If you’re visiting Bend, Oregon for the first time, this guide has everything you need to plan the perfect stay and feel less overwhelmed. We’re answering all your questions about our home town and sharing helpful tips for first-timers!
We may be a bit biased, but Bend, Oregon isn’t just a destination for us—it’s home.
After years of living in this high-desert haven, we’ve uncovered the hidden gems and local favorites that make Bend truly special. From serene paddleboarding sessions on Sparks Lake to savoring the best brunch spots downtown, we’ve experienced it all firsthand.
In this guide, we’re sharing our insider knowledge to help you explore Bend like a local.
If you’re visiting for the first time, this Bend travel guide covers everything you need to know—from when to go and how to get around, to where to stay, what to eat, and the can’t-miss experiences.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to hit the trails or a foodie on the hunt for the next great meal, we’ve got you covered. So, lace up your hiking boots and bring your appetite—let’s dive into our local tips for visiting Bend, Oregon!
Bend Travel Guide
- Why trust us?
- Best time to visit
- Top things to do in Bend
- Tips for visiting Bend
- How to get there
- Getting around Bend
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Our experience: Why we moved
Why trust our advice?
Simple: We live in Bend.
This isn’t just a place we’ve passed through—we’ve built a life here. When we’re not working on our blog, we’re out exploring Bend’s trails, breweries, lakes, and hidden gems.
We’ve personally experience everything we share in this guide, and we’re sharing our real-life tips—not generic travel fluff. So if you’re looking for honest, local advice from people who actually live here, you’re in the right place. ‘Nuff said.
Best time to visit Bend
Honestly, each season has its draws, and we’re fans of them all for different reasons.
Spring in Bend
Springtime brings comfortable temperatures for hiking and mountain biking.
Good to know: the nearby Cascade Lakes Highway will still be closed and many hikes are still covered with snow at this time of the year.
Summer in Bend
Summer is the most popular (and crowded!) time to visit, but the other seasons have perks too. This is the perfect time for spending the day floating in the Deschutes River or at one of the many nearby lakes.
Good to know: Late summer (usually August) can get very smoky depending on what the nearby wildfires are like.
Fall in Bend
Fall brings a chill to the air and is a great time to do some drives and hikes outside of town to see the yellow foliage.
The Old Mckenzie Highway is the best place nearby to see the fall colors, but time your trip right as they don’t last very long. A great nearby place to see a grove of yellow aspens is on the drive to Tumalo Falls.
And if you’re visiting in the fall, the pumpkin patch at Smith Rock Ranch is fun to visit!
Winter in Bend
Winter is a great time to visit as well because temperatures in town stay pretty mild for most of the season, but just a short 20-minute drive toward the mountains will bring you to a winter wonderland!
Mount Bachelor boasts one of—if not the—longest ski season in the county with slopes open from November – July some years.
→ If you’re visiting during this season, be sure to check out our guide to Bend in winter that we put together over on our sister site.
Things to do in Bend
If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Bend, Oregon, here are our top recommendations:
- Go hiking (seriously, there are so many incredible trails)
- Discover the quirky McMenamins Kennedy School (we love their soaking pool)
- Float down the Deschutes River (a must if you are visiting in summer)
- Go brewery-hopping
- Skiing at Mt. Bachelor (in 3 seasons!)
- Visit Smith Rock State Park
- Check out Tumalo Falls
We have an entire article dedicated to the best things to do in Bend where we share details and tips for first-time visitors.
Tips for visiting Bend
1. Temperatures change quickly
Bend is located in the high desert which means temperatures can drop drastically from day to night. Even if it’s an 80-degree day with not a cloud in the sky, carry some layers if you plan to be out after dark because those temps can dip pretty quickly and you don’t want to find yourself shivering in a sundress as soon as the sun sets.
2. Book accommodation early
Bend is a popular tourist destination, so if you’re visiting over a holiday weekend, be sure to book your stay well in advance. We’ve learned the hard way that what is typically a great variety of hotels and Airbnbs turns into slim pickings fast.
