The First Boarding House in Tombstone

Tombstone San Jose House

Where Old West Charm Meets Modern Comfort

Step back in time and experience authentic Wild West hospitality in our lovingly restored 1879 boarding house

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Tombstone San Jose House Historic Building
1879 Established

A Living Piece of Wild West History

The Tombstone San Jose House stands as a testament to the rugged spirit of the American frontier. As the first boarding house established in Tombstone, Arizona, our walls hold countless stories of miners, cowboys, and pioneers who sought their fortune in this legendary silver mining town.

Founded in 1879, just two years after Ed Schieffelin discovered silver in the area, the San Jose House provided shelter and camaraderie to those drawn by the promise of the Wild West. Today, we continue that tradition of warm hospitality while offering modern amenities for today's travelers.

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Original Architecture

Authentic territorial style preserved

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Rich Heritage

First boarding house in Tombstone

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Historic Location

Heart of the legendary mining district

Our Historic Units

Three uniquely appointed units, each telling its own story of the Old West

Wyatt Earp Room
Featured

Room 2 - Wyatt Earp

Named after the legendary lawman of the Old West. This spacious room features two queen beds, perfect for families or groups exploring Tombstone's history.

  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Private Bathroom
  • Sitting Area
  • Climate Control
Doc Holliday Room

Room 4 - Doc Holliday

Named after the famous dentist-turned-gunslinger and Wyatt Earp's closest friend. A cozy retreat with authentic Wild West charm.

  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Private Bathroom
  • Work Desk
  • Vintage Decor
Charlie Storms Room

Room 3 - Charlie Storms

Named after one of Tombstone's colorful characters. Spacious accommodations with two queen beds, perfect for a comfortable stay in the Old West.

  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Private Bathroom
  • Living Area
  • Mini Fridge

Modern Comfort, Historic Setting

Everything you need for a comfortable stay in the Old West

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Free WiFi

High-speed wireless throughout the property

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Complimentary Coffee

Fresh brewed each morning in our common area

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Free Parking

On-site parking for all guests

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Climate Control

Air conditioning and heating in all units

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Modern Bathrooms

Updated facilities with hot water

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Secure Access

Keyed entry for your peace of mind

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Mini Fridge

In-room refrigerators for your convenience

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Scenic Views

Beautiful desert and mountain vistas

๐Ÿ“ธ Our Guests' Tombstone Adventures

See what our guests have been up to in Tombstone! Share your photos with us and we'll feature them here.

What Our Guests Say

Create Your Wanted Poster

Ever wondered what you'd look like on a Wild West wanted poster? Create your own!

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WANTED

DEAD OR ALIVE

โ€” LIKENESS APPROXIMATE โ€”

Your Name Here
FOR THE CRIME OF
Horse Thievery & General Mischief
REWARD
$5,000
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about staying at the San Jose House

Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request, depending on availability. Please contact us in advance to arrange.

Yes! We offer free on-site parking for all guests. There is space for standard vehicles, trucks, and SUVs. If you're traveling with a larger vehicle or trailer, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you.

We love animals, but unfortunately pets are not permitted inside the San Jose House to preserve our historic furnishings and ensure comfort for all guests. Service animals are always welcome. There are pet-friendly kennels nearby if needed.

The San Jose House was established in 1879, making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in Tombstone, Arizona. It was the first boarding house in Tombstone, built by Samantha Fallon with a loan from town founder Ed Schieffelin. Wyatt Earp himself used the building to hold prisoners before Tombstone had a jail!

The San Jose House is in the heart of historic Tombstone! Within a few minutes' walk you'll find the O.K. Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, Crystal Palace Saloon, Tombstone Courthouse, Tombstone Epitaph Museum, and dozens of shops and restaurants along Allen Street. Boot Hill Cemetery is a short 5-minute drive.

Our cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in. Cancellations within 48 hours may be subject to a charge of one night's stay. Please review the specific cancellation terms during booking or contact us for more details.

Yes, complimentary high-speed WiFi is available throughout the property. The network name and password are provided at check-in. While we're a historic building, we've made sure you can stay connected to the modern world!

Tombstone is located in Cochise County in southeastern Arizona, about 70 miles southeast of Tucson and 180 miles southeast of Phoenix. It sits at an elevation of 4,539 feet in the high desert. The nearest major airport is Tucson International Airport (TUS), about a 1.5-hour drive away.

The San Jose House is the first boarding house built in Tombstone, Arizona, established in 1879 by Samantha Fallon. Located at the corner of Fremont and Fifth Streets, it served miners, cowboys, and travelers during the silver boom. Wyatt Earp used the building to hold prisoners before Tombstone had a jail. Today it operates as a historic vacation rental with three uniquely themed rooms named after Wild West legends.

