30 EPIC Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

We have you covered with all the best things to do in Bend, Oregon!

I’ve lived here for over a decade, and we base here part of the year (all for research purposes for this blog, not at all because we’re addicted to Bend and good beer…)

While there’s a book’s worth of epic stuff to do here, we’re going to hand you our favorites on a silver platter so you can plan your visit to Bend, Oregon, the best you can.

Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

Here’s a map to help you visualize what to do in Bend.

Be sure to visit some of the other articles we mention below for more in-depth guides on the things to do in Bend.

Best Time to Visit Bend

Anytime, seriously! Bend has some of the best weather, even during Oregon’s winters.

In summer, it’s nice and warm but dry, usually in the 80s.

Fall is gorgeous, and winters are very snowy and cold. But the sun is still out, which certainly does help. You can expect the 40’s during the day and drops to the 20’s at night.

The spring brings minimal rainfall and starts creeping into the 60s.

No matter what time of year, there’s something to do in Bend, and the weather is more often than not, just right.

1. Take a Hike

Hiking is a must while in Bend. There are so many trails in this area, so whether you’re looking for a quick hike or a full-on mountain summit, you’ll have plenty of options.

We could spend all day talking about the hikes in Bend, but instead, we will cherry-pick some of our favorites or classic must-dos for you. Here are some of the best hikes around Bend to do during your visit:

• Paulina Peak – Cool volcanic landscape and two lakes!
• Misery Ridge Trail – Despite the name, it has epic alien-landscape views.
• Tumalo Mountain – Moderate hike with Cascade Mountain views for days!
• South Sister – A well-worth-it challenging climb up a freakin volcano!
• Broken Top – Camping on top of an insane mountain next to an alpine lake.

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READ MORE: 17+ Badass Bend Hikes

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2. Wander Around Downtown Bend

Downtown Bend lays the charm on thick, with quaint small-town vibes, cute shops, and plenty of breweries and restaurants to keep you fed and buzzed hydrated.

Pop into one of the many cafes for a coffee, then do some window shopping and people-watching before picking out a place to eat for lunch/dinner.

This is obviously a popular area, but it’s cute enough to be worth hanging out with other tourists or locals for a little while.

3. Explore the Deschutes River

While you’re in the city center, be sure to spend a few hours exploring the Deschutes River. How many cities can say they have a beautiful trail system along a river running through it?!

For a quick exploration of the river, take a relaxing stroll along the river (aka, work off all that beer you’re likely sampling). There’s an easy loop that goes along the river and crosses a bridge at the halfway point.

For a longer hike, take on the Deschutes River Trail starting at First Street Rapids Park. There’s one section where you will have to walk along the road to a connecting trail, but for the most part, it is a tranquil, secluded trail. The canyon at the end is the ultimate reward.

4. Float The River

It would be sacrilegious to visit Bend and not float down the river. Buy a cheap air mattress or donut floaties and baptize yourself in the Deschutes River!

You could also grab your kayak or SUP and float down the river or get a work out in by paddling upstream. For those who need a rental, you can go to Riverbend Park and pick one up.

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READ MORE: Bend River Float: How to Float the Deschutes River Guide

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5. Hang Around Drake Park

One of the best free things to do in Bend is to hang out at Drake Park. This riverfront green space is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, and its not hard to see why.

The park is beautiful, and it’s a great spot to have a picnic, play some frisbee, wander the trails, float to the “beach,” or just do some good old-fashioned people-watching.

There are also tons of events here throughout the year (more on that below), so you may be able to hear some live music while exploring the park.

6. Catch a Sunset at Pilot Butte

Hiking up to Pilot Butte is a quintessential thing to do in Bend—everyone has to do it! The trail is less than two miles, and the views from the top are worth every step.

If you are low on time, you can also drive up to the top—we’re not judging! Just make sure you come for a sunset where the colors paint the background of quite literally all the mountains in the area!

On a clear evening, you may even see Mount Hood from here.

7. Unwind at McMenamins

It’s no secret that there are some pretty awesome hot springs in Oregon, but what if I told you that you can relax in some warm soothing waters right in the center of Bend?

The McMenamins soaking pool is a Turkish bath-inspired spa with beautiful blue tiles, an open open-air ceiling, a warm (chlorine-free) pool, and even a bar!

This place is a refuge for soaking your muscles that hiked and biked all day, and you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to access the pool.

TIP: Reserve in advance to guarantee your spot

After a nice dip in the spa, you can explore the rest of the McMenamins.

Located in the historic Old St. Francis School, this beautiful spot houses a brewery, a bakery, a movie theater, several pubs, and an event space in addition to the soaking pool.

