Location: Bend
Top Things to do in Bend
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bend, Oregon (OR)
Only 21 miles from RDM airport, Bend is a natural playground for families and adventure travelers. Hiking and fishing along the Deschutes river, mountain biking and skiing at Mt. Bachelor are among the favorite activities. Enjoy award-winning restaurants or one of the nearly 30 breweries and pubs. Sunny weather compliments the many world class festivals and concerts. Bend is a great spot for family-friendly fun as well, from the High Desert Museum to ski areas with no fees for children under 12.
Restaurants in Bend
1. Deschutes National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 201 reviews
Encompassing more than 1.6 million acres of Central Oregon, this region extends for about 100 miles with a scenic backdrop of volcanic mountains of the Cascades.
Reviewed By pepevallejo
amazing place to visit with family or groups, nice views, good kids activity , clean and the gardeners work very hard to keep this area up to . at 100 %
2. Deschutes River Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
A popular 10.5-mile mountain biking trail in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, United States
We stayed at a hotel adjacent to the trail and went out for a peaceful walk at sunset. The paved trail follows along the banks of the Deschutes River, so the scenery is great. It's suitable for wheelchairs and strollers and passes through Riverbend Park and Farewell Bend Park where there is a playground and some picnic shelters. We easily walked about 2 miles, crossing bridges over the river to go down both sides. There were a lot of people out walking or jogging and we saw people fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding on the river. Waterfowl were abundant and didn't seem bothered by the company. The Mill District shopping area is right next to the trail; it would make a fun date night to have dinner at one of the restaurants there and then take a walk along the river.
3. Bend Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By quiltercheri - Gaston, United States
We were so excited to be able to visit with masks and had the entire place to ourselves. Great conversation too. Unfortunately, no tour, though. Very unique flavors in the flight tasting! Had to purchase the special blends as they are a cocktail in a single pour (just add ice).
4. Oregon Spirit Distillers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Distillery and Tasting Room located in the heart of beautiful Bend, Oregon. Join us for a flight, a mini cocktail and a tour of our production facility! Pick up a bottle of our award winning whiskeys, gins and vodka, plus much more!
5. Deschutes River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By jonc588 - Las Vegas, United States
Wide open park and river space (was there during beer fest!)...float down the river, surf on rapids and miles of walkways, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, shops and other distractions. Everyone seemed to have a great time...as did we!
6. Roundabout Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Located in the heart of Bend’s NorthWest Crossing Community, Roundabout Books is a full-service independent bookstore. We take tremendous pride in our highly curated selection of new adult and children’s books. We also carry a variety of greeting cards, journals, puzzles & games, and related gifts. Our in-store café serves locally-sourced snacks, coffee, tea, wine, and beer for you to enjoy during your stay, and our bookstore offers Free Wi-Fi as well as several cozy chairs and coffee tables.
Reviewed By Bendgirl63 - Bend, United States
This is one of my favorite spots in Bend. The staff is welcoming and super-knowledgeable about books in every category. It's got such a delightful ambiance, and you can also get amazing coffees and teas there. They are also starting a small but excellent collection of curated board games. There's something for everyone here! Buy a book, grab a mug of incredible Metolious tea, pull up a comfy chair, and settle in for an amazing morning or afternoon.
7. Todd Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By SKEIN1 - Monterey County, United States
This was a beautiful Lake to walk around, easy trail, beautiful views, saw a few fish in the water as it is very clean & clear.
8. Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Reviewed By E4823BPbenv - Spokane, United States
We hiked up the road which was in the sun and a steady grade. It was tougher than I expected for a trail ranked as easy on AllTrails. Hiked down the dirt trail and it was more scenic and shaded and less steep. The 360 degree view was worth the 1.2 mile hike. Appreciated the signs that pointed out each of the peaks in the distance. Stunning!
9. Cowgirl Cash
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Cowgirl Cash is a unique boutique in Bend, OR. We sell Western Vintage. Boots, pearl snap shirts,Turquoise jewelry, Stetson hats. We pay cash on the spot for unique treasures that fit the Bend, OR lifestyle.
10. Boneyard Beer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
No-nonsense neighborhood brewery offering a large assortment of tasters and craft beers to go.
Reviewed By webcam13
We visited this tasting room a few years ago when a local bartender (at another brewery) advised that Boneyard made one of Bend's best IPAs!! We happen to agree! Although the tasting room is very small, it warrants the efforts to find especially, if you enjoy IPAs! We enjoyed the friendly staff and appreciate the Mammoth Blues & Brews festival tip!
