By Shannon Gomes
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Sunriver and Bend, Oregon offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, making them prime destinations for year-round adventures. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades to the lush riverbanks of the Deschutes, this region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re skiing and snowboarding in the winter, hiking and biking in the summer, or simply savoring the stunning scenery, there’s always something to explore. Add to this the thriving culinary scene, with an array of craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and local wineries, and you have a destination that delights all the senses. Sunriver and Bend are not just places to visitāthey’re places to experience, offering a dynamic mix of activities and flavors that keep people coming back season after season. This area has quickly become one of our familyās favorite destinations in both the summertime and winter.
How long should you plan to visit?
To experience all of the outdoor summer fun that Central Oregon has to offer, plan on staying for a full week (or more!).
Whatās the best way to get to the Sunriver/Bend area?
Itās best to have a car to explore the area, so I recommend driving. The drive from the SF Bay Area is approximately 8 hours. Once you hits the Shasta region, itās a beautiful drive all the way up to Central Oregon (Iām constantly taking photos out of the window!). You could also fly in/out of Portland Airport, rent a car and drive 3 hours. Or, you could fly into the small airport in Redmond, OR (just outside of Bend) and rent a car to drive during your stay.
Best places to stay
If you are visiting with your family, I think the best place to stay is in Sunriver community, which is just 15 minutes south of Bend. Sunriver is a dream location to stay for families and people of all ages. Sunriver offers miles of flat bike trails, golf courses, a shopping center, a spa, tube & paddleboard rentals, and an awesome recreation center called āThe Sharcā that features multiple swimming pools, a lazy river & waterslides. Book a home or condo to stay in Sunriver with the local family-run rental agency Bennington Properties or you can also find great homes through Airbnb.
If you prefer to stay in Bend, I recommend either renting a house via Airbnb (ideally along the Deschutes!) or staying at one of the following hotels:
Tetherow Resort – voted the #1 resort in the Pacific Northwest and set amongst the forest and just a quick drive into Bend, Tetherow is the place stay if you are looking for a special resort experience
Riverhouse on the Deschutes – located right along the Deschutes river, the Riverhouse offers a wide range of room options from bunk beds for the kids to suites
Hilton Garden Inn in the Old Mill District – this hotel is in a great location with views of the Deschutes and walking distance to the shops in the Old Mill District
Top activities to do in the Summer āļø
Tubing through downtown Bend – rent your tube & enjoy pick-up/drop-off services by booking with Tumalo Creek. This is hands-down our favorite activity to do in Bend. All you need to do is wear your bathing suit, a hat, sunglasses and water shoesā¦and the you just float your cares away down the Deschutes River. Itās such an awesome experience that my family did it twice in one week!
White Water Rafting – If you are staying in the Sunriver/Bend area for a week or more, I highly recommend booking an all-day white water rafting trip down the Deschutes Rivers. There are quite a few rafting companies but I recommend booking an all-day tour with Ouzel Outfitters. They will pick you up early in the morning from the Bend area and then you go on a 2 hour drive to Maupin where you start your river trip. Expert guides will be on each raft and itās a blast splashing through rapids, enjoying a lunch break on the side of the river and swimming in the chilly yet vey refreshing water. This is a must-do activity in the summer!
Mountain Biking – One of the ways to explore the region is on a bike, and another must-do activity is to go on an all-day mountain bike tour with The Paulina Plunge Downhill/Waterfall Mt. Bike tour. Book online in advance because this popular tour books up fast in the summer! Itās an adventurous day of downhill (only!) biking where you stop and three different waterfalls to enjoy the water (and swim, if youād like).Ā
Zip lining – Just a 30 minute drive from Sunriver or Bend, you can go mountain biking down the ski hills or go zip lining from the top of the mountains at Mt. Bachelor. A thrilling and memorable afternoon!
Hiking – There are no shortage of hiking trails throughout the region (see here for a great list from easy to difficult hikes), but one must-do hike is SmithRock.com. A steep and definitely not-for-beginners hike, come prepared in good hiking gear and plenty of water & snacks, because the views from the top are well worth it!
Lava Tube Cave Tours – this subterranean tour has been high on my list of must-doās so hoping to do this someday soon as Iāve heard amazing things. Book well in advance with Wanderlust Tours, and bring layers as it gets cold in the caves! Youāll be supplied with a helmet, headlamp and an experienced Naturalist will guide you through these awesome caves in the high desert.
Golfing – while I donāt golf, my family does and they rave about the golf courses in this area. If you are a golfer, be sure to check out these great courses:
Top activities to do in the Winter āļø
Ski or Snowboard at Mt. Bachelor – just a 30 min. drive from Sunriver or Bend, Mt. Bachelor has quickly become one of my favorite ski mountains. Offering a wide range of runs, primarily intermediate and advanced, the views of the Cascades while skiing down fresh powder is just phenomenal.
Cross-Country Skiing – not into downhill skiing but still want to enjoy the exercise of being on skis? Cross-country is the way to go! While there is a ton of fantastic trails in the Bend area, I recommend Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center to experience some of the best trails.
Snowshoeing – While you can strap on snow shoes and explore many of the awesome Bend trails, if you want a super unique experience – I highly recommend booking a nighttime snowshoe tour with Wanderlust Tours.
