In search of the best and fun things to do in Cottonwood, AZ?
Cottonwood is a city located in the very heart of Arizona, in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. As the heart of wine country, it is perfectly situated above the heat of the desert and below the cooler temperatures of Arizona’s high country. According to the 2010 census, its population is just 11,265.
Cottonwood is renowned for its unique events, ranging from food and wine events to classic cars, corn holes, chocolate, parades, etc., which welcomes locals and visitors alike. The red rocks of Sedona surround the city to the northeast and Mingus Mountain to the southwest.
Here are the best things to do in Cottonwood, AZ.
Things to Do In Cottonwood
1. Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
It includes Willow, Arizona Ash and Cattail, Netleaf Hackberry, Mesquite trees, Javelina, grey Foxes, jackrabbits, and cottontail bunnies.
A wide variety of birds can be found in the park, including endangered and sensitive species. Four trailheads lead to Coconino National Forest.
There are also 20 miles of single-track and dual-track trails on the park.
The park also offers many outdoor recreation opportunities, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, as well as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Address: 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road Cottonwood, AZ, United States
2. Blazin’ M Ranch
Blazin’ M Ranch, Cottonwood, Arizona
Blazin’ M Ranch has been offering a unique Old West experience right in Historic Old Town Cottonwood for over 20 years.
The Ranch is a perfect recreation of a Western Frontier Town, and it features a boardwalk with Western shops and saloons.
It also features is also a museum, a shooting gallery, and the Old-Tyme Photo Studio in the Ranch.
Visitors can take part in interactive adventures such as a vintage tractor pull ride and shootin’ lessons while at this wonderful attraction.
There is also a critter walk where you can interact with miniature horses, donkeys, and peacocks.
After exploring the town, guests can end their day at the barn in a large, climate-controlled area for a traditional chuckwagon dinner featuring baby-back ribs, chicken, and all the cowboy fixings.
Address: 1875 Mabery Ranch Road Cottonwood, AZ, United States
3. Alcantara Vineyards and Winery
One of the best things to do in Cottonwood for wine lovers is visiting the Alcantara Vineyards and Winery.
Alcantara Vineyards, a family-owned winery in the Verde Valley’s foothills, is sustainably farmed.
Alcantara, a sprawling 87-acre property, was opened by Bob and Barbara Predmore in 2005. It is surrounded by Oak Creek and the Verde River on three sides.
The property boasts more than 13,000 vines that produce 16 varieties of wine, including red, white, and dessert.
A 1.5-hour guided tour of the grounds is offered by the winery. They share information about the history of grape growing, irrigation, trellising, and varietals while on the tour.
Wine tastings are also offered by the winery in its rustically-designed tasting room. They include five 1oz samples from the guest’s selection.
This answers what to do in Cottonwood, AZ for a fun time, do add to your list of Cottonwood attractions to visit.
Address: 3445 S. Grapevine Way Cottonwood, AZ, United States
4. Bliss Wine Tours, Sedona
Bliss Wine Tours is certainly considered the most luxurious vineyard tour in Cottonwood, Sedona. They offer the most luxurious customer-focused wine tour company in Sedona.
Featuring extravagant limousines for larger groups and plush SUVs for smaller groups, the bliss wine tour ensures you make good use of your time in northern Arizona, with a duration of 5hours or above. You can spend almost one hour exploring each of its vineyards because of its uniqueness.
After booking for a trip, you will be able to have pleasurable moments with a taste of its special alcoholic beverages while touring the wineries and Sedona. A journey to the bliss wine tours features excellent wine, amazing food, luxurious air-conditioned cars, guides that will make you happy and have fun.
Address: Cottonwood, Sedona, AZ, 86336, USA.
5. Crema Craft Kitchen Bar
Crema Craft Kitchen Barr
Crema Craft Kitchen Bar, the sixth restaurant opened by restaurateurs Eric Jurisin and Michelle Jurisin, is located in Historic Old Town Cottonwood.
The eatery is located in historic buildings from the prohibition era with an attached courtyard.
It boasts a modern design and decorative touches that reflect its rich history. Modern art and lantern-style lighting fixtures create vintage coolness.
The bar is characterized by an orange shipping container that has been transformed into a coffee bar.
The courtyard has an earthy, sustainable feel. The innovative menu includes brunch and lunch options, as well as a variety of freshly baked pastries and gelato made at the in-house creamery.
