Things To Do/Eat
Food and Beer
Here are some of our favorite breweries and restaurants in Bend: Lunch/Dinner: Wild Rose, Spork, El Sancho, The Row, Bos Taurus, The Blacksmith, Zydeco, BOSA, Nome, Kanpai, Ryoshi Sushi & Izakaya, Trattoria Sbandati, Yoli Brunch: McKay's Cottage, Café Sintra, The Lemon Tree, Chow, The Victorian Cafe Drinks (w/ food): Immersion Brewing, Crux Brewing, Flamingo Room, 10 Barrel, Deschutes, Boneyard, Bend Brewing, Monkless
Float the Deschutes River
Floating the river is a MUST on a hot summer day. Grab some sunscreen and refreshments, rent a tube, and ride the $4 unlimited-ride shuttle (https://cascadeseasttransit.com/ride/ride-the-river/) from the Park-&-Float lot to the Riverbend Park put-in (or shuttle with your own cars).
Tumalo Falls
You can either drive straight to this stunning 97-foot waterfall or hike about 6 miles round-trip on mostly flat terrain to get there. The hike is suitable for all experience levels—just make sure to wear good shoes.
High Desert Museum
Our amazing museum highlighting the local flora and fauna of the High Desert. See river otters, bobcats, foxes, porcupines, birds of prey, lizards and amphibians, fish, and so much more. Pro tip: get tickets to the Raptors of the Desert Sky program, where the museum's hawks, owls, falcons and even a turkey vulture fly, quite literally, right overhead. Space is limited, call ahead for more info.
Golfing
Central Oregon is a golfer’s paradise, with nearly 30 courses to choose from. In Bend, some great public courses include River’s Edge, Widgi Creek, and Lost Tracks. A little farther out (20–45 minutes), a few of my favorites are Aspen Lakes with its unique red volcanic sand bunkers, Crooked River Ranch, and Quail Run. For a quick and affordable par 3, check out The Greens at Redmond. If you’re looking for a world-class experience, book a tee time at Tetherow, ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world.
Mount Bachelor
Our local ski mountain turns into an epic summer mountain bike park and also offers hiking trails, zip-lining, and even disc golf.
Tumalo Mountain Trail
Tumalo Mountain, located right across the road from Mount Bachelor, offers some of the best views in Bend. The hike is a short 2-mile climb (4 miles round trip), but it’s a challenge, with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. The effort is absolutely worth the view at the top!
Cascade Lakes Highway
Just past Mount Bachelor and Tumalo Mountain lies the Cascade Lakes Highway, a scenic route through the Deschutes National Forest that leads to 14 stunning mountain lakes. Whether you want to swim, paddleboard, kayak, sunbathe (don’t forget sunscreen!), or rent a boat at Cultus or Elk Lake, there’s something for everyone. This area is also home to some of Bend’s best hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging 15+ mile treks. We especially love paddleboarding at Devils Lake, grabbing food and catching live music at Elk Lake Resort, and wakeboarding on Cultus Lake.
Blockbuster
The world's last Blockbuster. Ever.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock is an incredible rock formation with stunning views, hiking trails, and a river running through it. Trails range from easy strolls along the river to more challenging options, like the 0.7-mile climb straight up Misery Ridge to the top of the rock formation that then zig zags back down past "Monkey Face" to complete a 3.7mi loop. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors!
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Grab dinner, smoke a cigar, relax around the fire pits, catch a movie, visit the hidden speakeasy (The Broom Closet, https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/broom-closet), or even make a reservation to take a dip in the soaking pool (https://www.mcmenamins.com/old-st-francis-school/soaking-pool).
Lava River Cave
This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. Dress appropriately when you come to visit, with warm clothes and sturdy shoes. The cave is as cool as 42° even in summer, and you may even find some ice inside. The rocks are always sharp and slippery, too. Bring two or three sources of light, in case one happens to fail, it can be very dark one mile from the nearest light source.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs Trailhead
Hike around Paulina Lake, on an obsidian-covered trail, to natural hot springs. The Paulina Lake Hot Springs complex includes five geothermal pools situated within the sandy banks of Paulina Lake Beach. The natural, noncommercial hot springs pools are relatively small and typically accommodate one person per pool. The water temperature ranges from 90 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the time of year.
Shevlin Park
A beloved gem of a nature park right in Bend, featuring Tumalo Creek, Shevlin Park is home miles of trails through its old-growth forest and high desert sage-covered lands.