Is a trip to Bend Oregon in your future? Could you use some help planning your adventures in Bend and Central Oregon? Let us help you out with these informational and inspiring Bend Oregon travel itineraries!
Serving as your local guides, our goal is to help visitors like you enjoy this awesome part of the world we call home.
In this article, we are excited to give you a local’s perspective on the best things to do in Bend and in the surrounding area. Jump into these amazing Bend, Oregon travel itineraries! Stick around to the end of the article for more tips when visiting Bend.
Ultimate 4 Days of Summer Adventure in Bend
Summer is an excellent time to visit Bend. The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and all the great outdoors are open for business. With summer also comes a number of festivals, farmers markets, and other outdoor community events. Bend in summer has so much to offer all types of travelers.
Let’s get into it! This 4-day itinerary will help you plan the perfect summer vacation in Bend.
Day 1:
To start your morning, explore downtown Bend. A morning walk is a nice way to get the feel for the city, especially if this is your first time here.
Grab a coffee and pastry at Thump and stroll over to Drake Park to see the Deschutes River.
When the day starts to heat up, put on your swimsuit (and sunscreen) and float the Deschutes River. Learn more about how to float the Deschutes River (spoiler: you can rent tubes or paddleboards).
This is a great outdoor activity for large groups or the whole family! Plus, you get to explore the city from a unique perspective.
After a few hours on the water, refresh yourself with beer and dinner at Silver Moon Brewery. Grab some food to match your beer at one of their food carts. If you’re lucky, you might catch some live music too!
If you’re looking for some night life, stroll around downtown Bend until you see a cocktail bar, brewery, or nightclub that fits your mood and style. Check out our article about nightlife in Bend to learn more, or just explore for yourself!
Day 2:
Rise and shine with the Bend sun. Grab some breakfast at The Lemon Tree, a popular sit down brunch spot downtown. Then, pack some snacks and a lunch, or grab a turkey bacon stacker from Village Baker, and jump in the car.
Enjoy a hike at Smith Rock State Park. Just a 45-minute drive from Bend, this popular park has a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. You will be greeted by stunning views around every corner of these incredible rock formations. Check out our guide to exploring Smith Rock State Park.
On your way back into Bend, stop in Redmond for dinner. Redmond is like Bend’s younger sibling and has a nice small town feel with some great dinner options. Check out Grace and Hammer for pizza, Initiative Brewing for burgers, or Carnival for Mexican.
Day 3:
Get ready for another day of adventure. Start with a nourishing breakfast at Active Culture. They make amazing smoothies, bowls, salads, and sandwiches. Then, pack a lunch because you’re headed out of Bend again!
Beat the heat and cool off at a mountain lake. There are dozens of crystal-clear lakes within an hour drive of Bend. Different lakes are better for different activities like swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, boating, and more! Check out our guide to the best lakes to visit near Bend to figure out which ones are best for you.
If you’re feeling up for it, pack a dinner as well and camp at one of the lakes. There are many lakes with free camping, and it is absolutely beautiful to spend the night up there. The sunsets and sunrises are next level.
Day 4:
Start off your last day with a delicious breakfast and coffee at Strictly Organic. Try one of their breakfast burritos!
Stay in Bend and walk the Deschutes River Trail. This paved and dirt path lets you explore the Deschutes River without ever leaving Bend. It is perfect for a casual walk. Park at Riverbend Park or Farewell Bend Park.
When hunger starts to call, grab some lunch at Podski Food Truck Lot. This is a unique food truck lot with a great atmosphere (there is a taphouse also). Learn more about the best food truck lots in Bend.
End your last day with some music and go to a concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. If you are lucky, one of your favorite artists might be in town. It’s worth checking out who’s playing!
Wind down the night with some drinks and tots at McMenamins, which has a chill outdoor seating area with fire pits and good vibes.
3 Days of Winter Wonderland in Bend
Although summer is the preferred season for a trip to Bend for most visitors, winter has its own special ambiance and fun activities.
Be aware that Bend does get large snowstorms each winter, with nearby mountain passes often being questionable, so check weather and Trip Check for road conditions.
That said, there are lots of sunny but cold days in Bend during the winter, and those winter storms provide snow that sticks around in the mountains.
If you’re planning a trip to Bend in the winter, get inspired by this 3 day itinerary in the winter wonderland of Bend!