3. Be prepared for “smoky season”
If you’re visiting Bend during August or early September, be prepared that there may be smoke from nearby wildfires. The severity varies from year to year, but when it’s bad, going outside can be very uncomfortable.
4. Get a Sno-Park Pass if you’re traveling in the winter
If you’re visiting Bend in the winter months (from November 1 – April 30) and plan to do outdoor activities (like XC skiing or snowshoeing), you’ll likely need to purchase a Sno-Park pass.
To access most winter trails, you will need either a day pass ($5) or a season pass ($30), as this is what pays for them to be plowed and maintained. You can purchase these passes at REI, ranger stations, or at many local outdoor gear retailers.
5. Know about seasonal road closures
Some mountain roads are only open seasonally. The two roads nearest to Bend that may be closed during your trip are:
- Cascade Lakes Highway: often closed from mid-November to Memorial Day weekend
- Paulina Lake Road: often closed for the same period
Permits are now required for some hikes in the Central Cascades Wilderness. Check the Forest Service website for information about permit requirements of specific hikes.
How to get to Bend
We’ll go over the best ways to get to Bend, whether you’re driving or flying.
Flying in and out of Redmond Airport
If you’re coming from out of state, you can either fly directly to Redmond airport (just 35 minutes north of Bend). or of course, you can drive .
Transportation to and from the airport
We’d highly recommend booking Enviro Shuttle for your transport to and from as they are super reliable and cheaper than Uber. We’ve learned the hard way that Uber at this airport can be really hard to get at night, and surge pricing can increase the rates incredibly.
Driving to Bend
If you plan to explore more of the state (which you definitely should if you have time!), Bend can make a great stop on your Oregon road trip.
Coming from Portland? The 175-mile drive takes you over a mountain pass and should take about 3.5 hours. The easiest way is to drive, but there are buses that do this route.
How to get around Bend
While Bend has a laid-back, small-town vibe, it’s still pretty spread out—so yes, you’ll definitely want a vehicle to make the most of your time here.
That said, downtown Bend is super walkable, with breweries, restaurants, shops, and the river all within easy strolling distance. Once you’ve parked, you can explore the heart of town on foot. The same goes for the Old Mill District—just park and wander.
But if you’re planning to hit the hiking trails, drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, or venture out to Smith Rock or the Deschutes River Trail, a car is essential. Public transportation is limited and not really practical for visitors.
A few local tips:
- Parking downtown is free in some areas, but can fill up fast on weekends—look for city lots or street parking just a few blocks out.
- Biking is big in Bend, and there are lots of bike lanes and multi-use trails. If you’re visiting in summer, renting a bike is a great way to explore town (just keep an eye out for roundabouts—they’re everywhere!).
- Rideshares like Uber and Lyft do exist, but availability can be spotty, especially late at night or in more remote areas.
Bottom line: Bring or rent a car, wear comfy walking shoes, and you’ll be set to explore Bend like a local!
Where to eat in Bend
If you’re looking for a handful of spots to put on your list, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Bend:
- Spork: global fusion and fun atmosphere
- Wild Rose: best Thai in town
- El Sancho (westside location!): street tacos and margs
- McKay Cottage: best brunch in town
- Jackson’s Corner: all-around good food
- 10 Barrel (westside location): good brewery and eats
- Brother John’s (westside location): pub grub in a hole-in-the-wall atmosphere
- Nancy P’s Cafe: great sandwiches to go
- Bo’s Falafel Bar: healthy and delicious bowls
- The Lot: taproom in a cool setting with food trucks
However, since Bend has such an incredible food scene, there’s really no way we could truly do it justice with a small section in this article…
That’s why we created a list of our favorite restaurants in Bend!
This list includes our favorite spots to grab coffee, the best sandwiches to bring with you on an outdoor adventure, our favorite food trucks, can’t-miss breweries, and the best “nicer” restaurants in town. Be sure to check it out so you can flag the places you don’t want to miss!
