Travel Guide: Pet Friendly Bisbee, Arizona


Looking for a charming, pet friendly getaway steeped in history, hiking, shopping, and sightseeing with lots of places to eat and stay? Let us show you around Bisbee, Arizona!

Dog posing in front of "B" Mountain in Bisbee, AZ

 

For an “off the beaten path” getaway, pet friendly Bisbee is a great option. Less than two hours south of Tucson, this former copper mining town is now known for its eclectic art galleries and shops, unique architecture, live music, and friendly residents.

Exploring Old Bisbee is best done on foot, which is fantastic for those of us traveling with pets! And at 5,350 feet of elevation, your walks will elevate your heart rate as well as your spirit.

Fortunately, there are plenty of pet friendly places to catch your breath, rest your paws, and enjoy the views. We’re excited to share some of our favorites with you!

READ MORE ⇒ 9 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Pet Friendly Trips

View of Bisbee, AZ from a pet friendly trail above town

Exploring Pet Friendly Old Bisbee

The first thing you’ll notice about Old Bisbee is that it’s built into a canyon. And none of the streets run in straight lines. Some even go up a hill and … just … end. So do yourself a favor and park your car. You’ll have more fun — and see a lot more — by walking.

Main Street runs through the heart of town. This is where you’ll find many of the galleries, shops, and eateries. But to see the real Bisbee, you’ll want to explore the side streets and staircases. Part of Bisbee’s charm is discovering the hidden nooks and crannies that most visitors miss.

View of "B Hill" from a staircase in Bisbee, AZ

 

Bisbee 1000 Great Stair Climb

For the most exciting (and breathtaking) tour of town, grab a map and follow the route of the Bisbee 1000. Always the 3rd weekend in October, participants in the stair climb race up nine of Bisbee’s historic public staircases.

Map of the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb

Of course, there’s no reason for you to hurry. So set your own pace and admire the many houses and gardens along the 4.5-mile trek.

Following the race course will give you a great overview of the city. And going in reverse gives you the same fantastic views, but takes you down the staircases instead of up!

Brindle dog enjoying the view in pet friendly Bisbee, AZ
Mural showing the map of the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb in Bisbee, AZ
Mural in Bisbee, AZ by Judy Perry

Bisbee’s Unique Architecture

One of our favorite things to do in Bisbee is admire the buildings and homes. From dilapidated miners’ shacks barely clinging to the hillsides to colorful cottages, you’ll see it all. And regardless of the condition of the structures, you have to admire the ingenuity of the builders!

Old miner's shack in Bisbee, AZ
Colorful cottage in Bisbee, AZ
Houses on a hillside in the late afternoon sunshine in Bisbee, AZ

 

If you are a lover of old buildings, don’t miss Bisbee’s Copper Queen Library and post office. And be sure to poke your head inside St. Patrick’s Church to see the exquisite stained glass!

Copper Queen Library in Bisbee, AZ
St. Patrick's Church in Bisbee, AZ

Wall Art

Bisbee is blessed with many wonderful artists, and their work is on display all over the city. As you wander around town, keep an eye out for murals, paintings, and walls that are whimsical as well as functional.

READ MORE ⇒ Top American Cities for Dog Friendly Urban Hiking

Mural of a woman in Bisbee, AZ
Paintings attached to a fence in Bisbee, AZ
Art built into a retaining wall in Bisbee, AZ

 

As you stroll around pet friendly Bisbee, see if you can find these murals that include dogs!

Smiling dog sitting beside mural of dogs on Moon Canyon in pet friendly Bisbee, AZ
Mural of Jackson the dog in Bisbee, AZMural of Jackson the dog in Bisbee, AZ
Mural of a dog on Tombstone Canyon in pet friendly Bisbee, AZ
Mural of a dog in the back of a VW Bug in Bisbee, AZ

 

City Parks

Anytime you travel with pets, it’s good to note the locations of the area parks. You’ll be happy to find that Bisbee has a nice selection of pet friendly parks for your furry buddy to sniff.

City Park is one of Bisbee’s best pet friendly parks. With covered picnic tables and great views, it’s a nice place for a picnic.

Pet friendly City Park in Bisbee, AZ

Grassy Park is located next to the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. If your pets are craving a little grass between their toes, this is your spot!

Copper Queen Plaza in Bisbee, AZ

Goar Park occupies a triangular-shaped lot where Brewery Gulch meets Main Street. With benches and picnic tables, it’s convenient to the areas that attract most visitors.

