Looking for a unique getaway just a short drive from Tucson? Bisbee, Arizona, offers a delightful mix of history, charm, and kid-approved activities. Here's how to make the most of a family weekend in this vibrant town.

🚙Getting There

Bisbee is approximately 1.5 hours southeast of Tucson, making it an easy road trip for families.

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🏨 Where to Stay

Bisbee offers a variety of lodging options that cater to families seeking comfort, history, and unique experiences. Here are three standout choices:

🛏️ The Carrick Hotel

Located in the heart of Old Bisbee, The Carrick Hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities. This all-suites hotel offers spacious accommodations, each featuring a full kitchen, dining area, and private balcony with mountain views—ideal for families needing extra space. Guests appreciate the hotel's art-filled interiors and proximity to local attractions.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly suites with full kitchens
• Private balconies offering scenic views
• Complimentary continental breakfast
• VIP coupon card to local business, complimentary snacks, drinks, a BBQ and bike rentals, board games and gym access.

Booking: thecarrick.com

🚐 The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court

For a nostalgic experience, The Shady Dell offers stays in restored vintage trailers from the 1940s and '50s. Each trailer is uniquely themed and provides a cozy retreat with period-appropriate decor. On weekends, guests can enjoy classic American fare at the on-site Dot’s Diner.

Highlights:

• Unique vintage trailer accommodations
• On-site dining at Dot’s Diner (open Friday–Sunday)
• Located just half a mile from Old Bisbeeinstagram.com+1theshadydell.com+1hipcamp.com

Booking: theshadydell.com

👻 Copper Queen Hotel

As Arizona's longest continuously operated hotel, the Copper Queen Hotel offers a blend of history and charm. Built between 1898 and 1902, this hotel is known for its vintage architecture and rumored hauntings, making it a fascinating stay for families interested in history and the paranormal. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, saloon, and outdoor pool.en.wikipedia.org+1booked.ai+1

Highlights:

• Historic hotel with rich mining-era history
• On-site dining and saloon
• Outdoor pool for guest use
• Special Themed rooms

Booking: https://copperqueen.com

Each of these accommodations offers a unique way to experience Bisbee's charm and history. Whether you're looking for modern comforts, a retro adventure, or a historic stay, Bisbee has the perfect lodging option for your family.

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🍽️ Where to Eat

Bisbee's culinary scene is as eclectic and charming as the town itself. From retro diners to upscale bistros, there's something to satisfy every palate. Here are some must-visit spots:

☕ Bisbee Coffee Company

📍 2 Copper Queen Plaza, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 bisbeecoffee.com

Located in the heart of Old Bisbee, Bisbee Coffee Company is the town's original coffee roaster and coffeehouse. Open daily from 6:30 am to 7 pm, it's the perfect spot to start your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a light breakfast. The café is pet-friendly and offers a cozy atmosphere for families.

What to order: Dirty Chai Latte

🍳 Dot’s Diner at The Shady Dell

📍 1 Old Douglas Rd, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 theshadydell.com/dots-diner

Step back in time at Dot’s Diner, a 1957 Valentine Diner located within The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court. Open Friday through Monday from 9 am to 2 pm, Dot's serves up classic American breakfasts and lunches. The retro ambiance and hearty meals make it a hit with families.

What to order: Buttermilk Pancakes and fresh squeezed orange juice

🍽️ The Bisbee Table

📍 2 Copper Queen Plaza, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 bisbeetable.com

Situated in the historic Copper Queen Plaza, The Bisbee Table offers a diverse menu of New American cuisine, including artisan pizzas, pastas, seafood, and their renowned meatloaf. Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, it's a great spot for lunch or dinner with the family. They have a great kids menu!

What to order: Green Chile Meatloaf or ribs.

🍕 Screaming Banshee Pizza

📍 200 Tombstone Canyon, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 Order Online

Known for its wood-fired pizzas and eclectic atmosphere, Screaming Banshee Pizza is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's a family-friendly spot to enjoy pizzas, salads, and wings.

What to order: Screaming Banshee Pizza (pepperoni, jalapeño, roasted garlic) for kids: they have a banging Shirley Temple and Spagetti and Meatballs.

🍷 Café Roka (Upscale Dining)

📍 35 Main Street, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 caferoka.com

For an upscale dining experience, Café Roka offers a menu of locally sourced ingredients with regional influences. Located in a historic building in Old Bisbee, the restaurant provides a unique ambiance and a selection of appetizers, small plates, and entrees. Dinner service is available Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 pm. - reservations only. We did not go there on our trip, but literally everyone we asked told us to go there. We opted for more casual options.

