Tombstone, Arizona – the Town Too Tough to Die – nearly became a ghost town after the mining industry moved out. Luckily, this site of the most famous Old West gunfight lives on, allowing families to walk in the footsteps of legendary heroes and villains while sipping sarsaparilla. Come along with 10Best on this easy day trip from Tucson.
1. See Real Live Cowboys
The good people of Tombstone take their heritage seriously. As you walk down historic Allen Street, don't be surprised if you see roaming bands of vigilantes or perhaps Jimmy Apel, the Singing Cowboy of Tombstone.
2. Gunfights at the OK Corral
OK Corral — Photo courtesy of Deanna Keahey
The most notorious gunfight of the Old West occurred in Tombstone's OK Corral on October 26, 1881. Today, you can witness the events reenacted in the very spot where they occurred so long ago.
3. Walk Around a Wild West Town
Wild West — Photo courtesy of Nick Ares
When you walk down Allen Street, you'll forget you're living in the 21st century. The area is designated as a National Historic Landmark District and is considered one of the best preserved of a frontier town in existence.
4. See Wyatt Earp
Wyat Earp — Photo courtesy of Ian McKellar
Meet the man behind the legend. Wyatt Earp, the deputy in the 1880s who survived the infamous gunfight unscathed, wanders Tombstone to this day and may even pose for a picture.
5. Visit a Wild West Graveyard
All those gunfight victims had to go somewhere, and you can pay your respects at their final resting places with a visit to the Boothill Graveyard.
6. Horses Pull Covered Wagons Down the Streets
Horse-drawn carriage — Photo courtesy of Nick Ares
Explore old Tombstone in style by taking a horse-drawn stagecoach or covered wagon tour, offered daily throughout the year.
7. Eat in a Saloon
No Tombstone visit would be complete without stopping in for a meal in one of Allen Street's Old West saloons. Sip on a sarsaparilla as you rub elbows with cowboys and saloon girls.
8. Try to Spot a Train Robber
Some of the most thrilling Old West gunfights took place between the law and bands of train robbers. See if you can spot one.
9. Cool Souvenirs
Take home a little bit of Tombstone, whether it be a cowboy getup or Native American artwork. You can even find sand paintings, local artifacts and books to read up on the history of Tombstone's most famous residents.
10. The Best Family Photo Ever
For the ultimate Tombstone souvenir, get your family decked out in cowboy, train robber or saloon girl attire for a one-of-a-kind family photo to remind you of your time in Tombstone.
