How to Spend A Weekend in Cottonwood & Clarkdale AZ
When I need a little escape from the hustle of Phoenix, my go to destination is to head north to the Verde Valley. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two often-overlooked towns nestled in the Verde Valley. Not as well-known as Sedona or Jerome, but these charming towns are fun places to visit.
With a combined population under 20,000, these two charming towns are less than five miles apart. They’re the kind of places where you can slow down and relax.
If you’ve never wandered the shady riverbanks of Cottonwood or sipped wine in Clarkdale, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re day-tripping from Phoenix or planning a weekend getaway, here’s your guide to what to do, where to eat, and why this little corner of Arizona should be on your radar.
What to do in Cottonwood & Clarkdale?
- Downtown Shops & Restaurants
- Arizona Copper Museum
- Wineries and Vineyards
- Verde Canyon Railroad
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park
- The Verde River
- Tuzigoot National Monument
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Downtown Shops & Restaurants
Start your visit in Old Town Cottonwood, where historic storefronts line a walkable Main Street. Antique shops, quirky boutiques, cozy cafés, and local art galleries make for an easygoing afternoon.
Grab a coffee or local brew and take your time browsing. You’ll find everything from vintage finds to handcrafted jewelry.
Over in Clarkdale, the vibe is sleepier, but no less charming. The downtown area feels like a step back in time, with small-town nostalgia.
Violette’s bakery is your mandatory stop for morning pastries. Violette’s serves up French pastries made from scratch in a vintage caboose parked downtown.
Flaky croissants, buttery tarts, and melt-in-your-mouth éclairs. As a bonus, it’s across from the Arizona Copper Art Museum, so you can stroll over after you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth.
Beyond pastries below are a few foodie favorites in Cottonwood, AZ:
- Pizzeria Bocce (Cottonwood) – Wood-fired pizzas and a cozy patio strung with lights. Perfect for a casual dinner.
- Tavern Grille (Cottonwood) – Classic American eats in a cool, historic building. Great for burgers and beers.
- Colt Grill (Cottonwood) – Smoked meats, BBQ, and hearty sides. Come hungry.
- Old Town Red Rooster Café (Cottonwood) – A brunch favorite with hearty plates, local coffee, and a laid-back vibe.
Arizona Copper Art Museum
Copper is one of the five C’s of Arizona, remember those from school? This museum brings the story of Arizona’s copper boom to life.
Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s high school, the Arizona Copper Art Museum showcases everything from fine copper cookware to decorative art and military relics. It’s surprisingly immersive, and the history is told in a way that really sticks with you.
Wineries
Did you know the Verde Valley is one of Arizona’s official American Viticultural Areas? Arizona makes some pretty amazing wine, and Cottonwood and Clarkdale have more than their fair share of wineries and tasting rooms.
Between the two towns, you’ll find at least 10 spots to sip your way through award-winning reds, whites, and unique local blends.
Arizona has three official American Viticultural Areas. Check out our post on visiting wineries in Arizona with links to the Official Wine Trail maps.
Verde Canyon Railroad
This experience is uniquely Arizona and it really is a fun way to see some of the Valley you would not otherwise see.
Climb aboard a vintage train at the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale and enjoy a 4-hour scenic ride through lush canyons, desert cliffs, and riverbanks.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Despite the odd name (yes, there’s a story behind it), this state park is full of life. Lakes for fishing, picnic areas, shaded trails, and campsites if you want to stay the night.
There’s a network of trails for biking and hiking, plus easy river access for kayaking, tubing, or just dipping your toes in. It’s a great spot for families, couples, or solo adventurers.
Learn more about the history of Dead Horse Ranch Park .
Kayak or Canoe on the Verde River
If you’re craving a little water adventure, consider renting a kayak or canoe and floating down the Verde River. The current is usually gentle, the views are stunning, and there are several access points right in the area including:
- Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
- Lower TAPCO River Access Point
- Tuzigoot River Access Point
Tuzigoot National Monument
Set high above the Verde Valley, the Tuzigoot National Monument features stunning views, ancient stone architecture, and a small museum with original artifacts. It’s one of the best preserved Native American ruins in the state.
Nearby Towns
There is so much to see in the Verde Valley. Check out some of the nearby towns for more fun places to see and things to do:
- Jerome – 8.5 miles west. The famously haunted mining town on a hill.
- Page Springs – 10 miles north. Wineries and natural beauty.
- Cornville – 5 miles east. Sleepy charm, wineries, and local farms.
- Sedona – 16 miles north. Red rock magic, hiking, and energy vortexes.
- Camp Verde – 16 miles east. Home to Montezuma Castle and more.
- Prescott– 43 miles southwest. Pines, lakes, and western history (not part of the Verde Valley).
- Flagstaff -– 65 miles north. A mountain town with pine trees and mountains (not part of the Verde Valley).
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