Day 1:
Start your winter trip to Bend with a morning walk around downtown Bend and Drake Park. Get your blood flowing and become acquainted with the downtown area. Check out any shops that look appealing. With a layer of snow, Bend looks like a completely different city!
Grab your morning coffee and breakfast at The Commons Cafe and Taproom. This cafe/taproom is centrally located downtown and near the Deschutes River. A perfect place to start your day and break up your morning walk.
When you’re properly fueled up, hop in the car and play in the snow! Go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding at Wanoga Snow Play Area or Meissner Sno-Park. There are lots of places to rent gear, such as Powder House. Learn more in our full guide on where to cross-country ski near Bend. Alternatively, consider ice-skating at Seventh Mountain Resort.
Round out all that snowy fun with a filling dinner at Bend Brewing Company. Nothing says Bend like good beer, and they make pretty good burgers too!
Day 2:
Start your second day in Bend with a quick breakfast at Life and Time, which is a healthier version of fast food. Go for one of their breakfast sandwiches.
Head into the mountains and hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. Learn more tips about making the most of skiing at Mt. Bachelor in our ultimate guide to skiing at Mt. Bachelor or check out other places for skiing near Bend. For a more affordable alternative, consider cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, or a normal hike!
Rest those tired legs and fill your belly with dinner at Pacific Pizza Brew. You guessed it! They serve pizza and beer. The perfect combination after a day in the snow.
If you still have energy walk around downtown and end the night with drinks at Stihl Whiskey Bar. This bar has a nice vibe, fun drinks, and good food.
Day 3:
For your last winter day in Bend (on this trip at least!), fill up with breakfast burritos at Super Burrito (downtown location).
Then, get your hiking gear on and head out for a hike at Tumalo Falls. Tumalo Falls is a classic day hike just 3 minutes from Bend. There are several beautiful waterfalls. The most majestic is super close to the parking lot, but you can hike a lot further along Tumalo Creek.
Tumalo Falls is a great winter hike. The last 2.5 miles of the road is closed in the winter so you have to walk or snowshoe if the snow is deep. The waterfalls partially freeze into a cascade of stunning ice! The hike is 5 miles round trip.
Warm up after the hike with beer and food at The Lot Food Truck Lot. This is our favorite winter food truck lot. There is an enclosed area that still feels like you’re outside. Also, heated seats!
Enjoy your last night out in downtown Bend. We recommend grabbing a cocktail at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin.
Couples Getaway Weekend Trip to Bend
Bend is a great place to visit for a couples getaway. This itinerary will wow your partner and fool them into thinking you planned a perfect couples getaway weekend yourself!
Don’t worry, we’ll let you take the credit. Enjoy your special time with your other half in Bend Oregon. This couples getaway weekend itinerary assumes you’re visiting Bend in warm weather.
Day 1:
To kick off your weekend, start your day with a morning walk along the Deschutes River at Drake Park. Meander over to downtown Bend and have breakfast and coffee at Looney Bean. They serve your favorite caffeinated beverages, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches from their amazing location on the river!
Once you feel fuelled up, hit the road and go for a nice walk at Shevlin Park the aspen trees and river are the perfect setting for a summer morning walk.
After your walk, grab some lunch at Active Culture. They serve amazingly healthy bowls, salads, sandwiches, smoothies and more!
From there walk over to Miller’s Landing and check out the river wave. People surf the stationary wave almost year-round. You can see it from the pedestrian bridge where Colorado Ave. crosses the Deschutes River.
Enjoy a walk along the Deschutes River Trail. If you like shopping, head over to the Old Mill District. Or just hang out at the park and play some frisbee.
Enjoy a nice dinner and beverage at Crux Fermentation Project. Crux is well-known for their craft beer and several tasty food carts. Pair your dinner with a view of the Cascade Mountain Range as the sun sets.
To get an even better view, drive or hike to the top of Pilot Butte for sunset. You will be greeted with 360-degree views of Bend and the mountains. What a way to end the day. Sometimes, the road is closed, and you need to hike, which takes around 30 minutes to get to the top.
Day 2:
Start off your second day in Bend with breakfast at McKay Cottage. They make amazing breakfasts, and it is definitely worth spending a morning there.
