Weekend in Bend Oregon: Itinerary and Travel Guide (2024)
This weekend in Bend Oregon itinerary explains the top things to do in Bend, where to stay, where to eat, and other helpful travel tips.
After spending my first summer in Arizona last year, I vowed to avoid doing it again if possible. This year, the plan is to drive up to my home state of Washington for time at the lake and with family, before returning to Arizona when it cools down a bit.
On the way up to Washington, we broke up the drive with a stop in Bend Oregon. I’ve always wanted to visit this Central Oregon town as was blown away by it.
Bend is a year-round town with hiking and water activities in the Summer and skiing at Mount Bachelor in the winter. The town is the perfect mix of a small-town feel, while still having plenty of restaurants and activities that I guarantee you won’t get bored.
My time in Bend was spent working remote during the day then exploring the town at night. We visited many great restaurants, food trucks, and breweries.
On the weekend, we explored the outdoors by taking long walks and floating the Deschutes River which flows through town.
Keep reading this Bend Oregon travel guide for a simple weekend itinerary that includes all the top activities, foods, and local experiences.
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Bend Oregon Three Day Itinerary
The best place to start with planning a weekend in Bend Oregon is with a simple three day itinerary. The itinerary below allows you to hit the highlights of town, but can be easily adjusted based on your preferences.
Day 1: Explore Downtown Bend
Morning: Arrive into town and check in to your accommodation. If you’re hungry, grab brunch at The Lemon Tree.
Afternoon: Walk along the Deschutes river trail to the Old Mill district, where there is great shopping and lunch options.
Night: Grab dinner in downtown Bend at 900 Wall. After dinner, head to the las Blockbuster for a bit of 90’s nostalgia. If your accommodation has a DVD player, rent a movie!
Day 2: River Day
Morning: Start the day at the Saturday market and grab coffee at Sparrow. The Saturday Market has a lot of great craft vendors, food trucks, and snacks. I bought a great smelling bath bomb and delicious marionberry vodka.
Afternoon: Spend most of the day floating the Deschutes river. (below, I explain how to do this in detail).
Night: Grab dinner and beer at Podski, my favorite food truck roundup in Bend. There are great food options with a variety of cuisines and a bunch of local beers on tap.
Day 3: Adventure and Beer
Morning: Kick the day off with an ATV adventure tour. This tour explores the backcountry near Bend and even visits old lava flows. This is a great way to see the unique central Oregon terrain.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, do a DIY brewery tour hitting some of the most popular places like 10 Barrel, Bend Brewing Company, and Deschutes to try some local craft beer.
The Top Things to Do in Bend in the Summer
There are many great things to do in Bend Oregon in the summer. In fact, there are also many great things to do in the winter, but this guide focuses on warm weather activities.
Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Most of the top activities surround the outdoors, including the river, hiking, and nearby parks.
The top activity to do in the summer in Bend is floating the Deschutes River. It’s an absolute must-do on your vacation.
Below, I’ll explain step by step how to float the river and tips for planning a fun day. After, I will list some of the other best things to do in the area.
Float the Deschutes River
As I mentioned above, a floating trip of the Deschutes River belongs on any weekend in Bend Oregon itinerary. The entire town is centered around the river, so it’s only fair that you spend some time on the water. The float is peaceful most of the way, with a fun portion of rapids in the middle. While you float, you can chat with friends, admire riverfront real estate, or sip on a local beer.
How long does it take to float the Deschutes River?
Depending on the wind, if you paddle, and if you stop, the float should take 90 minutes to 2 hours from start to finish.
What is the best company to use for floating?
If you don’t have your own tubes, there are a variety of local companies that rent out tubes and provide roundtrip transportation. I used Tumalo Creek float rentals and highly recommend them. The meeting point is in a large park and ride with plenty of parking.
From there, you will get your tube and load into a large bus for a short drive to the river. At the end of the float, their staff will help retrieve your tube from the water and the bus will return to your car.
What to pack for river floating in Bend?
The key to packing for the float is to pack light. Wear a comfortable swimsuit, water shoes, and a hat. For your phone or car keys, I suggest a dry bag to keep everything secure. Keep everything else, like sunscreen and your clothes locked in your car.
Can I float the river without a tour company?
Yes, it is possible to float without a tour company. You will require your own tubes and have to manage your own transportation between the drop in and take out points. If you are only spending a weekend in Bend, I suggest using a company to avoid the hassle.
Lava Tube Cave Tour
Nearby Bend you have the unique opportunity to explore subterranean caves that were caused by lava flows.
This half day tour visits the caves where you can explore inside and learn all about them from a naturalist guide.
ATV Tour
If you’re an adventurer, one of the top tours in Bend is this ATV tour that summits the Fuzztail Butte with panoramic views of the area.
Along the ride, you will also see the Bend Badlands and lava river cave tubes.
Saturday Farmers Market
For a more laid back activity, the Bend Saturday Market is fantastic. There are a variety of vendors and food trucks. I purchased a bath bomb, dog treats, and artisan vodka during my recent visit.