Gore Park in Bisbee, Arizona

For more shade and fewer tourists, make your way to Higgins Hill Park at the corner of Quality Hill Road and Key Avenue. This lovely spot also has covered picnic tables, plus pickleball courts, fitness equipment, and the city swimming pool.

Man walking dog in Higgins Hill Park in Bisbee, AZ

 

Finally, if your pup is looking for some off-leash fun, hop in the car and head to the Bisbee Dog Park (316 N Washington Avenue). Formerly a little league ballpark, it has separate areas for large and small dogs. And all the pups have plenty of room to run!

Dogs running at the dog park in Bisbee, AZ

Learn More On A Tour

Founded in 1880 as a gold, silver, and copper mining town, Bisbee has a long and colorful history. If you want to learn more about the early days, make plans to take a tour.

Queen Mine Tours

The Queen Mine Tour takes guests down into the old mine tunnels on a small train. For safety reasons, the below-ground tour is not pet friendly. But pets can join you in the gift shop.

The Queen Mine Gift Shop is an experience you won’t want to miss. With historical displays and a movie explaining the mining process, you and your pet will be well entertained while the rest of your party takes the tour. And you’ll find loads of interesting souvenirs to remember your visit.

Queen Mine Tours in Bisbee, AZ

 

Jeep Tours

To explore Bisbee above ground, consider a Big Jeep Tour. With tours that last from two to five hours, and bringing your pets along is encouraged!

These driver-narrated tours ramble through the hills of Old Bisbee, explore the area’s mining history and architectural gems, and take in panoramic mountaintop vistas.

READ MORE ⇒ The Ultimate Pet Friendly Guide to Moab, Utah

Husky dog in the back of a pet friendly jeep tour in Bisbee, AZ
Photo copyright: Big Jeep Tours

Golf Cart Tours

B Active Bisbee offers pet friendly 30 or 60-minute golf cart tours of Old Bisbee. Hop on one of their super-comfortable golf carts for a spin around all the must-see spots! Your tour guide will happily point out the best local eats, art culture, unique history, and historic architecture that put Bisbee on the map.

B Active also offers pet friendly guided hikes and destination hikes. If you’d like some company on the trail, be sure to ask about the options.

Dog on a pet friendly golf cart tour in Bisbee, AZ
Photo copyright: B Active Bisbee

 

Walking Tours

The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum offers a Step Back in Time” guided walking tour, and well-behaved pets can join you. Check their website for dates and times.

A town as old as Bisbee is sure to have a few ghosts. To learn more about them, join an Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. Well-behaved pets can join you, but make your reservations early – they sell out!

READ MORE ⇒ America’s Best Pet Friendly Ghost Tours

Dog in a ghost costume sitting in the doorway with a pumpkin lantern

 

Eating & Drinking In Pet Friendly Bisbee

Walking around pet friendly Bisbee is going to make you hungry and thirsty. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and get a drink with your pet!

Coffee Shops

Bisbee Coffee Company – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Kafka Coffee – pets are welcome inside.

Snacks And More

Bisbee Good Cakes – pets can join you inside.

Patisserie Jacqui – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Woman ordering from Patisserie Jacqui in Bisbee, AZ

 

Restaurants and Cafés

Bisbee Grand – pets are welcome inside the bar area, where you can order from the full menu.

Bisbee’s Table – pets can join you at the seasonal outdoor seating area.

Contessa’s Cantina – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Copper Queen Hotel, Restaurant & Bar – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Dot’s Diner – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Grass Stop Smoothie Bar – pets can join you inside while they make your smoothie.

High Desert Market and Café – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

High Desert Market and Café in Bisbee, AZ

Main Street Bistro – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Poco Restaurant and Market – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area and inside the market.

Screaming Banshee Pizza – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Taqueria Outlaw – pets can join you in the bar area.

The Quarry Bisbee – pets can join you inside.

Thuy’s Noodle Shop – pets can join you at the outdoor seating area.

Thirsty Lizard – located about 7 miles east of Bisbee in McNeal, the Thirsty Lizard has a large outdoor seating area and is generally less crowded than the downtown eateries.

 

Drinks

Bisbee Social Club – pets can join you inside.

Gene’s Place – pets can join you inside.

Hitching Post Saloon – pets can join you inside.

Old Bisbee Brewing Company – pets can join you inside and in the courtyard. They also serve some light snacks.

St. Elmo Bar – pets can join you inside.

