Bend, Oregon

• More about your oliver guide: Jenny Boyd
• Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, City, Desert, Mountains
• Activity level: high
• Ideal length of trip: A long weekend (5 days) is perfect

to & from

Fly into Redmond/Bend airport and drive 25 minutes to Bend. You will want a car so if you are flying in, rent a car.

Where to Stay

• Airbnb and VRBO are always a great idea in Bend, especially with kids. Lavabelles Vacation Rentals has some really cute properties as well.
• Oxford Hotel: rooms, right downtown, allows dogs
• Tetherow Lodge: upscale option just a couple of minutes out of town
• Brasada Ranch: Very upscale, beautiful, 30 minutes out of town
• LOGE Entrada: Quirky budget option with mountain bike and gear rentals.

 

 

Where to Eat and Drink

• Five Fusion: Yummy sushi
• Barrio: Try the Jibarito and the Jalapeno Cilantro margarita
• Wild Rose: Great Thai food, cozy atmosphere
• Crux: Great for kids, food trucks, and hanging out in the sun
• Ariana: Upscale and delicious (make sure to try the Westside 75 cocktail and budino for dessert)
• El Sancho: Good tacos, margs, great patio (try the fried plantains)
• Brasada Ranch for sunset dinner or cocktails – the homemade smores are a treat
• Dogwood: The drinks are delish and STRONG
• Zydeco: Try the blackened redfish
• Chow for breakfast
• Sparrow Bakery: You can’t come to Bend without trying the Ocean Roll!
• Foxtail Bakery: The Salty Queen is pretty great too 🙂
• Bonta for delicious gelato. Get ready for a line!
• Shaved ice at Dakine (kids)

What to Do

• Hike/Run the Deschutes River trail
• SUP or float the Deschutes River - Dillon Falls is a great spot
• Head to Crux for drinks and food trucks (great for kids)
• Mountain bike at Phil’s Trail and beyond (Kent’s trail and pump track great for kids)
• Hike Tumalo Mountain, Broken Top, or Green Lakes Trail for beautiful views (summer and fall)
• Watch the surfers and kayakers at the white water park (summer)
• Road bike the Tumalo Loop to see the Central Oregon countryside
• Head downtown to wander and shop downtown, don't miss a stop at local favorite, Bronwen Jewelry
• Catch a yoga class at Groove with Cynthia LaRoche
• Cross country ski to Tumalo Falls or Todd Lake
• Take in a concert at Les Schwab Amphitheater (summer) - or float the river and listen for free!
• Soak in the McMenamins hot pool (kids)
• Browse the Downtown Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoon (summer and early fall)
• Grab a glass of wine at Crows Feet Commons (summer)
• Take an urban hike up Pilot Butte
• Head to Drake Park on Thursday nights (summer) for music, food, and major bouncy castles (kids)
• The patio at McMenamins - fun for a cocktail
• First Friday - downtown event the first Friday evening of every month

inside scoop

• Park at skyliners to ski at Mt. Bachelor, walk up the snow bank and ski right down to the lift. Good lot to bbq in as well.
• Skip the line at Spork and call in your order for takeout
• Search for the secret rooms at McMenamins - fun for kids - and the hidden Broom Closet Bar (fun for adults)

skip it

• The Cycle Pub....not our favorite....
• The food at McMenamins - stick to the pools, bars, patio, and cocktails!

What to Pack

Bring your Patagonia Puffy and you’ll fit right in! Bend is super casual. You’ll need layers! It can be chilly, even in the summer at night.