Address: 917 N. Main Street Cottonwood, AZ, United States
6. J-Rome Mine Escape Room
A potential adventure that you can never hurriedly forget, the J-Rome Mine Escape Room offers a whimsical journey into the imagination of a confused madman. This adventure allows you to assist with delivering six trapped miners, although time is running low.
In other words, you will require all your skills because you will get to experience difficult puzzles that lie in wait at the mine. Just pray for your mother’s fortune to locate you. These puzzles will stress your brain, but the staff are very kind and assist you with vital information.
Address: 551 S Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
7. Burning Tree Cellars Tasting Room
If you are a wine connoisseur, add a visit to the Burning Tree Cellars Tasting Room to your list of things to do in Cottonwood.
Burning Tree Cellars produces small-batch boutique wines using patience, high-quality oak, and the best fruit.
Burning Tree Cellars is located in CottonwoodCottonwood in a charming storefront. The attached patio has an earthy, rustic look.
The small courtyard is home to contemporary lounge furniture and stone and brick finishes. It also features futuristically designed heat heaters.
The tasting room is lit by large windows that let in natural light. This highlights the wood-paneled wine bar and the large, light-brown leather sofas, as well as the large, decorative wood tables.
Their eclectic selection of white, red, and rose wines only adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Address: Cottonwood, AZ 1040 N Main Street, United States
8. Verde Valley Wine Trail
The Verde Valley Wine Trail can be found in Northern Arizona, approximately 100 miles from Phoenix.
It is a popular destination for wine lovers. Established in 2009, it is well-known for its beauty, rich history, wine production, and beautiful surroundings.
The original trail consisted of seven tasting rooms and four wineries. However, it has expanded to include more cellars, wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards and bodegas.
Alcantara Vineyard & Winery is just one of many stops along the trail. Four Eight Wineworks and Pillsbury Wine Company North are also included.
Each stop offers a variety of wines that are skillfully and artistically crafted to please every palate.
Exploring this trail is one of the best fun things to do in Cottonwood, AZ, for wine connoisseurs.
Address: 849 Cove Parkway Cottonwood, AZ, United States
9. Private Luxury Wine Tour
The Private Luxury Wine Tour is one of the best places to be in Cottonwood, Arizona. It features four of the best vineyards in the Verde Valley. With the tour, you can maximize on time while you are in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5 hours.
You are free to enjoy any alcoholic beverage of your choice while traveling around the wineries and Sedona in spacious luxury air-conditioned vehicles. You are free to lodge in any of the surrounding hotels where you can relax while touring the city.
Address: Sedona, AZ 86336, USA.
10. Clemenceau Heritage Museum
Clemenceau Heritage Museum
One of the best things to do in Cottonwood, AZ, is visiting the Clemenceau Heritage Museum.
Clemenceau Heritage Museum is managed and supported by the Verde Historical Society. It preserves and displays the Verde Valley’s heritage and artifacts.
The museum is located in the former Clemenceau Public School’s south end, a historic building that was built in the 1920s.
Clemenceau Heritage Museum features displays of early 20th-century kitchens, bedrooms, classrooms.
It also boasts photographs and artifacts from European settlers during the early days of farming, ranching, mining, and other activities.
Clemenceau is open to the public and can be arranged for guided group tours. You can also purchase souvenirs and apparel from the Cottonwood Museum’s gift shop.
Address: 1 N. Willard, Cottonwood, AZ, United States
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11. Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument
The pueblo at Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale can be dated as far back as the 16 to 17th century, meaning it is much earlier than most other adventures in Verde Valley, which is steeped in the mining and frontier history that dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
However, experts calculate that the 110-room hilltop pueblo dates as far back as 900 years or above when the native Sinagua people traded and farmed the fertile land close to the Verde River. The pueblo ruins were destroyed and renovated during the 1930s and today feature a glimpse of the lives of those early farmers and artists.
Meanwhile, you can find the national monument between Cottonwood and Clarkdale. You can climb to the upper side of the pueblo to have a wider view of the Verde River Valley and the Mingus Mountain close to it.
Address: Verde River, Cottonwood/Clarkdale, Arizona
12. Pillsbury Wine Company North
Pillsbury Wine Company North was a project of Sam Pillsbury, who was a native New Zealander, award-winning filmmaker, and winemaker.
Pillsbury founded his company in 2005 with the goal of making 100% Arizona-made boutique wines.
He began to grow red, white, and pink varieties in Cochise County. His unique wines are available in many stores and restaurants throughout Arizona, including Tucson, Phoenix, Sedona, and Sedona.
Pillsbury also has tasting rooms in Cottonwood and Wilcox. The former has a modern, elegant look with red-wine-painted walls, wood finishes, and tile flooring.
