Every now and then we like to venture outside of Las Vegas and we are glad we did. We visited Oatman, AZ and let’s just say, it was incredible! Oatman is only a 2hr drive from Vegas.
Image: Expedia
I recently took my family on a day trip to Oatman, Arizona, and it felt like stepping straight into an old Western movie. The moment we pulled into town, we were greeted by the famous wild donkeys—“the burros”—wandering casually through the streets like they owned the place. They walked right up to us looking for snacks, nudging our hands gently and posing for pictures with that adorable, stubborn charm they’re known for. Watching my kid light up as the burros surrounded us was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
As we started exploring, the town’s old-time charm wrapped around us instantly. Oatman is small, but every inch of it feels alive with history and personality. The wooden storefronts and creaky boardwalks made it seem like we were walking back in time, and every shop had its own unique assortment of handmade goods, quirky souvenirs, and local art. My family loved popping into each store, discovering something new—whether it was locally crafted jewelry, old-fashioned candy, or funny burro-themed gifts we couldn’t resist.
One of the things I loved most was how friendly everyone in Oatman was. Shop owners chatted with us like we were longtime friends, happily sharing little stories about the town’s mining past and the donkeys’ quirky behaviors. The whole atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, almost as if the entire community was excited to show off its character and charm. It made wandering from shop to shop feel more like a personal experience than just another tourist stop.
Image: F. ANDREW TAYLOR LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Of course, no visit to Oatman is complete without the famous cowboy gunfight show in the street. My family gathered around with the crowd as the performers stepped out in full Western gear, joking, yelling, and putting on a comedic shootout that had everyone laughing. It was playful, silly, and surprisingly well-acted, with the actors involving the audience just enough to make it extra fun. My kids were absolutely glued to the action, and even the adults around us couldn’t help but enjoy the energetic performance.
Image: Tara Schatz
By the time we left, Oatman had completely won us over. Between the friendly burros, the charming little shops, the Wild West scenery, and the fun cowboy show, it ended up being one of our favorite family outings. There’s just something special about Oatman—a mix of history, humor, and unexpected magic that makes you want to return. It’s one of those places that leaves you smiling long after you’ve driven away.