8. Chase Waterfalls at Tumalo Falls

Unlike other waterfalls in Oregon, you don’t have to work too hard for epic views of Tumalo Falls—you get the main attraction straight from the parking lot!

Tumalo Falls is an easy few steps from your car door, and there’s even a convenient platform for you to snap a photo. But we, of course, suggest you take to the trails and get a bit closer.

There’s a side trail that leads to the base of the falls and another to the top of the falls. Continue along the path, and you’ll find a bunch of smaller falls and great views along the way.

Do keep in mind there’s a gravel road to reach the trailhead of this hike, and you will be sharing this trail with some bikers.

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READ MORE: Tumalo Falls Hike & Bike Trail Near Bend, Oregon

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9. Go Bungy Jumping

For a real adrenaline rush, chuck yourself 300 feet over a bridge and down into the Crooked River Gorge in Ogden State Park, if you’re into that type of thing.

Oregon Bungee Adventures is the tallest commercial bungee jump in North America, so get ready to conquer your fear of heights.

When you’re not screeching during your free-fall, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Cascade Mountains in the distance.

10. Attend an Event

There’s constantly something on in Bend—concerts at the Amphitheater, festivals downtown, Marches, farmers markets, you name it, there’s most likely something cool happening during your visit.

Watch out for Brew Fest every year (sometime in August), WinterFest in February, Munch & Music concerts in Drake Park, First and Friday Art Walks… There’s always something to do in Bend, no matter the season.

Check to see what’s going on during your visit here.

11. Go Caving

While most visitors are distracted by Oregon’s stunning coastline, lush forests, and towering mountains, some of the state’s coolest attractions are actually located underground.

Yep, with a bunch of volcanoes nearby, you bet there’s a vast network of lava caves to explore! You can take tours of lava caves to get down deep into them safely, or explore on your own.

There are several caves near Bend, including Skylight Cave, Boyd Cave, and Arnold Ice Cave.

TIP: There are a few caves like Skeleton Cave which are closed to the public. if you want to visit them, you have to book this tour as they are the only ones with a permit to enter these caves!

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RELATED: Exploring The Coolest Lava Tubes and Caves in Oregon

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12. Reconnect With Nature at Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Formed by massive volcanic eruptions by the still active volcano, Newberry National Volcanic Monument is one of the most interesting outdoor areas near Bend.

The landscape is stunning, with old lava flows, caves, lakes, waterfalls, and mountains.

You can spend a full day here hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the spectacular scenery. If you’d like to explore for longer, you can book a campsite and or make it a multi-day trip.

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READ MORE: Your Guide To Newberry National Volcanic Monument

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13. Shop the Local Farmer’s Markets

There’s no better way to get a taste of a city (literally) than by attending a farmers market. Summer is peak season for farmers markets in Bend, with a handful of great markets around the city.

• Downtown Bend hosts a market every Wednesday with mostly produce, plus a few food stalls.
• A larger market takes place each Saturday in the NorthWest Crossing district. Here, you’ll find a larger selection of booths hocking artisan wares, plus live music and a fun atmosphere.
• There’s also a great night market each Friday Deschutes Historical Museum. This is a local favorite with live music, food and drink stalls, and other fun vendors.

14. Paddle Down the Deschutes River

Swish down the Deschutes River for some class three rapid and a day of fun. The river takes you through a gorgeous western canyon ride, and you can experience the rapids by white water rafting or kayaking.

You can get in some great water white kayaking right in town. If you do the Deschutes Trail mentioned above, you’ll see some crazy dudes kayaking right into town.

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RELATED: 7 of The Most Legendary Rivers For White Water Rafting in Oregon

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15. Tour The Deschutes Brewery

You likely won’t have time to visit every single Bend Brewery—there are 30+ of them, after all. If you want the best of the best, then prioritize the Deschutes Brewery.

This was one of the first breweries in Bend, and it has reached stardom across the country thanks to tasty brews like the Black Butte Porter and Fresh Squeezed IPA.

You can take a tour of the brewery, the brewhouse, or the barrel house, just be sure to book online in advance. Of course, you can always just pop in for a pint or two of beer!

16. Hit Up the Food Trucks

After indulging in a pint (or two, or three…), you might be ready for some food. One of the best things to do in Bend is to hit up the food trucks.

This city has an established food truck culture, and you’ll find pods of food trucks tucked away all across the city.

The Lot was kind of where the first cluster of food trucks started forming, but today, you’ll find them all over the city.

