We’re sure that you will have heard of Oregon in the United States. With more cities than any other state, Oregon blends unique food, culture, and history. One of our favorite cities in Oregon is Bend. This small city is nestled on the banks of the Deschutes River and has perfect access to the surrounding nature. To the west, you’ll find the Cascade Mountains which are ideal for a winter sports holiday. Bend is just a three-hour drive from the popular site of Portland so it can even be a great day-trip option. We know that you want to explore Bend with us. So, let’s take a look at our ultimate guide of the best things to do in Bend. We’re sure that you’ll fall in love with Bend as much as we have. All you need to do now is book your holiday and get ready for fun with these amazing things to do in Bend, Oregon.
1. Enjoy a customized scavenger hunt (from USD 25.0)
Ever wondered what it would be like to customize your own scavenger hunt while on holiday? This unique opportunity enables you to do just that! You can set a theme for your scavenger hunt and anything goes; from, history, music, art and much more. This is great fun for all the family. Not only do you get to play a game but you also get to discover some of the best sights of Bend and learn lots from your insightful guides. Sounds like a great idea to us!
Bend Self-Guided City Scavenger Hunt
Duration: 3 hours
2. Zip through Bend's forest in an ATV (from USD 159.0)
If you’re looking for a cool, fun tour that is active and yet still takes in the beautiful surroundings of Bend, this might be your perfect match. This three-hour tour will see you zipping past everything in a Polaris XP 1000 RZR. Driving on a forest track, you’ll climb 1,600 feet (487 meters) in elevation to the summit of Fuzztail Butte. This is the best place to stop for a photo of the famous mountains and forest lands which stretch out below you. If you enjoy adrenaline sports we think this will be a great hit.
ATV Tour-Bend Badlands | 2 hrs.
Duration: 2 hours
3. Go whitewater rafting (from USD 325.0)
This unique tour lasts for 2.5 days, and during that time you’ll learn everything you need to know about whitewater rafting. If this is your first time, do not worry as you do not need any previous experience. A professional guide will accompany your small group so you can be assured that the tour is safe. With such a good workout, you’ll be grateful for the included dinner which is held at a local brewery. You’ll make friends, learn new skills and explore a beautiful environment.
Kayak Instruction and Brewery Package in Bend
Duration: 2 days 12 hours
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4. Hike to the top of Pilot Butte
Not for the faint-hearted, this hike is difficult but well worth it when you reach the top. You’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views from the summit of Pilot Butte. If you’re not up for walking the 8% incline, you can always drive to the top. There is a bronze compass pointer so you can easily identify the main points of interest, including Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, Mt Washington, Three-Finger Jack, the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mt Bachelor. The best time to visit is at sunset.
Pilot Butte
Address: Pilot Butte, Bend, OR 97701, USA
5. Sample locally-brewed craft beers on the Bend Ale Trail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A cold beer makes these summer days a lot more tolerable, agree?
Posted by Bend Ale Trail on Saturday, August 24, 2019
Take part in this fun trail and you’ll discover a wide range of incredible local breweries. Be sure to pick up your Bend Ale Passport from Bend Visitor Center and you’ll receive a stamp at each micro-brewery that you visit. There are too many to do in a day (and we don’t recommend binge drinking). Instead, do your research and decide which ones you want to visit during your stay. Each spot has its own unique taste and character.
Bend Ale Trial
Address: Bend Visitor Center, 750 NW Lava Rd #160, Bend, OR 97703, USA
Website: Bend Ale Trial
6. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Mt. Bachelor
A trip to Mt Bachelor is so much more than a pleasant walk in the countryside. There is a lot to see and do including a bike park, scenic lift rides, restaurants, and nature walks. There is even a Woodward Adventure Area which always hosts lots of summer camps and exciting events. During the summer months, hire a bike to explore and during winter it’s the perfect place to go skiing.
Mt. Bachelor
Address: 13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97703, USA
Website: Mt. Bachelor
7. Enjoy hiking along the iconic Deschutes River
The Deschutes River was an important landmark for the Native Americans and the 19th-century pioneers on the Oregan Trail. Today it is still important for nature lovers and explorers alike. This beautiful scenery is rugged and rough but it is perfect for hiking. The area around Bend boasts of a fantastic brown trout fishery zone while the lower region is perfect for rafting.