Ice Skating – For a fun family activity, you must go ice skating either in the Sunriver Village or in Bend at The Pavillon.
Snowmobiling – in the mood to feel like James Bond in the snow? I highly recommend booking a guided snowmobiling trip with Central Oregon Adventures. A super fun winter adventure for families with older kids/teens!
Gather Sauna House – my friend Dana raves about this sauna house in Bend! Sounds like the perfect place to visit after a day of outdoor activities in the snow.
Family Fun Activities Year-Round š
High Desert Museum – this museum should definitely be on your must-visit list while in the Sunriver/Bend area. Featuring wildlife, history and art, plan to spend 3-4 hours at this awesome museum.
Escape Room – our family had such a fun afternoon playing a complex escape room game at Puzzle Effect. Book online in advance and select the theme and difficulty level of your game before arriving. Get ready for lots of laughter and teamwork!
Indoor Trapoline Parks – kids need to burn some indoor energy? Visit either Mountain Air or Trampoline Zone and Adventure Park, that also features a rock climbing wall, laser tag and more.
Classic Arcades – want to show your kids how cool āold school arcade joints are? You must visit Vector Volcano in downtown Bend. Featuring classic video games from the ā80s and ā90s, pinball machines and more, this spot is a must-visit.
Best Shopping
Bend offers a wide range of shopping options, from well-known retailers in the Old Mill District (ex. REI, Lululemon, Anthropologie) to quaint boutique shops in downtown Bend ranging from vintage to outdoor specialty retailers such as Patagonia, Stio, Title Nine and more.
Live Music Scene
All summer long, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater right off the river in downtown Bend offers awesome outdoor concerts as some incredible musicians pass through Bend as they head up through the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to check the schedule and book tickets in advance to see a show while you are in town. And no need to eat beforehand, after you go through security youāll find tons of great food & drink trucks. Itās truly the perfect summer evening!
Letās Talk Food!
Bend is definitely a food town, thanks to many talented chefs who migrate to Central Oregon from Portland or the California Bay Area. Here are my favorite spots:
Wild Rose Restaurant – hand-down the best Thai food outside of Thailand! You must eat here, but visit their website and book online in advance as it is a very popular spot!
Jacksonās Corner – this āfamily-friendly, scratch-made from local farmsā food is not to be missed. A fantastic spot for breakfast, weekend brunch or lunch – be prepared to wait in line, but know that it is totally worth the wait!
Bangers & Brews – this incredible sausage spot āwith an Argentinian flairāis our favorite spot for lunch in Bend. Offering a variety of unique sausage offerings, awesome fries, chimichurri sauce (buy a jar to-go too!) and great beers, everyone in the family will love it.
Miyagi Ramen – hip ramen spot along Industrial Way, arrive early to avoid a long wait (no reservations).
Bos Taurus – looking for an indulgent steak night? Look no further than Bos Taurus. From Oysters on the half shell to classic salads and sides, the steak here is incredible. Highly recommend booking reservations in advance.
900 Wall – A vibrant restaurant located in downtown Bend, this spot features classic American cuisine plus great cocktails and a fab wine list. Perfect for a nice night out!
RBC – āRancher Butcher Chefā is a must-visit restaurant located in the new Grove area. The perfect spot for a delicious and fun night out!
Breweries, plus great food!
You canāt talk about Bend without talking about beer! With more than 30 breweries in town, you are never too far from enjoying a delicious brew. My top breweries to visit, that also serve delicious food, include:
Crux Fermentation Project – donāt miss the food trucks parked out on their property during the warm summer months, options range from delicious tacos, pizza to shaved ice
Sunriver Brewing Company – a must-visit spot in Sunriver Village
Monkless Belgian Ales – enjoy delicious Belgian ales and. cuisine while overlooking the Deschutes from the outdoor deck
Immersion Brewing – a great brewery and restaurant in downtown Bend
10 Barrel Brewing – one of the top craft breweries in the area offering several locations, check out the new brewpub on the East Side of Bend
Bend Brewing Company – grab a table on the grass by the river as it is the perfect spot for the family or a group of friends on a hot summer day
Deschutes Brewery – visit their Bend Public House or their Tasting Room & Beer Garden for a true taste of the Bend beer scene
Rather book a tour to visit all the best spot? Reserve a tour with the Bend Brew Bus!
Best place to get groceries?
Since Bend is such a foodie city, itās no surprise it features some awesome grocery stores such as Market of Choice, but my favorite grocery store to visit that is always our first stop in Bend is Newport Avenue Market. Featuring fresh local produce, cheese, wine, beer and so much more, plus the super-friendly staff, makes this store a must-visit while in Bend.
Sunriver and Bend stand as quintessential destinations if you are seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. Their unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, year-round outdoor activities, and exceptional food and drink scenes create a tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveler. Whether you’re carving through powder in the winter, paddling down the Deschutes River in the summer, or indulging in the local craft beer and culinary delights, these areas offer endless opportunities for making unforgettable memories. The welcoming communities, combined with the pristine beauty of the high desert and the mountains, make Sunriver and Bend not just places to visit, but places to cherish and return to time and time again. Itās one of our familyās favorite places to visit in the U.S., and perhaps it will be one of your favorite spots soon too. Hereās to Central Oregon!
