Bend, OR is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture—but there are some must-do bucket list activities in Bend that even locals might find surprising. So whether you’re looking to buy a house in Bend, OR, interested in renting an apartment in the area, or have your eyes on a rental home, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love exploring this city.
In this article, we dive beyond the usual spots you would expect to find in Bend and uncover some unique things to do that will leave you eager to explore new adventures you may not even know exist. Keep reading to discover activities unique to Bend and hopefully cross some off your bucket list.
1. Discover timeless charm at Trivia Antiques
Looking for unique beauty and style that can only be found in an antique store? Trivia Antiques is your answer; not only have they been in the business for the past 40 years—they are one of only two antique stores left in Bend. If you’re in need of some lasting pieces stop by the store where their friendly staff will help you find your treasures.
2. Grab chic finds at Found Natural Goods
Supporting local artists and small businesses is crucial for keeping a town thriving. Found Natural Goods—is a local boutique that features handmade, up-cycled, VNTG, zero-waste, and organic goods. With items from over eighty American female artists and businesses, this establishment will inspire you and leave you impressed by the pieces and their impact.
3. Hand-curated goods at Revival Vintage
Voted Best Vintage Clothing in Central Oregon by Source Weekly readers, ’20-’23 Revival Vintage—is a must-visit stop. Located off Galveston behind 10 Barrel and Namaspa Yoga, Revival specializes in clothing and housewares for women, men, and kids. They’ve got all the fringe, leather, sequins, pearlsnaps, boots, fur, kimonos, kaftans, flannels, denim, and corduroy your heart desires, with some home decor to boot.
4. Sparkle with Saxon’s Fine Jewelers
In the heart of the stunning Old Mill District, a must-visit is a local staple for over 40 years—Saxon’S Fine Jewelers. As a proud supporter of the community, Saxon’s has Central Oregon’s premiere selection of beautiful jewels sourced from all over the world. If you find yourself in the Old Mill District, grabbing a bit to eat, taking a stroll through the park, or just visiting one of the many attractions, make sure to swing by Saxon’s because there are some pretty spectacular things you’ll only find there.
5. Get creative at Let’s Paint
If you want to express yourself more creatively through parties, classes, murals, and more, look no further than Let’s Paint. Join one of the many paint n’ sip parties at one of the charming locally owned businesses. Modern Games, Craft Kitchen & Brewery, and The Bend Wine Bar, each with a unique character that make you feel special and connected to the community. The class paintings are inspired by the beauty of natural surroundings that you can proudly hang in your new home in Bend. Supporting local businesses while recreating the stunning outdoors creates a perfect blend of art and nature.
6. Scale new heights at Smith Rock Climbing School
Cliff Agocs from Smith Rock Climbing School insists that “no trip to Bend is complete without a visit to Smith Rock State Park. Famous for its incredible rock climbing—the park also offers incredible views for hikers and photographers. Visitors can also count on wildlife sightings—from nesting eagles and falcons to river otters and deers. Whether you plan on staying for as little as an hour and as long as a couple of days with a night of camping, the trip is worthwhile.” If you’re looking for a break from the usual outdoor activities, this bucket list activity is a must-do.
7. Must-do outdoor experiences
“No matter the season, you can always find a fun outdoor activity to do” explains Christina Cappy from Bend Language Institute. “With endless trails in quiet, old growth forests, you will be so enamored that you will never want to go any place else.”
Enjoy hiking, biking, or floating
“Bend is a fantastic mountain town, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, or floating down the Deschutes River,” explains Glenn VanLandingham from the local blog EpicBend. “For a simple yet stunning hike near Bend, a visit to Tumalo Falls located about 25 minutes west of downtown Bend is a must. You can admire the beautiful falls with just a short walk from the parking area. For an even better view, you can hike 0.5 miles to the top of the falls. More experienced hikers can use the Tumalo Falls trailhead for longer hikes into the Three Sisters Wilderness.”
Explore diverse landscapes
Jess Yeoman from Cascade Relays emphasizes that “Bend’s unique location offers a breathtaking blend of high desert, volcanic craters, and stunning alpine lakes. You’re not going to want to miss hiking the Big Butte Challenge, which encourages the community to explore this diverse landscape and rewards them with pints at some of Bend’s best local breweries afterward. It’s a great place to live to to tap into new areas, take those summit selfies, and soak up the afternoon high desert sunshine at the brew pubs, where many locals gather.”