What to order: Seasonal Vegetable Lasagna (from Trip Advisor)

🍺 Old Bisbee Brewing Company & Distillery

📍 200 Review Alley, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 oldbisbeebrewingcompany.com

Situated in Bisbee's historic Brewery Gulch, Old Bisbee Brewing Company serves up a variety of craft beers in a comfortable atmosphere. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's a great place for adults to relax while kids enjoy the lively setting, plus they have FREE popcorn. Home to award-winning Blue Juniper Gin, The Bisbee Distillery crafts small-batch spirits right in the heart of town. The tasting room is stylish yet laid-back, perfect for adults looking to sample something truly local.

What to order: Copper City Ale or a Gin and Tonic

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🥐 Patisserie Jacqui

📍 91 Main Street, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 patisserie-jacqui.com

This tiny but mighty French bakery has gained national recognition, including a James Beard Award semi-finalist nod. Open Thursday through Sunday, it offers handmade pastries, croissants, and tarts. It’s wise to preorder—everything sells fast.

What to order: Kouign-Amann or literally anything made with criossant dough

🍨 Pussycat Gelato

📍 9 Naco Rd, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 pussycatgelato.com

A delightful spot for a sweet treat, Pussycat Gelato offers a rotating selection of handcrafted gelato flavors made with local ingredients. The whimsical décor and friendly staff make it a hit with families.

What to order: Salted Caramel Gelato

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Things to Do

Bisbee is brimming with history, art, and quirky charm. Here are some top attractions and activities to enjoy with your family:

🏛️ Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum

📍 5 Copper Queen Plaza, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 bisbeemuseum.org

A Smithsonian Affiliate, the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum offers an interactive trip back in time for the whole family, telling the story of a western copper-mining town’s role in the industrialization of America. Explore exhibits detailing Bisbee's rich mining heritage, including mineral specimens and historical artifacts. The top floor is a collaboration with the Smithsonian and its amazing and interactive!

Family Tip: Children under 10 enjoy free admission but must be accompanied by an adult. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ‍

⛏️ Copper Queen Mine Tour

📍 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 copperqueenmine.com

Descend into the depths of the Copper Queen Mine on a guided tour led by former miners. Children aged 6 and up can don hard hats and explore the tunnels, gaining insight into Bisbee's mining history. Tours last about 1 hour and 15 minutes and are available five times daily.

Family Tip: Children under 6 are not permitted on the tour. Closed-toe shoes are required; no high heels allowed. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. ‍

🛍️ Explore Old Town Bisbee

Stroll through the winding streets of Old Bisbee, lined with eclectic shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. Don't miss the Bisbee Historic District, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant arts scene.

Family Tip: The area is hilly with many stairs; bring a stroller suitable for uneven terrain or consider baby-wearing for little ones.

🎭 Bisbee Royale

📍 94 Main Street, Bisbee, AZ
🔗 bisbeeroyale.com

The Bisbee Royale on Main Street in Old Bisbee is best described as modern elegance with an enhanced atmosphere. Guests can enjoy food, coffee, and drinks at the Cafe Royale, sports nights with beer, wine, and cocktails at the Dragon Bar, and events and performances at the Royale Theater.

Family Tip: Many events are family-friendly, but it's best to check the specific event details for age appropriateness.

🏘️ Visit Lowell & Erie Street

Step back in time with a visit to the Lowell neighborhood, where Erie Street remains frozen in the 1950s, complete with vintage cars and storefronts. It's a nostalgic experience that delights visitors of all ages.

Family Tip: Great spot for family photos and teaching kids about mid-20th-century Americana.

🌄 Lavender Pit Overlook

📍 Lavender Pit Overlook, Bisbee, AZ

Gaze down into the massive open-pit copper mine known as the Lavender Pit. This site offers a unique perspective on the scale of mining operations that once thrived in Bisbee.

Family Tip: The overlook is unfenced in some areas; keep a close eye on children. Educational signage provides context for curious minds.

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Whether you're mining for history, sipping lavender gin, or chasing ghosts down colorful alleys, Bisbee is packed with charm, adventure, and family fun at every turn. From retro diners to hands-on museums and vintage trailer stays, it’s a place where every generation can find a little magic.

🌟 Ready to plan your Bisbee adventure? We hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip!

Special thanks to Discover Bisbee for collaborating with us to highlight all the amazing family-friendly things to see and do in this one-of-a-kind Arizona town.

🧡 For more family adventures across Southern Arizona, follow us at @theplaydistrict_tucson!

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