It also features large leather furniture and intricately carved barrel chair designs. Five pours are included in the tastings, as well as a complimentary crystal wineglass.
Address: Cottonwood, AZ, 1012 N Main Street, United States
13. Classic Haunted Tour of Jerome from Sedona
The classic tour of Jerome offers you the most popular adventure you can ever desire. It offers you an opportunity of learning about the unique history of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome. Immediately you get to Jerome, you can explore their office museum and get the materials you need for the Haunted Exploration portion of the tour on foot.
However, you will be getting the locations base on the season, weather, and availability, to know the sort of dress that can go with it. Meanwhile, Jerome is at elevation and cools off during the evening periods, while you could encounter snow during the winter.
Address: Bashas, 160 Coffee Pot Drive, Sedona, Arizona 86336, USA
14. Winery 101
Open since 2008; Winery 101 is a family-owned-and-operated tasting room with locations in Peoria and Cottonwood.
The storefront is located in Historic Old Town Cottonwood and houses the latter.
Beautiful hardwood floors, exposed ceilings, and rugged brick walls combine with fine art, dark wood furniture, and plush sofas, creating an urban elegance.
Gavin and Irlyn, winemakers and owners of Winery 101, have created two wine lines and more than 20 varieties.
Gallivant Cellars is an Old World-style, single-varietal, handcrafted wine. Southpaw Cellars offers modern blends with the flair of Arizona.
Do add this winery to the list of things to do in Cottonwood if you want to taste some of the city’s best wines.
Address: 1019 N. Main Street, Suite B, Cottonwood, AZ, United States
15. Old Town Center for the Arts
Old Town Center for the Arts
Old Town Center for the Arts, located in Historic Old Town Cottonwood, is just 20 miles away from Sedona.
The center is the Verde Valley’s premier entertainment and lives music venue. There are two venues in the space, Studio B and the main theater.
They can accommodate 130 people comfortably. The historic theater has a charming Marquee outside and is beautifully restored with state-of-the-art professional lighting systems.
Studio B is located adjacent to the theater and features stunning wood floors, cool mirrored walls, private dressing areas, and a small courtyard ideal for receptions.
Address: 633 N 5th Street Cottonwood, AZ, United States
16. Verde River Adventure Center
For some adventure time, add a visit to the Verde River Adventure Center to your list of things to do in Cottonwood.
The Verde River Adventure Center has been providing amazing Verde River adventures for more than a decade.
This once-unknown River has become a vibrant outdoor oasis with ten access points that allow year-round boating, tubing, and fishing.
The Adventure Center offers a variety of tours, including kayaking trips and tubing excursions.
They also offer combination adventures such as Classic Water to Wine. The tour includes a 1.5-hour Ducky kayak trip down the Verde River, ending at Oak Creek.
To enjoy award-winning wine tasting, guests will leave this point and continue on to Alcantara Vineyards via a gravel footpath.
Address: 849 Cove Parkway Cottonwood, AZ, United States
17. Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House
Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House
Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House is located on Main Street in Historic Old Town Cottonwood.
The restaurant’s Hollywood-style looks are enhanced by rich dark woods, polished brass, and plush green upholstered furniture.
Michelle’s amazing menu of succulent steaks, juicy seafood, fresh seafood, and steamed crabs is a highlight of the restaurant’s regal and lively atmosphere.
The menu also includes authentic Italian dishes as well as a variety of savory appetizers. Her New England-style Clam Chowder is a local favorite.
Address: 925 N. Main Street Cottonwood, AZ, United States
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18. Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is the largest park in CottonwoodCottonwood, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do while in the city.
The park features two sand volleyball courts and a five-court horseshoe pit. There’s also a four-field softball complex for adults.
While in the park, you can also see a grassy area for field sports, an 18-tee disc-golf course, a skateboard park, and a four-field youth baseball complex.
The park also has an inline skating and hockey arena and five gazebos with picnic tables and a barbecue zone.
A scenic dirt path connects the park to both Historic Old Town Cottonwood and Riverfront.
Address: 1284 E River Front Road Cottonwood, AZ, United States
19. Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room
Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room is located in the heart of Old Town Cottonwood. It boasts quirky decor, handcrafted wood furniture, and comfortable, large-sized leather furniture.
The tasting room is like a corner coffee shop, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and enjoy a game or two of Connect-Four while enjoying one of their award-winning wines.
The Tasting Room offers five sample flights, which are perfect for beginners. They have a knowledgeable staff to guide you through the process.
