Cottonwood Travel Guide

Hugged by the Sedona red rocks and Mingus Mountain, Cottonwood AZ enjoys mild climate and pleasant weather that both its residents and visitors appreciate. Cottonwood is a place for more than just relatively moderate weather, however- this small city is also a hub for tourist activities and relaxation, offering something exciting for everyone.

Things to Do in Cottonwood

For the first leg of their Cottonwood experience, many tourists make their way to the Dead Horse Ranch State Park where they can get in touch with the Verde Valley's natural beauty through birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. From there, they can venture into Historic Old Town Cottonwood for a day of wine tasting, good food, and shopping at the various boutiques and gift shops that the area houses.

Guests hoping to learn something about the area can visit the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, or the Tuzigoot National Monument in nearby Clarkdale. To relax, they can book an appointment for a massage at Massage Spirit and to squeeze a bit of sports-themed fun into their vacation they hunt down any of the various outdoor sports fields that dot the city.

Best Places to Stay in Cottonwood

Vacation homes are abundant in Cottonwood. From ranch-style farmhouses to one-room desert dwellings, the city had something perfect for every guest. Equipped with internet and comfortable furniture and bedding, the rentals ate check in ready and welcoming.

Best Time to Visit Cottonwood

The best time to take a trip to Cottonwood, Arizona is April to June, and October through November. Since Cottonwood has mild weather compared to many Arizona cities, these months are drastically cooler than those of the summer season.

Best Events in Cottonwood

From the Blues Festival to the Native Plant Workshop, Cottonwood hosts a great number of amazing festivals and events each year. A few more of the events that guests can attend include the Verde Valley Wine Festival, the Cottonwood Christmas Parade, the Old Town Arts Festival, the Brian Mickelsen Memorial Run/Walk, and the Family Fourth of July which features water slides, games, a watermelon eating contest, vendors, and inflatable rides.

Things to Do for Families in Cottonwood

For families with a creative side, Studio Z is the place to be -- the studio offers a variety of fun artistic classes including pottery and painting. Alternatively, they can head over to the Cottonwood Recreation Center to make use of the rock climbing wall, indoor golf, bowling lanes, and an outdoor pool complete with water slides.

Another awesome family activity is watching a movie on the big screen at Cottonwood Cinema, where both Hollywood blockbusters and foreign films are played on a regular basis.