Of all the Arizona places on my list, Bisbee is the furthest initial drive from Phoenix— just under 3.5 hours. I would never suggest driving further than necessary, so rest assured this place is worth the trip!

Bisbee is an old mining town, at one point the largest city in Arizona. It’s past Tucson and close to the Mexican border, built into hills near the old mine. The weather is comfortably cooler than the Phoenix area. I felt like it was similar to an East coast summer when I came in July: more humid than Phoenix, with lows in the high 60s and highs in the mid 90s.

Food

Patisserie Jacqui is probably the Bisbee business I most wish we had in Phoenix– an adorable French bakery with an incredible selection of pastries. I recommend them for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime.

Going outside old Bisbee, Dot’s and Dash’s is an adorable place to eat. Dot’s is a diner, with mostly outdoor seating among a collection of Airstream trailers.

If you’re tired of American food and looking for a more casual lunch or dinner, Thuy’s Noodle Shop has good Vietnamese food and even vegan options. The owner is a friendly woman from Vietnam and the chả giò are some of the best I’ve ever had.

For an upscale dining experience, Café Roka is the place. Food, drinks, service, and ambiance are on point. They have lovely rotating specials, and surprisingly large portion sizes.

Activities

Historic/cultural sites

There are historic sites from the mining days, including a tour of the mine.

With a quick drive, you can also park by the border and walk across to Mexico for a quick meal or snack and some different vibes.

Walking around and checking out all the cute little shops in Old Bisbee is tons of fun. The mix between old Western, hippie, and artsy/queer vibes is unique and interesting.

Outdoor activities

Overall, the weather here is going to be cooler than Phoenix, so it’s great to spend time outside. Bisbee is built on hilly ground, so walking around Old Bisbee can be somewhat of a workout on its own with all the steps and stairs. Getting a good vantage point for sunset is worth it, though!

You’re close to hiking, but if relaxing outdoors is more your vibe, it’s only $4 to go to the local pool for the day. The local park outside the pool also has free pickleball courts.

Nightlife

Bisbee Social Club is a downstairs speakeasy-cum-dive bar with LBGTQ friendly vibes. They have pool, live music, and bartenders who know what they’re doing.

You can’t go out in Bisbee without mentioning St. Elmo: a little dive-y, a little Western, a lot of fun. The oldest continuously running bar in Arizona (since 1902!) may have dancing or karaoke depending on the night.

Logistics & Lodging

As mentioned up top, Bisbee is a little too far for a day trip. If you’re visiting, plan to stay overnight. I personally think Bisbee merits more time, and would recommend it for a long weekend.

There are lots of hotels and AirBnbs in the area, but staying in Old Bisbee where everything is walkable is a must. You’ll thank yourself for the exercise and the lack of stress about parking.

I recommend the Warner Hotel. It’s in the heart of Old Bisbee and an absolutely beautiful property. The hotel closed in 1974 and stayed vacant for ages until the current owner renovated and reopened. There’s a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary touches, and really cool shared space. The owners also know a lot of history and gave great recommendations for all things Bisbee.