Bend 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 and 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 quick float on the river if weather permits (seasonal). Experience Bend's craft beer scene. Visit one or two breweries on the Bend Ale Trail for tastings 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 local brews. 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 Lake or Todd Lake.
Settle in, explore the city center, Old Mill, and enjoy 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 High 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 (see Section 10.4).
Follow the comprehensive itinerary, allowing more flexibility for spontaneous activities or revisiting spots.
Choose one or two multi-day extensions, like Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, or Willamette Valley wine country.
Extended time creates a comprehensive Oregon adventure, using Bend as your 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 whitewater rafting trip.
Beyond adventure and food, Bend offers routes for cultural and personal enrichment.
Stay in comfortable 3-star hotels or moderately priced vacation rentals. Balance restaurant meals at mid-range establishments with some 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 experiences that change with the seasons, offering diverse highlights year-round.
This is the prime time for floating the Deschutes River, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the river or the Cascade Lakes. Attend outdoor concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in the Old Mill District. All hiking and biking trails are typically open 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.
Plan your visit around a specific festival that interests you. The off-season (late fall, early spring) has lower prices and fewer crowds.
Stay in comfortable 3-star hotels or moderately priced vacation rentals. Balance restaurant meals at mid-range establishments with some 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.
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.
Book accommodations and car rentals well in advance for better rates. Consider public transport or biking for local travel. Maximize free natural attractions.