Bend map: Our favorite Eats & Drinks in Bend
Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our interactive Bend Restaurants map. It’s filled with our favorite restaurants, breweries, food trucks and more!
Where to stay in Bend
For your first visit to Bend, we’d personally recommend staying on the west side of highway 97, near downtown or on the west side of the river (known as Galveston Flats). The Old Mill district, south of downtown, also makes a really good base.
These locations will be within walking distance to the river and to some of the best parts of Bend.
Important Note: Many of the better hotels and Airbnbs in town book up long in advance, especially during the summer months or holiday weekends. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your stay. We’ve learned the hard way!
Here are some Airbnbs and hotels that we would personally recommend:
Our TOP picks
The Airbnbs and hotels in this section are our top picks! If you want an easy recommendation for a stay you’ll love, this is all you need!
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School: This is one of the most unique places you can stay in town. This historic Catholic school was remodeled into what McMenamins is today — part hotel, part bar, part restaurant, part movie theater.
- Yes, you can sleep in what used to be an old classroom! Plus, this hotel has one of the best locations in town — you’re within walking distance to all sorts of activities.
- Beautiful Cottage on the Westside: This cute little cottage has room to sleep 6 guests and it includes a nice outdoor space with a grill in an excellent location in Bend. We’d book this in a heartbeat!
- Historic Cecil House: This cozy and modern Airbnb is in a great location for access to all kinds of adventures. It’s beautifully decorated with a wood-burning fireplace and a salt water hot tub to relax after a long day.
- Cozy Home with Hot Tub & Bikes: This modern bungalow has room to sleep 6 guests and includes a hot tub and bikes with your stay. Plus it’s in a perfect location in central Bend.
Top budget stays in Bend
It can be tricky finding budget-friendly accommodation in Bend, but lucky for you, we’ve done all the research. These stays will make a great choice as a home base without breaking the bank.
- LOGE Bend: This is one of the only properties on this list located outside of town, but it’s a quick drive to the center of it all. Plus, the reasonable prices and a fun design — with hammocks in the rooms & a fun outdoor space — make it a good pick.
- This is a particularly good choice if you plan to do a lot of biking in Bend, as the location grants you easy access to amazing mountain biking trails. There’s even a bike cleaning station onsite.
- Bunk & Brew Historic Lucas House: Bunk & Brew is the only hostel in Bend (as of now!), and it’s a fun place to hang out whether or not you’re a guest. There’s a cool outdoor courtyard with permanent food trucks and a beer stand. There is often live music and an overall fun atmosphere. The hostel itself is inside the historic Lucas House, the first brick home in Bend.
- Good to know: We’d only really recommend staying here if you’re a solo traveler and keen to stay in a dorm, as the private rooms are as expensive (if not more) than hotels in the area.
- Campfire Hotel: What used to be a standard motel has been completely remodeled into a trendy yet affordable place to stay. The location, on 3rd Street, is okay. It’s central, yet not as walking-friendly as many other spots on this list. However, this hotel is known for a lively atmosphere, hosting pool parties in the summer, bonfires in the winter, and live music all year. If you want a place to mingle, this is a great choice!
More places to choose from
Still not finding quite what you’re looking for? Here are a few more options, including a more luxurious resort, a chain hotel, and a boutique-style bed and breakfast.
- Tethrow Hotel: If you’re searching for a truly luxurious stay in Bend, this is a perfect choice. You’ll feel like you’re surrounded by nature, but in truth, you’re just a short 15-minute drive to town. And if you don’t feel like driving, you’re in luck because there’s a complimentary shuttle that goes to town.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott: If you prefer chain hotels, this would be our pick in Bend. Well-located with many food options within walking distance, and beautifully outfitted, this is a good pick for your stay in Bend.
- Mill Inn: With a perfect location, this charming bed & breakfast makes an excellent choice. Ben’s parents stayed here and loved the cozy rooms (with lots of character) and they raved about the breakfast!
