Why Bend, Oregon Went Straight to the Top of Our Favorites List

Experience the enchantment of Bend, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of central Oregon along the Deschutes River. Although we have visited Oregon many times, our first trip to this underrated town left a lasting mark and quickly brought it to the top of our favorites list.

Just a 7.5-hour drive from San Francisco, Bend is a haven for adventurers with something for every kind of traveler. Whether you are chasing breathtaking views along the Deschutes River while paddleboarding, kayaking, or rafting, or seeking the thrill of your next hiking trail, Bend truly has it all.

And while Bend is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it is also a geologist's dream, boasting numerous cinder cones and majestic volcanoes. Add a vibrant food and coffee scene to the mix, and you have one of the most charming and well-rounded towns we have ever visited.

Where We Stayed: River House on the Deschutes

With so many accommodation options in Bend, we were thrilled with our decision to stay at the River House on the Deschutes. Riverfront views, cozy rooms, and genuinely family-friendly amenities made it the perfect home base for everything we wanted to do.

🏨 Room Details

We stayed in a patio river view room with two queen beds, and the kids absolutely loved the little teepees set up in the room. The hotel also offers a bunk bed room that is ideal for families. Falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the river was one of the most relaxing parts of the whole trip.

Amenities worth noting: Heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, and a location that puts you right in the middle of everything you want to see and do in Bend.

Adventure: ATV Tour with Outriders NW

We met our guide near the Newberry Volcanic National Monument, where he walked us through every detail we needed to know as first-time ATV riders: safety, controls, handling, all of it. He was incredibly thorough and made sure everyone felt fully prepared before we set off.

From there, we drove up to the top of a cinder cone and were rewarded with the most stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains in every direction.

👩 Solo Parent Note

My husband could not join us on this trip, so I was nervous about being the one behind the wheel. But our guide was so patient and encouraging that it was not long before I was cruising with total confidence and genuinely never wanting it to end.

Tour Company: Wanderlust Tours

If you want to go off the beaten path and truly experience Bend's wild side, book with Wanderlust Tours. Owned by an adventurous mama, this company specializes in immersive, family-friendly adventures through lava caves, forests, lakes, and rivers with something genuinely exciting for every age.

Our guide took us on an epic exploration of a lava cave, and he was absolutely wonderful with the kids. Knowledgeable, patient, and passionate, he turned the whole experience into an education about Oregon's incredible outdoors and beyond.

Perfect for families: Whether you have little ones or curious teenagers, Wanderlust Tours makes adventure feel accessible and incredibly fun for everyone.

Must Visit: Newberry National Volcanic Monument

This place is not to be missed. Newberry National Volcanic Monument is home to an active volcano the size of Rhode Island, and it is one of the most jaw-dropping natural landscapes we have ever explored.

🌋 What to Explore

There is so much packed into this monument: the obsidian lava flow trail, Paulina Lake, Paulina Peak, East Lake, waterfalls, craters, and even a hot spring located along Paulina Lake. We wished we had more time, but in the days we had we loved every trail and viewpoint we managed to cover.

Heads up for spring visitors: We were unable to reach the hot spring due to heavy snow still on the ground in late May. Check conditions before you go.

Iconic Stop: Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor is probably the main reason most people visit Bend, and for good reason. It is renowned for world-class skiing and snowboarding for every level, from complete beginners all the way up to Olympic-level athletes in training.

We recently learned to ski as a family and have absolutely loved it, so we had to at least stop by and take in the mountain. We were genuinely surprised to find so many people still on the slopes at the end of May.

For skiers and snowboarders: Whether you are just learning or have been at it for years, Mt. Bachelor deserves a dedicated day or more. The season runs later than most resorts, making it a fantastic spring option too.

Hike: Benham Falls

This 1.5-mile trail winds along the Deschutes River through towering trees and delivers you to three stunning waterfalls, with Benham Falls as the breathtaking finale. Every step of the trail is beautiful.

🥾 Want a Full Day Adventure?

Continue past Benham Falls to Dillon Falls and Lava Island Falls to turn this into an epic 13-plus mile adventure. It will require more preparation and an early start, but it is absolutely worth it. We only had time for Benham Falls on this visit, but it is already on the list to do the full trail next time.

Must Visit: High Desert Museum

Truly one of a kind, the High Desert Museum is an absolute must if you are visiting Bend with kids. The exhibits covering Native American culture and history are wonderful, and the live animal experiences make it unlike any museum we have ever visited.

We loved the up-close animal encounters and talks, especially learning about the gray wolves and the gyrfalcon. Otters, owls, porcupines and so much more round out an animal lineup that had the kids completely captivated from start to finish.

📅 Plan Your Visit

Give yourself a full day here, you will need it. Before you leave, stop at the museum store and make time for lunch at the on-site cafe. Both are worth it.

Great for all ages: From toddlers to teenagers, the mix of history, wildlife, and interactive exhibits keeps everyone engaged. Do not rush this one.

