many cute shops. There is a little something for everyone.
- Wine lover? Taste wine at Silver Strick Winery and/or Cabal Winery.
- Beer lover? Check out the Tombstone Brewing Company.
Dinner at the Ranch
Head back to the ranch for dinner and nightly entertainment at the Saloon.
Night Out in Tombstone Town
If you are wanting to experience more nightlife head back into Tombstone to these top favorite local Saloons:
- Big Nose Kate’s Saloon
- Oriental Saloon
SUNDAY
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and sadly say your goodbyes to the ranch and horses.
Before departing the town, visit the mine that made Tombstone, The Goodenough Silver Mine. A 45-minute underground tour of the silver mine will teach you more about the dense history of the area.
On your way home, visit the famous Boothill Cemetary. Here lie cowboys who “died with their boots on.” The occupants of the cemetery all have their own unique stories which you can read about while walking through the graveyard.
Did you use my guide on a visit to Tombstone Arizona? Please let me know in the comments below how your trip went!
Looking for more weekend getaways in Arizona? Check out more guides here.
