A mining town that began back in the late 1800’s, Tombstone is where events of the old west as seen on movies and TV truly took place. The famed Gunfight at The O.K. Corral occurred here in 1881; the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday took on 3 cowboys accused of robbing a stagecoach. Today, the town is known for its tourism, as visitors flock to see where this well-publicized shootout took place as well as visit the Boot Hill Cemetery where the losers of that battle are buried. You can also tour old mines, check out Wild West performances and see a glimpse of life back in a late 19th century mining town. There is even a saloon (The Crystal Place Saloon) restored in 1964 that truly hearkens what the original was like.
The city thrives on its tourism. Yearly, almost 500,000 people come to see what life was like in an authentic western town. As such, you can find plenty of tours throughout Tombstone. From Stagecoach tours through the historic district, to ghost tours, to gunfight tours, visitors have numerous opportunities to see many facets of the old west up close.
As far as dining out in Tombstone, while there are a number of restaurants, the food, like the town, represents a piece of Americana. BBQ, burgers, steaks, and stick-to-your-ribs homestyle classics can be found in just about any establishment you visit.
At one time dubbed one of the wildest and wickedest theaters in the country, the Bird Cage Theatre really is a slice of the Old West. Tours are offered, or you can go on a self-guided tour. Those who work there swear they still see the ghosts of legendary cowboys and women of the night. Be sure to check out the bullet holes.
The city sits at an elevation of 4,541 feet. This makes all seasons a bit cooler than the lower-elevation Arizona cities. Winters are fairly mild, with highs topping out around 60.
Spring is dry and warm, but definitely not hot. The temps reach daily highs around 80 degrees, and there is almost no rain.
Summer can get fairly hot, but again, not nearly as much as Phoenix. June is the hottest month of the year and temps can reach the mid-90s. Summer is also the wet season and the area will occasionally get rain showers.
Fall dries out and cools down. October highs are in the upper 70s.