No warm-weather Bend trip is complete without going to explore the Cascade Lakes Highway. Pack a lunch and hit the road. There are a ton of crystal clear mountain lakes within an hour drive of Bend where you can hike, swim, paddleboard, fish, and just hang out! Before you go, check out our guide to the best lakes to visit near Bend.
You can spend the day at one lake or hop around. There are also great hikes all around, but I recommend taking at least one refreshing dip in a lake before you leave.
After a fun day exploring (and maybe a shower) treat yourself to a nice dinner at Zydeco. This restaurant is just the right amount of fancy for a special date night without breaking the bank.
After dinner, catch a movie at the Tin Pan Theater. This is one of our favorite spots for a date night. Make sure to get some popcorn with real butter and lots of fun toppings, my favorite is liquid aminos and nutritional yeast!
Girls Getaway Weekend Trip to Bend
Ladies, let’s go to Bend! Bend is a great place for a girls weekend away. Whether you’re coming from the Willamette Valley or out of state, into outdoor activities or hanging around town, Bend has so much fun to offer.
This particular itinerary is packed with good food and drinks at some of Bend’s most popular establishments. There are also some outdoor activities sprinkled in. Check out the other itineraries in this list for more info, or our other article about things to do in Bend.
Day 1:
Get your day started with brunch at Chow. You will probably have to wait so show up before you want to eat and go get a coffee at Backporch Coffee Roasters or order a breakfast cocktail and hang out in the yard while you wait.
Once you are fed and energized, head to First Street Rapids for a walk on the Deschutes River. You can park at Pioneer Park. This is my favorite running trail. It is the perfect length, less crowded, and better for walking with a group.
No girl’s getaway is complete without a trip to the spa… is that too on the nose? Head over to Jinsei Spa for massages and facials.
Take a stroll and shop around downtown Bend then catch happy hour at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin.
Head over to Bario for a dinner of paella and some tasty margaritas. I have tried most of the margaritas in town and Bario’s are at the top of my list, and the mixta paella is to die for.
If you want to call it a night, grab a pint of Bonta ice cream. You can purchase pints at the store downtown or at any local grocery stores. If you want to go out and dance, head over to Astros, Seven, or The Capital.
Day 2:
Grab coffee and breakfast at Sparrow Bakery. Sparrow is famous for their incredible ocean rolls. A genius pastry shaped like a cinnamon roll but made with croissant dough and flavored with cardamom and vanilla. Don’t worry if you show up too late and they run out. Everything at Sparrow is amazing.
Drive out to the Meadow Camp Picnic area for a hike along the Deschutes River. The trail goes quite a ways so just walk until you feel like turning back. See our article about the best day hikes in Bend for more hiking options.
After a lovely walk, stop by Mothers Juice Cafe for a smoothie and salad or sandwich. The Superb or Digestion are two of my favorites but depending on how much you enjoyed those margaritas last night the Hangover Helper might be right for you.
Drop in to McMenamins for a soak in the soaking pool. You can even order a drink to bring with you. Catch a matinee movie at the Mcmenamins Theater. Don’t forget to get there early so that you can get a couch and some Cajun tots.
Now that you have had a relaxing afternoon head over to Wild Rose for a delicious dinner of northern Thai food. Khao Soi and Curry Noodles are local favorites.
Finish the night out with drinks at San Simon. My go to is the greyhound.
Guys Getaway Weekend in Bend
No list of Bend Oregon travel itineraries would be complete without a bros weekend in Bend. Let’s go! Bend is a great place for bros of all kinds. Outdoor activities, beers, nightlife, beers, food, sunshine, rivers, lakes, beers. It’s simple.
Of course, getting the boys to plan anything more complex than ride sharing to the bars isn’t easy. That’s why I put together this weekend itinerary for the guys. So you can spend less time planning and more time having fun.
Day 1:
First things first. Coffee at Looney Bean. As the order of operations goes, the next step is chorizo breakfast burritos at Super Burrito. Affordable, tasty, simple. These two are close by and you can also spend some time walking around downtown.
