Planning a trip to Bend, Oregon, soon, and have no idea what to do while you’re there? You’re in the right place!
Bend has a reputation for being one of the best outdoor towns on the West Coast, and it has the hiking trails, rivers, and volcanic landscapes to back that up. It’s also a town with some seriously good food spots, so there’s plenty to keep you busy between your adventures!
To help you make the most of your time in Bend, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite things to do in the area, plus a few hotel options if you haven’t booked a place to stay yet. Whether you’re craving adventure or you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, there really is something for everyone!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Bend was this e-bike tour! We effortlessly cruised along the Deschutes River and through the city, taking in Bend’s stunning sights the whole way.
- Our Top Choice
- Bend at a Glance
- How I Would Spend 3 Days in Bend, Oregon
- Things to Do in Bend
- Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
- What’s an eSIM?
- The Services We Recommend
Bend at a Glance
Bend sits at around 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) in elevation, and its high desert climate might catch you off guard if you’ve never visited before. Here are a few local tips we wish we knew before our first visit:
Important Tip: Summer days are warm, but Bend’s nights get chilly—pack a light jacket.
You’ll want a rental car: Bend is spread out, and the best experiences, like Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock, and the Cascade Lakes, are all outside the city center. That said, if you plan to spend an afternoon on the Bend Ale Trail, Uber is available, and many of the breweries in Central Bend are within easy walking distance of each other.
Dress code is outdoorsy: Bend is one of those towns where outdoor gear is always in style. Feel free to wear your hiking boots to dinner or head to a brewery fresh off the trail; you definitely won’t be alone!
When you visit matters: Summer is one of the best times to visit. However, Bend gets hotter than the rest of Oregon in summer, and late August through September can bring wildfire smoke. Before you go, it’s always worth checking air quality forecasts, as conditions can change quickly depending on regional wildfires.
How I Would Spend 3 Days in Bend, Oregon
Day 1: Start with a relaxed breakfast in Bend, then spend the morning kayaking on the Cascade Lakes. After lunch at one of the city’s food truck pods, explore downtown Bend and wander through Drake Park before ending the day with a cozy dinner in town.
Day 2: Spend the morning hiking to waterfalls or dramatic desert cliffs, then refuel with a laid-back lunch. Later, enjoy an easy e-bike tour around Bend and the Deschutes River, before finishing the day with dinner and gelato or drinks on the west side.
Day 3: Begin with breakfast before heading to Sisters for a scenic ATV adventure. After lunch back in Bend, spend the afternoon exploring the Bend Ale Trail, visiting Pilot Butte, or checking out the High Desert Museum.
Things to Do in Bend
1. E-bike around Bend and the Deschutes River
Tour Details
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Bend, this guided e-bike tour along the Deschutes River is the best way to do it!
As part of a small group, you’ll be led through some of Bend’s most scenic spots by a local guide with incredible knowledge of the area. And thanks to the bike’s electric assist, you’ll be able to cover plenty of ground without working up too much of a sweat, making this a great option for all fitness levels.
The route follows the Deschutes River along scenic multi-use paths, so you’ll spend most of your time away from traffic while enjoying beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll ride through the popular Old Mill District, spot local wildlife, and experience parts of Bend that many visitors never get to see.
One of our favorite parts is the riverside stop, where you’ll have time to relax with a snack, enjoy a drink, and soak up the scenery before continuing your ride. Honestly, there’s nothing better than enjoying a cold drink beside the Deschutes River on a warm summer day!
If you’re comfortable with bikes but have never ridden an e-bike before, you’ll be in good hands. The guides are friendly, patient, and take the time to make sure everyone feels comfortable before setting off on an unforgettable adventure.
2. Kayak on the Cascade Lakes
Tour Details
The Cascade Lakes are one of Central Oregon’s best-kept secrets, and this guided kayaking tour is the best way to see them properly! With turquoise water, towering pines, and snow-capped peaks, it’s easily one of the most scenic adventures near Bend.
The adventure begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from Bend into the heart of Deschutes National Forest, where you’ll find a series of crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by pine forests and volcanic peaks.
What we love most about this tour, though, is the guides. You’ll be led by an award-winning naturalist who will share fascinating insights into the area’s volcanic history, wildlife, and ecosystems, while taking you to secluded coves and bays accessible only by water. You’ll also learn how ancient lava flows and glaciers shaped these stunning alpine lakes, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot wildlife like otters or osprey along the way.
If you’ve never kayaked before, don’t worry. The tandem kayaks are easy to use, and your guide will provide all the instructions you need before setting off. And if you’re brave enough for a dip, you’ll have the chance to jump in for a refreshing swim if the weather’s warm enough. Just be warned, the water is very cold, even in summer!
I’d also like to note here that this tour is non-refundable, so you’ll want to be confident in your travel dates before making a booking.
3. Discover Bend’s epic food and drink scene
Bend has built one of the most impressive food and drink scenes of any small city in the United States, and spending time eating and drinking your way through it is one of the great pleasures of visiting.
Here are some of our favorite spots to check out while you’re in town.
