Location: Bend
Top Things to do in Bend
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Things to do in Bend, Oregon (OR): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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 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.
2. Flyspur Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
3. 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!
4. Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 819 reviews
One of the nation's newest national monuments, this 55,500 acre area seeks to preserve unique accessible volcanic features.
Reviewed By hbodesign - Portland, United States
Take the whole day and don’t miss a thing! We went to the lava fields first (caves were closed due to COVID) - an easy paved path throughout with plenty of view points and info placards along the way for a self-guided tour. Getting to the top requires some uphill walking, but not too steep. Next up was the Obsidian Flow - DO NOT MISS THIS! Unbelievable, and the perfect follow up to the rough textured pumice from the lava fields. The Obsidian Flow trail is more rugged than the lava fields, so wear sturdy shoes (no flip flops!). You can view from the bottom of the hill, but if you are able, you can get a gorgeous view from half way up via a railed staircase. There are benches to sit down and take it all in. And if you’ve got some stability and healthy knees/ankles, you can climb even higher via a worn rough path through the rocks. The view is SPECTACULAR up there, and its a bit like walking on another planet, with black glass rocks all around. Literally, awesome! Lastly, we ended our day by driving to the peak of Paulina. WOW - a winding drive on a sometimes narrowing road, but so worth it! I thought the view at Timberline Lodge was good, this is BEYOND. 360 degree views from 8000 ft. Additionally, incredible foliage, random obsidian, and petrified wood abound. No hiking required but there are a few paths from the parking lot if you’re adventurous and want to get a little closer to the edge!
5. Old Mill District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
The Old Mill District along the Deschutes River is home to Bend's premiere shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Take in concert at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, go for a run along the Deschutes River Trail, or simply stroll from shop to shop with friends and family. The Old Mill District also boasts more than 12 riverfront restaurants that feature everything from exotic happy hours and fine dining to kid-friendly family-style meals. More than just a shopping and dining district, the Old Mill also includes a 16-screen IMAX movie theater, three art galleries, a bike rental station and a kayak/surf/stand-up paddle board shop that'll have you on the river in no time. Coming to Central Oregon during the holidays? Don't miss our one-of-a-kind Santaland and roving carolers throughout the Old Mill. We also provide free horse carriage rides to help visitors tap into their holiday cheer!
Reviewed By kimsbarkis - Thousand Oaks, United States
We enjoyed the outdoor shopping even in the cold. If you like chain stores and some Local charm this is your place.
6. Three Sisters Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
7. The Last Blockbuster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By BeckyP11244 - Tacoma, United States
I super miss video stores (the last one in my city closed last year) so while visiting Bend I made a point to stop in here. So glad I did! It brought be right back to the 90s! It's retro and nostalgic! I even brought in my old membership card I probably haven't used since 2000 and it still worked! I didn't rent anything as I was only visiting, but I did purchase a couple used DVDs for a great price of $2.99 each and a keepsake bag. And took about a million pics. What a cool time capsule. It was really fun looking around the store. This is awesome and I'm so glad it exists and is still in business. I hope it survives for a long time yet.
8. Balancing Rocks
9. Big Sky Youth Sports Complex Dog Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Snow Diamond Alpacas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
