About Bisbee

Perched at 5,500 feet in the Mule Mountains, Bisbee enjoys some of the best weather in Arizona—warm days, cool nights, and real seasons without the extremes. With an average summer high of just 89°, it stays pleasantly comfortable here while Tucson, Phoenix, and much of the state sizzles in triple digits. Winters bring the occasional snowfall, summer delivers dramatic monsoon storms that refresh the desert, and evenings cool off quickly year-round. Pack a warm layer, even in summer, and you’ll be set to enjoy Bisbee’s famously perfect climate from sunrise to starry night.

Bisbee was founded as a mining stronghold in the Mule Mountains of Southern Arizona, and by the early 1900s it had grown into the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco with more than 20,000 residents. When the mines closed in the mid-1970s, the town underwent a dramatic cultural shift as artists, free-spirits, and independent thinkers were drawn to its historic architecture and quirky charm. They reshaped Bisbee into a creative haven, and that spirit still thrives today. With a current population of around 5,500, Bisbee blends its rich mining heritage with a vibrant, cosmopolitan arts culture that makes the town unlike anywhere else in the Southwest.

Bisbee’s mining legacy runs deep—this corner of the Mule Mountains became one of the most productive mineral sites in the world, yielding billions of pounds of copper, zinc, and other valuable ores. Commercial mining kicked off in the 1870s with the famed Copper Queen operation, followed decades later by the Lavender Pit, an impressive open-pit mine that dominated the landscape from the 1950s until its closure in the mid-1970s. The industry shaped Bisbee’s identity, economy, and architecture, leaving behind a fascinating landscape of tunnels, tailings, and historic structures that still define the town today. For a deeper dive into Bisbee’s mining story, visit www.bisbeeminingandminerals.com.

For such a tiny town, Bisbee has an incredible variety of great food. Just down the street from the Jonquil are High Desert Market for breakfast, pastries, and lighter bites; Thuy’s Noodle Shop for fresh Vietnamese dishes; and Screaming Banshee’s for wood-fired pizza. Taqueria Outlaw is our favorite for Mexican and Patisserie Jacquie has exquisite French pastries and desserts. If you’re in the mood for something elevated, Cafe Roka and the Copper Pig offer standout casual fine dining. Wherever you land, you’ll eat well in Bisbee.

From historic dives to western saloons, Bisbee has the perfect bar for you. St. Elmo’s boasts being the oldest continuously operated bar in the state, while Room 4 Bar claims the title of the smallest, with only four seats tucked inside the Silver King Hotel. The Bisbee Grand is great for cocktails, live music, and people-watching on a lively weekend night, and the patio at Old Bisbee Brewing Company is the perfect spot to sip a craft beer on a sunny afternoon. And if you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a pop-up bar in the backyard of the Jonquil—cheers to that!

You won’t want to miss the dozens of unique shops tucked into Old Bisbee’s winding streets. From custom hat makers and handmade soaps to local art, vintage finds, and antique gems, there’s truly something for every kind of shopper. Wander down Main Street or duck into the side alleys and you’ll discover one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Whether your taste leans modern, vintage, quirky, or classic, Bisbee’s shops make it easy to head home with a little treasure in your bag.

Take in the sights of Bisbee on a tour with local experts. From e-bike and golf cart tours with B Active to Lavender Jeep and Big Jeep tours through town, there are lots of great ways to explore the town. Head underground at the Copper Queen Mine or learn about our haunted history on a Ghost Tour; there are tours for all ages, abilities, and interests. Give us a call at the Jonquil and we’ll give you the resources to get you booked.

With “the highest concentration of architecture per square inch in the state of Arizona,” according to Bob Vint in his PBS documentary, Bisbee is a living example of historical preservation mixed with modern living. The wide variety of buildings range from tiny miner shacks to renaissance revival storefronts to carpenter gothic churches and everything in between. You’ll definitely want to bring your walking shoes and come ready to explore!

Old Bisbee was built into the steep walls of Tombstone Canyon during the mining boom era and many of the houses are still only accessible by stairs. As you explore town, you'll often find yourself wandering up and down staircases that were originally dirt paths traversed by mules. During the Great Depression, the trails were replaced with stairs by WPA work crews and are now an integral part of the city. The Bisbee 1000 is an annual race up the staircases through town and also makes for a great self-guided walking tour for you to follow year round.

Bisbee is a small town with a cosmopolitan streak, fueled by the artists who settled here after the mines closed and infused the place with a free-spirited creative pulse. In addition to the galleries on Main Street, one standout is the Artemizia Foundation, a contemporary street- and graffiti-art museum housed in a historic schoolhouse on Tombstone Canyon. Bisbee is a haven for makers and appreciators alike. Whether you’re hunting for inspiration or just exploring what’s behind the next doorway, creativity is everywhere you turn.

Live music is the heartbeat of Bisbee, pulsing through patios, alleyways, and historic bars most nights of the week. From classic blues and rock to folk, jazz, and experimental sounds, there’s always something sweet to stumble upon. With a dozen venues, street performers, and special events throughout the year—including backyard shows at the Jonquil—your visit is guaranteed a memorable soundtrack. And if you’re here in the fall, the Sidepony Express Music Festival turns the whole town into a musical playground with hundreds of artists and pop-up performances.

Set in the Mule Mountains within Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands, Bisbee is a perfect playground for naturalists and outdoor aficionados. Scenic hiking trails weave right out of town, and several National Monuments are just a short drive away, making it easy to explore one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. The region is especially famous for birding, with world-renowned spots like Whitewater Draw, Madera Canyon, and the San Pedro River all within easy reach.