Iconic: Smith Rock State Park

Oregon's most famous state park, and the moment you see why you will understand the hype completely. Smith Rock is hugely popular with rock climbing enthusiasts, and the dramatic formations are so extraordinary that when we started our hike I was literally screaming with joy.

Worth the drive: At about 30 minutes from central Bend, this was our longest drive of the whole trip and it was absolutely worth every minute. Stop here even if you only have time for one hike.

Local Gem: Shevlin Park

I am so glad I found this park. It is a true local gem and one of the most beautiful places we hiked the entire trip. From the moment you step out of the parking lot, you are greeted by aspen trees and the gentle sound of Tumalo Creek running alongside the trail.

The 4.7-mile loop winds through forests, along a river, and over wooden bridges, yet it feels like an effortless stroll the entire way. It is the perfect way to start a morning in Bend.

Morning Favorite: Drake Park and Mirror Pond

This downtown park was honestly one of my personal favorites of the entire trip. My favorite routine was grabbing an early morning coffee and taking a quiet walk here before the day's adventures began. The gorgeous homes along the river, the geese and ducks at Mirror Pond, and the option to grab a paddleboard or kayak and catch the sunset from the water made this spot endlessly special.

Quick Stop: Pilot Butte

Just minutes from downtown Bend, Pilot Butte is a scenic viewpoint that rewards you with 360-degree views of all the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Hood. A short detour with a seriously big payoff.

Only in Bend: The Last Blockbuster on Earth

Yes, this is an actual, operating Blockbuster. The last one on the entire planet. We had to stop, and we are so glad we did.

Taking the kids inside and showing them how we used to browse the aisles, pick out movies, and hold an actual VHS tape was such a special moment. A genuinely perfect little detour down memory lane that you simply cannot skip.

Bend's food scene reminded me a lot of Portland: locally owned coffee shops around every corner, some of the best coffee I have had anywhere, and fun food cart pods scattered all over town. Do not visit Oregon without taking full advantage of these spots.

Dinner: Wild Rose

Wild Rose is on the fancier side, and the inside is absolutely stunning: dried roses hanging from the ceiling, incredible ambiance, and a setting that feels made for a special date night. The kids wanted to swim at the hotel, so I ordered everything to go. Every single dish was top notch and incredibly flavorful.

What we ordered: Tom yum soup, glass noodles, Pad Thai with beef and chicken. All of it was absolutely delectable. I wish I had ordered more.

Breakfast: Sparrow Bakery

Located in downtown Bend, Sparrow Bakery is hands down one of the best breakfast spots I have visited in a long time. Incredible baked goods, amazing coffee, and a menu that had us wanting to order everything on it.

Pizza: 10 Barrel Brewing West Side

After a long day of adventuring, we picked up food from 10 Barrel Brewing to go, and the pizza completely impressed us. We went for the Fungalicious and the Sauced Bird with pulled pork swapped out for chicken, and wow. Do not skip this spot.

🕌 Muslim-Friendly Note

I almost skipped this one since it is a pub and we do not drink, but I am so glad we did not. The food is absolutely worth a visit regardless, and going for takeout made it effortless.

Coffee and Bagels: Perk Ave

Located right across the street from the River House on the Deschutes, Perk Ave uses fresh local products and is the perfect quick grab-and-go breakfast stop.

Dessert: Bonta Gelato

Made from fresh farm ingredients, Bonta Gelato is the ideal stop after a long hike or a hot afternoon exploring downtown. We tried the dulce de leche, lime cream, raspberry, lavender, and salted chocolate, and every single flavor was delectable.

Lunch To Go: Poke Row

Located right across from Sparrow Bakery, Poke Row is a great pick-up-and-go option with fresh fish and delicious poke bowls. We grabbed ours and headed up to Pilot Butte to eat while watching the sunset, which made for one of the most effortlessly perfect meals of the whole trip.

Hotel Breakfast: Currents Restaurant

Located inside the River House on the Deschutes, Currents is a beautiful restaurant with views right over the river. We ordered the huevos rancheros, veggie omelette, and avocado toast, and all of it was wonderful.

Best Coffee in Bend: Lone Pine Coffee

This one has to be the most delicious coffee in all of Bend. They roast and serve each individual cup, and the flavor is in a completely different league. The inside is eclectic, warm, and the perfect setting for a slow morning.

Heads up: I arrived early and there was already a line out the door. It is absolutely worth the wait, but plan accordingly if you are on a schedule.

Food Cart Experience: Podski Food Cart Lot

You simply cannot go to Oregon without visiting a food cart lot, and Podski is a great one. Situated between Old Mill and downtown Bend, it is a fun, lively spot with food trucks that are genuinely impressive. We went for the burgers, the wait was long, but the result was really, really good.

I hope you found this helpful. Leave a comment or send me a message if you have any questions. And a huge thank you to the Visit Bend team for having us.