Next step: get outside. Depending on your time, the weather, and your level of motivation, choose one of these options:
| Hike at Tumalo Falls | 30 minutes from Bend. Nice waterfall. Hike as long as you want. |
| Float the Deschutes River | Sunshine. River. Tubes for rent. Learn more about how to do it. |
| Hike South Sister | Long hike (12 miles). Incredible views. Hard. |
| Smith Rock | 45 minutes from Bend. Variable hiking length. Views are worth it. |
| Walk the Deschutes River Trail | Nice riverside hike/walk without having to leave Bend. |
Head back into town if you left, and spend a chill afternoon walking around downtown Bend before you eat dinner at the Midtown Yacht Club. This is a great food truck lot and taphouse combo on the east side of Bend. Learn more about the best food truck lots in Bend.
After dinner, there are several options to continue your evening depending on your mood. If you want a nightclub, check out Astros. If you want a casual bar with pool tables, go to Duda’s Billiard Bar. If you like cigars or cocktails by a fire pit, check out Mcmenamins O’Kanes Cigar Bar.
Day 2:
Rise and shine after a responsible bed time and a full night’s sleep. Grab coffee and breakfast at Nancy P’s Bakery on the westside of Bend. They have incredible pastries, crumbles, and sweets, decent coffee, and something like a gourmet version of a hot pocket. Get one!
Now that you are properly energized, drive less than 15 minutes outside of town for a casual hike at Meadow Day Use Area. This mostly flat but pretty hike parallels the ever-present-in-Bend Deschutes River. It’s sort of like the Deschutes River Trail near the Old Mill but in a more natural setting.
If you’re looking for a more intense hike, check out Smith Rock State Park or another hike in the area. If you and the boys can manage to coordinate a backpacking trip, learn about the best backpacking trails near Bend.
Make your way back into town for dinner and beer at Bend Brewing Company, a well-frequented joint in downtown Bend on the Deschutes River. Burgers, beer, bros, simple.
If you insist on staying out past 8 pm, go for drinks and pool at JCs Bar and Grill or bougier beverages at the Dogwood Cocktail Cabin or Stihl Whiskey bar.
Family Weekend in Bend
Bend is a young city with lots of families. All year round you can find family friendly activities, events, and restaurants for kids of all ages. Whether you and your brood are outdoor enthusiasts or just prefer some good sights and a short walk, Bend has something for everyone.
This itinerary has a little bit of everything. Just don’t forget to check The Source for the Bend event schedule while you are in town so that you don’t miss a fun family friendly event while you are here.
Day 1:
Start the day off right with breakfast at Jackson’s Corner, a local brunch favorite and great spot to bring kids. The food is excellent and the bread is homemade in house. If you end up here for dinner later the pasta and pizza are excellent as well.
Head to Dillon Falls to hike and explore. Pack some snacks and maybe a picnic lunch. Dillon falls is close to the car so you won’t have to go far, but if your kids are happy hikers you can hike from there to Benham Falls (7 miles round trip).
Go walk around downtown and Drake park then stop into Goodies Candy Store if you dare. This spot is a dream for kids. The windows are full of candy and stuffed animals, and you can get any type of candy or chocolate you like. All of the chocolates and non-candy confections are made locally and are delicious. They even pump the delicious smell of their caramel corn out into the street, so if you don’t want to go in, I wouldn’t walk by with the kids.
Drive over to On Tap for dinner from one of the varieties of food trucks. Everyone will be able to find something they like, and the outdoor area is lots of fun with kids. They even have live music year-round. If you like food trucks and beer, check out our local’s guide to food trucks in Bend.
There are tons of kid and family friendly events all year long. If you are lucky enough to overlap with a Friday night July – September check out Munch n’ Music or Munch & Movies. Munch n’ Music is a free concert series with food trucks and a kid zone and Munch & Movies is a free outdoor movie screening series where kid friendly movies are played on a huge blow-up screen in the park at dark.
Day 2:
Head to Nancy P’s for a quick breakfast. They have incredible pastries, solid coffee, and amazing breakfast pockets (a sort of gourmet version of a hot pocket). Don’t forget to get a brownie puddle to go. You won’t regret it!
If it is going to be a hot day, rent tubes and float the Deschutes River. Learn more about how to float the Deschutes River. For a cooler weather adventure try one of the many day hikes near Bend or go explore one of the dozens of mountain lakes near Bend.
Once you are adventured-out (for now), grab lunch at Life and Time, a family friendly “fast food” restaurant that serves healthier options and has an excellent kids menu.
