25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bend (Oregon)

Does the sound of “adventure” stir you up for the road?

One of the best ways you could spend your vacation, holiday, or break any time of the year is by exploring the various things to do in Bend, Oregon.

If you have walked through a forest of trees, you perhaps found the experience refreshing, as much as the sound of flowing waters is and the cool breeze that sweeps over them, with birds chirping overhead.

Snow gliders, hikers, kayakers, golfers, bikers, among other groups of outdoor enthusiasts, may love most of if not everything that Oregon has to offer.

It is situated along the Deschutes River.

Besides its beautiful scenes, travelers love this small but mighty adventure-hub for the endless outdoor activities they can partake.

Guests also enjoy plenty of fun and free things to do.

When winter falls, you can take down Mt. Bachelor nearby, skiing or snowboarding.

The region’s mountains also spice things up with volcanic-created attractions; you can visit such and more unique sites at a suitable time.

You may also find the overshadowing Cascade Mountains outstanding.

Deschutes River is one of Bend’s many; you can enjoy walking down the trails, chilling in the beautiful green parks, or visiting the fantastic neighborhoods.

Below are some of the best places to visit and fun things you can do in Bend:

1. High Desert Museum

Preservation presents history and lessons of the desert habitat in the High Desert Museum.

If you are hoping for more than a good time and a trip down history and culture lanes, you can walk out of the museum after checking out some of the 1980s sets.

The High Desert Museum was put up in 1982 on 135 acres of forest land.

You will come upon the establishment as you drive out of Bend, Oregon, south off Highway 97.

Their vast permanent or temporary exhibits can be your points of interest.

You will find plenty to explore outdoors and indoors.

You can also get a chance to watch live animals, such as birds, bobcats, and otters; catch some do their things, such as a porcupine climbing or a badger digging.

Do you have kids?

They are likely to love the make-believe high desert habitat—most children love to look around.

If you are thinking of what more things to do in Oregon, there is the history of the Plateau Indians to learn.

You can also go through the early West settlement and check out plenty of art.

Should you want to grab a bite, lunch at the café is a good idea.

It has a gift shop too.

Address: 59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702, United States

2. Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Volcanoes are scary when they happen and can have devastating effects.

Nevertheless, they often settle down, marking their eruptions with beautiful formations, such as the Newberry National Volcanic Monument’s magnificence.

Roughly 75,000 years ago, a major volcanic eruption formed the Newberry caldera, which became part of the monument after its establishment in 1990.

Today, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument sits on about 55,500 acres in Oregon.

You may love this top destination for where to go, owing to the Newbery Volcano formations.

Among them is the over 500 feet high cinder cone, Lava Butte; you may also find the underground Lava River Cave adventurous, as much as the lava tube, stretching through one mile.

Do you enjoy fishing?

You may find the beautiful lakes good grounds.

You can also hike, and for a timeless experience, camp out.

You will come upon the Lava Lands Visitor Center, driving off Highway 97, south of Bend, Oregon.

You can start your exploration at the Chitwood Exhibit Hall, where you will learn more about the land’s geology and what to expect.

Address: Bend, OR 97702, United States

3. The Old Mill District

Are you hoping to let loose and enjoy some entertainment or shopping?

You will come across the Old Mill District along Deschutes River, Oregon; it is one of the places to go.

The Brooks-Scanlon lumber mill provided a foundation for constructing the Old Mill District; three silver smokestacks mark it.

Its location near downtown and along Deschutes River makes the Old Mill District perfect for a good time in a movie theatre or one of the lovely eateries.

You can also shop in Sephora, Lululemon, among other notable stores.

One of the fun things to do in Bend for your mornings is jog along the Deschutes River Trail, with a breathtaking view of the river.

Nevertheless, why only view if you can experience the river beneath and all over you through kayaking?

The Bend Whitewater Park also offers surfing.

If you consider attending a concert, the Les Schwab Amphitheater may interest you for its ticketed and free options.

Brewfest and race events are more indulgences at your disposal.

Address: 450 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend, OR 97702, United States

4. Tumalo Falls

There is plenty to love about waterfalls; they are natural exhibitions of free-flow and might.

If you would enjoy a day out savoring such a spectacular view and hiking, Tumalo Falls could be your next memorable stop.

The waterfall drops to 89 feet.

Drive out of Bend for roughly 20 miles to come to one of the viewing platforms.

You can leave your car at the roadside due to the parking lot’s small size and the unpaved 3-mile road, which may not suit all vehicles.

Expect a $5 parking fee, should you drive all the way.