Competition is fierce, and only the best make it in this town, guaranteeing that anything you try will wow your taste buds.

You can find basically anything you’re craving at the food trucks, from Hawaiin poke bowls to gourmet hot dogs and everything in between.

We also love On Tap at the east side of Bend which also has another great selection of food trucks around it.

Both The Lot and On Tap are beer spots so you can have a brew and then choose which food truck you want to eat at while you down a few pints!

17. Cycle the Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway

Bend is an extremely bikeable city. There are also some great bike trails that lead out into the stunning wilderness if you want to leave the city behind.

There are hundreds of miles to bike on in the area, and the Three Sisters could not be a more perfect place to whizz through on your bike. One of the most scenic trails is Sisters to Smith Rock. The trail starts in Sisters and traverses 36 miles.

As you bike, you’ll get scenic views of the Deschutes River, the Cascade Mountains, and, finally, the dramatic spires of Smith Rock State Park.

18. Visit The Western Town of Sisters

Sisters, Oregon just might be the cutest darn town in the state. It’s a Western themed tourist town with stunning views of the Cascades at its doorstep.

Check out the cute shops and cafes, antique stores, and art galleries.

Once you’re down in town, you’re close to tons of other adventures like the Black Butte Trail or the Mckenzie Pass where you’ll find some of our favorites spots like Proxy Falls, Blue Pool, the McKenzie River Trail, and Clear Lake.

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RELATED: 12 Awesome Things To Do in Sisters, Oregon

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19. Go Mountain Biking

Prefer to bike in the mountains? Of course, Bend has that too.

Central Oregon has over 600 miles of mountain biking trails, many of them available all year long. Obviously, summer is the best time for mountain biking around Bend, but spring, fall, and even winter biking are increasingly popular.

There are plenty of places to rent bikes around town if you don’t feel like hauling your own wheels, and some will even deliver a bike to the trailhead for you!

Here are all the bike trails in Bend.

20. Enjoy a Unique Date Night at Tin Pan Theater

Meeting up in an alleyway between two brick buildings may not seem like the ideal date night activity, but the Tin Pan Theater transforms an otherwise shabby street into a lovely outdoor theater for a few months each year.

Located between Wall Street & Bond Street in downtown Bend, the theater is created with a large inflatable screen, some tables and chairs, and even a few space heaters and fire pits.

Don’t worry—they have an indoor theater, too, for the chiller nights where you can spend a nice cozy winter evening watching a film.

You can order popcorn and drinks to accompany the film, which is typically selected in accordance with a theme (like horror film Tuesdays). Check what’s playing now.

21. Rock Climb at Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock has over 2,000 rock climbing routes and is essentially a mecca for lovers of the sport. Not to mention the wildlife, a beautiful river that flows through, and the stunning hikes that I’ve mentioned already.

There are plenty of guides for the greatest routes, but Monkey Face has some challenging and impressive routes and is probably the most well-known.

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RELATED: Your Guide to Smith Rock State Park

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22. Have Brunch

Bend is known for its tantalizing foodie scene, and what better way to indulge than brunch?

There are tons of great places around town for brunch, but if you want our personal favorites, check out The Victorian for a bomb benedick and a big old Bloody Mary in West Bend or Jackson’s Corner in Old Bend for some great baked goods and pizza.

For a spot right downtown, you can’t go wrong with The Lemon Tree. It won’t be the cheapest, but their craft cocktails, tap kombucha, crab cakes, and takes on french toast and other staple breakfasts.

For a quick brekkie so you can get on the road, you can’t go wrong with a Big Ol’ Bagel. They have two locations, and their egg salad is always so quick to sell out, so get there early!

23. Silvermoon Brewery Bingo Day

Bingo. At a brewery. Need I say more?

Okay, I will just say a few quick things about this because it’s one of the most fun things to do in Bend.

Silvermoon Brewery hosts tons of awesome events throughout the year—their slogan is “more than just a pub,” and boy, do they deliver. You can catch live musical performances, trivia, open mic nights, and of course, BINGO (held every Sunday from 10 am-1 pm).

The last time we played Bingo, Nina actually won! Obviously, the next round of drinks was on her.

24. Go Offroad with Badlands ATV

Aside from hiking Oregon’s Badlands, you can go on an off-road ATV adventure as well, surrounding yourself in an epic volcanic landscape just outside of town.

An ATV ride is not only fun but quite an efficient way to adventure, wouldn’t you say?

25. Experience the Famous Sparrow Bakery Ocean Roll

This is a must while in Bend. The ocean roll is basically a cinnamon roll, but instead of cinnamon, they use cardamom. So, to summarize, it’s a flaky pastry with cardamom, sugar, and vanilla. What’s not to love?

