Bend, OR Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink + Where to Stay
Bend, Oregon is the mountain town that truly has it all. Nestled between the snow covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains and panoramic high desert plateaus, Bend has grown from a sleepy lumber town to an international mecca for outdoor adventurers and families looking for active and healthy vacations and attractions. Bend is world-famous for both its outdoor pursuits and pristine beauty. You can catch an art exhibit, dine at an award-winning restaurant or spoil yourself at one of their many spas.
Source: Visit Bend
Bend has you covered whether you’re seeking world-class river activities, hikes through ancient lava flows and summiting mountain peaks, or biking through scenic mountain forests. Whether you’re dipping a paddle into the crystal-clear waters of the Deschutes River, sipping a frosted pint of your favorite craft brew, or plunging into the frosty unknown on a pair of snowshoes—Bend has a way of putting you at ease and in awe all at the same time. These are the top reasons why Bend, Oregon should be on your bucket list.
What to See in Bend, Oregon
Source: Visit Bend
Art lovers will be delighted to find that art is not just confined to galleries in Bend; it is everywhere you look. Bend is home to 39 pieces of original public art on display in prominent locations through the city, ranging from a flying phoenix at 14th & Galveston to a bronze sculpture of dancing salmon outside the Bend Public Library.
Bend, Oregon’s art scene is as diverse as its natural environment. It’s home to nationally recognized artists, musicians, filmmakers, painters, writers, and much more. You can watch pottery made right in front of your eyes. Enjoy movie theaters, museums, art galleries, and dinner theater. When you walk, drive or ride around Bend, you’ll notice unique names of streets and places. These names tell a story of Bend’s early history.
Though the mills have long been closed, the lifestyle and the vibrant culture of a booming town remains. Bend is an art lover’s town. The galleries of Bend present art that is unique to the high desert, created by some of the most notable artists in the country. Enjoy Bend’s art scene the first Friday of each month during First Friday Art Walk. Live music fills the streets as shops and art galleries stay open late to showcase artists and their work. You’ll have an incredible experience discovering a wide selection of locally made art, jewelry, and crafts. Or how about a new mountain bike? Add some time for shopping to your Bend bucket list so you can find whatever’s on your wishlist.
A chic, walkable, and easy to browse downtown offers an abundance of local and eclectic shops. Enjoy a pleasant afternoon of finding unexpected and delightful treasures you just can’t live without. From art galleries to clothing boutiques, bookstores, and gift shops, downtown Bend is full of must-haves. The Old Mill District was the site of timber production for almost a century. In fact, the three towering smoke stacks, where REI currently resides, are a part of the original mill. Now, the lumber and saws have been replaced with a gorgeous outdoor shopping area nestled along the Deschutes River, where you’ll find national stores and boutiques. And don’t forget, Oregon has no sales tax. So why not buy that new mountain bike, kayak, and fly rod? You’re on vacation—indulge!
Where to Eat in Bend, Oregon
Dear Irene in Bend, Oregon
Led by Executive Chef Jonny Becklund, the menu at Dear Irene is both endlessly creative and timelessly elegant—providing a dining experience that delights and surprises from the first visit to the final bite. The energy at Dear Irene will draw you in and keep you coming back to explore creative and innovative offerings, inspired by the highest quality seasonal Northwest and regional bounty.
Favorite dishes include Stone Fruit Salad with heirloom tomato, whipped lemon ricotta, toasted hazelnuts and basil viniagarette, Short Ribs with roasted bone marrow, fingerling potatoes, sugar snap peas and gremolata, Black Cod with corn purée, padrón pepper and corn succotash, Castelvetrano olive relish, and pea sprouts, Grilled Avocado with Trout Roe with yuzu ponzu, nori furikake and sprouts, Foie Blond Mousse with wild blueberry mostarda, toasted brioche and pistachio, as well as King Salmon Crudo with Tomatillo leche di tigre, yuzu kosho, shaved radish, jalapeno, chili oil, and crispy garlic. Don’t forget dessert. Indulge on Matcha Très Leches with whipped coconut cream and strawberry.
Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
Source: Visit Bend
A Bend, Oregon vacation is complete without a few hours or days spent paddling, fishing, floating, splashing, wading, rafting, or gazing upon the spellbinding aquatic wonders dotting our high desert landscape. The Deschutes River starts high up in the Cascade Mountains, making its way to the Columbia River, but not without a roaring visit through Bend. Whether you want to plop yourself in a float tube and drift ’til your stress melts away or pump up the adrenaline and surf the rapids at the Bend Whitewater Park, opt for a peaceful paddle in a rented canoe; the Deschutes River is a multi-activity water wonderland.
Read more: 5 Reasons to Visit Bend, Oregon Right Now
Discover the best of backcountry skiing in Oregon. Bend offers tons of groomed slopes and terrain serviced by chairlifts, but sometimes you crave something different. Backcountry skiing Bend’s lesser-traveled terrain isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a great way to find an adventure worth bragging about for years to come.
Source: Visit Bend
There are plenty of options for backcountry skiing, snowboarding, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, and other snow adventures that can only be found a bit off the beaten track. The Cinder Cone at Mt. Bachelor, known to locals as “The Cone” is a favorite for sidecountry skiing. From tree-lined mountain trails to lakeside vistas to volcanic landscapes that look like something from a movie, Central Oregon boasts some of the most diverse hiking in the country.
Source: Visit Bend
You’ll find several treks into the Three Sisters Wilderness, or opt for a short stroll along the Deschutes River Trail. Want bragging rights for hoofing it up one of the few United States volcanoes in the city limits? Pilot Butte State Park is calling your name, or catch more volcanic vistas with a visit to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument to scope out caves, waterfalls, and acres of glittering obsidian.
Where to Drink in Bend, Oregon
Dear Irene in Bend, Oregon
Located in Downtown Bend, everything about Dear Irene is thoughtfully curated, from the interior design to the dining experience. Step away from the expected and the ordinary when you walk through the doors.
For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature cocktails, the Spritz-Carlton—concocted with Wild Roots grapefruit and cucumber gin, Cappelletti, creme de pêche, and cava, or the Dear Irene Cocktail with Belvedere Lake Bartezek vodka, Lustau Blanc, house Castelvetrano olive brine, and celery bitters.
Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon
Oxford Hotel in Bend, Oregon
Inspired by the cosmopolitan mountain town they call home, Oxford Hotel Bend is a welcome respite from your outdoor adventures. From their guest rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed spaces reflect the natural elements of the region in a luxurious ambiance.
Complementing this Bend hotel's stunningly eco-chic décor, enjoy four-diamond hospitality, comfort, convenience and lavish, eco-friendly amenities you won't find anywhere else in town.
Oxford Hotel in Bend, Oregon
Enjoy luxury amenities and superior service during your stay at Oxford Hotel Bend. Spacious suites are equipped with full-service kitchens, high-speed WiFi, plush bathrobes, and very comfortable beds, among many other upscale offerings.
The urban, organic décor showcases their dedication to green, sustainable design and hospitality. Plus, some rooms are pet friendly. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
