Cottonwood Arizona

Top Recommendations Cottonwood, Arizona

Cottonwood, Arizona is known to be where the locals live in the Verde Valley and hidden gems can be found everywhere. Whether you are visiting Sedona, Jerome, or anywhere else in Northern Arizona, a day in Cottonwood is well worth it. The town itself has numerous outdoor activities from hiking, biking, off-roading with Vortex ATV Rental, kayaking, and scenic drives to name a few.

Furthermore, Cottonwood has an up and coming downtown with endless options to make the most of your time in the Verde Valley. If you are looking for a small-town feel close to Sedona and Jerome with plenty of opportunities, check out Cottonwood, Arizona.

Top Things To Do Outdoors

Hike or bike a new trail – With Cottonwood located at the base near Sedona and the Verde River, there are endless opportunities to hike, bike, camp, or explore the diverse desert landscape without having the congestion of the Sedona. All Trails has some ideas for you to get out on the trails.
Soak up the Verde River – Whether you decide to hang out along the river at Tapco or Tuzigoot, or go floating, this is a great opportunity to enjoy Arizona’s longest free-flowing river. If you want to look into floating the Verde, check out OAC Tours in Cottonwood, a family-friendly business that offers all sorts of fun river activities to participate in.
Stroll through Historic Old Town – Whether you are looking to eat, drink, view, or shop, this has become a staple in the Verde Valley. With 10 wine tasting rooms, endless dining options of all varieties, or searching for a memorable gift on your excursion, make sure to stop in Historic Old Town Cottonwood and see why it is becoming the place to be.
Dead Horse State Park – Whether it be hiking, biking, fishing, camping, bird watching, or even horseback riding there are an array activities that can be found at this Arizona State Park. Take a break from the busyness that life can bring and see what makes Dead Horse State Park so special.
Enjoy seasonal events – Events anywhere from live music, car shows, farmers markets, wine festivals, to the endless community events, there’s always something going on in neighboring Sedona, Arizona. Spend time with the locals and enjoy the community coming together for these vibrant events. Take a look here for upcoming events in Cottonwood

Top Things To Do Indoors

Wine Tastings – With just under 30 wineries, tasting rooms, and/or vineyards in the Verde Valley, try some of the Cottonwood specialties. There are ten wineries in Cottonwood, Arizona which all have something unique to offer.
Escape Room – Are you looking for something unique and considered a puzzle? This is the only escape room offered in the Verde Valley and near Sedona. Choose from four vastly different themes: Treasure Hunter, the J-Rome Mine, Dead End, and the Collectors. Can you solve the mystery and escape the room on-time?
Blazin M’ Ranch – This is a Wild West experience to remember that you should not miss. Featuring a superb supper followed by a hour-long western stage production by award-winning musicians, Blazin M’ Ranch is a must-do attraction during your visit to the Sedona/Verde Valley region.
Visit downtown – Going from shop to shop is a great indoor option in Historic Old Town Cottonwood whether you are searching for an antique, collectible, piece of handmade jewelry, framed piece of art, souvenir t-shirt, and/or glitter to name a few. Furthermore there’s an ample amount of restaurants and wineries to keep you indoors most of the day if you choose to do so.
Old Town Center for the Arts – Visit here for live theater performances which include concerts, plays, musicals, comedy, lectures, and special events. The Center for the Arts have quite a variety of performances and also offer classes from time-to-time so check out their latest event calendar for updates.

Top Food & Drink

Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant – Arizona is known for the Mexican cuisine and you can find no better source for such than Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant in Old Town Cottonwood. Family owned and operated, you will not be disappointed by the flavor, portions, and authenticity of this establishment.
Colt Grill – Known to have an array of BBQ options, you cannot miss the smoky smells as you head into Old Town Cottonwood. Locally owned, Colt Grill is always consistent and is a staple for anything BBQ in the Verde Valley.
Pizzeria Bocce – Rated as the 68th best pizzeria in the country in 2022 on Yelp, this pizzeria has very delicious Neapolitan Pizzas. Not only does Pizza Bocce have great pizza options, they offer paninis, gelato, and the outside patio makes it well worth a stop.
The Krow Sports Bar & Grill – Who wants to dine like a local? Not only are they locally owned and operated, they offer a vast menu with options for everyone. Go to the Krow Sports Bar & Grill for their great happy hour, an ample supply of TVs, and enjoy the games offered for the entire family.
Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria – Who doesn’t like homemade pastas, pizzas, gelato, and wine? Not only do you find such here at Merkin, you also have endless views overlooking Old Town Cottonwood and Sedona Red Rocks in the background. Stop here if you are looking for a homemade experience.

Top Lodging Options

Tavern Hotel – Located in Old Town Cottonwood, this is a unique euro-style hotel with exquisite guestrooms, cozy cottages, and a luxury penthouse. Looking for a boutique style hotel conveniently located, look no further than the Tavern Hotel.
Iron Horse Inn – Located in Old Town Cottonwood, this is a different experience than the Tavern Hotel. With an emphasis on the history of the building and convenience to Old Town, the Iron Horse Inn is a staple for someone looking for privacy without wanting to spend the whole day in a hotel room.
Pine Inn & Suites – This is a family friendly inn with spacious, convenient rooms for everyone. Locally owned and operated, Pine Inn & Suites is a perfect spot if you are looking to be more centrally convenient to Sedona, Jerome, Camp Verde, and the rest of the Verde Valley with the modern hotel feel.
Lux Verde Hotel – Located on the outskirts of Cottonwood, Lux Verde Hotel is a fully remodeled hotel can offer both business and pleasure travelers a peaceful and convenient place to call home in the heart of the Verde Valley.
AirBnB & Vrbo – If you are looking for the most privacy, AirBnB and Vrbo are a great opportunity to rent a room or house for your entire visit. Whether it be short-term or long-term, check out some of the options for your stay in the Verde Valley.

Other things to know about Cottonwood

Founded in 1879, Cottonwood was given the distinction of being called the ”Biggest Little Town in Arizona.”
The City of Cottonwood incorporated in 1960 in which during this period area roads were improved to accommodate the needs.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Cottonwood was inhabited by early Indigenous peoples including the Southern Sinagua people.
“The Cottonwoods” originated as a campground and stopover for travelers near one of the three main crossings of the Verde River. In the 1870s, a few hearty settlers began to sink more permanent roots which helped convert the name to Cottonwood.
The town began as an army outpost, but settlers soon moved in and developed a farming community.