Tombstone is widely considered one of the most haunted towns in America, and the San Jose House has its share of stories! Guests have reported hearing creaking floorboards in empty hallways, the faint scent of tobacco smoke, and a warm, welcoming presence that some attribute to original owner Samantha Fallon. Visit our Ghost Stories page for more paranormal tales from Tombstone.

Tombstone is approximately 70 miles (about 1.5 hours by car) southeast of Tucson via I-10 East and AZ-80 South. From Phoenix, it's about 180 miles (roughly 3 hours). The drive from Tucson passes through scenic desert landscape and the small town of Benson.

Tombstone is packed with attractions! Must-see sights include the O.K. Corral (with daily gunfight reenactments), Bird Cage Theatre, Boot Hill Cemetery, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, and the Tombstone Epitaph Museum. You can also enjoy stagecoach rides, underground mine tours, ghost tours, and historic saloons like Big Nose Kate's and the Crystal Palace. Check our full attractions guide for details.

The best time to visit Tombstone is October through April, when temperatures are pleasant (60-80ยฐF). October is especially popular for Helldorado Days and Halloween ghost events. Summer months (June-August) can be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 100ยฐF. Major annual events include Wyatt Earp Days (March), Rose Tree Festival (April), Helldorado Days (October), and Old West Christmas (December).

You can book directly through our website using the booking widget on this page, or through Airbnb. We offer three rooms: the Wyatt Earp Suite (Room 2, from $149/night), the Charlie Storms Suite (Room 3, from $149/night), and the Doc Holliday Suite (Room 4, from $119/night). You can also call us at (520) 302-4937 or email stay@tombstonesanjosehouse.com for availability.

Yes! Tombstone has many dining options within walking distance. Historic saloons like Big Nose Kate's and the Crystal Palace Saloon serve food and drinks in authentic Old West settings. Allen Street has several restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. For a full list of dining options, visit our attractions page.

Tombstone Events Calendar

Plan your visit around these exciting annual events

March

๐Ÿค  Wyatt Earp Days

Celebrate Tombstone's most famous lawman with gunfight reenactments, parades, live music, and Western festivities throughout town.

April

๐ŸŒธ Rose Tree Festival

See the World's Largest Rose Bush in full bloom! Enjoy garden tours, arts & crafts, and celebrate Tombstone's botanical wonder.

May

๐ŸŽญ Tombstone Western Heritage Days

A celebration of Western culture with cowboy poetry, music, art shows, and demonstrations of frontier skills.

July

๐ŸŽ† Fourth of July Celebration

Old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with parades, fireworks, live music, and all-American Wild West fun.

October

๐Ÿ”ฅ Helldorado Days

Tombstone's biggest event! Three days of gunfight shows, parades, contests, fashion shows, and nonstop Wild West entertainment since 1929.

October

๐Ÿ‘ป Ghost Tours & Halloween

Experience Tombstone's haunted side with special ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and spooky events all month long.

November

โ›๏ธ Schieffelin Days

Honor Tombstone's founder with mining demonstrations, historical reenactments, and celebrations of the town's silver mining heritage.

December

๐ŸŽ„ Old West Christmas

Experience a Wild West Christmas with Victorian decorations, caroling, holiday shopping, and festive events throughout Tombstone.

๐Ÿ“– Free Tombstone Visitor Guide

Download our comprehensive guide to Tombstone attractions, dining, history, and tips for making the most of your Wild West adventure!

๐Ÿ“ฅ Download Free Guide

In the Heart of Tombstone

The Tombstone San Jose House is perfectly situated to explore all that "The Town Too Tough to Die" has to offer. Walk to historic attractions, reenactments, museums, and more.

Nearby Attractions

  • ๐ŸŽฐ O.K. Corral - 2 min walk
  • ๐ŸŽญ Bird Cage Theatre - 3 min walk
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Tombstone Courthouse - 4 min walk
  • โšฐ๏ธ Boot Hill Cemetery - 5 min drive
  • โ›๏ธ Good Enough Mine Tour - 3 min walk
  • ๐Ÿš‚ Tombstone Epitaph Museum - 2 min walk

๐Ÿ“ 1 N 5th Street, Tombstone, AZ 85638

Tombstone Weather

Check current conditions before you head out to explore. Tombstone's desert climate means hot days and cool nights โ€” pack layers and sunscreen!

Guest Info & Travel Tips โ†’
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Book Your Western Adventure

Ready to experience the Old West? Contact us to check availability and make your reservation.

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Address

1 N 5th Street
Tombstone, AZ 85638

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Phone

(520) 302-4937

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Email

stay@tombstonesanjosehouse.com

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Check-In/Out

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Book Your Stay

Check availability and reserve your room instantly with our secure booking system.