If the weather is crappy, spend a few hours at the Sun Mountain Family Fun Center or the Mountain Air Trampoline Park. These are kid favorites in town. Sun Mountain has bowling, arcade games, go karts, and minigolf so it can be a fun spot for both indoor and outdoor activities. Mountain Air is an all indoor trampoline park with a foam pit, dodgeball, trampoline video games and endless surfaces to jump on. It is the perfect spot to go when the ever-sunny Central Oregon is not so sunny.
For dinner, head to Worthy Brewing for pizza, burgers, salad, and beer. Worthy has great food, good beer, and lots of live music and outdoor space. They even grow some of their own ingredients on the property. If you are lucky, their observatory might be open and you and the kids can take an up close look at the night sky after dinner.
4 Days of Outdoor Junkie Heaven in Central Oregon
Bend is a haven for outdoor enthusiests. Sunshine year round, minimal rain, and plenty of seasonality make Central Oregon an all-year outdoor recreation paradise.
However, you don’t have to be an ultra-runner (although there are many of them in Bend) to enjoy exciting and memorable adventures outside. No matter your preferences or experience level, there are fun things for everyone to do outside in Bend.
Check out this 4-day itinerary for outdoor junkies in Bend. This itinerary assumes it is summertime or close to it. If it’s winter, try out skiing at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort or see where to cross-country ski near Bend.
Day 1:
Challenge yourself to a day of rock climbing near Bend. Many locals and visitors alike enjoy the large volume of quality rock climbs surrounding Bend. The most famous of which is Smith Rock State Park, a famous sport climbing destination.
If you have never rock climbed before, you can hire a guide for the day! There are lots of local companies with crusty dirt bag climbing guides who’d be happy to show you a great time on the rocks. Guaranteed fun!
On the other hand, if you have climbed before, you can rent crash pads for bouldering, but not rope gear. Of course, you can bring your own gear and crush some routes at Smith Rock! Mountain Project is well-established and usually trustworthy.
Day 2:
If you’re into backpacking and have some gear, head into the Cascade Mountain Range for an overnight backpacking trip. If that sounds like too much commitment, go for a nice day hike!
Some of our favorites are the Broken Top Loop Trail, The Chambers Lake Basin Trail, and this Extended Broken Top Loop Trail. There are tons more great options. Check them out in our article about the best backpacking trails near Bend. We also have a comparable article for the best day hikes near Bend.
Be aware you may need a permit for an overnight hike and even a day hike. Check out the Central Cascade Wilderness Permit Page at Recreation.gov. You typically need to reserve a permit at the more popular places a week in advance. We know, not ideal for spontaneous trips but it does keep the crowds down. Happy hiking!
Day 3:
Try out mountain biking at Mt. Bachelor. As a ski resort in the Winter, Mt. Bachelor has all of the lift infrastructure you need to get run after run in on some fun trails.
They have a variety of trails ranging in difficulty and of course bikes for rent. Although it is pretty expensive to rent at Mt. Bachelor. It might be cheaper to rent at Pine Mountain Sports in town if you are able to transport the bike to the mountain.
We are not very into mountain biking ourselves, but there is a mountain biking culture here in Bend. We recommend checking out this article if you want to know more. Happy biking!
Day 4:
For your final day of outdoor adventure, go paddle boarding at Hosmer Lake. There are dozens of stunning mountain lakes near Bend and many that you can drive to.
Hosmer Lake in particular is great for paddleboarding and kayaking because it is narrow and reedy, with lots of fun nooks and crannies to explore. It is also less accessible overall, which keeps the crowds down.
Other great options are Elk Lake, Devils Lake, and Sparks Lake. If you need more help deciding, check out our article about the best lakes near Bend. Different lakes are good for different things! Either way, you’ll have a great time. See you out there!
Bend Oregon Travel Guide
Although the Bend Oregon travel itineraries above may have helped you plan, we want to offer even more information to help you plan your trip.
When to visit Bend
Bend is a year round destination, though it is arguably better for visiting during the warmer months. However, it really depends on what you want to do.
If you like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, paddleboarding, swimming, going to farmers markets and other festivals, try visiting during the summer. If you like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or enjoy general winter vibes, go in the winter!
Note that travel can be harder during the winter, as Central Oregon and the Cascade Mountain Range highways receive lots of snow each year. That said, there are plenty of good weather windows during winter, so driving and flying are quite feasible.