Exhilarating ride guides
One activity that will get your heart rate up is joining riders alike at Dirty Freehub—a non profit that connects cyclists to where they ride. The site has over 12,000 miles of curated gravel biking ride guides across the Western US, with plenty of local rides to start with here in Bend. Check out each guide before riding to better understand the history, culture and environment and to get a feel for your new home and the outdoor recreation opportunities the area has to offer.
The ultimate rafting experience
Crowned by Trip Advisor as the top outdoor activity in Bend, Sun Country Tours’ Big Eddy Thriller Rafting trip is a local favorite among all ages. The three-hour door-to-door trip takes you to Bend’s classic class three rapids on the beautiful Upper Deschutes River. The expert guides will educate you on the basics of rafting, local wildlife, and geology throughout the trip and provide swimming opportunities for those eager to take a dip.
Make a splash
If you want to savor the last bit of summer, Tule Walks photographer Ginger Berryman recommends “heading up the Cascade Lakes Highway with your paddleboard in hand and enjoy the water. Some top lakes to visit are Sparks and Hosmer. Also, don’t miss the incredible mountain vistas and excellent wildlife viewing, especially if you love birds.”
8. Sip, toast, repeat
In historic downtown Bend, The Wine Shop And Tasting Bar is a unique international wine shop that is locally owned and operated. It features a variety of top wines from around the world, small-batch spirits, and beer from Spider City Brewing. You can also enjoy small bites like bacon-wrapped dates or a charcuterie board. This wine shop is perfect for a date night or hanging out with friends.
If you love Willamette Valley wines, Bend offers some excellent tasting rooms where you can savor high-quality wines from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. To enjoy organic selections, check out Bend Wine Bar & Tasting Room to enjoy wines from the organic Black Dog Vineyard. For lesser known varieties like Chasselas Doré—head to Laurel Ridge to taste and learn about Yamhill-Carlton’s history. These wine tasting rooms are the perfect place to start your night—enjoy a tasting flight before dinner or a show.
9. In a theater near you
Jesse Hastings from BlueJay Photography suggests checking out Tin Pan Theater, a local arthouse cinema. “This charming and immersive venue offers a curated selection of films, tasty craft beers, seasonal art exhibits, and a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed night out,” says Hastings. “Tin Pan Theater is situated in the heart of Downtown Bend, so you’ll be surrounded by top restaurants, bars, and shopping, and just steps away from scenic Drake Park, where you might catch some free live music along the Deschutes River.”
10. Explore the foodie’s paradise
Whether you’re looking for a place to gather with new friends or wanting to try some of Bend’s best food and drink, The Grove is your one stop shop for a truly Bend experience. Located in Northwest Crossing, The Grove is home to nine locally owned restaurants in one indoor/outdoor marketplace.
11. Hit your fitness goals
If you’re looking to gear up physically, mentally, and emotionally to maximize your Bend experience, Foundation Health & Fitness center has you covered. This fitness and wellness center has all your training needs, modalities, and experiences to help you upgrade your capacities and “Do Bend Better” along your fitness journey.
12. Unlock the power of networking
Connect with like minded individuals and support a thriving local economy through networking. Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO) and Redmond Economic Development Inc. (REDI) organize regular networking events to connect businesses with the resources they need to grow and thrive, including the annual Bend Venture Conference, the largest and longest-standing angel investment conference in the Pacific Northwest.
13. A mystic escape
Experience an unmatched wellness experience with Juniper Preserve. Not only is this a hub offering various activities such as full service spas, upscale lodging accommodations at Juniper Lodge, they also have an amazing new restaurant experience, Iris and Blue Bar. Located in the newly renovated Clubhouse, Iris and Blue Bar offers a memorable dining experience in a secluded setting with stunning mountain views that pay homage to Bend’s local community by highlighting the partnerships to local farmers and purveyors.
Bucket List Activities in Bend, OR: Final thoughts
Kimberly Handley from Fratzke Commercial Real Estate sums it up best. “Bend is home to several charming boutiques, galleries, and eateries, making it a must-visit for any traveler,” shares Handley. “Wander through its tree-lined streets and discover locally-crafted treasures, from unique jewelry to artisanal chocolates, all while soaking in the area’s rich history and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re savoring a pint at a brewery or enjoying a stroll through parks, Bend promises an unforgettable experience. ”
We hope this article gives you some great bucket list activities in Bend that you can cross off your list. Life in Bend not only promises unforgettable moments but also gives you the opportunity to embrace the natural beauty, vibrant community, and boundless opportunities for adventure in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
