Planning a weekend in Bend Oregon? Want to make the most of your limited time in Bend? We’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ve gathered our local knowledge of Bend to help streamline your planning process.
Whatever activities you enjoy and whether it’s summer or winter, we’ll give you the best things to do in Bend Oregon.
After this article, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and prepare for an amazing Bend Oregon weekend trip!
A Weekend in Bend Oregon: Overview
The truth is: there are countless ways to spend a weekend in Bend Oregon and you won’t be able to experience all the fun things to do in Bend in just a weekend trip.
That said, you can still experience lots of what Bend has to offer during 3 days in Bend Oregon (or even less).
In this article, we’ll provide you with our favorite things to do so that you can plan your own adventure!
First, we’ll cover the following things to do in Bend at a high level.
- Outdoor activities for all seasons
- Things to do in town
- Cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, and breakfast
- Lunch, dinner, restaurants, and food trucks
- Breweries and bars
- Lodging and accommodation
- Seasonal events and festivals
Then, we’ll help you combine these individual activities into some examples of awesome Bend weekend itineraries!
Of course, we recommend you build your own adventure to decide what you want your weekend trip in Bend to look like.
Bend Oregon Outdoor Activities
Bend is known for close proximity to tons of outdoor recreation opportunities.
From hiking to rock climbing to skiing to mountain biking, it’s actually easier to list the outdoor sports that central Oregon doesn’t have!
Of course, the outdoor adventures will depend on the time of year you visit.
Summer Outdoor Activities in Bend
With world-class hiking, robust rock-climbing areas, sparkling alpine lakes, and stunning mountain peaks, it’s no wonder central Oregon is considered an outdoor mecca.
There are tons of awesome Bend day hikes, lakes near Bend, and scenic drives to explore.
Main idea: However you enjoy the outdoors near Bend, it is easy to pick something and integrate it into a weekend trip to Bend Oregon.
The table below has some of our favorite summer outdoor adventures near Bend.
| Summer Adventure | Time Required | Summary |
| Hike the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail at Sparks Lake | Half-day | One of our favorite easy hikes in Oregon. Incredible lake and mountain views. |
| Hike and Sightsee at Smith Rock State Park | Half-day | One of the 7 wonders of Oregon. A must see at some point in your life. |
| Enjoy a scenic drive on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway | Half to full day | Scenic views, dozens of hikes, sparkling lakes. A must-do at some point. |
| Explore the stunning Newberry National Volcanic Monument | Half to full day | Two lakes and lots of hikes. Don’t miss the stunning Paulina Peak Viewpoint. |
| Hike a section of the Deschutes River Trail | Half-day or less | Easy to access trail in and near Bend. Testament to easy outdoor access. |
| Beat the heat and float the Deschutes River | Half-day | An iconic Bend summer activity. |
| Take in the views at Tumalo Falls | Half-day | One of our favorite waterfalls near Bend. Easy to access. |
Winter Outdoor Activities in Bend
When the cold weather comes, so does the snow! The Cascade Mountain Range transforms into a winter wonderland.
From December to April, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, hot springs, and winter hiking are popular winter activities.
The table below shows our favorite winter activities in and near Bend.
| Winter Adventure | Time Required | Summary |
| Ski or snowboard at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. | Full day | The largest ski resort in Oregon. Spendy but worth it on a good day. |
| Cross-country ski or snowshoe at a sno-park near Bend | Half-day | An affordable and fun way to enjoy the snow. Rent gear and buy a sno-parks pass in town. |
| Go ice-skating in Bend | An hour or two | A classic family friendly winter activity. |
| Enjoy a winter hike near Bend | Half-day | Lower elevation hikes can be great on a sunny winter day. |
| Go sledding at Wanoga Sno-Park | Half-day | An affordable and fun way for families to enjoy the snow. Buy a sno-parks pass in town. |
Learn more about Bend winter activities in our full article about winter in Bend Oregon.
