Bisbee
As with all worthwhile treasures, Bisbee is a hidden gem tucked just beyond the point where you think you’ve gone too far as you approach Arizona’s southernmost border. In Bisbee, however, there’s no such thing as going too far; unless of course, you live more than 70 steps up on one of Bisbee’s 350 historic staircases. Recently voted “Best Historic Small Town in America” by USA Today Readers and “Best Small Town in the West to Live” by Sunset Magazine, Bisbee is a unique place where the past collides with the present in a kaleidoscope of passion, art, color and kindness.
As you stroll through Bisbee’s winding, narrow streets and alleys, the town’s historic role in mining resound through remarkably preserved architecture, museums and the Queen Mine Tour. Beautifully landscaped parks, cultural activities like the Bisbee Farmers Market and Arizona’s oldest baseball park, along with unique events like the Historic Home Tour, the Bisbee Stair Climb, Bisbee Pride, Mariachi Festival, Altered Book Show, and Sidepony Music Festival embody a community dedicated to acceptance and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
No matter your passion, Bisbee is sure to become one of them. Once you’ve discovered Bisbee, there will always be a place in your heart for this place like no other.
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Arts & Culture (Recommended up to 2)
When the mine closed in 1975 and Bisbee’s population declined, a Bohemian movement brought many into what were vacant spaces in town, making them their own. With an anti-establishment attitude and creative soul, this group began the artistic and self-expressive lifestyle Old Bisbee retains today. The Arts and Culture District spans a 1 mile radius inside the Historical District and encompases the art, expression, and nightlife that “Keeps Bisbee Weird”.
Every August, artists come together to showcase their incredible creations made entirely from discarded books - including furniture, mirrors, and even clothing. Each piece is then auctioned to benefit the community’s Copper Queen Library.
The CSP is the beating heart behind Bisbee’s acclaimed arts culture. Its resources are available to the community for a variety of programs and activities - including art exhibits, plays, concerts, children’s workshops and more.
A cooperative of weavers, spinners, and knitters, The Bisbee Fiber Arts Guild supports the cottage industry as a means of promoting artistic development and economic opportunity. Members sell their fiber art through the Bisbee Fiber Shop.
Bisbee Pride was started in 2004 by a small group of LGBT friends and now draws hundreds from around the country each Father’s Day weekend. Bisbee was the first in AZ to pass a Civil Union Ordinance before Marriage Equality became law.
The Bisbee Royale operates as a cultural arts center for radio, film, music, poetry, plays, and special events. With a great area, bar, and stage; the Bisbee Royale is a wonderful place to host any event.
Presented by the CSP, this annual all-day festival provides interactive, multicultural, and multidisciplinary arts experiences to local children and their families. It celebrates art created by young people and the diversity of the arts.
Celebrating underground, original, art-forward music from artists across the genre board, the Sidepony Express Music Festival spreads throughout the city where over 85 bands play at 18 unique venues throughout the November weekend.
History, Heritage & Tradition (Recommended up to 4)
What was once an abandoned mining town has since attracted an influx of artistic free-thinkers to a place that inspires creativity and imagination. Now, the streets of Bisbee provide a unique intersection between the town’s bold history and modern expression. With narrow alleys lined by unique architecture, Bisbee captures the town’s colorful and sometimes tragic history with its 3-dimensional accents and an extensive collection of murals painted on exterior walls, reinforcements and stairways. These artistic flourishes reflect the triumph of the Bisbee spirit over many threats to its growth and prosperity.
Underground mine tours with history exhibits & a crystal cave are the draw at this notable museum.
Enter magic Kenny Bang Bang's victorian parlor to get whisked back in time. Visitors will meet some of the town’s most infamous ghosts in this one-hour seance. Is it a display of parlor tricks or truly paranormal? You be the judge.
The Copper Queen Mine Tour transports visitors back in time to where it all began. Experience what it was like to work 1,500 feet underground on this excellent one-hour mine tunnel tour, available seven days a week.
Interested in the supernatural? It's said that many, old and young, still haunt the town and you can see photos and visit the places they have been spotted.
Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, Copper Queen Ghost Hunt, Ghost Hunt of Old Bisbee
Standing nine feet tall and weighing over 2,000 pounds, this iconic figure towers over the Courthouse Plaza to symbolize the city’s turbulent mining history. The sculpture was created in 1935 as a tribute to the miners who built the town.
The Concrete, “Iron Man” of Bisbee
Wine & Dine (Recommended up to 4)
Bisbee boasts a robust local food scene along with a Farmer’s Market every Saturday year-round. Visitors are bound to enjoy something new as the town is without any national chains - offering a truly authentic Bisbee experience.
Every Saturday morning all year long, a vibrant village market appears like magic at the south end of Vista Park. Neighbors come to shop, snack on baked goods, and sit under the "Social Tree” listening to live music by local performers.