Camping near Bend
If you’re traveling in a campervan, there are plenty of places to camp near Bend. From parking on Forest Service roads in the Deschutes National Forest to established campgrounds with all the amenities, there are all sorts of options.
Helpful resources:
- Great campgrounds near Bend: we’ve got a whole list ready for you to scour!
- Tips for finding free camping: how to (legally) camp for free (+ helpful apps!)
- Best campervan rentals in Portland: expert tips for the best way to explore Oregon!
Our experience in Bend: Why we moved
We first visited this town in 2017 on a road trip, and I vividly remember sitting next to the Deschutes River and talking about how we could really see ourselves living in this charming town that seemed to check all “the boxes”.
Fast forward to the fall of 2019 and we arrived with our Subaru packed to the gills, ready to explore our new home.
And we’re certainly not the only ones who have fallen in love with this Central Oregon town and relocated. With just over 100,000 residents, Bend is quickly growing and shows no signs of slowing down (which is both good and bad in many ways).
Is Bend worth the hype?
What was once a small logging town is now one of the top destinations in the state of Oregon.
Many trendy places that grow quickly beg the question, “Is it really all it’s built up to be?”
After living in Bend since 2019, we can confidently say that this town is worth the hype.
Our favorite things about Bend
What makes it so great? Glad you asked! Here are just a few things we love:
- Moderate climate: Not too hot in the summer *most of the time* (and very little humidity), not too cold in the winter. We love having 4 seasons without the extremes.
- Access to outdoors: There is access to so many outdoor activities from town — hiking for all levels, whitewater and lake kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, backcountry camping, skiing & snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing… I could go on! It’s an outdoor-lover’s paradise.
- Charming & historic downtown: We love that a lot of the historic buildings throughout town have been preserved instead of knocked down in lieu of new construction (especially in the westside neighborhood). Many restaurants and shops are actually inside old houses giving the town a quaint charm that you don’t find everywhere.
- Lots of events: During just about any week of the year, you’ll find tons of events taking place throughout town. And there’s honestly something for everyone — live music, art exhibits, film screenings, outdoor meetups, you name it!
- Good food scene: In recent years, Bend’s food scene has really grown into something special. For a medium-sized town, there is a surprising amount of options. You can find everything from vegan eats, to authentic Thai, to 5-course fine dining, to food truck grub. We will say there are definitely some gaps… *cough, cough* Korean, Indian, and African cuisines are all sorely lacking (amongst others).
- Psst! We’ve compiled a Bend, Oregon restaurant guide just for you!
The not-so-great parts…
As with most places, there are some drawbacks too.
We’ll be honest, Bend is pretty amazing, but it’s not perfect. Here are two things that we don’t love:
- Growing cost of living: You could say that most towns have an increasing cost of living, but Bend’s is going up drastically. Like crazy drastic. It’s getting out of control, with house prices increasing by more than 30% from 2020 to 2021. Insane, huh?!
- Lack of diversity: Oregon in general has a historic lack of diversity, and Bend is no exception. With cost of living rising at an extreme rate, it’s unlikely that this will change in a big way anytime soon.
Plan your trip to Oregon
Being that Oregon is our home state, we have TONS of content to help you plan your trip. Start with our Oregon Homepage and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any more questions!
- Read up on all the fun things to do in Bend, Oregon (our hometown!)
- If you need more ideas, here are some incredible places to visit in Oregon.
- You’ll want to keep this Oregon road trip itinerary close by.
- Read up on all the weirdly awesome things to do in Portland.
- If you’re headed west, here are all the cutest Oregon Coast towns.
- Plan your Oregon coast road trip with our insider tips & map.
- Don’t skip Cannon Beach, our favorite small town in Oregon.
- Keep this list of our favorite things to do in Oregon handy.
- This article will help you visit the 7 wonders of Oregon.
Don’t miss your chance to grab our Bend Eats map!
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We want to hear from you!
We hope this Bend travel guide was a big help in planning your first trip to our home town. If you still have questions about traveling to Bend, leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!