Deschutes River
Address: Deschutes River, Bend, Oregon, USA
Website: Deschutes River
8. Learn about local history in the High Desert Museum
With regular exhibitions, events and programs there is always something fun and interesting happening at the High Desert Museum. Set on 135 acres (54 hectares) of pine forest the area is interactive with both indoor and outdoor areas. At the museum, you’ll be able to gain an insight into what life was like for the pioneers. There is a unique collection of Native American elements and western elements.
High Desert Museum
Address: 59800 S Highway 97, Bend, OR 97702-7963
Website: High Desert Museum
Opening hours: April - Oct: 9am - 5pm; Nov - March: 10am - 4pm
Price: 14 USD
9. Catch a show at the fabulous Les Schwab Amphitheater
Lovingly nicknamed the Northwest’s most distinctive mixed-use venue, this popular spot is home to many events. Primarily the amphitheater is used to host musical performances, and some big names have passed through its doors. There is a full events schedule online and tickets can be purchased in advance.
Les Schwab Amphitheater
Address: 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Website: Les Schwab Amphitheater
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Varies
10. Dive into the past at Native American Deschutes Historical Museum
If you’re interested in local history, be sure to check out The Deschutes Historical Museum. There are regular exhibits from photographs to artifacts which explore local life for those living in the Bend area. The museum also recognizes that marking, logging, and forestry care are important so there is an exhibition dedicated entirely to the history of forest service.
Deschutes Historical Museum
Address: 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, Oregon, 97703
Website: Deschutes Historical Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm
Price: 5 USD
11. Visit the stunning Lava River Cave
This mile-long cave offers the opportunity for members of the public to self-guide their way through this unique cave. On average it takes about 1.5 hours to walk and there are several stairs and uneven surfaces so it might not be the best option if you have mobility issues. The cave is home to thousands of bats which are under protection and you can hear them all along the passage.
Lava River Cave
Address: Lava River Cave, Bend, Oregon, 97707, USA
Website: Lava River Cave
Opening hours: May 3 - May 22, Thu - Mon: 10am - 4pm; May 23 - Sept 1, 9am - 5pm (daily); Sept 2 - Sept 29, 10am - 4pm (daily); closed Oct - April
Price: 5 USD
12. Explore the vast landscape of the Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes National Forest is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the area. With a scenic backdrop of volcanic mountains, a stunning lake, and the best hiking and biking trails there is plenty to explore. If you’re fairly fit, head to the top of the Cascade mountain for Insta-worthy views across the horizon. We think that a trip to the Deschutes National Forest will keep you busy for a long time. There is a total of 1.6 million acres (647,497 hectares) to discover.
Deschutes National Forest
Address: 63095 Deschutes Market Rd, Bend, Oregon, 97701, USA
Website: Deschutes National Forest
13. Indulge your sweet tooth with the Goody's Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Tour
Tickling our tastebuds for the last 30 years, Goody’s started as a small family business making handmade treats. Today it has a number of stores and is loved by locals and tourists alike. The walking tour is only a short 15 minutes but you’ll get a glimpse into a working factory where over 100 different special treats are made daily. You’ll even receive a sample as a special gift. It’s great fun for all the family.
Goody's Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Tour
Address: 1111 SE Division Street in Bend, Oregon. (Corner of Reed Market and Division St.)
Website: Goody’s Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Tour
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 3:30pm (closed Sat & Sun)
Price: 2 USD (For guided tours. Self-guided tours are free)
14. Picnic in the romantic Drake Park
If you happen to be in Bend during the spring and summer seasons be sure to visit the beautiful setting of Drake Park and Mirror Lake. There are regular events throughout the year and it is perfect for a romantic relaxing stroll, or a fun place for the family to explore. There is a large area of open space which is ideal for picnics. It has an outdoor stage and the whole area underwent major renovations in 2003. There is also a nesting population of the great horned owls, children can have great fun spotting them in the owlet.
Drake Park
Address: 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701, USA
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
15. Enjoy good food with The Well Traveled Fork’s culinary tours
The Well Traveled Fork has created a unique menu of different tours, where you can meet local farmers and it even holds classes where you can learn to cook your own delicious meals. You will use fresh, local and organic products and learn how to create a well-balanced meal. Sustainability is at the core of the courses. We’re sure that you’ll have great fun and learn a lot too! If you would call yourself a foodie then this is one experience you won’t want to miss out on!