Café Roka has been owned for 25 years by Rod Kass and features a four-course dinner tradition that changes menus weekly. Café Roka is a perfect capstone to your visit to Bisbee and a memorable place for family and friends to celebrate life.
A local coffee company fills the air with the nutty, smoky aroma of freshly roasting beans: Bisbee Coffee Company. Watch the comings and goings while enjoying a warm ginger snap cookie made right on-premises.
With a nice variety of brews including the Salut!, which tastes like champagne, to a full, smoky, Royal Stout, this is the place to buy your growler and jacket. Chat with the owner to learn about the ‘how and why’ of what’s in your glass.
Located inside the Copper Queen Plaza, you can enjoy a tasting or a glass while sitting outside watching the locals on their way to the post office or enjoying Grassy Park across the street.
Why is the banshee screaming? For more pizza, of course. Watch your pizza being tossed, then devour your wedges indoors, by the front rail enjoying the street scene or in the private back patio grove.
Named after the sailor’s patron saint, there is always a party about to start at this brewery. And don’t worry, there are plenty of supplies on hand.
This guided experience takes you through four local haunted pubs and serves up Bisbee ghost lore along with the brews.
Found inside the infamous Copper Queen hotel, this saloon provides a wide variety of spirits and live music. Enjoy an afternoon beverage and food on the outdoor patio.
Bisbee’s Table was established in February 2001 under the partnership of the Page family who also operate San Ramon Hotel and Bisbee Coffee Co. Experience big bold flavors in a relaxed environment.
Visit this bar inside the Bisbee Grand Hotel. It offers up an interesting selection of beer, wine and booze. Their kitchen serves up sandwiches, and fried bar favorites and there is live music and entertainment most nights.
Just inside the door, a piece of paper states, “I drove 3,700 miles for Thuy’s" which sums up the quality of food you're about to eat at this hidden gem. Specializing in Pho, Thuy's also serves up other authentic Vietnamese items.
Outdoor Sports & Recreation (Recommended up to 2)
Nestled in Cochise County’s Mule Mountains at an elevation of 5,350 ft., visitors are attracted to the milder summer climate of Bisbee’s mile-high elevation. Snow is not an uncommon sight in winter, although it doesn’t stay long. “It’s Always Cooler in Bisbee, AZ”, so outdoor activities abound with hiking trails, mountain biking, and parks and the event schedule is packed with outdoor festivals and unique events.
Many visitors set out to traverse the gardens, historic homes, and music venues on Old Bisbee’s steep canyon walls. The town has made a name for itself with its annual Bisbee 1,000 Great Stair Climb.
Warren Ballpark has been open since 1910. It is home to the Bisbee Black Sox and the Annual Copper City Classic Vintage Baseball Tournament, dedicated to two World War II veterans who played on the 1941 Bisbee Bees Minor League.
Local Lodging (Recommended up to 2)
Exploring this quirky Arizona town might be at the top of your travel list, and if you are planning to visit be sure to stay at one of their many local lodging offerings. Explore the many options here and pick the right one for your Bisbee adventures.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Bisbee, the Brownstone Suites offer a charming blend of historic elegance and modern comfort, providing guests with a unique and cozy stay.
Established in 1906, the Bisbee Grand is an iconic hotel steeped in history and quirky charm. Their offerings range from budget-friendly rooms to spacious suites. Be sure to check out their entertainment schedule!
Want to experience Bisbee like a local? Book your stay at Hotel La More where staff is ready to help you experience the city, and you’ll enjoy the vintage charm of this historic spot.
Boasting distinctive character, the Calumet & Arizona AZ Guesthouse provides a relaxed and artistic atmosphere, with uniquely decorated rooms and a warm ambiance that reflects the eclectic spirit of Bisbee.
If you’re looking for a centrally located stay with modern amenities, Canyon Rose Suites is the spot for you. All of Bisbee’s charm will be at your fingertips!
A landmark in Bisbee, this historic hotel is a testament to the town's mining heritage and provides ghost-hunting visitors the chance to encounter the paranormal!
These apartment-style units feature family rooms, kitchens and one- or two-bedroom options, many with panoramic views of Bisbee from the territorial-style verandas.
Surrounded by luscious trees, the Gardens at Mile High Ranch offers a serene and nature-inspired lodging experience, providing the perfect getaway.
Originally built in 1903 by the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company to give Bisbee residents a healthy place to recreate, the building was renovated into spacious apartments in the 1980's. These apartments with private bathrooms and kitchens are now fully furnished for travelers to Bisbee and Southeast Arizona a place to curl up for the night ~ a home away from home, instead of just a hotel room.
Overlooking the picturesque landscapes of Bisbee, The Inn at Castle Rock is a charming retreat with individually decorated rooms.
Enjoy a nostalgic experience in these popular vintage trailer accommodations, where guests embrace all things retro without sacrificing modern comforts.