Bend is a hot destination. Located in Central Oregon, there is plenty of sunshine, mountains and gorgeous scenery. Bend is home to plenty of hiking trails, dog parks and biking paths, so there is no excuse not to get some exercise while you’re visiting Bend. Bend has over 300 days of sunshine a year, but can reach close to 2 feet of snow during the winter. Bend is easily one of our favorite places to explore in Oregon. There’s so much to see and do, and the scenery is just amazing. You can never run out of things to do in Bend, Oregon but here are the most important ones.
Things to do in Bend, Oregon
Drink Beer
Central Oregon has the highest amount of breweries per capita in the country, including 26 in Bend, so there are plenty of places to grab a nice cold beer. And if you don’t like beer, heaven forbid, there are plenty of wines and ciders to drink as well.
Where to drink in Bend
10 BARREL BREWERY
Started in 2006 in Bend, Oregon. Now with 2 locations in Bend, one on the east side and one on the west side. Minors are welcome all hours. Also locations in Portland, Denver, Boise and San Diego.
- Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-12am
- Location
- East Side: 62950 Northeast 18th Street, Bend, Oregon 97701
- West Side: 1135 Northwest Galveston Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97701
BEND BREWING COMPANY
The second oldest brewery in Bend. Located right downtown off the Deschutes River, its in a prime location to have a drink while shopping around town.
- Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm with happy hour Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm
- Location: 1019 NW Brooks St, Bend, OR 97703
GOOD LIFE BREWING
The Goodlife Brewery opened in Bend in 2011, but became the first brewery in Bend to can beer. Goodlife beer can be found in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Hawaii, and Vermont.
- Open Daily 12pm-10pm
- Location: 70 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
DESCHUTES BREWERY
This is the original Bend brew pub! The brewery opened in Bend in 1988 and has now expanded to 2 stories. Deschutes Brewery is Oregon’s largest privately owned craft brewery. Includes beers that recognized nationally like Mirror Pond pale ale and Black butte porter.
- Open: Daily 11am-11pm
- Location: 1044 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703
Go Hiking
Central Oregon has some of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon. Central Oregon has lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and even caves. There is everything from easy to advanced, so pick your level and theres a hike for you. We bring this lightweight backpack with us for all our hikes.
Where to hike in Bend
SMITH ROCK HIKE
Smith Rock State Park is only 20 minutes outside of Bend, in Terreborne. Its one of the 7 natural wonders of Oregon and its definitely a must-see (and must-hike) if you are in Southern Oregon. Smith Rock has some of the most scenic landscapes. Not only are there multiple hiking trails at Smith Rock, but there is also rock climbing and mountain biking. This is probably our top hike in all of Oregon!
TUMALO FALLS HIKE
Tumalo Falls stands at nearly 100 feet tall, making it the most popular waterfall in the Bend area. Its a beautiful hike and relatively easy which means it will be crowded. The hike is about 7 miles roundtrip, but very little elevation gain.
PILOT BUTTE PARK
An easy 1.8 mile out and back trail for panoramic views. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with views of Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, Broken Top and other gorgeous peaks. You can also drive up to the top if you don’t feel like hiking.
Bring your dog
Bend has with plenty of dog-friendly parks and hotels. Bend was recently rated one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. Bend has 8 off-leash dog parks Pine Nursery Park has over 18 acres of off-leash area to take your dog, including a small dog park located inside. Its the perfect park to walk, run, and jump around with your dogs. Lots of restaurants and breweries are dog-friendly.
Some of our favorite pet friendly hotels in Bend include: Wall Street Suites, The Oxford Hotel, and The Riverhouse on the Deschutes
Adventure Outdoors
Bend has a little bit of everything for the adventuring soul. Take your pick from biking, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, or even white water rafting down the Deschutes River. Bend is a bikers paradise. From relaxing cruiser bikes, to serious mountain bikers, there are plenty of trails to explore. In fact, Bend isn’t dubbed “Bike town USA” for no reason. Mt. Bachelor is only a 20 minute drive from Bend, where you can ski or snowboard. Mt Bachelor is one of the northwest’s biggest and best ski destinations.
Bend is also only 1.5 hours away from Crater Lake, one of the bluest lakes you’ll ever lay eyes on. Its the perfect trip from Bend.
Where to Eat in Bend
Mckay Cottage Restaurant
We were incredibly sad that we happened to land at McKay Cottage on our way home. Had we found it earlier, we probably would have eaten every meal there. They have a nice little patio with fire pits in the middle of the table, so no matter how cold it is, you can still enjoy the sunshine. Delicious irish coffees and huge portion sizes, we were very satisfied for our drive home. Can be very busy at certain times and on the weekends, so get there early or be prepared to wait. Voted best breakfast in Bend Oregon every year since 2011.
- Serves breakfast and lunch daily 7am-2pm
- Address: 62910 O.B. Riley Rd. 340, Bend, OR 97701
900 Wall
A downtown restaurant perfect for a special occasion. Delicious food and great service, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a nice dinner, 900 Wall is the place to go. With tasty cocktails and wines, locally sourced meat, and wild fish, you can’t go wrong. Also has gluten free options.
- Open everyday 3pm-Close
- Address: 900 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR 97701
Pine Tavern Restaurant and Bar
Located in the heart of the city, right next to Mirror Pond, Pine Tavern was founded in 1936, and is one of the places all visitors must stop at to truly experience Bend. As the name suggests, there is a giant ponderosa pine tree growing in the middle of the dining area. One of the landmarks of Bend, Oregon.