Beer tasting at Old Bisbee Brewing in Bisbee, AZ

 

Shopping

Many of Bisbee’s shops welcome pets — just be sure to ask first. Don’t miss Poco Market, a bodega where you can pick up some grocery items. And pets can join you inside.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are also welcome at the Bisbee Saturday Market. Open every Saturday 9am to 1pm in Vista Park in Warren, this is a great place to shop for locally and regionally grown, raised, and sourced food, as well as hand made items. And most weeks they have music and food vendors.

Another of our favorite places is Old Bisbee Roasters. If, during your visit, the entire town smells like roasting coffee, you probably have them to thank. Swing by on Saturday or Sunday for a free espresso and tell Seth we said hi!

Seth at Old Bisbee Roaster in Bisbee, AZ

Hit The Trails

For some people, urban hiking is no substitute for getting out on a trail. If you’re part of that crowd, pet friendly Bisbee will not disappoint. Pack sturdy footwear — as you might expect, Bisbee’s trails lean toward steep and rocky.

Though there aren’t signs marking the trails, most are well established and easy to follow. And all are pet friendly!

From town you’ll likely notice a hill with several white crosses on top. For a quick hike, walk to the end of OK Street and take the trail up to the shrine.

READ MORE ⇒ Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Sedona, Arizona

Shine on the mountain top in Bisbee, AZShine on the mountain top in Bisbee, AZ

 

For a longer hike with views of the Chiricahua Mountains, pick up the Ridge Trail from Adams Avenue.

Brindle dog on the pet friendly Ridge Trail in Bisbee, AZ

For those who prefer to stay on the pavement, but still want a workout, walk up to “the Divide.” (It’s not the actual Continental Divide, but the scenery is equally impressive.)

From downtown, walk northwest on Tombstone Canyon, cross under Hwy 80, and follow West Boulevard up to the white wall at the top. You’ll be standing over the Hwy 80 tunnel that brings most visitors to Bisbee. The views along the way are stunning, especially at sunrise!

Sunrise over Bisbee, AZ

 

Pet Friendly Places To Stay In Bisbee

For a small city, there is a great selection of pet friendly accommodations in Bisbee. Whether you’re traveling in an RV, or looking to stay in a hotel or vacation rental during your visit, you’ll find the perfect place to meet your needs.

RV Park

Located within easy walking distance of downtown Bisbee, and just up the hill from the Queen Mine Tour, the Queen Mine RV Park is a popular winter destination. So be sure to make your reservations well in advance!

RVs at the Queen Mine RV Park with the city of Bisbee, AZ in the background

Hotels

Copper Queen Hotel – welcomes up to two dogs for with a $50 per stay, per pet fee and no weight limits

Eldorado Suites Hotel – welcomes one dog for a $30 fee and two dogs for $45 per stay

Jonquil Motel – welcomes up to two dogs with a $25 per night, per pet fee and no weight limits

Mile High Ranch – welcomes up to two dogs under 50 pounds each for $50 per stay

Silver King Hotel – offers one pet friendly suite on the first floor for $5 per pet per night

The Carrick – welcomes up to two pets (cats or dogs) up to 25 pounds in the following suites: 101, 102, 103, 201, 204. All other pets must be pre-approved prior to making a reservation. There is a $50 non-refundable pet cleaning fee.

The Inn at Castle Rock – welcomes two pets up to 40 pounds. Contact the hotel directly for details about fees.

The pet friendly Inn at Castle Rock in Bisbee, AZThe pet friendly Inn at Castle Rock in Bisbee, AZ

Vacation Rentals

Bisbee also has a wide variety of pet friendly vacation properties available. Check your favorite rental website to see the options.

 

More Pet Friendly Things To Do In Bisbee

Lavender Pit Overlook

Just south of Old Bisbee, toward the neighborhoods of Lowell and Warren, is the Lavender Pit. In operation from 1950 through 1974, the sheer scale of the mine is stunning.

There’s a parking area overlooking the pit with informative signs explaining how the mine got it’s name and how the mining process worked. It’s definitely worth a quick stop.

Lavender pit mine in Bisbee, AZ

Stroll Through Lowell

Erie Street is most of what is left of Lowell. Much of the town’s residential area was moved to widen the Lavender Pit. Unfortunately, the relocation of these residents caused many of Lowell’s businesses to fail.

Today, it’s a step back in time as you walk by the defunct businesses and antique vehicles in various states of repair. 

