Day trip to Bisbee

Question

I will be in Tucson for 5 nights, doing some hiking, sightseeing, eating, shopping, and relaxing at an Airbnb, 5 nights (a Monday through a Friday) in late January. Is it worth a drive to Bisbee during the week to check out their local shops and restaurants or would you just concentrate visiting the Tucson area and skipping Bisbee during this short of time.

Answer

Visiting Bisbee from Tucson can be a worthwhile day trip, but whether to include it depends on your priorities and energy level during your short stay in Tucson. Bisbee is about a 90-minute drive southeast of Tucson, making it roughly 3 hours round trip without stops. The town has a unique, historic charm with colorful hillside streets, local galleries, boutique shops, and some notable restaurants.

If your main goals are hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing in Tucson, a day in Bisbee might feel a bit rushed, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace. However, if you are intrigued by historic mining towns, architecture, and artsy local culture, it can be a rewarding detour.

Things to do in Bisbee: Explore the quirky shops along Main Street, grab a coffee or lunch at a local cafe, and walk the historic district to see Victorian-era buildings and hillside homes.
Optional tours: Queen Mine Tour offers a guided exploration of Bisbee’s mining history, which is a short, interesting activity if you enjoy history.
Photographic opportunities: The colorful town and hillside streets provide great photo spots, especially if the winter sun is bright.

If you decide to skip Bisbee, Tucson itself has plenty to fill five days without feeling rushed:

Hiking: Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park (East and West), Mount Lemmon trails.
Historic and cultural sites: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tucson Museum of Art.
Shopping and dining: Fourth Avenue, Mercado San Agustin, local restaurants and cafes.
Relaxation: Enjoy your Airbnb, local coffee shops, or short scenic drives in the surrounding desert.

In summary, if your heart is set on exploring small historic towns and you enjoy artsy shops, Bisbee is worth a weekday trip. Otherwise, you can easily spend five days immersed in Tucson’s hiking, culture, and food scene without feeling like you’re missing out.

Day trip to Bisbee

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