Spring and fall are also great times of year to visit. In truth, summer can be hot, and even smokey at times. No matter what time of year you plan to visit Bend, bring warm layers for those cool high desert nighttime temperatures and bring sun protection!
Accommodation in Bend
Short Term Rentals
Short term rentals are abundant in Bend and are a great option for working professionals, families, retirees and other visitors. They are a great way to stay in a neighborhood and get a more authentic Bend experience. The main three are airbnb, Vrbo, and Vacasa.
Hotels
Hotels are a great option to stay in Bend. Here are several that have great locations.
| McMenamins | Centrally-located hotel with lots of character, food and dining, and lots of nice outdoor areas to hang out. Also, they have movie showings, live music, and even a soaking pool. A Bend classic. |
| DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Bend | Typical Hilton hotel. Nice location near downtown. |
| The Oxford Hotel Bend | Higher-end hotel right downtown. Great location, excellent service, and nice rooms. They even have a new restaurant called ROAM which promises to be as good as the restaurant that used to be underneath the hotel called 10 Bellow. |
| SpringHill Suites Bend | Typical Marriott hotel. Nice location near the Old Mill District. |
RV Parks and Campgrounds
There are tons of places to camp near Bend, including both paid and free options and tent camping or for RVs. There really is a camping option for any time of year, any distance from Bend, and any type of camping. The list below will get you started, but for more detail learn more about the best places to camp near Bend Oregon.
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| Location | Distance from Bend | Description |
| Tumalo State Park | 4 miles | Clean and inviting campground. Stay in a tent site, RV site, or a yurt! Right on the Deschutes River. Tons of hiking/walking trails. |
| The Camp | In Bend | Super cute and modern RV park. Stay in a clean and comfy vintage trailer, cottage, or bring your own rig. |
| Sun Outdoors Bend | 4 miles | Spacious and modern RV park. Lots of trees and grass. Workout room, pool table, hot tub, tennis courts. Tons of great amenities at an affordable price. |
| Camping at the Lakes | 20 – 50 miles | Lots of paid and free campgrounds at the lakes in the Cascade Mountain range. Great option to get out into nature during warmer months. Learn more about the best lakes for camping in Central Oregon. |
Best Coffee in Bend
Like any city worth visiting, Bend has plenty of great places to grab your morning fix. Although we are more casual coffee drinkers ourselves, we do enjoy the occasional brew. These are some of our favorite coffee shops in Bend.
| Backporch Coffee Roasters | Four locations in Bend. All serving delicious high quality coffee. |
| Lone Pine Coffee Roasters | Long time Bend spot with a loyal following. Their downtown location is down to earth and relaxing. |
| Thump | Great downtown location. Modern and hip, this place is known for their brew of the good stuff. Also have a west side location. |
| Junction Coffee Roastery | In Redmond, this fresh spot serves downright delicious coffee. Stop on your way out to Smith Rock for the day. |
Best Cafes in Bend
Bend has a number of inviting cafes that serve coffee and other early day essentials. We love morning walks in Bend to a cafe for a bite or beverage. These cafes are a great way to spend some time chatting with a friend over pastries and coffee or settling in for a more substantial breakfast.
| Sparrow Bakery | A local favorite. Known for their great pastries and baked goods. They also serve sandwiches and of course coffee. Located in the northwest crossing area. |
| The Commons Cafe and Taproom | Located downtown right next to Drake Park. Cozy and inviting. Nice outdoor space. Solid coffee. Some pastries and sandwiches. |
| Looney Bean | Cute place with some character. Nice outdoor lawn seating. Coffee, smoothies, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. |
| Strictly Organic | Nice artwork inside. Outdoor patio seating as well. Coffee and breakfast burritos. Yum! |
| Nancy P’s | This cute cafe serves amazing pastries and a gourmet version of a hot pocket. On the west side of Bend nestled in an older neighborhood. Great place for a quick bite to eat. |
Best Food and Dining in Bend
Bend’s culinary scene has blossomed in the last 20 years, and the city’s growing popularity has supported the growth of a diverse array of restaurants of all shapes, sizes, and cuisines. Whatever your preference, Bend surely has a restaurant for you. These are just a few of our favorites.
