Favorite spots in
Bend, OR
Fun things to do
Family-friendly and accessible
Check out the summer concert schedule at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater - located along river for an amazing outdoor summer evening event.
Visit the High Desert Museum for a day of cultural and wildlife experiences! The river otters are my favorite!
Rent tubes and float the Deschutes River from River Bend Park to Drake park. Shuttle service included.
Stroll the promenade & watch the surfers of the Deschutes River Wave. A beautiful pathway that winds from Old Mill District to River West District.
Take a scenic chair lift ride up at Mt. Bachelor resort. Call ahead to arrange wheelchair accommodations at the top of the ride!
Farmer's Markets
Healthy Markets & Grocery
Health food Markets:
Classics:
Safeway (several locations)
Trails & Scenic Things
Stroll along the river: start at Old Mill shopping center & cruise along the water to the "wave" to watch the surfers
Shevlin Park: This park boasts a rich pioneer history and an incredible diversity of tree species, including western larch, spruce, ponderosa pine, and aspen.
Adaptive Mountain Biking lessons & trail rides with Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS)
Benham Falls: bring your bike or free-wheel to travel the dirt trail to our favorite waterfall & river views.
Pilot Butte: great 360 view of Bend & Cascade Mountains; hike or drive to the top
Smith Rock State Park: 45 minutes north - cool red rocks like Sedona
Wanderlust Tours offers a scenic tour of Smith Rock using the AdenChair.
Tumalo Falls: hike or drive in to see the waterfall
Restaurants
My personal favorites are highlighted in yellow.
Lunch-ish
Market of Choice has a great selection of grab-and-go items + hot bar (like Whole Foods)
Active Culture: good breakfast burrito, harvest bowels, acai bowls; little play ground for kids while you eat outsie
Salud: raw, vegan (very fresh!)
Jackson's Corner: wholesome, farm fresh & organic
Cheba Hut: great sandwiches
That Guy’s Bistro: “heavier” sandwiches - burgers, philly cheesesteak, etc.
Spork: Asian fusion
Kitchen Window: sourdough pizza for take out - best pizza in Bend!
Life & Time: "healthy" fast food, GF, DF options
M’s Bakery: small menu, mostly a bakery!
El Sancho: mexican, Bend stable
Brewery/Pub Food
Deschutes Brewery: a Bend staple
Bend Brewing Co.: another Bend staple, nice spot by the river with outdoor seating
Worthy Brewing: nice outdoor spot with life music & events
Food trucks
A staple around here: basically an indoor-outdoor bar surrounded by 5-6 trucks. Something for everyone!
Mexican
Philly cheesesteaks
Detroit-style pizza
Himalayan
BBQ
Smash burgers at Americana (the best burger in Bend)
Thai
Oysters
Toasty (vegan) - they have the best vegan Crunchwrap Supreme!
Detroit-style pizza
Gyros
Chicken & waffles
Mac & cheese
Pizza
Tater Tot nachos
Sushi
“Nicer” places for Dinner
Ken’s Artisan Pizza: woodfire oven - make a reservation.
Wild Rose Thai: famous in Bend - make a reservation
Americana: smash burger - best burger in Bend!
Coffee & Treats
Sisters Coffee: in Old Mill, the best chai lattes
Backporch Coffee Roasters: several locations, including downtown
Fox & Fern: super cute to hang out, in River West
Thump coffee: located downtown
Bonta gelato: our favorite cold treat! - located downtown
Drinks: cocktail lounges
The Flamingo Room: favorite cocktail lounge with plant vibes
San Simon: cocktail lounge downtown, cozy outdoor tables
Kid-Friendly Things
See full list here.
Playgrounds:
Alpenglow Park: splash pad & wheelchair-accessible swings
Columbia Park: features a giant pirate-themed play structure on the shores of the Deschutes River.
Farewell Bend Park: by the river, central location
Activities:
Visit the High Desert Museum for a day of cultural and wildlife experiences! The river otters are my favorite!
Stroll along the river: start at Old Mill shopping center & cruise along the water to the "wave" to watch the surfers
Hot weather things:
Kid’s sandy play beach on the River: great spot to swim, build sandcastles, etc. Park on SW Reed Market Road parklettes.
Alpenglow Park: splash pad