By Candace Tillery of Redfin

Tucked away in the heart of Oregon, Bend combines a relaxed, small-town vibe with a strong sense of community.  But don’t be fooled—Bend is filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture, making it a top choice for both locals and newcomers seeking adventure, relaxation, or both. If you’re eager to learn more about unique things to do in Bend, OR, and discover what it’s known for, keep reading to explore some lesser-known spots you might not have heard of before.

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 this city. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore some unique things to do in Bend, OR, that you’ll only find here.

1. Enjoy the craft beer scene like a local

Why settle for one when you can enjoy both, right? Whether you prefer beer or wine, Bend has something to offer for everyone.

For beer lovers, “Bend is renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, boasting 26 breweries catering to various tastes,” explains Nicole Lewis from the blog Wandering With A Dromomaniac. “You can visit Crux Fermentation, a spacious outdoor area with large fire pits—perfect for a family picnic. Alternatively, check out smaller breweries like Silver Moon Brewing Company, where you can enjoy a beer and participate in trivia nights. Don’t forget to get a Bend Ale Trail passport online to earn rewards for visiting all the breweries.”

If traveling with your family or pet, you’ll have to check out  Bevel Craft Brewing, a bright, lively, family, and (leashed) pet-friendly brewery on the eastside of Bend, OR. Bevel Craft Brewing embodies the essence of Bend, where outdoor adventure meets the art of small-batch craft beer. With a unique disc golf-themed atmosphere and owned by world champions, it’s a local favorite that celebrates the area’s rugged beauty and laid-back vibe. Each pint at Bevel is a testament to the passion and creativity that define Bend’s craft beer scene.

In need of a little history lesson? A visit to the iconic Bend Brewing Company is a must. “Located along the Deschutes River, this brewery offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious craft beers, and a scenic riverside view,” shares Mike Van Tassel from The House Gyms. “It’s a true Bend experience where you can sometimes catch live music, movies, and other fun community events that bring people together.

2. Explore charming wine bars and tasting rooms

For wine lovers, one of the many unique things to do in Bend, OR is visiting the local wineries.. Many wineries are conveniently located near local shopping centers, so you can cap off a day of shopping with a glass of wine or a charcuterie board at one of the nearby wineries.

If you’re out shopping at the Old Mill District and get a bit thirsty, stop by Evoke Winery where you’ll find fun wine people who believe that wine, especially really good—”best in class” award winning wine, can also be fun. Whether you’re into big reds, dry whites, sweets, or a little of all of the above, they have wine for that. Pop a bottle, and don’t forget to read the evocative back labels, a fun and great conversation starter since 2005.

While exploring the Box Factory—a marketplace, boutique, and emporium featuring locally crafted goods and services— be sure to swing by the Elixir Wine Group, a sister company to Ermisch Cellars. They are a trailblazing wine importer, winery, and tasting room located in Bend who  proudly feature exceptional wines crafted on-site, alongside an international portfolio of wines produced at their wineries in Argentina and Chile. They also offer exclusive imports from family-owned wineries across the globe.

A local search of winery music events near Bend, unmistakably brings you to Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards, known for its gorgeous outdoor music venue featuring weekly live concerts. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the region, this vineyard represents one of the best destination wineries in Oregon. With many return visitors, you’ll experience a lovely wine-tasting offered on their large patio.

3. Explore the outdoors

Bend offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and scenic strolls, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy with family and friends in every season. Kristen from Wall Street Suites hotel in Bend explains, “For locals—living in Bend, Oregon is truly the permanent vacation lifestyle. Every day you can enjoy either the snow, surf, or mountain trails.” 

“If you are traveling with your family to Bend there are so many fantastic options,” says real estate photographer Kaleb Riley of Riley Visuals. “Pick up a meal and head to Tumalo State Park where you can swim, paddle, or float. Local favorites like Spork, Wild Rose and Blue Eyes Burgers are fantastic food options.”

Tony from Tony Gambino Photography states that “living in Bend gives incredible proximity to diverse wilderness areas. If you’re exploring the area, take a scenic drive along the Cascade Lakes Highway, where you’ll encounter stunning alpine lakes, breathtaking mountain views, and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views, this route truly captures the essence of the natural beauty of Central Oregon. Don’t forget to respect the wildlife and stay on designated trails to help preserve this pristine environment for future generations.”

