Things to Do in Bisbee: Arizona’s Quirkiest Town
Bisbee, Arizona, is a captivating town nestled in Southern Arizona, brimming with history, art, and a unique charm that draws visitors from far and wide. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure or a history buff eager to explore the town’s mining past, Bisbee offers a diverse array of experiences that will leave you enchanted. There are so many THINGS TO DO IN BISBEE from exploring the depths of the Copper Queen Mine to wandering through the eclectic art galleries and antique shops, there’s something for everyone.
History of Bisbee, Arizona
It’s always good to understand the history of an area before going so you can appreciate it! Bisbee, Arizona became a thriving copper mining town around 1880, attracting thousands of workers and their families. The town’s copper mines, particularly the Copper Queen Mine, were renowned for their productivity, contributing significantly to the nation’s industrial growth. However, as mining operations declined in the mid-20th century (1970s), Bisbee faced economic hardship. The town’s resilience and unique charm have since transformed it into a vibrant arts and cultural hub, drawing visitors from around the world.
Things to Do in Bisbee Arizona
Bisbee has so much to do FOR EVERYONE. Whether you’re traveling with friends, as a couple, or as a family, there is something for everyone. From the dining scene to special seasonal events to its mining history, everyone will find something to do.
The map below has my suggested shops, activities, restaurants, and more in Bisbee. It does contain even more than I will mention in this blog post. I wish I had a map like this before I went!
1. Learn About Bisbee’s Mining History
queen mine tour
The most immersive way to learn more about the mining history is to take a tour INTO the mine. Queen Mine Tours will take you on a little cart underground for about an hour and show you historical features of the mine. The mine shut down in the 70s, and quickly after became a tour. Now about 50,000 people visit it per year. It costs $8 per child over 6 and $12 per adult.
mining museum
If you like history, I suggest visiting the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. It’s about $10 per person and you can learn about what was mined here (mainly copper), what the minerals look like, and more! so cool that all of this mining starting from someone stumbling upon a gem in the Mule Mountains.
visit the lavender pit
The Lavender Pit is a quick stop right outside the Downtown area. It’s an open pit mine and now an interesting geographical landmark. I honestly didn’t think it was that cool, haha, but might as well stop and see it! I appreciate the history of it.
2. Check Out the Downtown Local Art
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One of the best things to do in Bisbee is enjoy the local art. This video is from another local Arizona content creator. When I was there, I knew of the art wall but didn’t know exactly where it was at. I hope to help you find it! My google maps above has the exact location under “art wall.” Bisbee has become a really artsy town, both inside galleries and in the alleyways. I love that. Make sure to check it out!
local art features
Local art features include the Art Wall, The Glass Wall, the Peace Mural, The Rainbow Crosswalk, The Bisbee Heritage Stairs, and more!
3. Take the Iconic Downtown Photo: Best Things to Do in Bisbee
Before I had been to the area, I knew about the Downtown Area as I had seen many photos of old buildings below the mountains, covered with twinkly lights. After being in person, I see why it is so commonly photographed. Again, I notated this area on the downtown map. Unfortunately there was construction when I was there, making this a bit tricky. A pro tip- stay when it gets dark becuase most people leave (or are in the bars) and its empty and perfect for photos!
4. Enjoy the Food Scene
One of the best things to do in Bisbee is to EAT, of course. I wasn’t able to go to every restaurant there, BUT I was there visiting with a friend who grew up only an hour or so away! I was able to stop by Bisbee Breakfast Club (photo above) which was AMAZING. Highly recommend. I also got to try out Bisbee’s Table, which has classic american food- also good. For dessert, we stopped by Pussycat Gelato.
Other restaurants I highly recommend include Old Bisbee Brewing Company, Screaming Banshee Pizza, and Bisbee Coffee Company.
5. Go Vintage Shopping Downtown
Bisbee is well known for its cute downtown shops, and one of the best things to do in Bisbee is go shopping. My all time favorite store is the mineral shop. They had gems from all over, but had specific Bisbee minerals, which I think is so cool.
I also loved Classic Rock Couture for vintage clothes and records, Bloomhaus (floral shop), Redbone Bisbee Vintage, Bisbee Books, and so much more.
6. Stay in a Historic Hotel
I highly recommend staying overnight if you can. The Copper Queen is the most iconic hotel to stay in, which was constructed in 1902 during the mining boom. Even if you don’t stay here, check it out. I stayed at the Inn at Castle Rock, which was right near downtown. It was cute and quaint, with an adorable book room nudged up against the mountains. Keep in mind, Bisbee is HISTORIC, not luxury. You just have to understand and appreciate the history when you are staying in Bisbee.
7. Stop By Historic Lowell
Lowell is a neighboring town to Bisbee, also rich in mining history. I love a good mural, and the Lowell mural is great. It is actually right across from Bisbee Breakfast Club, just down the road from the Lavender Pit.
8. Come for Bisbee’s Special Events
the great stair climb
There are a number of things to do in Bisbee, including visiting for special events, like the Bisbee 1000- The Great Stair Climb. This is a yearly race that is 4.5 miles and climbs 9 staircases in Bisbee, over 1000 steps.
other events in bisbee
Other fun events include Christmas (the downtown is lit up in lights), Halloween, local art fairs, and Pride Fest (Bisbee is one of the most pride-friendly towns in Arizona).
SUMMARY of THINGS TO DO in BISBEE
Whether you come down and run the annual Bisbee 1000, come to pride fest, or just stop when you are passing through, you’ll enjoy your time there. I wanted to create a sample itinerary for you.
weekend itinerary
I visited Bisbee on a girl’s trip. We spent time in Tucson, Arizona on Friday Night. On Saturday, we visited the wineries near Sonoita, Arizona. Late afternoon, we got to Bisbee. Checked into our hotel, The Inn at Castle Rock. Then we ate at Bisbee’s Table, went gem and vintage shopping, walked by the copper queen, and got gelato after dark. In the morning, we visited Lowell, ate at Bisbee Breakfast Club, and headed back home. I loved our quick weekend. Amazing what you can do with such little time.
if i could do it over again
I would do the Queen Mine tour. I would also spend more time in different downtown areas. I was on the main strip, but I missed things like the art wall which was by the brewery. I would definitely visit again to do the yearly race, as well.