There are enough restrooms and a picnic area you may love at Tumalo Falls’ base.

Most guests love to view the waterfall from the top.

To get there, you can trek for 1/4 mile or hike through the Tumalo Creek trail for about 7 miles.

The hike follows the river and offers plenty of views.

Mountain bikers and dogs can also use the trail.

Address: Tumalo Falls Road, Bend, OR, United States

5. Mt. Bachelor

Is it getting cold by the season?

Mt. Bachelor has solutions for what to do in Bend—ski fields, accommodation, and delicacies, among more.

The 9,065-foot extinct volcano is home to one of the most remarkable ski resorts.

The skiable terrain stretches over 4,300 acres.

You can take down 800 feet of the snowy mountain, skiing or snowboarding; you will get rare views of the High Desert, Oregon, and the Cascade mountains, through 360 degrees.

You can also take a few skiing lessons should you be unconfident or rusty.

If you have children, they may love some time snow tubing.

Sled dog rides are another interesting activity; with your team of powerful canines, you could enjoy some exploration.

Snowshoeing also offers fun opportunities in Mt. Bachelor.

If you are thinking of fun things to do in Bend during summer, you can hike or bike through the lift-serviced trails over 13 miles.

Address: 13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702, United States

Visiting other parts of Oregon? Why not check out some of the things to do in Seaside, Oregon & some of the things to do in Eugene?

6. Drake Park

Are you hoping for a relaxed weekend with your family?

Drake Park could make a good consideration for what to do in Bend.

Its walking trails, outdoor stage, benches, and beautiful green spaces attract guests from and outside Bend, Oregon.

The park sits on 13 acres and is situated along the Deschutes River.

You can, therefore, access the near river through half a mile.

The Mirror Pond is a result of the widened river; hardwoods and pines beautify it.

You can let loose and enjoy a soccer game, football, or a Frisbee around the open loan.

You may find what to see around, including squirrels, chipmunks and love the native and exotic birds, among other wildlife species.

Some areas of Drake Park are closed in May; the park nests the Great Horned Owls.

Address: 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR 97701, United States

7. Deschutes River

Are you planning for summer?

The sun could be inspiring your ideas of the top things to do in Bend and the places to visit.

What do you think about a float?

The Deschutes River receives plenty of visitors during sunny seasons.

You can be one for at least an hour to one and a half and enjoy the beauty, the chilly waters, the relaxation, and more that you will only know through experience.

Do you have a floatation device?

Bend, Oregon, is conveniently packed with gear shops that will offer to rent out or sell; most are also situated near the river.

If you would like to try something else, kayaking is also available.

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent.

The Bend Park & Float provides a safe parking area; the ‘Ride the River Shuttle’ also offers a $3 transportation back to your car upon exhaustion of your time out.

This is one of the top 10 destinations to consider.

Address: 970 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend, OR 97702, United States

8. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

A simple drive through beautiful scenery, sightseeing can be more fun and desirable than a non-stop adventure.

One of the free things to do is take down the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.

The SW Century Drive will get you there.

The byway ends where it joins Highway 58; it is a 66-mile, 3-5 hours drive through to Mt. Bachelor.

You may love the views, decorated by alpine lakes, pine-covered hills, and snow-capped peaks.

You can take photos, view lakes, hike, or stop for food and other kinds of breaks.

Most Oregon travelers love the Todd Lake trail, a fun hike off the highway.

You can try other places to see and various activities up the mountain, such as fishing, biking, sailing, and kayaking.

Beware of the weather and road conditions.

Due to snow build-ups, the road is open only between June to October and closed between December and May.

9. Smith Rock State Park

Walking and hiking are fun and healthy.

If you rock-climb, you may find the Smith Rock State Park’s freestanding pinnacles and the orange rhyolite cliff an exciting climb.

The park is one of the places to visit.

Sport climbing is as popular as multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing, and bouldering are.

Smith Rock State Park sits on 650 acres.

You will come upon it along Highway 97 and north of Bend, Oregon, through 27 miles.

Its landscape is uniquely beautiful, and besides rock-climbing, you can walk and hike.

You can follow the Crooked River’s walking trail or take the Misery Ridge hike; you may or will know Misery Ridge for its lovely views of snow-capped volcanoes and fields.

Bikers can also find many mountain biking trails.

Would you like to camp?

The walk-in area hosts early-bird tent campers.

Since many people like to visit Smith Rock State Park, you will likely encounter parking challenges on weekends.

