Day Trip to Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon offers that sweet blend of adventure and leisure.

An outdoor lover’s paradise, a craft beer mecca, and a culinary scene to appease the most discerning foodie—it’s easy to understand why so many people are drawn to this high desert escape.

Bend is the place to visit if you want to carve turns on Mt. Bachelor in the morning, mountain bike the flowy singletrack of Phil’s Trail Network in the afternoon, and hike up Pilot Butte to catch the sun dip behind the Cascades in the evening. You can pack an incredible amount in just one day with Bend’s stellar accessibility to nature and its casual, fun-loving vibe.

There’s plenty to do around town—we’re keeping our tips nearby so you can get the most out of your day in Bend. Our biggest advice? Stay longer.

Wake up with coffee at local roastery Thump. We like the York Street location in NW Crossing complete with views of the Sisters, Mt. Bachelor and Broken Top as you take your first sips of steamy goodness. Their Spicy Mayan Mocha or perfectly-balanced cortado hit the spot. For breakfast, we love their variety of toasts with toppings for both the sweet and savory minded.

Before hitting the trail, grab lunch to take with you. Swing by Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery for their classic or made-to-order sandwiches on fresh bread baked in house (gluten-free available). They hold up well and the full order is pretty hefty, making them ideal for on-the-go adventure.

Time to hit the trail. It’s tough to choose with hundreds of miles of trails within a 20-minute drive of Bend. On Bend’s west side, Shevlin Park offers a fantastic network of trails. Hike through an expansive meadow of sage and juniper with views of the Cascades, including Mt. Washington and Mt. Jefferson, and drop down into a diverse ponderosa forest along the creek. You may even spot a few bald eagles nesting high above the riverbank.

If you’re a climber, you’re going to want to hop in the van and head northeast about 25 miles to iconic Smith Rock State Park, credited as the birthplace of sport climbing in the U.S. Take your pick of nearly 2,000 routes ranging from fourth class to 5.14. If you’d prefer to stay on the ground, the park offers several hiking trails along the river canyon, or take the steep switchbacks of the infamous Misery Ridge Trail for up close views of the 350-foot “Monkey Face” spire.

For those who want to burn calories on two wheels, Bend offers tons of dirt, road, and gravel options. You can’t beat the access to Phil’s Trail Network winding through ponderosa forest just 3 miles from downtown. For road riding, Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway is a moderate, 36-mile loop from Drake Park near downtown with a solid taste of high desert life from city to farmland to sagebrush. And for gravel, don’t miss the Cascades Gravel Scenic Bikeway, a series of 6 mixed surface routes catering to both beginner and advanced riders.

Head back to Bend for post-trail beers at Crux Fermentation Project. Their lawn is the perfect place to stretch out. Enjoy their dizzying selection of IPAs, from juicy to hazy to classic west coast styles. If IPAs aren’t your thing, the pub features 20+ taps with pilsners, pale ales, stouts and sours all in rotation.

If the afternoon heat is getting to you, cool off on the Deschutes River. Paddle upstream right in town and enjoy a lazy float back. Riverbend Park is a great spot to put in. If you’re sans paddle board or kayak, do a 2-hour rental from the friendly folks at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe.

After a full day of outdoor adventure, it’s time to get your grub on. There’s no shortage of quality restaurants in Bend. We’re a little partial to Spork, featuring street food from Latin America and Asia. Try the Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian stir fry dish, or the Peanut Tomato Curry. Both dishes can be vegetarian or vegan. Pair your meal with a tasty cocktail like the Thai Collins with kefir lemongrass gin or the Jardín de Puebla with Ancho Reyes Verde, a spicy liqueur crafted in Pueblo, Mexico from ancho and poblano chiles.

Head downtown and see what’s playing at the Tin Pan Theater. Housed in a cozy 28-seat auditorium down a narrow alley, this boutique arthouse cinema shows inspiring, critically-acclaimed films with snacks, local beer, cider, wine and non-alcoholic beverages available.

A stone’s throw away, walk over to McMenamins Old St. Francis School. The former Catholic school served the community from 1936 until 2000. Today, the property boasts guestrooms, several restaurants and bars (including a cigar bar), outdoor patios with fire pits, a movie theatre, and a soaking pool. Decorated with tributes and curiosities from the former schoolhouse and bygone times of Bend—memorabilia, photos, and paintings hang on the walls. You’re definitely going to want to hit up the soaking pool with tile mosaics, stained glass, pillars, and fountains—you’ll think you’ve time traveled back to an ancient Mediterranean wonderland. Wander the hallways of the newer Art House building to discover hidden rooms, and even a secret bar. We’re not giving you any hints.

Just a few blocks over, if you’re looking for cocktails and nightlife, there’s no better place than The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin—where thoughtful creations come to life in an open, inviting space adorned with eclectic paintings, woodwork, and fixtures. Think urban hip meets vintage mountain town. The Dogwood infuses many of their liquors with delicious combinations like habanero-infused tequila, beet-infused vodka, and tobacco-infused rum. While their drinks take center stage, they’re complemented by a tasty menu of small plates as equally inspired as their cocktails. On the weekends, DJs spin a variety of beats, including house, funk, and hip-hop.

We don’t ever want to leave...

*NOTE: Make sure to check the most recent COVID-19 regulations and closures when planning your trip to Bend!