The Bend Ale Trail
The Bend Ale Trail is the best way to experience the city’s legendary craft beer scene. Made up of over 30 breweries in and around Bend, the trail comes with a passport that you get stamped at each brewery you visit. You definitely won’t get through all of them in one trip, but that’s kind of the point, as it gives you a reason to come back!
Fortunately, many of the breweries are located close together, making it easy to sample several in a single afternoon. There are a TON of breweries clustered in Central Bend, and it’s super easy to walk between them or catch a quick Uber if you want to venture further out.
If you’re not sure where to start, some of my personal favorites include Crux Fermentation Project, Monkless Belgian Ales, Bend Brewing Company, and Boneyard Beer. Wherever you go, though, you won’t be disappointed!
Bend’s Coffee Culture
Bend takes its coffee seriously (like really seriously), and there are a handful of roasters and cafes that are genuinely worth going out of your way for.
Backporch Coffee Roasters is one that I always recommend. They have multiple locations around the city, and they really are a local institution. Thump Coffee is another excellent option, with a cozy, neighborhood feel and consistently great espresso!
If you’re passing through the nearby town of Sisters on your way to or from Smith Rock, it’s also worth stopping at Sisters Coffee Co. Even though it’s technically based in Sisters rather than Bend, the coffee is exceptional, and the cafe has a lovely atmosphere that makes it a great pit stop.
Food Trucks and Restaurants
Food truck pods are one of the defining dining experiences in Bend, and they fit perfectly with the city’s casual, outdoorsy culture. The Podski and The Lot are both popular spots, with a rotating selection of incredible vendors.
For a proper sit-down meal, I absolutely love Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats, and I highly recommend ordering a few dishes to share so you can try as much as possible.
For brunch, McKay Cottage is a must. This is one of those places that locals love and visitors always end up recommending to the next person they meet. The atmosphere is cozy and genuinely charming, and the tables even have fireplaces built into them, which is just so nice on a cold day!
You’ll also find that most of the breweries serve food, and the quality is generally excellent across the board. Just check the website and menu before you go, and you can usually get a good feel for how good the food will be.
4. Go Hiking!
Hiking is perhaps the most quintessential Bend thing you can do, so getting a few hikes under your belt on your trip is a must!
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the trails here. But if you are, some routes will genuinely challenge you.
Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls is just a 20-minute drive west of Bend and is easily one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the area. The waterfall itself plunges 97 feet (30 meters) into a dramatic canyon, and the best part is that you don’t need to work very hard to see it. A short, easy walk of about 15 minutes leads to the lower viewpoint, where you’ll get an incredible look at the falls.
If you’re up for a little more hiking, the Upper Viewpoint Trail is a quick 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) climb that offers a completely different perspective from above. And for a bigger adventure, the Tumalo Falls Loop is a challenging 7-mile hike that winds through forests, meadows, and several smaller waterfalls along the way.
Just be sure to arrive early or visit on a weekday if you can. Tumalo Falls is one of Bend’s most popular spots, and parking lots can fill up quickly during summer and on weekends.
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is about 30 minutes north of Bend and also has a ton of trails!
The Crooked River Trail is an easy, mostly flat walk that follows the river beneath the cliffs, while the steep Misery Ridge Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views over the park and the surrounding high desert. If you can, visit early or on a weekday, as Smith Rock gets very busy, especially during the summer.
5. Explore Bend’s Outdoors on a Thrilling ATV Excursion
Tour Details
For a dose of pure adrenaline in the Cascade Mountains, this ATV tour operated by Octane Adventures is hard to beat.
This is the only ATV tour in Oregon that takes you through this particular stretch of the Cascades, and the route is genuinely spectacular, featuring lava tube caves, volcanic black sand dunes, and some of the best mountain views in Central Oregon; it’s no wonder that it has so many glowing reviews!
The tour departs from Sisters, a charming small town about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Bend that’s definitely worth a quick look around before or after your ride. From there, your guide will lead your small group along scenic trails through the Deschutes National Forest, stopping at Skylight Cave, the base of Chace Mountain, Belknap Lava Field, and Cache Creek Toll Station.
What we love most about this tour is that the vehicles seat up to four people, so it’s a fantastic option if you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends looking to share the experience.
The only other thing we’d like to note here is that the tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems or heart conditions, and the meeting point is in Sisters rather than Bend, so make sure to factor that in when planning your day.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
6. Float the Deschutes River
Floating the Deschutes River is a Bend summer tradition. So if you’re visiting during the summer months, it’s absolutely worth doing!
If you’re worried about logistics or not having the right gear, don’t be. Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe runs a Park and Float service right in downtown Bend, where you can rent a tube, life jacket, and shuttle service for just $28 USD for a two-hour float.
From there, it’s as simple as floating downstream to Drake Park. Once you’re done, the shuttle will take you right back to your starting point, so there’s no need to coordinate vehicles or transportation. Just bring sunscreen, a few snacks, and whatever drinks you’d like to enjoy along the way.