Address: Terrebonne, OR 97760, United States

10. Deschutes National Forest

Can you imagine how 1.8 million acres of forest, mountains, and land would look?

The Deschutes National Forest combines the Fremont National Forest with the Blue Mountains, covering a vast area, which neighbors the Cascade Range from the east.

It is one of the places to visit.

The Newberry Volcanic Monument is located within the region and offers views and Bend attractions in lava tubes, lava flows, and the tall cinder cones.

The landscape has more things to see in dense forests and plain land.

Yearly, the Deschutes National Forest attracts millions of guests from Bend, Oregon, and beyond.

Besides hiking, you can experience wildlife spotting, boating, horseback riding, mountain biking, and even fishing.

Address: Bend, OR 97701, United States

Exploring other areas of Oregon? Why not check out some of the things to do in Astoria, Oregon & some of the things to do in Portland, OR?

11. Goody’s Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory

Ice cream and chocolate treats do not go wrong.

Why don’t you take some time off all the adventure and sightseeing to visit the Goody’s Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory?

A simple tour can be what to do during your stay.

The factory has been running for at least thirty years, serving every guest’s taste buds with the best throughout Bend, Oregon.

Locals and visitors love to visit Goody’s.

The factory is popular for its sweets’ varieties, not limited to peanut brittle, toffee, ice cream, and gourmet chocolates.

Before a taste of Goody’s goodies, you can look around and get to know the processes of chocolate and ice cream making.

The sweet factory offers a guided tour, after which you can try samples from Goody’s top-shelves; nevertheless, you can do the tour on your own if you would prefer it so.

Address: 1111 SW Division St, Bend, OR 97702, United States

12. Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area

The wild is full of life and Bend attractions that you may love to see.

The Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area sits on 29,180 acres, offering adventure opportunities and incredible views.

You can enjoy the unique landscapes throughout this area and note its geological features.

As the name suggests, the Dry River flowed and is today one of the significant points of interest; it cuts through the Horse Ridge volcano and the Badlands volcano areas.

Wildlife is nature’s best, and the wilderness area is packed with it.

You can catch more sights of elks, mule deer, antelopes, bobcats, and even yellow-bellied marmots.

As below is above—watch golden eagles and prairie falcons grace the air in flight.

You can enjoy all this on horseback or hike through the 50 miles of trails.

Address: Oregon Badlands Wilderness, Bend, OR 97701, United States

13. Bend Ale Trail

If you have time for exploration this weekend, the Bend Ale Trail could be an exciting way to spend it.

You will come upon plenty of Oregon’s best breweries.

The Bend Ale Trail had a humble start with its 2010’s six breweries.

Then, there was none of its kind in the west and only one another throughout the country.

The past years have seen transformation and growth, with over 20 new breweries across Bend, Oregon, and the neighboring Sisters, Redmond, and Sunriver towns.

If you enjoy brewpub eats, the breweries can be excellent for a chill sometime along your day.

You may also try various new beer flavors, visit different tasting rooms, and relax in the outdoor patios.

The Bend Ale Trail is lined with more activities you may love, including live music.

Address: Bend, OR, United States

14. Tetherow Resort

Among the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon, there are places to visit.

Tetherow Resort is one of the stays that you may not want to leave.

The resort was constructed in 2014.

It is located on Tetherow Golf Course and offers spectacular views all around.

You may find Tetherow Resort one of the best vacation spots.

Its proximity to Downtown Bend makes it more convenient for anyone who wants to stay close and continue the fun.

At night, the resort offers comfortable accommodation, with spacious modern décor rooms; some are even built with a fireplace.

Its luxurious suites overlook the national forest.

The heated outdoor pool is one of Tetherow Resort’s outstanding options; you may also love the hot tubs.

If you have an exercise schedule or would like one, the fitness center could help you stay on your toes and track.

Trails, stretching through miles, make it easy to look around and enjoy the beauty.

Address: 61240 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend, OR 97702, United States

15. Deschutes Historical Museum

Deschutes Country is full of history and lessons of the old and native tribes of America.

If you are thinking of what to do, you can take a trip down history lane in the Deschutes Historical Museum.

Look into early exploration and fur trapping, the High Desert, the Native American tribes, and logging and Forest Service history.

Find out how life was and has been in Deschutes Country through visual displays.

Among the things to see are old photographs, paintings, artifacts, dioramas, and letters; they all represent a part of what should not be lost to time.

You should not desire to leave Oregon before learning a little about the heritage and taking down the Bend heritage walk, exploring the seven stops, including this historical museum.