Eating and Drinking in Bend
Whatever your weekend in Bend Oregon looks like, enjoying the local cafes, restaurants, and breweries in Bend will likely be a part of it!
It’s worth taking a minute to acquaint yourself with the best spots for eating and drinking in Bend before you integrate those into your itinerary.
Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bakeries, and Breakfast in Bend
Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before your outdoor adventure, or savoring a late brunch on a lazy Sunday, Bend has your morning covered.
The table below has some of our favorite cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, and breakfast joints in Bend.
| Location | Type | Summary |
| Dudley’s Bookstore and Cafe | Cafe | A cozy living room vibe. Bring a book or a game. We like the Chai with macadamia nut milk. |
| Jackson’s Corner | Cafe | Full bakery. Tasty breakfast. Homemade pasta if you feel like lunch. |
| Looney Bean | Coffee Shop | Fun drinks. Pleasant lawn by the Deschutes River. We like the dirty hippy with espresso whipped cream. |
| Lone Pine Coffee Roasters | Coffee Shop | Great coffee. Enough said. |
| Sparrow Bakery | Bakery | Go for the famous Ocean Rolls. Stay for the croissant breakfast sandwich. |
| Nancy P’s Cafe and Bakery | Bakery | Coffee, sweets, savory breakfasts, and brunch. Diverse and delicious! |
| Mckay Cottage | Breakfast | Voted the best breakfast restaurant in Bend for 13 years. Traditional fare. Busy on the weekends. |
| Chow | Breakfast | Creative breakfast dishes in an upbeat ambiance and a walkable area. |
| A Broken Angel | Breakfast Food Cart | Delicious vegan breakfasts with large portions in a walkable area. |
Just so you know: we have full articles about the best Bend cafes and coffee shops and bakeries in Bend if you want to learn more.
Bend Restaurants and Food Trucks
When lunch and dinner come around and you need to refuel after your day’s adventures, check out these top Bend restaurants and food trucks.
Local tip: Food truck lots are popular in Bend. They all have local beers on tap, have outdoor seating, and are family and dog friendly.
| Location | Type | Summary |
| Zydeco | Restaurant | Fancy but not too fancy. Incredible food, cocktails, and ambiance in a central downtown location. |
| Ariana | Restaurant | One of the best high-end restaurants in Bend. Reserved for a special occasion. |
| Spork | Restaurant | Casual and flavorful fusion food. |
| Wild Rose | Restaurant | Perhaps the best Thai food in Bend. |
| Blacksmith | Restaurant | Steakhouse, bar, and lounge. |
| Podski | Food Truck Lot | An energetic taphouse-food-truck-lot with lots of options. Gets crowded. We love the vegan crunch wrap from Toasty. |
| The Lot | Food Truck Lot | Our favorite food truck lot in the winter. Heated seats for the win! |
| Midtown Yacht Club | Food Truck Lot | A diversity of food options and lots of beers on tap. |
| On Tap | Food Truck Lot | Our go-to food truck lot for the east side of town. Occasional live music. |
Head’s up: We have full articles about the best Bend restaurants and food truck lots in Bend if you want to learn more.
Breweries and Bars in Bend
Ranking as number 3 for U.S. cities with the highest number of craft breweries per capita, Bend loves beer.
Any beer enjoyer will want to sample a few of the local brews during a weekend in Bend Oregon.
In addition to breweries and pub houses, there are also a variety of cocktail and dive bars.