A beautiful outdoor oak-wood patio is attached to the Tasting Room. The full kitchen serves a small selection of tapas, skewers, and cheese plates, as well as Brule Cheesecake.
Add a visit to the Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room to a list of things to do in Arizona to have a taste of what it has to offer
Address: Cottonwood, AZ 1023 N. Main Street, United States
20. THAT Beer
THAT Beer is a brewery in CottonwoodCottonwood owned and operated by the couple Steve and Tamara Morken, which caters to beer lovers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts.
This attraction is a hidden treasure located in Cottonwood’sCottonwood’s industrial park, far from Old Town’s bustling energy.
THAT Beer is located in a warehouse measuring 5,000 square feet and houses both a production area and a taproom.
The taproom is industrially chic and features cool design elements such as an exposed beam ceiling, mixed wood furnishings, large leather sofas, and a chalkboard menu.
The brewery also has foosball and corn hole. There are usually 10-12 taps at the brewery, including Arizona Trail Ale and Roadrash IPA, which are its best-selling IPAs.
Address: 3300 E Cherry Street, Cottonwood (AZ), United States
21. Larry’s Antiques & Things
Larry’s Antiques & Things
Larry’s Antiques & Things, which was opened in Glendale, Arizona by Larry Lehie, has been in existence for more than twenty years.
In 2008, Larry Lehie moved to CottonwoodCottonwood and took his one-building operation and made it a four-building property that included a hay barn and a two-story building.
Larry Cohen purchased the vast antique shop from Lehie in 2011. He kept the name and updated the inventory.
Cohen has been the happy owner of the shop ever since. The store now covers two acres and is filled with antiques, strange treasures, as well as a variety of unique items.
Visitors will find everything, from large replicas of Union soldiers to arched stained-glass windows, in this museum.
Address: 796 N. Main Street Cottonwood, AZ, United States
22. Hour Horseback Ride in Camp Verde
This one offers fun and happy moments, particularly to horse lovers. If you don’t know how to ride a horse, and you will like to master the art, an hour Horseback Ride in Camp Verde offers you the opportunity to take part in the desirable horse riding skills.
The horses in Camp Verde are for all ages and every kind of experience. Here, you only need to enter the stable to meet and greet all the horses with a smile. As soon as you’re on top of your horse, you will receive a brief description of how to pull the reins to enable the horse to go in any direction of your choice.
You can now move to the trail where you can begin your journey. Remember to prepare your cameras, as you will see some of the most attractive mountain tops in the Verde Valley. This adventure will give you many things to think about and make you wish to come back for more.
Address: 6101 E County Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA.
23. Pizzeria Bocce
Pizzeria Bocce
Owned and operated by Michelle Jurisin and her husband Eric, Pizzeria Bocce is a trendy restaurant and lounge in Old Town Cottonwood.
Pizzeria Bocce, an Italian Culinary Professional and her husband Eric, is a trendy restaurant and lounge in Old Town Cottonwood.
Jurisin, who was certified and trained by Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in pizza-making, learned this skill in Naples, Italy.
This is the birthplace and home of her family roots. Each pizza is hand-kneaded using traditional methods.
The pizza is made from imported Caputo flour from Italy and then fired up in a wood-burning oven.
There are many pizza options, including Pesto Chicken, Carbonara, and Pomodoro. These are made with extra virgin oil, tomatoes, and bocce hand-stretched mozzarella.
Parmigiano, fresh garlic, and basil are also available. You can also find salads, Panini, and Antipasti options such as fondue and Mediterranean ceviche.
Visiting this wonderful museum is one of the best things to do in Cottonwood, for a memorable dining experience.
Address: 1060 N. Main Street Historic Old Town Cottonwood, AZ
24. Historic Tour of Jerome
It was formerly called the Wickedest Town in the West for a reason. You will get to learn of it once you journey into the Historic Tour of Jerome. As the name implies, it is filled with many interesting stories of the city and how the attractive tour came to be.
The Historic Tour is in the heart of Arizona’s ancient copper-mining city of Jerome, a small community in the Old West. Here, you are free to explore the hillside, otherwise known as a ghost town, which was initially occupied with saloons and brothels.
You’ll also get to learn the history of Jerome’s sliding jailhouse and amongst others. You can experience the classic historical tour of Jerome, which features Jerome, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale.
Address: Bashas Parking Lot, Sedona, Arizona
25. Old Town Red Rooster Cafe
Old Town Red Rooster Cafe
In 2010, good friends Shane Smith and Jet Tennant opened Old Town Red Rooster Cafe.
