Sunset above Bend with the mountains in the background, Oregon

Things to do in  Bend

Good vibes, good beer

With the mighty Deschutes River running right through town, it’s easy to see why visitors find Bend so intriguing. Home to green spaces such as Deschutes National Forest, Drake Park, and Bend Whitewater Park, there’s an abundance of things to do in Bend: top picks include mountain biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, river rafting, and golfing. Plus, it’s home to popular attractions such as the High Desert Museum, Lava River Cave, the Last Blockbuster, Dudley's Bookshop Cafe, and the Bend Ale Trail—a craft beer route that’s earned the town the moniker of Beer Town USA.

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Top 3 attractions in Bend

#1

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

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Located in the Deschutes National Forest, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument sprawls across 54,000 scenic acres in the high plains of Central Oregon. This natural wonder was once the site of the Newberry Volcano, which erupted over 75,000 years ago (and is still seismically active). It’s now filled with lakes, lava tubes, and geographical patterns, and visitors come to the area for hiking, camping, fishing, winter sports, and more.More
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#2

Deschutes National Forest

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Set along the Cascade Range outside Bend, Oregon, Deschutes National Forest is a go-to for all outdoor activities. This scenic recreation area includes numerous alpine and evergreen forests, lakes, and streams, extensive nature trails, and five designated wilderness areas. Spend a day or enjoy camp overnight in the warmer months.More
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#3

Bend Old Mill District

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Sitting along the picturesque Deschutes River in central Oregon, Bend's Old Mill District offers some of the city’s best restaurants, stores, art galleries, and event spaces. Once home to a large lumber company, the area now draws visitors with its numerous walking paths lining the river, outdoor cafes, and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, seasonal festivals, and other events.More
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Explore Bend by interest

Top activities in Bend

Chocolate Tour Including Wine Hot Chocolate and Samples

Chocolate Tour Including Wine Hot Chocolate and Samples

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13
From
US$89.00
Electric Bike Tour of Bend & Deschutes River

Electric Bike Tour of Bend & Deschutes River

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65
From
US$109.00
ATV Tour-Bend Badlands | 2 hrs.

ATV Tour-Bend Badlands | 2 hrs.

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118
From
US$159.00
Deschutes River Horse Ride

Deschutes River Horse Ride

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12
From
US$300.00
Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights

Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights

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3
From
US$99.00
Small-Group Paddle Board and Happy Hour in Cascade Lakes

Small-Group Paddle Board and Happy Hour in Cascade Lakes

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2
From
US$125.00
Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings

Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings

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1
From
US$99.00
Bend Scavenger Hunt + Trivia

Bend Scavenger Hunt + Trivia

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4
From
US$38.00
per group
Ultimate Scavenger Bend (Downtown)

Ultimate Scavenger Bend (Downtown)

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2
From
US$20.00
Sisters: Scavenger Hunt + Trivia

Sisters: Scavenger Hunt + Trivia

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1
From
US$38.00
per group
The Ultimate Scavenger Bend! (Citywide)

The Ultimate Scavenger Bend! (Citywide)

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5
From
US$25.00
Ultimate Scavenger Redmond, Oregon

Ultimate Scavenger Redmond, Oregon

From
US$18.00
1.5 Hours Private Meditations with the Horses in Oregon

1.5 Hours Private Meditations with the Horses in Oregon

From
US$200.00
Private Half-Day Photo Tours

Private Half-Day Photo Tours

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1
From
US$180.00
Private Full-Day Photo Tours

Private Full-Day Photo Tours

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1
From
US$350.00
Night Sky Private Photo Tour

Night Sky Private Photo Tour

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7
From
US$180.00
Bend Street Photography Private Tour

Bend Street Photography Private Tour

From
US$80.00
Bend Blitz Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Bend Blitz Scavenger Hunt

From
US$20.00
US$25.00  US$5.00 savings
Distillery Tour with Complimentary Tastings

Distillery Tour with Complimentary Tastings

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1
From
US$89.00
Bend Oregon Guided Lava Tube Cave Tour

Bend Oregon Guided Lava Tube Cave Tour

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3
From
US$130.00
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All about Bend

When to visit

The summer of June, July, and August are the best time to visit Bend and Oregon—temperatures don’t usually top 80°F (26°C), making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, fall is also a nice time to visit— the snow doesn’t usually arrive until late October, when Bend Oktoberfest and Bend Fall Festival are worth checking out.

Getting around

Getting around Bend isn’t that difficult—you don’t need a car to explore the town unless you prefer to use one, as a lot of areas are walkable or bikeable. If you’re in downtown Bend, you can download the Ride Bend app to use the public-accessible, free shuttle service that provides rides for groups of up to 11. Plus, other ride-share services are available all across the town, too.

Traveler tips

Bend is so much more than just outdoor activities and beer—for a different look at the town, try going thrift shopping at Revival Vintage on Division Street and then Old Boy Vintage on First Street—it’s about a 10-minute walk in between the stores. Afterward, head down Tin Pan Alley to see the public art collection and catch a film at the Tin Pan Theater.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
3
Tours
21
Reviews
238

People Also Ask

Why is Bend Oregon so popular?

Bend, Oregon, is so popular because of its well-known Bend Ale Trail and its many golf courses. It’s also popular for its natural beauty—it’s the perfect spot for outdoor lovers as it offers an abundance of activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

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Does Bend Oregon get snow?

Yes, Bend gets around 33 inches (838 centimeters) of snow per year, which makes it a great wintertime pick for winter sports lovers. If you don’t love winter activities, there’s still plenty of things to do in Bend, such as a hot springs soak or museum visit.

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Is Bend Oregon a big city?

No, Bend, Oregon, isn’t considered a big city—it’s pretty small compared to big cities such as New York City or Chicago. Bend only has about 100,000 residents in the town, so it can serve as a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of bigger metropolises.

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Is Bend better than Portland?

No, Bend isn’t necessarily better than Portland, but these two parts of Oregon both draw many travelers per year. If you’re looking for that big-city feeling filled with more options for attractions, you may find Portland a better pick; however, Bend boasts a craft beer trail and plenty of outdoor activities.

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How long should you spend in Bend?

Although a weekend in Bend is enough, it’s much better to spend 3-5 days there to get the most out of your visit. From the town’s countless outdoor spaces and activities, to its art and beer scenes and cultural attractions, you’ll want to plenty of time to take it all in.

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How hot does Bend Oregon get in the summer?

Bend can reach up to 80°F (26°C) in the summertime in both July and August, which isn’t too hot compared to other vacation options. June temperatures usually peak at 74°F (23°C), and during all three months, temperatures can drop down to 40°F (4°C) in the nighttime and early morning for a little cool-off period.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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