The question: Is Bisbee A The Coolest Small Town In The State of AZ?

It had been more than 20 years since I last wandered the winding and narrow streets of Bisbee, Arizona — that quirky, historic mining town tucked away in the Mule Mountains near the Mexican border. When I finally made it back recently to capture some photography and video clips, it felt like stepping into a place that had both changed quite a bit and somehow not changed at all. If that makes any sense…

Let me explain. On one hand, it seems Bisbee has evolved or grown more commercial since my first visit 2 decades ago. There are now a lot more cool retail shops, unique restaurants & bars, and boutique hotels than ever before. You can spend an entire weekend just exploring the creative energy that seems to radiate from every old brick building along the narrow streets. I know Bisbee was popular with creative people well over 20 years ago, but it feels like the town has become a bigger magnet for artists, musicians, and travelers looking for something authentic — a mix of Old West grit, small town living, and a cool 1970s vibe.

But what hasn’t changed is Bisbee’s spirit. The narrow streets still twist through steep hillsides, the charming old houses still cling to the slopes, and the locals still greet you with that laid-back, slightly eccentric friendliness that makes the town feel so genuine. There’s a sense that Bisbee has seen it all — booms and busts, hippies and miners — yet it just keeps being good ol Bisbee.

Whether you’re into old west history, art, photography, content creation, or just want to experience one of Arizona’s most unique destinations, Bisbee has plenty to offer. Here are a few of the most popular things to do when visiting:

🪓 Tour the Queen Mine – Go underground with a former miner and learn about Bisbee’s rich copper mining history.
🖼️ Explore the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum – A Smithsonian affiliate with fascinating exhibits on the town’s past.
☕ Stroll through Old Bisbee – Check out the local art galleries, vintage shops, and cozy cafés and bars that line Main Street and Brewery Gulch. This is great small town to just walk around and explore with a lot of cool surprises and interesting architecture to see every time you turn a corner. As a photographer, I highly recommend Bisbee because of all its unique and historic buildings and the abundant and funky settings for street photography opportunities.
🏨 Stay in a Historic Hotel – From the Copper Queen Hotel to quirky B&Bs tucked into the hills, every place has character and stories to tell. By the way, a lot of these old hotels in Bisbee are allegedly haunted if you are into that!
🍺 Enjoy Brewery Gulch – Grab a drink, listen to live music, and soak in the old-time saloon atmosphere. This notorious historic district in Bisbee reportedly had over 50 saloons and multiple houses of ill repute back in its hey day.
🎨 Find the Murals and Street Art – Bisbee is full of creative surprises around every corner, making it a photographer’s dream. In addition, at 5,500 feet in elevation, this mountain town has a moderate high desert climate that makes it enjoyable to visit and explore in any season.
🌄 Hike up to Castle Rock or Lavender Pit Overlook – Take in the sweeping views that remind you how unique this mountain town really is.

So, is Bisbee the coolest small town in Arizona? I’d say absolutely- maybe even the whole Southwest! It’s one of those rare places where the past and present blend perfectly — where you can feel both the nostalgia of a bygone era and the excitement of a beautiful town that’s constantly reinventing itself.

If you go, I recommend visiting in the fall or spring when the weather is the mildest and perfect for walking the hilly streets. Stop by Bisbee Coffee Company for a morning brew, grab lunch at Santiago’s, and don’t rush — Bisbee is best experienced slowly, with time to wander, explore, and soak up that unmistakable old-west vibe…

More Info: Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Bisbee Images & Video Clips: You can view and explore some photos and video clips of Bisbee I recently captured below- many of which are for sale…

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