| Location | Type | Summary |
| Deschutes Brewery | Brewery | Bend’s first craft brewery. Seasonal beers and classics. Tour their brewery or just enjoy their pub house. |
| Sunriver Brewery | Brewery | A longstanding name in Bend. We love their westside pub. Good food, great beer, and a nice outdoor patio. |
| Silver Moon | Brewery | Excellent outdoor seating area. Great beer. Food trucks. Keep an ear out for live music. Trivia on Thursdays. |
| Boneyard Pub | Brewery | Reputation for solid beers that have won lots of awards. Great place to watch a football game on Sunday. |
| Bend Brewin Co. | Brewery | Amazing downtown location on the river. Award winning beer. Second oldest brew pub in Bend. |
| Duda’s Billiard Bar | Pool Bar | Rent one of the 8 tables by the hour and enjoy a beer and a snack while you play. Open to minors until 8 pm. |
| JC’s | Dive Bar | Dive bar. Casual on the weekdays but can get loud and rowdy on the weekends. Fun trivia. Pool tables. Shuffleboard. |
| San Simon | Cocktail Bar | Cute and sophisticated cocktail bar. Indoor and outdoor seating is in an alley. Known for cocktails and charcuterie boards. |
| Stihl Whiskey Bar | Cocktail Bar | Whiskey, wine, and spirits. Hole-in-the-wall, speakeasy feel with solid food to match the drinks. |
Reminder: Check out our full article about breweries in Bend Oregon.
Lodging and Accommodation in Bend Oregon
When choosing where to stay in Bend Oregon, you’ll want to consider how it integrates with your travel style and plans for your Bend weekend trip.
Some places to stay in Bend are better suited for proximity to outdoor activities, while others are close to downtown.
Moreover, decide if you want a hotel, home rental, or one of the great Bend resorts (which offer the most amenities).
The table below lists some of our favorite options for lodging in Bend.
| Accommodation in Bend | Type | Summary |
| Hampton Inn and Suites | Hotel | A standard hotel with walkable location near the Old Mill. Close to several parts and great for concerts at Hayden Homes Ampitheatre. |
| Oxford Hotel | Hotel | A high-end hotel located in downtown Bend. Great for exploring shops, restaurants, and parks in the downtown area. |
| Bunk+Brew | Hotel & Hostel | A lively and affordable option near downtown. Craft beer bar and food trucks onsite. Occasional live music. |
| McMenamins Old St. Francis School | Hotel | A quirky hotel near downtown with lots of character, several restaurants and bars, a movie theatre, and an awesome soaking pool. |
| Seventh Mountain | Resort | Our favorite resort for a ski trip to Mt. Bachelor. Restaurant, ice-skating rink, pool, hot tub. |
| Sunriver Resort | Resort | Tons of amenities including 4 golf courses, hiking and biking trails, indoor and outdoor pool, several restaurants. Great for families. |
| Elk Lake Resort | Lakeside resort | A great lakeside resort near Bend with a rustic but wholesome feel. |
Of course, that list is just a start. Check out our full articles about places to stay in Bend Oregon and the best resorts in Bend.
Also, consider staying in one of the great campgrounds and RV parks near Bend.
Bend Seasonal Events and Festivals
From concerts to farmers markets to holiday festivals, Bend loves to have a good time!
There are tons of events and festivals in Bend to enjoy, no matter what time of year you visit.
The table below lists some of our favorite events in Bend.
| Event | Time of Year | Summary |
| Farmers markets | Late Spring to Fall | Every Wednesday to Saturday from May to October in downtown Bend. |
| Bend Summer Festival | July | Celebrate summer in downtown Bend and enjoy the live music, delicious food, local artisans, interactive activities for families, and a lively beer and wine garden. |
| Outdoor concerts and music festivals | Summer | Enjoy big name artists and warm weather at the iconic Hayden Homes Ampitheatre. Also check out the budding central Oregon music festival scene and the longstanding Munch & Music in Drake Park. |
| The Bend Fall Festival | October | Celebrate fall in central Oregon with live music, arts and crafts, seasonal treats, and of course a pumpkin carving contest. |
| Bend pumpkin patches | October | Enjoy one of the two main pumpkin patches near Bend. A timeless Fall activity everyone can enjoy. |
| Oregon Winterfest | February | Celebrate winter in central Oregon with |
| Holiday fun | November & December | Enjoy Thanksgiving turkey trots, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and a Christmas parade. |
| First friday art walk | Year-round | The first Friday of each month, enjoy art, shopping, conversations, and free drinks at many businesses in downtown Bend. |
Learn more in our full article we update each year about Bend events and festivals.
