Need a laid-back high desert getaway with adventure and charm? Head to Redmond! Nestled in Central Oregon, Redmond blends outdoor recreation, dramatic landscapes, and a walkable downtown. With access to Smith Rock, breweries, and hiking trails, Redmond is a relaxing yet adventurous base for exploring the region.
Redmond, OR Highlights:
- Hike and climb at Smith Rock State Park: World-renowned for rock climbing, this scenic park offers stunning views and hiking trails.
- Stroll Historic Downtown Redmond: Discover boutiques, cafés, local breweries, and murals along walkable streets.
- Explore the Deschutes River Trail: Walk, bike, or fish along this peaceful trail lined with high desert beauty.
- Tour Petersen Rock Garden: Visit a quirky, hand-built folk art attraction made of rocks, shells, and glass.
- Catch a show at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center: Enjoy year-round events, concerts, and the annual fair in August.
Best Time to Visit Redmond, OR
The best time to visit Redmond is from May through October, when the weather is sunny and ideal for hiking, climbing, and river activities. Winter can be quieter, and it's a great base for skiing at nearby Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo Ski Area.
How to Get to Redmond, OR
- If you are traveling by car: Redmond is located on U.S. Route 97, just 20 minutes north of Bend and 2.5 hours from Eugene.
- By Plane: Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) offers direct flights to major West Coast hubs including Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco.
- By Bus: Cascades East Transit offers regional bus service connecting Redmond with Bend and other Central Oregon communities.
Where to Stay in Redmond, OR
- SCP Redmond Hotel – Trendy eco-conscious boutique hotel downtown with rooftop bar and wellness-focused amenities.
- Comfort Suites Redmond Airport – Reliable option with free breakfast, pool, and proximity to Smith Rock and the airport.
- Eagle Crest Resort – Family-friendly resort offering golf, pools, and easy access to outdoor adventures.
Best Things to Do in Redmond, OR
⮕ Climb and Hike Dramatic Landscapes at Smith Rock State Park
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com
Recognized as one of the “Seven Wonders of Oregon,” Smith Rock State Park is one of the most iconic destinations for rock climbing in the United States and is located only around fifteen minutes outside of downtown Redmond, Oregon. With over two thousand routes for climbers to choose from, the state park offers climbing opportunities for people of all skill levels. In addition to bouldering, traditional climbing, and sport climbing, Smith Rock State Park also offers opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with possible wildlife to be spotted including river otters, prairie falcons, and golden eagles.
Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, Phone: 800-551-6949
⮕ Cool Off by the Water at Cline Falls State Park
© David/stock.adobe.com
Cline Falls State Park, situated along the banks of Oregon’s Deschutes River, offers a relaxing and peaceful place for visitors and locals alike in the Redmond area to enjoy the sunshine and have a picnic, or maybe do some fishing in the river. Cline Falls State Park is a scenic day-use park and is open year-round to visitors. The park consists of viewpoint areas along the riverbanks, a swimming hole, and an excellent area for picnicking with grills, tables, horseshoe pits, and a fish cleaning station. There are short stretches of the river that are swift enough for inner tubing as well.
Cline Falls State Park, 7100 OR-126, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 800-551-6949
⮕ Explore Underground Wonders at Redmond Caves Recreation Area
© Luc Bianco/stock.adobe.com
The Redmond Caves Recreation Area is a great place to go in Central Oregon for anyone needing an “outdoor fix.” The recreation area is home to a series of five caves that were created by the Newberry Caldera’s volcanic molten lava flows. Visitors can explore the underground and follow the footsteps of the region’s Native Americans who used the Redmond Caves over the past six thousand years. Situated within the city limits of Redmond, the caves also provide a fun way to learn about the area’s past human use, wildlife, and geology. The Redmond Caves Recreation Area is open year-round.
Redmond Caves Recreation Area, SE Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-416-6700
⮕ Wander Through Whimsical Stone Creations at Petersen Rock Garden and Museum
© Lethish/stock.adobe.com
The Petersen Rock Garden and Museum was started back in 1935 by Rasmus Petersen, a Danish immigrant, as a pet project. Petersen began creating bridges, towers, fountains, castles with moats, and miniature replicas of some famous buildings throughout his property, all made from pieces of glass, shells, rocks, and other objects he found. Gravel walkways wind their way through the garden, guiding visitors through Petersen’s imagination through rocks. In addition to the garden, the Petersen Rock Garden and Museum property also features a small rock museum that displaces fossils, agates, and rare geodes among other items and a gift shop.
Petersen Rock Garden and Museum, 7930 SW 77th St, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-300-5699
⮕ If You Love Craft Brews, Sip Local at The Vault Taphouse - Kobold Brewing
© The Vault Taphouse / Kobold Brewing
The Vault Taphouse - Kobold Brewing is a family-friendly brewery taphouse located in downtown Redmond, Oregon. Home of the city’s Kobold Brewing company, the Taphouse is the only place to taste the complete lineup of the brewery’s beers. Visitors can catch a game of Taphouse Trivia or Brewery Bingo on certain nights, or simply drink a pint or two on the outdoor patio, by the fire table or outdoor fireball, or indoors.
