20 things to do in Bisbee, the ‘best small desert town’ in the US

Bisbee is recognized as the “best small desert town,” and unlike its haunted hotels, there’s no mystery as to why. Here are 20 things to do in Bisbee. 

“We’ll drive you into Bisbee tomorrow; you’re gonna love it there.”

My family had curated the perfect Southern Arizona exploration for my first visit to the Grand Canyon State way back when. They were onto something with Bisbee, as not only did it do the trick to lure me back for annual visits—and eventually a permanent move—but I also hosted my wedding there some 20 years later.

My family members aren’t the only ones who recognize the allure of Bisbee, though. Recently, Travel + Leisure magazine recognized Bisbee as the “best small desert town” on the “America’s Best Small Towns of 2024” list. While this is an honor, it comes as no surprise, as any local will tell you about the whimsical charm that comprises this notoriously haunted and historical border town. 

Located in Cochise County, about 11 miles north of Mexico, Bisbee began as a mining town and quickly grew in popularity with a very clever build by the Phelps Dodge Mining Company. In 1902, this mining outfit built the Copper Queen Hotel, which is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state. At the time, it was the epitome of luxury. The hotel served the mission of attracting both wealth and workers to keep the mine operating until 1975, when mining in Bisbee ceased.

From there, Bisbee has developed into a town with a rich history, notorious hauntings, and plenty of art and culture. Parking at a central hotel and walking the historical streets will leave you nothing short of mesmerized. From magic to eats, shopping, and sightseeing, Bisbee has something to offer just about everyone. 

20 things to do in Bisbee

History and hauntings

At the very center of town is—you guessed it—the luxurious, historic, and notoriously haunted Copper Queen Hotel. Tourists are encouraged to walk through the halls and explore the history of the hotel, which has maintained its decadence over the course of the century. The attached bar and restaurant called The Spirit Room is open at select times and is open for celebrations, like weddings.

This hotel has several haunted rooms, attached to many tragic and heartbreaking stories, and can be explored when you sign up for the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. For a nominal fee of $20, you’ll find yourself walking through the Bisbee buildings on a tour, stopping at the most haunted spots, and learning all about the history from the appropriately-garbed guide. Part of the tour stops on the second-floor landing of the Copper Queen Hotel, leaving no stone—or grave—unturned.

This chandelier can reveal the luxury still present at the Copper Queen. (Courtesy of Trinity Murchie)

Haunted histories aren’t for everyone, but most people can appreciate a good sleight of hand. Magic Kenny Bang Bang is a well-versed magician with over 20 years of experience performing tricks and sharing history in both New Orleans and Bisbee.

Open for business Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights year-round, The Seance Room is his domain. Sitting down around the seance table that pays homage to the great Harry Houdini, Magic Kenny Bang Bang leads a 50-minute interactive performance complete with a history lesson, tricks, and, if you’re lucky, keepsakes from the show.

Kids are welcome to join for a discounted rate, making this activity a must for everyone.

The seance table beckons visitors to the magical macabre. (Courtesy of Trinity Murchie)

Not far down the street is the Queen Mine Tour. Tours run seven days a week to entice those history buffs, or at least those interested in mining. This is also a great option for curious kiddos over the age of six who want to know about “real life Minecraft.” Be sure to dress warm as the mine is always a crisp 47℉, regardless of the season. This 1 hour 15 minute tour begins with getting the appropriate gear before boarding a mine train that takes you through the history of Phelps Dodge Mining Company. 

Once the sun begins to set, the party comes to life (and the people of Bisbee know how to party). If you like drinking and/or laughing with a good hit of history, Chuckleheads is the longest-running comedy club in Arizona and hosts both rising and novice comedians. Who knows who you’ll meet here! 

Across the street from the comedy club is St. Elmo Bar, the longest continuously operating drinking establishment in the state. While kind of divey, this bar is certainly heirloom and radiates a glimpse into how Bisbee has evolved over time. Socialize, let loose, and enjoy the insight that only comes from a business that has matured for over a century. 

Eats, drinks, and sweets

Speakeasy aesthetic goes hand in hand with the history of Bisbee. Descend down a set of stairs near a red light on Main Street, and find yourself at Bisbee Social Club. Here, you’ll find original cocktails, quirky decor, risque historical photographs, and plenty of fun locals to swap stories with.

If Main Street isn’t quite your vision of a speakeasy, tiptoe over to the Oliver House and explore 26 Souls, the newest drinking spot that attracts locals and a more low-key crowd.

Hangover or not, if you love good coffee, simple breakfasts, and juicy busking feuds, then head on over to Bisbee Coffee Co. This shop in the Copper Queen Plaza has smooth and strong coffee to start the day off right, and the breakfast bagels are a staple for locals and tourists alike. Choosing a window seat is the perfect way to snack, people watch, and decide which shops to explore first, and if you’re lucky, listen to some amazing buskers. 