Address: 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, OR 97701, United States

16. 5 Fusion

How would you like to dine in one of Bend’s best modern restaurants this weekend?

Among the things you must do could be to visit 5 Fusion; get a look and taste of what Joe Kim, the co-owner-cum-executive chef, has in store for you.

Guests implore the incredible art that decorates the restaurant.

The food is impeccable and can keep you at 5 Fusion for longer than you expect.

Joe Kim is famous in and outside Bend for his mastery and award-winning kitchen skills; he knows what to do to win the hearts of his guests.

At 5 Fusion, you will enjoy Asian and Western blends.

The ingredients are fresh, organic, and locally acquired; worry less and enjoy more of Joe’s cooking.

Some of the recipes are unique and tastier than can be described.

If you love sushi, you may find Joe’s variety and uniqueness all the more delicious.

You can also enjoy great sakes and rich wine tastes.

Address: 821 NW Wall St #100, Bend, OR 97701, United States

17. Roam

Are you looking for a perfect joint in Oregon to have your business lunch today?

You can consider the Roam.

Take a few friends with you for a few minutes and enjoy what the modern establishment has to offer.

Roam wins the hearts of most guests for its professionalism and affordability.

It provides enough options for quick lunches and longer meals.

You can also savor some of the restaurant’s best drinks in cocktails and wines at the bar and lounge.

Address: 10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend, OR 97703, United States

18. Central Oregon Symphony

A long day of adventure, activity, and exploration could do with some relaxing or entertaining music.

Enjoy listening to the Flute and Harp, Baroque, and Jazz in the Central Oregon Symphony.

The music variety pumps up the fun, exposing you to different genres.

The symphony is a hub for the classics and the new sounds.

Every once in a while, you can visit the Bend High School Auditorium for a symphony concert.

If you are not staying long or have plenty of other activities lined up, you can consider attending the general-audience symphony rehearsals.

Central Oregon Symphony nurtures growth and discovers new talent.

Annually, competitions invite young artists who battle for a Winter Concert Series performance.

Address: 15 SW Colorado Ave #320, Bend, OR 97701, United States

19. The Village at Sunriver

If you are looking for a place to retreat with your family or friends this weekend, The Village at Sunriver could be the destination.

The 14.3-mile drive from Bend, Oregon, is packed with activities.

Among the fun things you can do is visit the SHARC aquatic center.

SHARC passes get you quick and cheaper access to rental homes or houses in Sunriver.

The water park offers indoor and outdoor pools, among other unique and fun stuff, such as water slides, winter tubing, summer disc golf, lazy river, an adults-only hot tub, and a toddler area for your young ones.

If you have children, they may love a good time train riding or in bumper cars.

You can also try out the mini-golf or visit the resort shops, although their prices could be pretty high.

The resort is home to plenty of tourist attractions that you may want to visit.

A few hours are enough for a good time with your family and at a budget price, should you have some ideas of the best things to do in Bend.

Address: 57100 Beaver Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707, United States

20. Downtown Bend

You may not feel that you have explored Bend enough before walking around Downtown Bend.

What are some of the top things to do there?

You can visit any of the many sidewalk cafes for a brief, good time.

If you like to read, the various bookstores could serve you, and if you think shopping is a good idea, plenty of stores will affirm your choice.

Microbrews, art galleries, and theaters could also interest you.

The eateries and restaurants lined in Downtown Bend will ensure you leave happy, satisfied, and with the desire to pay a future visit.

While the angled parking tends to fill quickly, you can try public parking, bordering the river, on Franklin Avenue; this parking is convenient for a trail walk in Drake Park, enjoying the beautiful sights along the Deschutes River.

21. Benham Falls

If you love the sights of waterfalls, one of the free things to do that you may enjoy is bike riding to Benham Falls.

While it is a series of cascading water rapids rather than a large fall, the experience can be memorable.

The Benham Falls Trailhead is one of the most adventurous Bend attractions.

Running from the Lava Lands Visitor Center, the road is paved with Sun-Lava stretches through 5.5 miles.

A dirt road picks up and covers a half-mile distance from where the paved road ends.

You may sweat on your way back the trail—it heads downhill at some point.

It would also be good to watch your riding and be wary of pedestrians, owing to the trail’s narrow stretch and rockiness; it is also often busy.

Nevertheless, you will soon join a graded road wider and thus more comfortable to ride through.

22. Anjou SPA

Do you have some time for beauty and wellness?

Your trip could do with spa treatments and a salon in the Anjou Spa.

The establishment provides eco-friendly and full-time day services with seasonal treatments and packages.

