E-bike rentals from Bend Electric Bikes are great ways to zip around the waterfront areas to explore.
Ride along the Deschutes in a multi person covered bike rental from Wheel Fun Rentals.
Get out and hike:
- Lava butte in the Newberry Caldera. Fantastic volcanic rock and lava tubes
- McKenzie Blue Pool 👍🏻
- Pilot butte
Drink beer and throw axes at Unofficial Logging Company
Smith Rock State Park has some unbelievable views and geology. You can take the river trail out and back which is mostly flat once you get get down from the parking area, or if you feel like punishing yourself you can take the full loop over Misery Ridge (about 4 miles round trip). That name is not misattributed. Bring lots of water.
Crescent Moon Ranch Alpaca farm: in Terrabonne, good to pair with a visit to Smith Rock
Float the river – a local favorite and we have inner tubes at the house for your use. Read some hot tips before you go →
Deschutes brewery tour – if you feel like you’ve already done all the beer tours and are into some darker craft, we would recommend you check out the Barrel Tour, our favorite.
The Capitol is Bend’s only real dance club. Usually dead and free before like 11. Generally a cover later in the evening. You can sometimes go earlier and get a stamp to skip the cover when you come back.
Duda’s has pool by the hour. It fills up fast so get there early or put your name on the list up at the bar.
Corey’s and Astro Lounge have karaoke seemingly every night, but call and check.
There’s lots of trivia around, but some of our favorites:
- On Tap – Sundays at noon
- Boneyard – Tuesdays at 6p
- Bridge 99 – Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30p
Trampoline Zone trampoline park is exactly what it sounds like, great at tiring your kids out.
Rock climb at Circuit Climbing Gym – bouldering only, great kids section or Bend Rock Gym which has top rope and bouldering (we like Circuit better if top rope isn’t a deal breaker). Save time and fill out your waiver online before going. First timers are free and include a free shoe rental.
High Desert Museum is great for kids! More like a very small regional zoo than a museum:
Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs – a bit of drive but definitely worth it! They charge a small entrance fee at the booth by the side of the road, and it’s about a ¼ mile walk from there to the hot springs. Features 3 cascading pools, that are cleaned weekly and well maintained but still totally natural. Top pool is usually around 104°. Situated in a narrow valley with beautiful views! Clothing is very optional here, and it may not be the best place for kids.