They made the cafe a local favorite over the next five years before parting ways to pursue their success independently.
The Red Rooster is still a popular local spot that serves traditional American and Southwest-style dishes for breakfast and lunch.
There are many breakfast options available, including eggs benedict and buttermilk pancakes.
You can also build your own breakfast sandwich section. This latter option is made with two eggs, and guests can choose from bread, cheese, and meat.
The lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads, and wraps such as the Southwest Steak Wrap.
Address: 901 N. Main Street Cottonwood, AZ, United States
26. Jail Trail
Jail Trail
The Jail Trail starts by moving past a riparian area in Cottonwood which is quite dense and secluded from the main town.
Then the trail leads to the Verde River, which features a rocky washed bottomland, and travels along the River downstream for almost a mile.
In the end, the trail allows hikers to continue their journey to Dead Horse Ranch State or return to the historic Old Town Cottonwood.
The trail is furry-friendly; however, pets must always be leashed. A huge part of the trail is wheelchair accessible; it takes about an hour to complete a hike on this trail fully.
Address: 1101 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
27. Coyote Trails Golf Course
If you are a golf enthusiast, one of the best things to do in Cottonwood, AZ, is to check out the Coyote Trails Golf Course, nestled at the base of Mingus Mountain.
The Golf Course provides an exciting golf experience for everyone with a keen interest in golfing, not minding your skill level.
This par 33, 9-hole golf course comprises 1 par 5, 4 par 4’s, and 4 par 3’s coupled with ryegrass fairways and grass greens. Various hazards in the golf course offer a challenging yet fun experience.
There are many awesome views and wildlife to see in this area while golfing. The golf course is well-equipped to host tournaments for visitors.
Address: 1480 Annas Ave, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
28. The Tavern Hotel
The Tavern Hotel
The Tavern Hotel is located in the central area of Old Town Cottonwood’s dining, entertainment, and shopping district. This opulent boutique hotel comprises 41 deluxe bedrooms and two deluxe penthouses.
The hotel features spacious guest rooms, luxurious bedding with beautiful cotton lines, flat TV screens, walk-in showers, soft-topped beds, plush fittings, and others.
The hotel was initially built as a grocery store in 1925 and a hub for activities in Old Town Cottonwood.
The hotel was fully constructed in 2011 to surpass the needs of tourists, whereas the historic building was conserved. The Tavern Hotel offers only the best lodging experience for its guests.
Address: 904 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
29. Cottonwood Aquatics Center
If you are a fan of water activities, the Cottonwood Aquatics Center is a lovely destination, as it promises to be fun-filled and entertaining for everyone.
Cottonwood Aquatics Center features a zero-depth child place space, a Lazy River, a 180-foot slide, water spray elements, and 19-yard long lap lanes for a fun time.
Apart from water activities, they provide their guests with different types of fitness classes together with Aquatics, Zumba, yoga, cycling, and toning.
Party and banquet rooms are available for rent for events such as meetings, seminars, parties, and training.
Address: 100 Brian Mickelsen Pkwy, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
30. Constant Evolution Escape Rooms
Constant Evolution Escape Room offers an action-filled adventure to visitors in its escape room facility. Two veterans named Shawn and Ryan established the Constant Evolution Escape Room.
Both veterans brought their innovative ideas into reality by creating escape rooms exhibiting top-notch settings and exceptional puzzle dynamics.
The company provides varied escape room themes with challenges and stories like military operations, crime investigation, military tasks, time travel, mining, and others.
The Escape room company is a recipient of many awards as a result of its family-oriented services. In 2018 the company won three Winnie Family Favorites Awards and the Best Family Destination, Best Indoor Entertainment, and Best Seasonal Entertainment awards.
Constant Evolution Escape Rooms are the perfect place to have great moments with the family, hang out with family, or have a uniquely fun experience with your partner.
Address: 551 S. Main Street, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326,
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Plan a Trip to Cottonwood
As earlier discussed, Cottonwood is a city located in the very heart of Arizona. It features many interesting events ranging from Scenic Beauty and recreational opportunities that will thrill the traveler to several attractive shops and galleries in Old Town, Clarkdale, Camp Verde, Sedona, Cornville, and Jerome, amongst others.
Also, it is a place where ancient civilizations, coupled with their unique history and culture, come to explore. For instance, over 100 bird species dwell in Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Native American history in Tuzigoot National Monument. Surely, you will find your favorite places or things to do in Cottonwood.