Weekend in Bend Oregon Itineraries
Now that you have an understanding of things to do in Bend and where to stay, we can piece together some amazing weekend itineraries!
Warm Weather Couples Getaway Weekend Trip to Bend
Bend is a great place to visit for a couple’s 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.
Day 1:
Start your weekend with a morning walk along the Deschutes River at Drake Park. Meander through downtown Bend and have breakfast and coffee at Looney Bean.
Once you feel fueled 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.
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 to the top of Pilot Butte for sunset. You will be greeted with 360-degree views of Bend and the mountains. Be aware the road is closed during winter, but you can still hike from the trailhead.
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 Scenic Byway. Pack a lunch and hit the road.
There are a ton of crystal-clear mountain lakes near Bend where you can hike, swim, paddleboard, fish, and just hang out!
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!
Family Friendly 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. This itinerary has a little bit of everything.
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. Alternatively, choose another spot along the Deschutes River Trail. Pack some snacks and maybe a picnic lunch.
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.
Drive over to On Tap for dinner from one of the various 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 in Bend for a Friday night July through August, 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 “fast food” restaurant that serves healthier options and has an excellent kids’ menu.
If the weather is bad, 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.
Ultimate 3 Days of Summer Adventure in Bend
Summer is an excellent time to visit Bend. The weather is hot, the outdoors are calling, and concerts, farmers markets, and other events are open for business.
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 (you can rent tubes or paddleboards).
Floating the Deschutes is great for large groups or the whole family! Plus, you get to explore the city from a unique perspective.
When hunger starts to call, grab some lunch at Podski Food Truck Lot. This is a unique food truck lot with various options and a great atmosphere (there is a taphouse also).
If you’re up for it, walk a section of the Deschutes River Trail. It’s perfect for a casual stroll and there are shaded forest sections.
When dinner rolls around, head to 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.
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.
We consider Smith Rock a must-see at least once in your life. It has tons of hikes, rock-climbing, and various viewpoints.
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.
If you’d rather do dinner in Bend, check out one of the best restaurants or food truck lots.
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 near Bend to explore.
Different lakes are better for different activities like swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, boating, and more!
We recommend Sparks Lake, Devil’s Lake, Elk Lake, Lava Lake, which are all accessible via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Alternatively, check out Paulina Lake or East Lake within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
For dinner, check out the Sunriver Brewery Pub on Galveston in Bend. Their food and beer are sure to hit the spot after a day of adventuring.
2 Days of Winter Wonderland in Bend
While most people visit during summer, winter is an underrated season to visit Bend!
The outdoor activities switch from hiking and paddleboarding to skiing and ice-skating.
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, most of the winter there is no snow on the ground in town.
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.
Grab your morning coffee and breakfast at The Commons Cafe, Looney Bean, Thump Coffee or one of the other cafes or bakeries in Bend.
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 Virginia Meissner Sno-Park.
In addition, there are lots of other great sno-parks near Bend. We also recommend Skyliner Sno-Park with the beautiful Tumalo Falls.
There are lots of places to rent gear, such as Powder House. Learn more in our guide on where to cross-country ski near Bend.
Alternatively, consider ice-skating at one of the great ice-skating rinks in Bend or doing one of the awesome winter hikes near Bend.
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.
Alternatively, check out other places for skiing near Bend.
Rest those tired legs and fill your belly with dinner and beers at Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House.
If you still have energy walk around downtown and end the night with drinks at Stihl Whiskey Bar. This bar has a nice vibe and fun drinks.
Remote Work in Bend
As remote workers ourselves, we understand the importance of balancing work and play. Remote working can help extend your time in Bend beyond just a weekend.
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 hope this article helps you plan an amazing weekend in Bend Oregon!
You might also be interested in our article about the best things to do in Bend.
We also have a lot more articles about central Oregon.
Also, subscribe to our YouTube and follow us on Instagram for more inspiration for exploring the PNW. Happy roaming!