The Well Traveled Fork
Address: 3437 NW Greenleaf Way, Bend, Oregon 97703
Website: The Well Traveled Fork
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm
16. Immerse in local art at the Bend Art Center
If you’re looking forward to spending an afternoon exploring some local art then we’d definitely recommend a trip to the Bend Art Center. Alongside exhibitions, they also host regular workshops, talks, and special events so be sure to check online to see what is going on during your stay. The exhibitions display a number of different styles from paintings to sculptures and each time you go, there is always something new to inspire you.
Bend Art Center
Address: 550 SW Industrial Way, Suite 180, Bend, Oregon 97702
Website: Bend Art Center
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Wed)
Price: Free
17. Attend concerts by the Central Oregon Symphony
The Central Oregon Symphony are passionate about sharing their music and throughout the year they produce a number of concerts to showcase. You can enjoy their performances in public spaces, such as local libraries and even in high school auditoriums. They have a full event schedule on their website, but events primarily take place during the spring and summer months, so be sure not to miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Central Oregon Symphony
Address: Various locations around Bend, Oregon
Website: Central Oregon Symphony
Price: Varies
18. Savour a mouthwatering cuppa at Thump Coffee
For the perfect cup of artisanal coffee head straight to Thump Coffee. Each blend and cup has been crafted with care and the company is well established in the coffee scene. We think that you’ll also love the cafe itself which has a relaxing charm. In fact, there are three locations in Bend, so luckily you will never be too far away from your soon-to-be favorite coffee joint. The menu is also great if you have any particular food allergies as they have a good selection of paleo and gluten-free choices. It’s a firm local hotspot, so be sure not to miss it during your visit to Bend.
Thump Coffee
Address: Bend Downtown, 25 NW Minn Avenue, Bend, Oregon, 97707
Website: Thump Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 5:30pm; Sat: 7am - 5:30pm; Sun: 7am - 4:30pm
19. Enjoy live tunes at Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge
With a solid vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and meat menu there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds at Rockin’ Daves’. It’s not a surprise that it has become a firm local and tourist favorite, especially for brunch. We’ll give you a hint - the bagels are award-winning, so if you’re struggling with what to choose from the delicious menu you can’t go wrong with anything you choose! Head to the BackstageLounge on a Friday and you’re guaranteed a friendly, funky atmosphere to revel in.
Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge
Address: 661 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend, Oregon, 97701
Website: Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro & Backstage Lounge
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 2pm; Sun: 8am - 2pm
20. Try over 30 wines at The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar
This unique approach to wine tasting means that you can try up to 30 wines and have fun spending time at this locally owned business. You can even try a bottle of wine before buying. To be honest, we know that all of the wines taste amazing so we’re sure that you’ll find your perfect match! There are over 600 labels from around the world and many rare bottles are included in their extensive collection. If wine isn’t your favorite tipple, don’t worry because you can also dapple in 16 on-tap award-winning craft beers.
The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar
Address: 55 NW Minnesota Avenue, Bend, Oregon, 97703
Website: The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 2pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 2pm - 11pm, Sun: 2pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
21. Dance the night away at SEVEN
Looking for a place to let your hair down and dance the night away? Look no further than the Seven nightclub. Don’t worry if nightclubs aren’t your scene. Seven hosts many kinds of events from open mics to comedy shows. You can also enjoy some light bites which are available until 2 am in the morning. Perfect, to refuel after all that dancing.
Seven
Address: 1033 Northwest Bond Street, Bend, Oregon, United States
Website: Seven
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 7pm - 2am (closed on Sun -Wed)
22. Go bowling or go-karting at Sun Mountain Fun Center
This amusement center has everything you could be looking for. From a 10-pin bowling alley to bumper-cars, mini-golf and even an arcade center, it’s easy to spend a whole day here! If you have a family, this is one sure way to keep the children happy and most activities are suitable for the younger ones. Now, strap yourselves into a go-kart or bumper-car and hit the road!
Sun Mountain Fun Center
Address: 300 NE Bend River Mall Dr., Bend, Oregon, 97703
Website: Sun Mountain Fun Center
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: 3.75 USD (bowling), 2.50 USD (bumper cars), 8 USD (billiards), 7.50 USD (Go-karts), 7 USD (mini-golf), 2.50 USD (batting cage), 2 USD (carnival ride)
23. Shop till you drop in the historic Old Mill District
If you have a spare day in your diary during your time in Bend, we would strongly recommend that you spend wandering around the Old Mill District. There is a whole plethora of fantastic boutiques and unique stores to go window-shopping. You’ll be able to pick up some extra special gifts for your friends and family. After all of that shopping be sure to stop by one of the many delicious restaurants in the area. There is also an amphitheater so be sure to see if there are any events or concerts happening on the day of your visit.
