Things to Do in Bisbee, AZ: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Bisbee, a former copper boomtown in the Mule Mountains of southern Arizona, is now a quirky artists' haven with Victorian buildings clinging to steep canyons. Underground mine tours, the huge Lavender Pit, galleries on Main Street, the famous stair climbs and day trips to Tombstone and Kartchner Caverns make it one of the Southwest's most charming small towns.
This guide covers the best things to do in Bisbee, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Bisbee
Queen Mine Tour
Underground.
Lavender Pit
Open-pit mine.
Main Street
Galleries.
Mining Museum
Smithsonian affiliate.
1000 Stairs
Stair climb.
Copper Queen Hotel
Historic hotel.
Tombstone
Wild West.
Kartchner Caverns
Show cave.
Bisbee in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Old Bisbee
Wander Main Street with its galleries, antique shops and Victorian storefronts, then visit the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. Lunch at a café in Old Bisbee. In the afternoon climb some of the famous staircases that connect the hillside neighborhoods. In the evening have a drink at the historic Copper Queen Hotel saloon.
2Day 2 · Mines
Put on a hard hat and ride the train into the Queen Mine, guided by former miners, for a look at a century of copper mining. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon see the Lavender Pit, a vast open-pit mine, and drive through Lowell's Erie Street with its vintage cars. Join an evening ghost tour of town.
3Day 3 · Tombstone
Drive about 30 minutes to Tombstone, the town too tough to die, with the O.K. Corral, Boothill Graveyard and the Bird Cage Theatre. Lunch on Allen Street. In the afternoon visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Return to Bisbee for dinner on Main Street and an early night.
Bisbee in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Kartchner Caverns
Tour Kartchner Caverns State Park, a living limestone cave with delicate formations discovered in 1974; book the guided tour ahead. Lunch in Benson. In the afternoon stop at the San Pedro Riparian area for birdwatching. Back in Bisbee, enjoy dinner at a local bistro and live music at a bar.
5Day 5 · Chiricahuas
Day trip to Chiricahua National Monument, a wonderland of rock spires with excellent hiking trails like the Echo Canyon loop. Pack a picnic lunch, since services are limited. In the afternoon drive the scenic Bonita Canyon road. Return to Bisbee in the evening for a relaxed final dinner.
Bisbee in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Art and wine
Visit more galleries and the Bisbee Breakfast Club, then head to the Sonoita and Elgin wine country for tastings. Lunch at a winery. In the evening a last stroll on Main Street, when the canyon lights up.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Breakfast at a local diner, shopping for turquoise jewelry and local art, and a farewell lunch. Tucson International Airport is about 90 minutes away by car, and the drive passes the Mule Mountain tunnel.
What to do in Bisbee on a weekend
Things to do in Bisbee, AZ on a weekend? Saturday: Main Street and museum. Sunday: Queen Mine Tour and Lavender Pit.
Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb in October.
What to do in Bisbee in the evening
In the evening, saloons and ghost tours.
Main Street galleries.
Bisbee for couples
For couples, Copper Queen Hotel, galleries and wine country.
Bisbee with kids
With kids, Queen Mine Tour, Tombstone shows and caverns.
What to eat in Bisbee
Mexican food
Sonoran style.
Breakfast
Bisbee Breakfast Club.
Craft beer
Local brewery.
Pie
Diners.
Wine
Sonoita.
Where to stay in Bisbee: best areas
Old Bisbee
Historic.
Warren
Quiet.
Lowell
Vintage.
San Jose
Residential.
What to do in Bisbee when it rains
Things to do in Bisbee when it rains? Queen Mine, museums and galleries.
How much does a trip to Bisbee cost?
Expect $110–220 per night.
Practical tips for Bisbee
Best time to visit
October–April.
Getting around
Car and walking.
Our practical tips
- Wear good shoes for stairs.
- Book the mine tour.
- Car needed for day trips.
- Bring layers; it's at 5,500 feet.
- Book Kartchner ahead.
- Visit galleries.
Mistakes to avoid
- Summer monsoon storms.
- Underestimating hills.
- Rushing Tombstone.
- Driving at night near the border.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Bisbee?
Queen Mine Tour, Main Street and the Lavender Pit.
Is Bisbee worth visiting?
Yes, for history and art.
How far is Tucson?
About 90 minutes.
Best time to visit?
Fall through spring.