- Open Daily 11am-10pm
- Address: 967 NW Brooks Street, Bend, Oregon
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Bend is one of our favorite cities in Portland. It’s an easy road trip, as Bend is only 175 miles outside of Portland, or you can also catch a flight to Redmond and then drive to Bend. Bend has lots of sunshine, but the winters are snowy perfect for snowboarding, so there is never a bad time to visit! Come to Bend, stuff your face, do some hikes, drink some beer. There’s nothing better! If we had to pick a favorite thing about Bend, it would have to be the hiking, with the beers a close second!
Whats your favorite thing about Bend, Oregon?
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Really awesome and detailed post about what to see and do in Bend, Oregon. I would definitely want to try one of the hiking trails and visit some breweries! And you pup is just adorable!
Great Post. Love that the first item up was Drink Beer. Perfect!
Super informative post. I thought all of Oregon was so cloudy and rainy, so I was surprised to learn Bend gets 300 days of sunshine! I’m hoping to make it up to Oregon soon.
Kelly recently posted…Summer Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Bend looks like a place I’d love to explore! I completely fell in love with Oregon last week when I went to Portland for the first time. Now it’s time for me to explore more of the state!
Awesome! Bend is a scheduled stop on my 6-month road trip this year – my dog and I will be there in September! I’m not a big beer fan, but breweries are starting to grow on me as they are often the most dog-friendly places to grab a bite and a drink!
Leigh recently posted…Summer Fun in Fort Wayne, Indiana
The funny thing is I’ve only been to Bend a couple times – even though I grew up in Oregon. Will need to explore when I get more time back there!
This looks like such a great place to explore! Can’t wait to head here one day 🙂
Lucy x
Oregon has been on my bucket list for a while, as I love hiking and cycling. It just looks like a great destination for outdoorsy people! I can’t wait to finally visit it.
I would love to do hiking in Bend, it looks lovely. I pinned for future reference!
Anisa recently posted…Maho Bay: Plane Spotting in St. Maarten
So excited I found this post. I’m heading to Bend for the first time next month for a yoga + beer retreat!
Those hike pictures are mesmerizing! I’ve been through Bend several times and never got out of the city much. Great inspirations.
This is a really informative guide on Bend Oregon. I still have a lot of Oregon to explore— but that Beer with the goodlife glass —that’s a draw.
Oregon is such a gorgeous state. I love the outdoorsy-ness of it. I would love to take my dog on this hike.
You had me at beers, bikes, and barks 🙂 Bend looks like an ideal vacation destination. I love the hiking locations you highlighted, Smith Rock State Park looks particularly spectacular. Enjoying a meal in front of an outdoor fire pit would be the perfect way to start or top off the day. My mouth is watering from the site of those biscuits and gravy. Thanks for putting Bend on my radar!
I’ve only hiked at Pilot Butte even though I know Smith Rock is amazing. Perhaps my September road trip with the kids will land us in Bend to hit Smith Rock.
I’m dying to get back to Oregon as an adult. I was there as a teen, but when I make it back Bend is definitely on my list. Hikes and craft beer? I’m there!
Hiking is something that I’d like to start doing again after all these years. The 3 places you mentioned look like right up my alley! Would love to check them out one day!
RaW | Ramble and Wander recently posted…Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur Helicopter Tour
Good memories 🙂 I loved reading your post. It was bringing back all good things I remember about Oregon with a bit of regret that I haven’t been there for ages. Beer, hiking and dogs – yes, that’s what so fantastic about it. Cheers!
Elena recently posted…Stockholm Street Art
Bend seems to be an ideal place for a heady experience, what with the beer and the lovely hiking trails. I am sure Bend is a great getaway for some relaxing and rejuvenating time. Great to note that you can have your four legged friend accompany you too.
Such a great combination! Beers, hikes, good food and dogs–can’t beat that! The Tumalo Falls hike sounds like a great time. We need to explore Oregon more!
Excellent post – thanks for sharing! Bend sounds like a fantastic summer destination with all of the delicious beer and loads of outdoor activities. I’ve heard about Smith Rocks, but didn’t realize it was so close to Bend.
Nancy recently posted…How to Deal with Jet Lag When You’re Traveling with Kids
We recently did a road trip of the entire US West Coast, starting at the bottom in Cali, and heading up through Canada to Alaska, I really loved the couple of days we spent as a stopover in Bend. Totally agree that it has some of the most stunning hikes and scenery in Oregon – Smith Rock State Park is probably my favorite place 🙂
I haven’t been to Oregon in such a long time (since I was waaaay too young to have a beer) but I’m pretty sure I need to make a road trip. Such a fun article. Thanks!
Christina recently posted…The Rules Of Hiking Etiquette
Hey
Great Title that Beer, Bikes, and Barks! I just enjoy your article. Best Of Luck.
Greg
Such a great post! I know it’s not brand new, but my wife and I have a west coast RV trip planned for the fall so I’ve been Googling for articles that looked interesting.
I’m not sure how much stuff will be open this fall, but breakfast at Mckay Cottage Restaurant sounds like a must!
Cheers, Jeff
Jeff Campbell recently posted…Income Report – 2nd Quarter, 2020
That’s great! Bend is a great spot with so much to do! We were down there a few weeks ago and McKay’s was open! It really is one of the best!!
Let us know if you any other questions while you’re planning your trip! Have fun!
What a great trip! We just took our dog on a road trip through there as well. Seems like it was last month even though we’re in the middle of December now! Can’t wait for spring to come so we can get back there!
Michael Runa recently posted…Is Coconut Oil Effective for Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth?
We love Bend! So much to see and do.
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