Old Mill District
Address: 450 SW Powerhouse Dr. #422, Bend, Oregon 97702
Website: Old Mill District
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
24. Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy at Bend Comedy
Looking for a good laugh in Bend, look no further than the Bend Comedy club which features artists throughout the year. The atmosphere is always fun, lively and inviting. You can see local and touring comedians so make sure you stay updated on their program. It’s a great way to spend a Thursday or Friday night. In fact, after the comedy show on a Thursday, you can stay and take part in the Open Mic Night. That’s like two fun events for the price of one. What a bargain!
Bend Comedy
Address: 1033 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon, 97701, USA
Website: Bend Comedy
Opening hours: Thu: 7pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 7pm - 10pm (closed Sat - Wed)
Price: Varies
25. Pamper yourself at Jinsei Spa
After all of these activities, you’ll be in much need of a little bit of TLC. We’ve found the ideal place for you to unwind. You can pamper yourself by choosing one (or more) of the excellent spa facilities and treatments on offer. If you’re with a partner you can also enjoy one of the packages such as the Couples Package or Side-By-Side Package which will make your treatment even more enjoyable. You’ll come out of Jinsei Spa feeling like a whole new person! We would recommend reserving your treatment in advance.
Jinsei Spa
Address: 18 NW Newport Ave, Bend, Oregon, 97703, USA
Website: Jinsei Spa
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6:30pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Varies
26. Watch a movie at the kid-friendly Tin Pan Theatre
Posted by Tin Pan Theater on Friday, 22 June 2018
This traditional and vintage-style theatre is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Owned and operated by BendFilm, there are only 28 seats, and tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Movies usually include unique and original pieces of work. We love that everything is in one room, so you can grab your drinks and snacks and then immediately sit down to enjoy the movie. We can’t think of two better words to describe the Tin Pan Theatre other than its “cute and kitsch”! The other good news is that Thump Coffee is nearby, so you can always grab a coffee before or after the show.
Tin Pan Theatre
Address: 869 Northwest Tin Pan Alley, Bend, Oregon, 97703, USA
Website: Tin Pan Theatre
Opening hours: Varies
Price: 7 USD
27. Dine on Cajun-inspired fare at Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
This award-winning restaurant is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. You can expect to find a wide range of delicious meals that have a Southern twist to them. We’re always big fans of restaurants that focus on producing excellent dishes with top-quality ingredients, and that is why Zydeco has made it onto our list. There is also a gluten-free menu in case anyone in your party has a wheat allergy. Our recommendation would be to try the jambalaya and the blueberry lemon drop cocktail. Delicious!
Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 919 NW Bond St, Bend, Oregon 97703
Website: Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 5pm - 10pm
28. Book a helicopter and wine tasting tour
From this private helicopter tour, you’ll be able to see snow-white mountains and expansive vineyards where the local wine is made. The views are breathtaking and the tour will last for 10 minutes which is perfect for a family to enjoy. The tour also includes a delicious artisanal cheese and chocolate tasting board. You can even taste some of the mouthwatering wines that come from the vineyards.
Bend, Oregon Helicopter Wine Tasting
Duration: 4 hours
29. Explore the historic heart of Bend with this photo tour (from USD 137.0)
For those of you interested in photography this might be a great match. With a professional photographer, you’ll explore the historic downtown area of Bend, crafting and taking pictures as you go. Your tour guide will show you hidden gems of the local area and you’ll learn how to best capture it in a shot. There is no experience necessary, from beginners to hobbyists, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy this tour.
Bend Historic Photo Tours
Duration: 2 hours
30. Create your own on-road itinerary with a Slingshot Rental (from USD 200.0)
This four-hour tour includes a unique experience in a new 2019 Polaris SL Slingshot Rental. There are four beautiful byways which you can self-explore. The Slingshots are easy to drive but it is worth noting that this is not a guided tour so you will have the freedom to develop your own itinerary. Just try not to get lost!
Bend Slingshot Rental (4 hours)
There's plenty to keep you busy in Bend
Whether you’re heading to Bend for a holiday, business trip or simply passing through we’re sure that you’ll agree that there is plenty to see and do. Bend is a welcoming mountain town that can cater to everyone. So, book your holiday or trip today and start planning your itinerary. Remember, if you choose to visit any of the places we’ve mentioned, tag us in your Instagram photos.
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