Location: Bend
Top Things to do in Bend
Top 10 Budget-friendly 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. Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 761 reviews
Cog Wild Bicycle Tours & Shuttles is the only local mountain bike tour company in Central Oregon. We offer one day tours, shuttles and multi-day mountain bike vacations. We are your local resource for the trails including local favorites and help in planning your trip to Central Oregon. Contact us today to get the locals perspective on 200+ miles of single track right outside of town.
4. Hosmer Lake
5. 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).
6. Seventh Mountain River Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 634 reviews
Our main attraction is whitewater rafting on the Upper Deschutes through Big Eddy rapids. This trip is approximately 90 minutes round trip with an hour spent floating and navigating the rapids of Big Eddy! In 3 miles you will encounter two class 1, two class 2 and five class 3 rapids! This trip is suitable for all skill levels from age 6 and up. We take photos in the class 3 section and are available for purchase as a memento of your trip. We also offer Stand Up Paddle Board tours which explore the calm waters of the Upper Deschutes River. These guided tours are a great way to learn about the geology while seeing places that are not frequently traveled. In the winter season the resort property is transformed into a winter wonderland that features an ice skating rink that is open to the public.
7. South Sister
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By 921adriank
I hiked to the top 7/18/20. It is a challenging hike. I recommend bringing hiking poles, lots of water, good hiking shoes, and sunscreen. I recommend starting early before it gets too hot. I arrived to the parking lot at 6:10 and it was almost full. This is very popular hike. It took me about 4.5 hours to get to the summit including few breaks that I took to have water and a snack. There are parts of the trail that has loose rocks. I noticed a lot of dogs. A lot of owners lacked trail etiquette. I could tell that too many poor dogs were struggling doing this trail but their owners did not care.
8. The Bend Tour Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
We’re Bend’s “One-Stop-Shop” for exhilarating Adventures and Entertaining Sightseeing and Brewery Tours including you drive ATV Experiences, open-air eCruiser Cars, Escape Rooms, Walking Tours, Photo Tours and Workshops and much much more! Discover how Bend and Central Oregon morphed over the years into a world renowned recreation and vacation destination. Our entertaining and informative tours highlight the great history, sights, attractions, shopping, dining and more. Treat your taste buds to delicious craft beer tastings as our incredible brewery tours along the famous Bend Ale Trail. Our Cascade Sunset Spectacular tours are just SPECTACULAR! Art in public places.And our ATV tours provide access to our playground to everyone, regardless of time or physical ability. The Bend Tour Company... There is more to Bend and Central Oregon then just king, rafting and skiing. See and experience it with us!
9. 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!
10. High Desert Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,911 reviews
The museum, set on 135 acres of pine forest, has something for everyone. Explore the nature, culture and spirit of the High Desert through fun, interactive, indoor and outdoor exhibits. Encounter live animals, interact with living history characters at the Miller Ranch, visit the 1904 sawmill. See what life was like for pioneers, enjoy Western art and an extensive Native American collection. Special programs and events for all ages. Due to current state COVID-related restrictions, our outdoor exhibits, gift shop and cafe patio are open. All indoor exhibits are closed. Go to highdesertmuseum.org/tickets to see our reduced rates!
Reviewed By NorthStar606814
OHDM is an awesome place to visit. It has wonderful interpreter presentations to discuss wonderful exhibits like the Otter Ponds and the Rapters (Eagles, Hawks, Owls,etc) The American Indian exhibits are excellent with awethentic displays. The reptile exhibit is very interesting (altho I miss the rattlesnakes). There is just so much to see -- both inside and outside! The walks and living history exhibits of pioneer days, logging days, and the interesting willow brush round pen for livestock is fascinating. It is easy to spend a whole day seeing and interacting with the wonderful displays and presenters. Be sure and schedule time to take in the excellent retail shop with its array of books, gifts, food, children's items and collectibles. A top-rate facility!
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