The Vault Taphouse - Kobold Brewing, 245 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-504-9373
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Taste Small-Batch Spirits at Gompers Distillery
© Gompers Distillery
A visit to the Gompers Distillery is a visit back to the era of the 1920’s at this Prohibition-themed “speakeasy” in Redmond, Oregon. The distillery is also the first in the state to produce gin in handcrafted small batches using local ingredients. At the family-owned and operated Gompers Distillery Speakeasy and Tasting Room, visitors will find award-winning spirits infused with hand-picked lavender, regionally sourced golden pear, Oregon juniper berries, and more. The distillery also offers merchandise, craft cocktails, tasting flights, and tours of the Gompers Distillery.
Gompers Distillery, 611 NE Jackpine Ct, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-588-2825
⮕ Raise a Pint at Wild Ride Brew
© Wild Ride Brew
The Wild Ride Brew Company welcomes visitors to stop by its family-friendly Tap Room to enjoy a variety of award-winning brews just a few feet from the brewery, as well as on the spacious outdoor patio. Situated in the heart of Redmond’s downtown district, this craft brewery started production in 2014 and has a standard beer lineup of at least a dozen beers. With both outdoor and indoor seating, there’s often food trucks on-site as well.
Wild Ride Brew, 332 SW 5th St, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-516-8544
⮕ Catch Live Vibes and Great Beer at Initiative Brewing
© Initiative Brewing
Initiative Brewing is a place where locals and tourists alike can relax in the laidback brewpub and have a pint or two of world class beer, as well as a bite from an innovative food menu. With around twenty years of homebrewing experience and more than ten years of professional experience, Initiative Brewing produces a unique menu that showcases the brewery’s love for Central Oregon. Visitors can choose to enjoy their brews and food indoors or soak in the sunshine and views of Central Oregon from the family-friendly brewpub’s outdoor patio, where dogs are allowed as well.
Initiative Brewing, 424 NW 5th St, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-527-4380
⮕ If You’re Craving a Giant Slice, Grab a Bite at Cibelli’s New York Pizza
© Cibelli's New York Pizza
Cibelli's New York Pizza was started by Frank Cibelli, a man who grew up in New York and City and enjoyed nothing more than a good slice of pizza. After Frank moved to Oregon, however, he realized the options for a “fine slice of pizza” were rather limited. This is what led him to open up his own pizzeria to provide the people of Oregon with the best pizza in the area, a restaurant that celebrates the art of pizza dough, including tossing and spinning it. Cibelli’s Pizza has expanded over the years to include locations in Redmond, Corvallis, and Bend.
Cibelli's New York Pizza, 885 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond, OR 97756, Phone: 541-923-7388
Where to Eat in Redmond, OR
- One Street Down Café – Cozy brunch spot known for local ingredients and hearty comfort food.
- Kobold Brewing/The Vault Taphouse – Great for craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and outdoor seating.
- Diego’s Spirited Kitchen – Elevated Southwestern dishes with creative cocktails and rustic ambiance.
If you are interested in local events:
- Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo (August) – A huge regional event with live entertainment, rides, food, and exhibitions.
- Music on the Green (Summer) – Free outdoor concert series in Sam Johnson Park, perfect for families.
- Redmond Brewfest (August) – Celebrate craft beer, live music, and local food trucks under the high desert sky.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Redmond, Oregon:
- Bend (20 min) – Trendy mountain town with world-class breweries, outdoor shops, and riverside dining.
- Terrebonne (10–15 min) – Gateway to Smith Rock, with local eateries and scenic views of the Cascade Range.
- Tumalo State Park (25 min) – Swim, fish, or picnic along the Deschutes River beneath shady pine trees.
- Alfalfa Market and Lavender Fields (30 min) – Visit local farms for lavender products, goat cheese, and handmade goods.
- Prineville (30 min) – Discover wild canyons, scenic drives, and the beautiful Prineville Reservoir State Park.
- Crooked River Ranch (30 min) – Hike to the stunning Steelhead Falls or golf with panoramic views.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Why is Redmond, Oregon an ideal place to visit?
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Answer: The city of Redmond, Oregon is an ideal home base for anyone wanting to explore the region of Central Oregon and everything it offers. Providing a “slice of Americana,” the city is home to festivals, fairs, music events, and more throughout the year.
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Question: What outdoor activities can I do in Redmond?
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Answer: There are several places to go for outdoor recreation and to explore the “Great Outdoors,” including Smith Rock State Park, the birthplace of Sport Climbing in the United States.
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Question: Are there any craft beverage spots in Redmond?
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Answer: Redmond also has no shortage of places to try a craft beverage with its many breweries and distillery.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and wildflowers blooming. |
SCP Redmond Hotel – A stylish eco-friendly boutique hotel in downtown Redmond. |
Visit Smith Rock State Park – Hike and rock climb in one of Oregon’s most iconic landscapes. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures. |
Best Western Plus Redmond Inn – A comfortable stay with easy access to local attractions. |
Explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – Drive through breathtaking mountain and lake scenery. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, golden foliage, and fewer tourists. |
Sleep Inn & Suites Redmond – A budget-friendly and convenient stay. |
Visit the Redmond Farmers Market – Enjoy fresh produce, local crafts, and live music. |
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures and easy access to winter sports. |
Brasada Ranch – A luxury resort with a spa, horseback riding, and stunning views. |
Go skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor – One of the best ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest. |
Plan Your Trip