Melissa Gottlieb from Bend Relocation Services, offering a seamless transition for those moving to Bend with personalized help, from local expertise to community orientation, also weighs in. “As the leaves change and the crisp air sets in, Bend transforms into a picturesque playground for all kinds of adventures. This fall, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors with a hike through the stunning Cascade Mountains. The trails offer breathtaking views of the foliage, making it the perfect setting for a memorable outing. If biking is more your speed, take a leisurely ride along the scenic Deschutes River Trail, where you can soak in the beauty at your own pace. Or, head to one of Bend’s local pumpkin patches for a fun activity that everyone will enjoy. Nothing beats the fun of corn mazes, fried apply fritters, cider, and fall activities.” 

Not only is Bend a great place to explore the outdoors, but it also has great golf communities. Awbrey Glen Golf Club is  located in NW Bend with a focus on great golf and an even better community that celebrates the best of the city. Whether you prefer a casual round from the forward tees or are chasing that under-par score from the tips, this course combines beauty and challenge to keep you coming back for more.

4. Check out the food scene

Bend offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from farm-to-table restaurants to food trucks, catering to diverse tastes and adding to the list of unique things to do in Bend. For those with a sweet tooth, Bend also boasts artisanal bakeries and coffee shops that highlight the area’s emphasis on quality and creativity. Whether you’re savoring a gourmet meal, enjoying a casual bite from a food truck, or sampling local brews, Bend’s food scene is a testament to the region’s dedication to great taste and community.

When you are getting to know Bend, a visit to the Old Bend Iron Works is a must—neighboring Café Des Chutes, this charming enclave of historic buildings houses local artist and artisan studios, a home design center, and shopping, from gifts and vintage finds to home furnishing and fly fishing supplies. 

“When the cold Central Oregon winter arrives, stay toasty warm at The Lot, the first of Bend’s now numerous combination taphouse-food-cart-lots,” suggests Logan from the blog Rooted And Roaming. “While others have enclosed and heated areas, the Lot also has heated benches which are so cozy after being out in the cold. This is one of Bend’s favorite places to warm up after skiing at Mt. Bachelor and enjoy good food with a local brew.” 

Thump Coffee is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. With three locations, they’re a hub for community connection, where every cup is crafted with inspiration and every visit feels like coming home. Whether you’re recharging after a ride, fueling up before a run, or simply catching up with friends, this is where Bend gathers, laughs, and thrives. 

A must visit in Bend is the Downtown area, and The Commons Cafe And Taproom specifically. Set directly on Drake Park overlooking Mirror Pond, “The Commons” as it is known by locals, is a gem of a space set in a house built in 1904 offering locally roasted coffee,baked goods, and a wide variety of other beverages, including draft beers, ciders, and wine, too.  It is a community gathering space and hub of Brooks Alley downtown which offers quaint little shops like Cowgirl Cash and Wild Petals, and eateries from food trucks and carts to upscale cocktail bars and restaurants.  Best part is that they have an open food policy and welcome any outside food at their tables (a beverage purchase is always appreciated, of course).

5. Deepen your nature connection

Being in Bend means being close to the natural world as this town is nestled right on the mountain side. A must do activity is a guided wellness experience by Romingyoga. Open your senses, slow down, and take in all that the land has to offer with a Guided Forest Bath or Yoga Hike. Public and private experiences are offered year round. 

6. Discover the vibrant art scene

“If you’re interested in checking out the local art scene, definitely stop by The Workhouse,” says abstract painter Lindsay Gilmore. “The Workhouse is a huge supporter of the arts in our community and features handmade goods from over 60 local makers, artisans, and artists in Oregon. Afterwards, grab a delicious coffee and pastry across the patio at Café des Chutes. 

If you find yourself near Downtown Bend’s Tin Pan Alley—make sure to stop by Scalehouse gallery, a contemporary art hub dedicated to the display and discussion of emerging and established contemporary artists with bold work representing a broad range of identities and perspectives. Scalehouse hosts its annual Bend Design conference every October; this year celebrating Bend’s creative culture on October 17+18. 

7. Embarking on a bookstore journey

New to Bend? Check out Roundabout Books Shop, voted Best Bookstore in 2024 by the Source Weekly. Located in the heart of Northwest Crossing, Roundabout’s selection of new children and adult books, plus a wide selection of gift items including local teas and coffee, means you’ll find something for every reader in your family. 

8.Get your sweat on

It’s never a bad idea to get in a good workout, so don’t miss the chance to stop into a great local gym called THE HOUSE, where you can get a workout that makes you feel safe, confident, and still pushes you to achieve your fitness goals. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and revitalization that captures the spirit of Bend.

Unique Things to Do in Bend, OR: Final thoughts

Bend is thriving with unique experiences, from outdoor adventures that connect you with nature to a rich culinary and vibrant art scene. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, there’s no shortage of unique things to do in Bend, OR that make it a wonderful place to visit or call home.

By Candace Tillery of Redfin