Quick Summary:

  • Question: What natural features surround Bend, Oregon?
    Answer: Bend is surrounded by giant ponderosa pines and the biggest juniper forest in the West, with the snowcapped Cascade Mountains in the background.
  • Question: What is the history of Bend, Oregon?
    Answer: Bend was formerly a ranching and logging town.
  • Question: What is Bend known for today?
    Answer: Bend is now a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, families, and couples.
  • Question: Why do people find Bend appealing?
    Answer: Many people discover Bend and feel as though they cannot leave due to its charm and natural beauty.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. High Desert Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
High Desert Museum | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© High Desert Museum

2. Newberry National Volcanic Monument ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Newberry National Volcanic Monument | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of megasquib- Fotolia.com

3. Tumalo Falls

Category: Activities
Tumalo Falls | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Rex Wholster - Fotolia.com

4. Deschutes Historical Museum

Category: Attractions
Deschutes Historical Museum | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Deschutes Historical Museum

5. Pilot Butte

Pilot Butte | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Pakhnyushchyy - Fotolia.com

6. Lava River Cave

Category: Activities
Lava River Cave | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Gioco - Fotolia.com

7. Mt Bachelor Ski Area

Category: Activities
Mt Bachelor Ski Area | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Tomsickova - Fotolia.com

8. Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Hayden Homes Amphitheater | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Andriy Solovyov - Fotolia.com

9. Deschutes National Forest

Category: Activities
Deschutes National Forest | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of jpldesigns - Fotolia.com

10. Wanderlust Tours

Tours
Wanderlust Tours | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of tusharkoley - Fotolia.com

11. Goody's Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Tour

Category: Kids & Family
Goody's Chocolate and Ice Cream Factory Tour | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of fortyforks - Fotolia.com

12. Drake Park

Category: Activities
Drake Park | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Artman - Fotolia.com

13. Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area

Category: Activities
Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

14. Oregon Ski Guides

Category: Activities
Oregon Ski Guides | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of E-LEET - Fotolia.com

15. Tumalo State Park

Category: Activities
Tumalo State Park | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© LightItUp/stock.adobe.com

16. Bend Whitewater Park

Category: Activities
Bend Whitewater Park | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© bernardbodo/stock.adobe.com

17. Deschutes Brewery Tour, Bend

Tours
Deschutes Brewery Tour, Bend | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Deschutes Brewery Tour

18. 5 Fusion, Bend

5 Fusion, Bend | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© 5 Fusion

19. Riley Ranch Nature Reserve

Category: Activities
Riley Ranch Nature Reserve | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© JulieWestlind/stock.adobe.com

20. Boneyard Beer, Bend

Boneyard Beer, Bend | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Boneyard Beer

21. Craft Kitchen and Brewery, Bend

Category: Food & Drink
Craft Kitchen and Brewery, Bend | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Craft Kitchen and Brewery

22. The Last Blockbuster

The Last Blockbuster | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© The Last Blockbuster

23. Central Oregon Symphony

Category: Entertainment
Central Oregon Symphony | Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
© Courtesy of Africa Studio - Fotolia.com

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.