Oregon USA Travel Guide
If time is limited, focus on Bend's core attractions. Climb or drive Pilot Butte for sunrise views over the city and mountains. Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe downtown, like Jackson's Corner or McKay's Cottage.
Stroll through Drake Park plus along the Deschutes River Trail near Mirror Pond. Explore the Old Mill District. Have lunch at a riverfront restaurant. You might rent a paddleboard or kayak for a swift float on the river if weather permits (seasonal). Experience Bend's the microbrewery scene. Visit one or two breweries on the Bend Ale Trail for sampling and dinner. Enjoy a final drink at a downtown bar.
This allows for a good mix of urban exploration and outdoor adventure.
Arrive at Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) and pick up your rental car. Check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Downtown Bend, visiting boutique shops, art galleries. Walk along the Deschutes River Trail from Drake Park to the Old Mill District for river views, shopping, and dinner. In the evening, visit a popular brewery for beer tasting and a meal.
Dedicate your final day to either natural beauty or regional craft beers. Drive a portion of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (seasonal, check opening dates) to experience stunning alpine lakes and mountain views. Take a short hike at Sparks Loch or Todd Lake.
Settle in, explore the city center, Old Mill, and savor the brewery scene. Drive north to Smith Rock State Park in the morning; hike Misery Ridge and the River Trail loop. In the afternoon, visit Sisters, the charming Western-themed town.
Dedicate a full day to exploring Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Visit Lava River Cave and Paulina Peak. Spend morning at Elevated Desert Museum. Afternoon: spa or Drake Park. Evening: live music performance.
For a two-week trip, combine the "one-week comprehensive experience" with multi-day extensions.
Follow the comprehensive itinerary, allowing more flexibility for spontaneous activities or revisiting spots.
Choose a couple of multi-day extensions, like Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, or Willamette Valley wine region.
Extended time creates a comprehensive Oregon adventure, using Bend as the central hub.
Tailor your Bend itinerary to your specific passions.
Visit the Deschutes Historical Museum. Take a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown buildings. Explore the Old Mill District's transformation from a lumber mill to a modern hub.
Prioritize iconic outdoor sites: Smith Rock (climbing/hiking), Mount Bachelor (winter sports), or extensive mountain biking on Phil's Trail. Engage in water sports on the Deschutes River: paddleboarding, kayaking, or a guided rafting on rapids trip.
Beyond adventure and food, Bend offers routes for cultural and personal enrichment.
Stay in comfortable 3-luxury hotels or moderately priced vacation rentals. Balance meals at restaurants at mid-range institutions with some self-self-catering or food truck visits. Enjoy brewery visits with full food menus.
Stay at The Oxford Hotel, Tetherow Resort, or Sunriver Resort. Indulge in fine dining at establishments like Bos Taurus or Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails. Explore gourmet food experiences and private culinary tours.
Bend has unique moments that change with the seasons, offering diverse highlights year-round.
This is the the best time for floating the Deschutes River, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the waterway or the Cascade Lakes. Attend open-air concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in the Old Mill District. All hiking and biking trails are typically accessible and clear. Enjoy summer festivals.
World-class skiing and snowboarding at Mount Bachelor. Opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing at Wanoga Sno-Park. Enjoy ice skating at the Old Mill District ice rink. Attend WinterFest in February.
Time your visit for a specific festival that interests you. The off-season (the end of autumn, early spring) has lower prices and fewer crowds.
Stay in comfortable 3-luxury hotels or moderately priced vacation rentals. Balance restaurant meals at mid-range institutions with a few self-catering or food truck visits. Enjoy brewery visits with full food menus.
Stay at The Oxford Hotel, Tetherow Resort, or Sunriver Resort. Indulge in fine dining at establishments like Bos Taurus or Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails. Explore gourmet food experiences and private gastronomic tours.
Visit during shoulder seasons for lower prices. Take advantage of happy hour specials. Focus on free outdoor activities. Vacation rentals with kitchens save on food.
Reserve lodging and car rentals well in advance for better rates. Consider public transport or biking for short-distance travel. Maximize free natural attractions.