Across the traffic circle, on Old Douglas Road, don’t miss Dot’s Diner. All the seating is outdoors and pet friendly. In all our travels, we’ve never seen any place quite like it.

Brindle dog sitting on the sidewalk in Lowell, AZ
Antique car parked in front of a old Texico station in Lowell, AZ
Antique car parked in front of Dot's Diner in Lowell, AZ

 

Day Trips From Bisbee

Naco, Sonora, Mexico

Park in Naco, Arizona, just 20 minutes from Bisbee, and walk to Mexico! Crossing the border with your dog is a cinch, and Naco, Sonora is a fun little Mexican town.

Stop for a delicious lunch on the patio at Cafiuta, a coffee shop that also serves salads, sandwiches, and more.

READ MORE ⇒ Traveling To Mexico From The U.S. With A Dog

Brindle dog sitting in front of a sculpture spelling Naco in Naco, Senora, Mexico

Tombstone, Arizona

Devoted to the wild west, Tombstone is just a 20-minute drive from Bisbee. If you dream of walking the very same streets where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday roamed, this is your chance!

READ MORE ⇒ Pet Friendly Fun in Tombstone

Brindle dog looking through the bars of a jail-like window in Tombstone, AZ

 

Patagonia Lake State Park

About 90 minutes west of Bisbee, Patagonia Lake is a 250-acre dog friendly oasis in the desert. Popular for fishing, camping, picnicking, bird watching, and hiking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Dog and woman overlooking the lake at Patagonia Lake State Park near Tucson, AZ

Breweries and Wineries in Sonoita & Elgin

Just an hour from Bisbee, you’ll find one of Arizona’s finest and most beautiful wine growing regions. Surrounded by the Santa Rita, Huachuca, and Whetstone Mountains, visiting the pet friendly wineries and breweries is a great way to spend a dog friendly day!

Smiling brindle dog in a red harness at pet friendly Los Milics Vineyards near Bisbee, AZ
View from the tasting room at Los Milics Vineyard

 

Hiking At Kartchner Caverns

Kartchner Caverns is known for its cave tours, but it was the trails that drew us to this state park! Less than an hour north of Bisbee, the Guindani and Cottonwood Saddle Trails are definitely worth the drive.

Woman holding dog on a pet friendly trail at Kartchner Caverns State Park near Tucson, AZWoman holding dog on a pet friendly trail at Kartchner Caverns State Park near Tucson, AZ

Coronado National Memorial

For a pet friendly history lesson, visit the Coronado National Memorial. Just 30 minutes from Bisbee, the exhibits here interpret Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s expedition from Compostela, Mexico to what is now Salina, Kansas.

The park also offers panoramic views of the US-Mexico border and San Pedro River Valley, which is considered Coronado’s likely route. There is only one pet friendly trail here, and it’s a thigh-burner — but the payoffs are worth the effort!

Brindle dog in a red harness looking at the view from Montezuma Pass Overlook at Coronado National Memorial near Tucson, AZBrindle dog in a red harness looking at the view from Montezuma Pass Overlook at Coronado National Memorial near Tucson, AZ

 

White Water Draw State Wildlife Area

Plan your visit between early October and mid-March to see the sandhill cranes. Whitewater Draw, just 30 minutes from Bisbee, is the winter home of 20,000 cranes.

The birds spend the night standing in the shallow waters to evade predators. Each morning at dawn they fly out to feed and socialize in the surrounding area. In the afternoon, they start returning to Whitewater Draw to settle in for the night.

Brindle dog at Whitewater Draw near Tucson, AZ

Chiricahua National Monument

Seventy miles northeast of Bisbee, Chiricahua National Monument covers more than 12,000 acres. Called “standing up rocks” by the Chiricahua Apache, an eight-mile drive winds through the park’s spires and pinnacles.

The best hiking trails at Chiricahua are exceptional … but not pet friendly. There is one trail through the valley where pets are allowed, but it’s in a less scenic area of the park.

Brindle dog looking at view from Massai Point in Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona

 

We hope our visit to pet friendly Bisbee has inspired you to plan a trip of your own! This is one of the easiest and most enjoyable places we’ve found to do more together.

In fact, we fell in love with Bisbee during our stay. So much that we’ve made it our home! Keep an eye out for us. We spend a lot of time walking the streets and trails with our pups. And Myles loves to smooch his fans.

Brindle dog in a red harness kissing a smiling woman in pet friendly Bisbee, AZ
Photo copyright: Cheri Grebner Payne

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