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Must See, Eat, and Do in Bend, Oregon
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items First time in Central Oregon? These are my go-to spots as a local!
Sections
3
Things to See
Things to Do
Things to Eat
Things to See
The grandest view in central Oregon. There are activities for all levels at Smith Rock, including picnicing over the viewpoint, hiking, and rock climbing.
Smith Rock State Park
If you like pretty rocks as much as I do, the Obsidian Flow is a must see. Hike a short trail among mind blowing amounts of glass-like black obsidian, and then peer over the flow's devastation from the top.
Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site
Love rocks AND science? Hit the Lava Cast Forest trail. See the devastation of a lava flow first hand, with this winding tour through a burnt down forest.
Deschutes National Forest - Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site
Things to Do
Want to feel like a local? Head to The Circuit Bouldering Gym on the north side of town. Let your inner child run free and climb rock walls, summit boulders, or just watch the experts navigate routes that look impossible.
The Circuit Bouldering Gym
You don’t even need to leave town to have an adventure! With shuttles, tube rentals, and so many parks, Bend makes it easy to take a float trip down the Deschutes.
Floating the River
Fun for kids of all ages! The High Desert Museum features historical information, gallery shows, local animals, and recreations. Plan to spend a full afternoon here, it’s bigger than it looks!
High Desert Museum
The hike to stunning Blue Pool might be the best payoff in all of Oregon. The crystal blue, freezing cold water comes from an underground spring. Jump in for a cold plunge if you dare!
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool)
Need to warm up or cool off after a day of adventure? Chillwell has got you covered! Sit back and relax in an infrared sauna, refresh in a cold plunge, or meditate in one of their epsom salt float tanks.
ChillWell Plunge Sauna Float
Want somewhere with food, drinks, and adventure? Look no further! Stroll through their manicured gardens, take a dip in the Turkish bath, and see if you can find all three (!) hidden rooms. Hint: one is a full bar called The Broom Closet.
Old St. Francis School Hotel - Bend
Things to Eat
Feel like hitting a lively food truck scene? On Tap is one of the best in town. Complete with food trucks offering Hawaiian, pizza, barbeque, Mexican, and more, plus a beer garden, tons of seating, and even fire pits.
On Tap Bend
As a sushi lover, Shinsei is my go-to. My order is the jalapeno poppers, Three Rivers roll, and a jelly sake, but everything on the menu is to die for!
Shinsei Sushi
I’ll go ahead and say it, the BEST breakfast in Central Oregon. Whether you try the fresh fried donut holes, the eggs Benedict, skillet bakes, or anything else on the menu, you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to arrive early to score a table!
Brand 44° N
Killer food, cool atmosphere, great gelato.
Jackson's Corner - Old Bend
A chic Asian/Mexican fusion restaurant with modern flair. Try the dan dan noodles with a Thai Collins for the ultimate dinner and drink combo.
Spork
Craving upscale food in a nostalgic atmosphere? Head to Pine Tavern in the heart of downtown, overlooking the Deschutes River. For an extra special experience, make reservations in the back dining room, where the building has been expanded to include...
Pine Tavern Restaurant
A cool little hole in the wall (or cellar, if you will) complete with Scottish homemade meat pies and draft beers.
The Cellar - A Porter Brewing Company