Coffee, a breakfast bagel, and views make for the perfect morning at Bisbee Coffee Co. (Courtesy of Trinity Murchie)

There are plenty of yummy restaurants to choose from in Bisbee, as artists and eccentrics all enjoy creative, high-quality food, but two stand out among the rest. Taqueria Outlaw dons an intimate setting with full bars for both salsa and libation, and offers fresh twists on Mexican food classics. The carne nachos were so delicious and ample in size, it should be outlawed!

If American classics are more your taste, then head over to the Copper Queen Plaza at the center of town and check out the beloved restaurant known as The Table. The staff are always incredibly kind and the food is consistently good. Having eaten here about 10 times in my life, I can say with confidence that if something on the menu sounds good to you, you can rely on the fact that it will taste good. The Table is a great place to gather and is worth the short wait. 

Traversing the mountainous streets of Bisbee leaves many searching for a sweet pick-me-up. Far down the main stretch is a magical pastry shop where the chef is a James Beard semifinalist, a stamp of recognition for high quality culinary artisans. The croissants at Patisserie Jacqui are some of the flakiest around, and it tastes like butter was added to butter as the goodness just melts on the tongue, providing joy, nourishment, and decadence. I waited outside of the service window while it was snowing, and can therefore confirm that it was well worth the extra chilly wait. The croissants are show stopping for the sophisticated simplicity, but the tarts are equally terrific.

Continuing back down mainstreet reveals yet another sweet gem: Bisbee Good Cakes. Here, you’ll find yourself delighted with irresistible cakes, cookies, and fudge. These cakes hold for nearly a week and are just as moist on day five as they are on day one. They also have fantastic gluten free options, safe for celiacs. If you plan on getting married or celebrating a special day in Bisbee, they also make special event cakes, which I can say from first hand experience is worth every dime. 

Shopping

The streets of Bisbee are lined with wonderful mom-and-pop shops, ensuring that your dollars support small businesses. While there is hardly a bad choice of where to go, there are a few shops that stand out above the rest.

The first is in the same center as the coffee shop and The Table, and that is the Bisbee Bodega. Bodegas are corner stores, often found along the city blocks of New York City, that exist to provide convenience for the community. The Bisbee Bodega follows this trend, offering sundries, tchotchkes, clothes, snacks, jewelry, and more. Maybe this sounds like an unimpressive everyday store, but when you step inside and see how tiny the space is, you’ll be inspired to organize your own home to maximize space.

Another fun spot is called EMW Fusion, where East Meets West. Although it has gallery vibes, everything here is handmade by the two owners and for sale at reasonable rates. This powerful duo combines American pop art with Asian style clothing, or classic Asian art with traditional Wild West clothing, fusing together two concepts in original ways. The couch in the middle begs you to spend time enjoying the art, the cold-storage-turned-dressing-room begs you to try on your favorite clothing item, and the amiable nature of both the owners inspires you to purchase and support this wonderfully creative couple.

Pop art donning the walls of EMW Fusion ad spunk and joy. (Courtesy of Trinity Murchie)

Finally, no trip to Bisbee would be complete without a stop in Bisbee Olive Oil. With infused oils, artisanal balsamics, and natural skin care, there is something here for everyone. It is not just the goods that stand out, though. The owner, Robert, is personable and will leave you feeling like a local with his insightful—and highly detailed—conversation style. He can find something to talk about with anyone, making the olive oil shop both a shopping and social experience. Even if you are introverted, the social experience is worth it to try the white strawberry peach balsamic.

Free things to do in Bisbee

Going to Bisbee doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, Bisbee attracts many weary travelers looking to unwind during longer journeys. One thing to be sure to explore is the art alley. It’s an alley just beyond Bisbee Olive Oil and before the Seance Room. One giant step up will lead you to an alley between businesses, homes, hotels, and landscape, and is lined with a cornucopia of canvas paintings by both professionals and amateurs. Picking out your favorite is one fun game to play with this free activity.

Hundreds of paintings decorate the quirky art alley. (Courtesy of Trinity Murchie)

While walking the streets after the alley, you might find other alleys leading to steep staircases. These staircases are part of the Bisbee 1000. While you may pay to join the annual fitness event, climbing these stairs is free any other time of year. You’ll see fitness gurus running up and down these stairs, as you don’t need a gym with the stunning form of exercise at hand.

When you tire from all that stepping and begin heading down to the coffee shop to reenergize, make sure to make a pit stop at the award-winning Copper Queen Library. This two-story library features stunning views, well-designed sections, and plenty of shelves lined with knowledge. The librarians are helpful and well-read, making it apparent why this library frequently wins national awards.

Once you’re done falling in love with libraries all over again, hop in your car and head over to the pit. Next to it, you’ll see the historically preserved Lowell. This is the perfect spot to take photos, as the street is lined with locals’ classic cars and businesses that have kept the aesthetics of yesteryear. You’ll find photo op after photo op here, so be sure to bring a great camera! 

Ready to explore beautiful Bisbee?

These 20 activities are some of the most noteworthy must-sees of Bisbee, but there is always something new to see, eat, and explore here—pretty impressive for a town with a population of 5,000. Be warned, though, once you visit Bisbee, you’ll want to go back again and again. Some may even be tempted to move here. Happy traveling! 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: 11 things to do in Mesa that are off the beaten path