Tombstone Arizona is a tiny town tucked away off the main interstate -- not a place you'd just happen across. But if you're visiting Tucson, this is a place I recommend visiting.

A great video slideshow
showcasing the Wild West
cast of characters
you'll see when you
visit Tombstone.

Gunfights...

Tombstone is home of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, perhaps the most famous gunfight in history. Thirty shots were fired in 30 seconds, leaving 3 men dead.

The shooters involved were Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp, Virgil Earp, Doc Holliday, Frank McLaury, Tom McLaury, Billy Claiborne, Ike Clanton, and Billy Clanton.


Graveyards...

Tombstone is also home to the Old West's most famous graveyard, Boot Hill. Boothill Graveyard is open to the public and is worth a stop when visiting Tombstone.

But don't think of manicured lawns and marble headstones. Nope, this is desert through and through with wooden crosses and headstones.

You'll see the graves of famous gunfighters, men who were legally hanged, accident victims, and those who died of natural causes -- a little of everything.


And the World's Largest Rose Bush

If gunfights and graveyards aren't your thing, perhaps you'd like to see the world's largest (and oldest?) rose bush. Planted in 1885, this Lady Banksia (Rosa Banksia) rose "tree" overs 8,000 square feet and it's trunk is 12 feet around.




What's to Do in Tombstone?

Well, we already covered Boothill (they have a gift shop there, too, by the way.) The other major stop is Allen Street (and surrounding areas.) On and around Allen Street you'll find the Bird Cage Theatre (with tours), the Tombstone Courthouse Historic Park, an Underground Tour, Gun Shows in the middle of Allen Street, Ghost Tours, Wyatt Earp House, Rose Tree Museum and more.

Tombstone Arizona is a chance to see some Old West history and purchase some unique southwest souvenirs, clothing, jewelry and more. Wear comfy shoes -- you'll be walking a fair amount, though there are plenty of places to sit and rest a spell.

Some places are free to enter, but be prepared to pay for any tours as well as food and shopping.


Dining and Shopping

Allen street is full of historical buildings, unique shopping, book stores, jewelry stores, and food establishments.

If you prefer to pack your own meal and save a few dollars for tours and attractions, head to City Park at the corner of Third and Allen Streets. You can picnic here (and psst!... this is where the public bathrooms are! Good to know!)


Getting There

Tombstone is about 60 or 70 miles from Tucson, depending on your starting point. Head east on I-10, then go south on Route 80 till you reach Tombstone.


Map to Tombstone Arizona

Map to Allen Street in Tombstone