Sparrow Bakery has plenty of other great treats if the ocean roll isn’t your jam. Stop in for a breakfast sandwich, chocolate cookie, and, of course, an ocean roll!

26. Spend a Day at Cascade Lakes

This pocket of incredible lakes is Bend’s playground, especially in the summer. The lakes are bustling with locals and tourists SUPing, kayaking, fishing, and boating.

For those without equipment, you can rent kayaks and SUP boards at Lava Lake and Elk Lake.

Tons of trailheads begin at the lakes, including some of our favorites mentioned above. Broken Top starts at Todd Lake, and the South Sister hikes start at Devils Lake. Most of the lakes have easy trails that go all around them.

If you’re exploring the Cascade Lakes during winter, don’t worry, you can still have fun.

Swampy Lakes Sno-Park is excellent for snowshoeing, Vista Butte caters more towards Nordic skiers, and Edison Butte offers a bit for everyone, including skiers and snowmobiles.

27. See the Last Blockbuster

It’s the end of an era. But not really, because Bend is home to the very last Blockbuster ever. Seriously, it’s the last open Blockbuster in the WORLD!

Even if you don’t have access to a DVD player (who does these days), you should stop in, if only for a dose of nostalgia. There are also movie props displayed throughout the store for any film buffs out there.

28. Hang Around the Old Mill Area

What was once the central logging operation is now a trendy district chock full of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Welcome to the Old Mill area of Bend!

With all the chain stores, you would never guess that this neighborhood once cut and processed timber in record amounts, but if you know where to look, the history comes to life. The large REI building was the mill’s powerhouse, and you can still see the smokestacks sticking up from the roof.

Even if you’re not interested in the history, this is a great area to hang out. Grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, or take a stroll along the riverfront.

29. Have a Surf Sesh at Whitewater Park

Missing the Oregon Coast? Well, the Deschutes River can accommodate those who miss the ocean and are looking to catch a wave.

Head to Bend Whitewater Park for a surf sesh—it’s not the beach, but there is a wave to practice on right in town. If you don’t feel like getting out onto the water yourself, you can head to Miller’s Park and watch others take their turn on the artificial swell.

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RELATED: 9 Epic Beaches for Surfing in Oregon—Beginner To Experienced!

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30. Play in the Snow

Make no mistake—Bend is still a haven for visitors in winter. And while it gets downright cold here, the sun still shines.

So get your snow gear ready and go! Here’s a quick rundown on what to do in Bend in the winter.

• Snowshoeing – Tumalo Mountain, Tumalo Falls, or go for a quick and easy walk at Vista Butte for excellent views of Bend. Check out this epic snowshoeing tour!
• Sledding – Drake Park for those wanting to stay in town or the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park in Sisters.
• Skiing and Snowboarding – Mount Bachelor is THE place. We are so luck this mountain is just 30 minutes away in our backyard!

Sample Bend Itineraries

Here are five fun days in Bend, but let me warn you, doing all five of these days in a row would be pretty exhausting. So be sure to take some time for hanging out and drinking a few beers.

Day 1 – If you just got in, take a stroll through downtown Bend and keep going on the Deschutes River Trail. If you have time and it’s summer, float the Deschutes River as your first day in Bend initiation! Then catch the sunset from Pilot Butte and have a beer at literally almost any brewery.

Day 2 – Spend the day out on the Cascade Lakes. Go hang out on Elk Lake or Lava Lake if you need to rent a SUP or kayak.

Day 3 – Go for a big hike or some other big adventure! Summit South Sister? Go mountain biking? White water rafting? Go for it!

Day 4 – Go hang out at Newberry National Volcanic Monument for the day. Hike Paulina Peak, stroll around the lakes, and see some crazy lava rocks. There are also tons of things to do in Sunriver which will be nearby. It’s a small tourist town just south of Bend. Perhaps stop in at Sunriver Brewing for a beer and a bite (A Rippin Pale Ale and a massive hot Pretel is a winner).

Day 5 – Take on Smith Rock State Park, do some hikes, have a picnic, and if you want, maybe sign up for a rock climbing course. Steelhead Fall isn’t too far away either and it’s one of the best waterfalls in Bend to visit. Check out a few things to do in Redmond on your way back down to Bend.

If you STILL haven’t had enough, I highly suggest you check out the best day trips from Bend. You don’t have to leave Bend to find more things to do.

We hope this list helped you decide what to do in Bend and beyond! Check out more about Bend.

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