7. Ride horses along the Deschutes River
Tour Details
If you’re looking for a slower-paced adventure in Bend, this private horseback ride along the Deschutes River will be right up your alley!
Over the course of two hours, your guide will take you through the beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest and along the banks of the Deschutes River, with stops at Big Eddy Rapids and Aspen Meadows. You’ll take different routes there and back, so you’ll enjoy two unique perspectives of the Deschutes River and the surrounding forest.
Because this is a private tour, you’ll only be riding with your own group. That makes it a great option for couples, families, or anyone looking for a more personal and relaxed experience.
Better yet, no prior riding experience is required. The guides are patient, knowledgeable, and fantastic at helping first-time riders feel comfortable in the saddle, which is why this experience is incredibly popular with visitors and has so many great reviews.
As you plan your trip, it’s worth noting that the tour runs year-round, although summer and early fall typically offer the most pleasant riding conditions and scenery. You’ll also have the option to add a fly-fishing experience to your tour, which is definitely worth it if you love to fish or if you’ve always wanted to give fly fishing a try!
8. Explore downtown Bend
While Downtown Bend isn’t huge, it’s still packed with a ton of historic buildings, independent boutiques, and quirky spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Even if you’re primarily visiting Bend for hiking or climbing, we still recommend setting aside at least a few hours to wander around and see where the day takes you.
A few spots worth checking out include:
- Drake Park: This is the heart of downtown Bend, and it’s a great place for a stroll, a picnic, or simply sitting by Mirror Pond and taking in the views. During summer, you’ll also find lots of markets, festivals, and community events taking place here.
- The Bend Store: If you’re looking for locally made gifts, souvenirs, or Oregon-inspired products, this is one of the best places to look (it’s not touristy, I promise!).
- Bend Brewing Company (my favorite!): Situated right on Mirror Pond, this local favorite has one of the best patio views in town.
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School: This former Catholic school has been transformed into one of the most unique spots in Bend. Today, you’ll find a hotel, a soaking pool, restaurants, bars, and even a movie theater spread throughout the property. And if you visit, be sure to keep an eye out for the hidden bar!
- Visit the last Blockbuster in the world: And finally, no visit to Bend is complete without a stop at the last Blockbuster in the world. It isn’t technically in downtown, but it’s fully operational and open, stocking DVDs and VHS tapes just as it always did.
Related Read: Need help organizing your trip? See our 3-day Bend itinerary for top tours, activities, restaurants, and more, all planned out for you!
Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon
If it’s your first time visiting Bend, we typically recommend staying either downtown or along the Deschutes River. That way, you’ll be close to the best restaurants, breweries, shops, and riverfront trails, while still being within easy reach of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and hiking areas.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to stay across three price points.
Luxury – $$$
For our luxury option in Bend, we cannot recommend SpringHill Suites Bend enough!
This really is one of the best all-around stays in the city. Every room is a suite (hence the name), so you’ll have plenty of extra space to spread out, plus a kitchenette for preparing simple breakfasts and snacks before heading out for the day.
The location of this hotel is another big plus. It’s within easy walking distance of downtown Bend’s restaurants, breweries, and shops, so it’s easy to head out for dinner or drinks after a day of adventure.
Price-wise, you can expect rooms to typically range from $200 to $350 USD per night, depending on the season.
Check availability and book your stay at SpringHill Suites here!
Mid-Range – $$
For our mid-range pick in Bend, we always recommend the Campfire Hotel. This is easily one of the most unique places to stay in Bend, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for something with a bit more personality than a standard hotel.
The property itself has a year-round heated saltwater pool, hot tub, an onsite bar, and a huge communal fire pit, so it’s basically like an adult summer camp. There are even complimentary acoustic guitars in every room, which is such a fun touch!
As for pricing, you can expect rooms to typically range from $130 to $220 USD per night, depending on the season, which is honestly such good value for central Bend.
Book your room on your preferred dates at the Campfire Hotel here!
Budget – $
Last but not least, for our budget pick in Bend, you can’t go wrong with the Waypoint Hotel.
This hotel delivers incredible value for money, with amenities that feel more mid-range than budget. For example, you’ll have access to an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and fire pits, as well as a spacious lobby and lounge with local craft beers and ciders on tap. And when you get hungry, there’s even a food truck onsite serving up some ridiculously delicious comfort food.
We also love that this property is dog-friendly, which is always a big plus in our book! Perhaps the biggest draw here, though, is the price, with typical rates ranging from $80 to $140 USD per night depending on the season.
Book your budget-friendly (and dog-friendly) stay at the Waypoint Hotel here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
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We knew Oregon was pretty, but I must say, we were pretty blown away by Bend! From the vast amount of outdoor recreation to the amazing food and drink scene, it’s hard to be bored here. Stick to our list, and I know you’ll have the best time in Bend!
Before you go, check out the rest of our USA blogs! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers, so I’ll leave a few related reads below to help you plan your next adventure. Cheers!
Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon: 4 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend THREE Days in Portland, Oregon: 3-Day Itinerary
Where to Stay When Visiting Grand Teton National Park: 4 Areas & Hotels
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
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