Just a two-hour drive from Phoenix lies the delightful city of Cottonwood. Located in the beautiful Verde Valley, this town is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Named for the cottonwood trees that line the shores of the Verde River, Cottonwood is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Arizona.
Cottonwood offers all the essential amenities you need for a comfortable stay. From grocery stores and department stores to hardware shops and auto parts stores, you’ll find all the basics. There are a variety of lodging options ranging from large hotels to quaint inns and B&Bs in Old Town. Additionally, there are campgrounds, RV resorts, and public lands all around the city.
We stayed just outside town at the Verde Valley RV Campground. If you happen to be a Thousand Trails member, this is one of our absolute favorite parks! Don’t have an RV? They also have cabins available for rent.
In the area for a short stay? Here is a fun, 1-day itinerary for visiting Cottonwood:
- Start your day with breakfast at Randall’s for the chili relleno and eggs. Or stop by the family friendly Black Bear Diner for scrumptious sweet cream pancakes (a big hit with the kids).
- After fueling up, head to Riverfront Park, Cottonwood’s largest park. Enjoy walking trails, skatepark, dog park, disc golf course, playgrounds, and even an inline hockey rink!
- Looking for the local vibe? Take a stroll through Old Town Cottonwood. Wine & spirits, dining, art galleries, shops, nature trails… you name it, this charming town has it! Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tasting rooms featuring local vineyards from the heart of Arizona’s wine country. Also be sure to check out the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Browse antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries while you work up an appetite for dinner at one of the many great restaurants, taverns, and cafes.
- An evening at Pizzeria Bocce is the perfect way to finish the day. The service is fantastic, and the food is even better. We can personally recommend the meat pie and margherita pizza, both are exceptional!
- Cottonwood hosts exciting events all throughout the year, from music and markets in Old Town to numerous festivals. Including the Verde Valley Wine Festival and the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. While we visited, the town was hosting Cottonwood’s Vintage Run/Walk, including the “Half-Corked” 5K Run!
Nearby Adventures
Have a little more time? Explore these nearby attractions:
Jerome:
Drive up to Cleopatra Hill and discover the once booming mining town of Jerome. Visit Jerome State Historic Park, located in the historic Douglas Mansion, to learn more about the history of the copper mines and life in Jerome. From the top of the Hill, you’ll find epic views of Verde Valley, the iconic red rocks of Sedona, and maybe the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff in the distance.
Sedona and Village of Oak Creek:
Explore the picturesque city of Sedona and the quaint Village of Oak Creek. Both offer stunning scenic drives and epic hiking through the red rocks!
Grand Canyon:
Feeling adventurous? The Grand Canyon is about 2.5 hours from Cottonwood. Consider an excursion to this natural wonder. We were glad we made the day trip!
If you are looking to discover more about the area, check out our blog post about more sites around Verde Valley. Happy Travels!