Bend’s Anjou Spa has new features, including three specialized guest rooms, a steam room with eucalyptus oils and aromas, a hot sand room, and a steam room with hot and cold steam.

You may love Anjou’s reliance on natural ingredients.

Upon visiting the spa, you have the following at your disposal: brow and lash tinting, waxing, body scrubs, nail services, massage therapy, and even facials.

If you are staying longer or would like to pay regular visits to Bend, Oregon, the membership options offered at Anjou Spa could suit you; you can enjoy monthly services, special incentives, and member-only discounts or samples.

Address: 1835 NW Pence Ln #120, Bend, OR 97703, United States

23. The Athletic Club of Bend

As the name suggests, The Athletic Club of Bend is Bend’s center for health and fitness.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Bend during your stay, a visit to the club could be a healthy way to spend your time.

It was constructed in 1991 in Bend, Oregon.

You may love its position along your way to Mt. Bachelor.

It was also built close to a river trail system, making it perfect for the start or end of your workout or exercise schedule.

Throughout the year, you can enjoy plenty of activities in The Athletic Club of Bend.

It serves seven indoor tennis courts, an indoor running track, a weight room, four racquetball or squash courts, a basketball court, cardio centers, and indoor/outdoor pools.

You may also like to visit the club’s full-service pro shop.

You do not need a membership to attend yoga classes, group exercise, strength conditioning, indoor cycling, or other exercises.

Nevertheless, if you stay longer or visit from time to time, a membership would suit you.

Address: 61615 Athletic Club Dr, Bend, OR 97702, United States

24. Bend Escape Room

What do you think about puzzle games?

Another fun activity in Oregon’s Bend is the Bend Escape Room—it is a physical adventure game, which requires teamwork and critical thinking to solve puzzles.

You may find the Bend Escape Room an exciting and challenging game to play with family and friends; it offers an interactive and immersive experience.

While you may mistake the escape room for an ordinary one at first, you will, with time, discover more that is expected of your reasoning.

Besides finding hidden items, you may have to identify clues and use them to solve puzzles for your ultimate freedom and way out.

Its time limitation makes the game even more fun, keeping you on your toes and at your best throughout the provided time; can you solve the puzzles fast enough?

Address: 61470 S Hwy 97 Suite #4, Bend, OR 97702, United States

25. Sisters

One of the things you must do is visit Sisters, an Oregon Western-themed town.

You may love the town’s cultural preservation and creativity.

At Sisters, you will come upon beautiful restaurants, art galleries, bakeries, and coffee shops in Western-style establishments.

If you have not attended or heard about the Sisters Folk Festival before, it would be a good idea to find out what it would have for you.

The Sisters Festival of Books is another popular festival, including the Antiques in the Park, which you may love.

Are you feeling Western enough?

You can complete the look with some nice cowboy boots and a hat.

You can enjoy mountain biking and cycling in and outside Sisters, thanks to the available trail options.

Most guests also indulge in golfing.

If you are an avid gold fan and are looking for top options in Sisters, you can visit the Black Butte Ranch’s Glaze Meadow and Big Meadow; alternatively, the Aspen Lakes Golf Course is a guest-favorite.

Bend is popular among golfers as the ‘Palm Springs of the North,’ thanks to its many golf courses.

Depending on how much money and skill you have, you can visit other popular spots, such as the golf course at Sunriver Resort or the Tetherow Golf Course.

Start Planning Your Trip To Bend, Oregon

Did you find a vacation destination?

If it is not Oregon’s Bend, then you are missing out on one of the most beautiful places in the US.

Bend is strategically situated along the Deschutes River and is packed with outdoor activities, events, and tourist attractions that may interest you, your friends, or your family.

You will find plenty of fun and unique stuff to do and indulge in; you can learn about the Western culture from historical museums and climb rocks if you enjoy the sport.

Mountain skiers and snowboarders can have a good time taking down the snow-capped mountains of Bend.

You can float down the Deschutes River, mountain-bike, hike, or walk during summer, exploring various trails and Bend attractions located close.

Throughout the year, you will have something interesting to try out.

Before leaving Bend, you must view beautiful sights such as waterfalls, lakes, volcanic formations, and even wildlife.

Visit Drake Park with family or friends whenever you would like to relax and stretch your bones a little, surrounded by the magnificence of nature.

You also have plenty of shopping options at your disposal, besides restaurants, entertainment centers, and breweries for further exploration.

Remember to pass by the Goody’s Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory to get your taste buds some goodies if you have a date.

Have fun during your stay and exploration of Bend, Oregon!