| McKay Cottage | Classic breakfast food. A local rise-and-shine sit-down favorite. |
| Zydeco Kitchen | Higher-end, but not too fancy. Great date night spot. Southern inspired northwest food. |
| Podksi Foot Truck Lot | Food truck lot with a great vibe. Great outdoor seating. Some indoor seating. Taphouse also! |
| Spork | Global street food inspired fusion. Fun environment, unique and delicious food and drinks. “Culinary Magic” according to the New York Times. |
| Wild Rose or Sen | Same owner, both excellent Northern Thai food and cocktails. Sen is more hot pot and noodle focused while Wild Rose has your classic and not so well known Northern Thai delicacies. They do not serve Pad Thai, so don’t ask. |
Best Breweries and Tap Houses in Bend
Bend has a vibrant craft beer scene that is supported by a large number of local breweries and tap houses, each with a unique vibe. As we were writing this, we realized how great Bend’s beer scene really is. You really can’t go wrong! These are some local favorites.
| Deschutes Brewery | Local craft beer that goes way back. Pub house and brewery that can be toured. Seasonal beers and classics. Full food menu at pub house location in downtown. |
| Crux Fermentation Project | High quality ingredients. Amazing outdoor area with a view of the Cascade Mountains. Very family friendly. Food trucks. |
| Silver Moon Brewery | Excellent outdoor seating area. Great beer. Food trucks. Keep an ear out for live music. Trivia on Thursdays. Great during warmer weather. |
| GoodLife Brewing Co. | Year-round and seasonal brews. Nice family friendly outdoor area. Pub food. Great spot to hang before a concert at the Volcanic Theatre. |
| 10 Barrel Brewing | Based in Bend and founded in 2006, 10 Barrel was bought out by Anheuser-Busch. That said, they have great beer and quality pub food to match. Nice outdoor patio with firepits. Diverse beer selection. |
| Worthy Brewing | East side of Bend. Live music events at an amazing outdoor space. Great beer and amazing food. Solid pizzas, salads, and burgers. A worthy stop on your Bend visit. |
| Boneyard Pub | Reputation for solid beers that have won lots of awards. Great place to watch a football game on Sunday. Founded in 2010, they have made their name in the Bend craft beer scene. |
| Sunriver Brewing | Founded in 1998, Sunriver Brewing is a longstanding name in Bend. They have a great westside pub location with good food, great beer, and a nice outdoor patio. |
| Bend Brewing Co. | Amazing downtown location on the river. Award winning beer. Second oldest brew pub in Bend (1995). |
Tours in Bend
As Bend has grown, so has its tourism industry. Tours are a great way for a more guided experience. They can help you learn about Bend and the surrounding area and experience it in a unique way. These are some of the best tours in Bend.
Wanderlust Tours
Wanderlust Tours is a tour company that provides tours in Bend and Central Oregon. They have tours for activities like snowshoeing, caving, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, and a brewery/distillery tour as well. They are a reputable company that has been giving tours in Central Oregon since 1993.
Bend Ale Trail
The Bend Ale Trail is a self-guided beer-tasting tour of Bend’s craft-beer scene. The tour is self-guided, but uses a phone app to provide information on Bend’s breweries. This is a great option for beer-lovers who enjoy going at their own pace.
Central Oregon Adventures
Central Oregon Adventures provides snowmobiling and offroad 4×4 tours. This is a great way to see the natural beauty of Central Oregon regardless of the season.
Cycle Pub
The Cycle Pub is a rolling pub on wheels that is powered by you. Cruise around the city and enjoy Bend’s craft beer scene in an active and unique way.
Remote Work in Bend
As remote workers ourselves, we understand the importance of balancing work and play. Fortunately, Bend is a great place for remote workers because it is easy to be productive and also have fun!
Bend has a number of great coworking spaces and cozy coffee shops. Learn more in our article about the best places to work remotely in Bend.
Conclusion
We know that was a lot of information. If you stuck around this long, bravo! We applaud your planning aspirations, and we hope this article about Bend Oregon travel itineraries has been helpful for you.
You might also be interested in our article about the best things to do in Bend, which includes some activities on this list and more! We also have more articles about Bend and Central Oregon.
However you spend it, we hope you enjoy your time visiting this place we call home. Please let us know in the comments below if you have any thoughts or questions!