The Last Blockbuster
If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out the last remaining blockbuster to rent a DVD, buy some merch, or just soak in the old Blockbuster smell.
Tumalo Falls
Take a quick trip from town to view these beautiful waterfalls, which are only a few minutes from the trailhead.
Pilot Butte
Drive to the top of this old Lava Dome at Pilot Butte state park for great views of the area or to catch a sunset.
Smith Rock State Park
Visit this nearby state park for a ton of great hiking and outdoor adventure.
Shop at the Old Mill District
The Old Mill area is a super cute part of town with a ton of restaurants and shopping along the riverfront.
Where to Stay
Juniper Preserve – This resort is a destination in itself. With an 18-hole golf course, 2 pools, swim up bar, waterslide, and three restaurants, there is plenty to do at the Juniper preserve.
The rooms are also very nice and have amazing views. However, you will be a drive from downtown Bend.
Tetherow Resort – This resort is a bit closer to town and still has many amenities. There’s an onsite golf course, outdoor pool, and restaurant.
The resort has rooms and suites, which are dog and family friendly.
Vacation Rental – One of the best places to stay near downtown Bend is in a vacation rental. There are many rental homes and condos that are directly on the river with water access.
I love this house with a hot tub, private dock, and large outdoor area.
The Best Restaurants
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Bend is a foodie town. There are so many great restaurants and breweries to try, it’s hard to know where to start.
In fact, I wrote an entire guide to the best restaurants in Bend.
To keep it simple for this Bend Oregon itinerary, below is the short list of my favorite places to eat in town.
Coffee Shop: Sparrow Bakery – This is a simple bakery and coffee shop, but with excellent execution. The shop is conveniently located next to the Bend Saturday market, making it perfect for a coffee before the market. I recommend ordering an ocean roll and breakfast sandwich.
Food Truck Roundup: Podski – One of the top things to do in Bend is visit a food truck roundup. My favorite is the Podski because it has the greatest variety of trucks and a long tap list of beer.
Brewery: 10 Barrel Brewing – There are dozens of breweries in Bend, but 10 Barrel is my favorite. In my opinion, it has the best food and the tap list is also great.
Dinner: 900 Wall – This is a great spot for a date night or special occasion. The food is elevated American with an Italian and French influence. The historic brick building is also super cute.
Dessert: Bonta Gelato – Bonta has some of the best Gelato I’ve ever had, be sure to put this on your Bend weekend itinerary at least once.
Getting to Bend Oregon
The most common way to get to Bend is by driving. The drive to Bend is beautiful, and I highly recommend traveling during the day to experience the sights.
Drive Times to Bend:
Portland to Bend: 3 Hours
Seattle to Bend: 5 Hours
Boise to Bend: 4 Hours
Alternatively, there is an airport near Bend in the town of Redmond, around 30 minutes away. This is a great option if you are coming from a bit further than the surrounding states or want to cut down on drive time.
Once you are in Bend, I suggest having a rental car to get around to the best hikes, different restaurants, and other activities.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Bend depends on what kind of activities you’re looking for.
For those interested in skiing or snowboarding, winter months from November through March are optimal. Temperatures drop during these months but bring with them some of the most stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
Summer in Bend is when temperatures warm up, making it ideal for camping, hiking, biking or rafting down whitewater rapids on the Deschutes River.
June through August are typically the busiest times of year due to school breaks and vacation schedules. However, it doesn’t get too overcrowded.
The Spring and Fall are considered shoulder season, so prices are lower. The temperatures will be too cold for swimming and too hot for skiing, but still perfect for hiking and other outdoor adventures.
How Many Days to Spend in Bend?
A weekend in Bend is the perfect amount of time to visit. It allows time to try a handful of restaurants, 2-3 activities, and get an overview of the town.
However, if you want to spend longer in Bend, you could easily spend up to a week. With more time, you can explore the surrounding area such as the Deschutes national forest or Newberry national volcanic monument.
If you spend longer than three days in Bend, you could also take one of the day trips listed below.
Potential Day Trips from Bend
If you are spending more time in Bend, there are a few fun day trips to mix up your vacation.
The first great day trip is to the Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is a couple hour drive from Bend, with beautiful scenery most of the way.
At the national park, there is hiking, and viewpoints that will make for a great one-day trip.
If you’re craving a bit of city after a few days in the small town, Portland is only three hours away. Portland is a fun city with a ton of great food, more breweries, and nightlife.
Alternatively, if you are flying in or out of Portland, you could spend a day in the city at either end of your trip.
Summary of a Weekend in Bend Oregon Itinerary
Overall, Bend Oregon is a great place to visit in the Pacific Northwest and is a good stop on an Oregon road trip itinerary.
Bend is a hidden gem of the northwest with breathtaking scenery, great food, better beer, and a ton of fun things to do outdoors.
Follow this Bend travel guide for ideas of what to do and see on your trip. If you have remaining questions, please reach out in the comments below!
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