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The bounties are abundant in Bend, Oregon. Oftentimes hailed as “Beer Town USA”, Bend is the largest city in central Oregon’s high desert country. Here you’ll find endless adventures for all types. From Kayaking to brewery tours to big breakfasts you’re sure to leave with wide eyes and a full heart.
Here’s some showstoppers to make a day trip to Bend one for the books.
What to bring: Dry bag, Chacos/water shoes, camera phone, selfie stick, an appetite.
Start the day across from the Deschutes River with a big breakfast at McKay Cottage Restaurant (Address: 62910 O.B. Riley Rd #340). McKay’s is a solid 10/10. It’s first come first serve but any wait time is worth it. We showed up around 9:30 / 10 a.m. on a weekend. The parking lot was jammed but we only waited 15 minutes before being seated at a heated patio table. In other words, we had a firepit centerpiece which was appreciated because there was a bit of a chill that day. The menu is refreshed often with seasonal offerings with its claim to fame being “creative comfort food”.
The inside scoop on McKay’s: you can order drinks while you wait to be seated which helps pass the time and hold that appetite at bay. If you’re celebrating a birthday, be sure to inform the staff. They have been known to serve up giant cinnamon buns (a house specialty) on a plate that reads “happy birthday” written in sweet icing. Candles included! Also, the restaurant is a historic site of sorts. It was the home of Bend Oregon pioneers who happened to be the parents of a former Oregon State Senator, Gordon McKay. The bungalow space has moved a few times, but it remains charming as ever.
A visit to Bend wouldn’t be complete without a quick stop to the last physical Blockbuster store in the world (Address: 211 NE Revere Ave #3)! This iconic movie rental chain reigned supreme when we were kids, so we felt all the nostalgic feels the moment we stepped inside. It honestly felt like we stepped straight back into the 90’s at wrap speed. From the carboard movie cutouts, new release wall and the overpriced theater snack bundles at the checkout counter – it was all there preserved and living in the glory days. While you don’t have to pay to enter the store, there is a little museum like room that you can check out for a fee.
We like to think that most Millennials have a Blockbuster story which makes this stop even better. I remember being carded when trying to rent Old School and yes, I was over 18 or middle school/high school date nights where you’d go pick out a movie with your crush and their parents. Talk about wild nights!
Looking for an exciting outdoor activity? Grab some kayaking gear and a quick lesson with Bend Kayak School and Rentals
Address: 691 NW Drake Rd by Corner of Harmon Rd. and NW Nashville Ave
Paddle the Deschutes River that follows the river trail and offers some epic real-estate views. Be prepared to be greeted by some of the locals aka groups of mallards, geese and swans! Life jackets are required, and this outfitters group offers river delivery which will save you some time and get you on the water in no time. We booked a 2-hour session in advance and online. You can book a longer sesh but 2 hours is more than enough to paddle to the rapids and leisurely make your way back to the launch pad. Kayaking for 2 hours ran us about $60 each. It was relaxing and convenient. Totally worth it!
If you don’t feel like kayaking, the easiest way to experience the Deschutes is on a tube. A quick Google search will pull up tube rental options in the area. The popular float route is to go in at Riverbend River and exit at Drake Park. This float route meanders along the river and takes about 1 hour. It’s especially lovely when the sun’s out!
If you’re anything like us, the Deschutes will leave you sun-slapped and parched which makes Bend Brewing Company , located along the pond, THE best place to hit up next.
Address: 1019 NW Brooks St.
Honestly, you can either unwind here or kick things up a notch. We’ll leave the vibing up to you. This brewpub has a great big patio and ample lawn space studded with games and picnic tables up for grabs. The craft brews are on point and the creative eats hit the spot. You can’t go wrong at this brewery.
Bend Brewing Co. is the second-oldest brewery in Bend one of 30+ breweries on the famed Bend Ale Trail including the well-known/oldest, Deschutes Brewery. Stop by the Visit Bend downtown office and pick up a Bend Ale Trail guide and passport to help you navigate to and from some of the city’s best brews and pubs.
Pro tips: Plan to visit when they have live music planned and be sure to check out their trendy merch!
Outside City Limits
Planning to spend more time in Bend? Looking to nurture your love of nature while in the high desert?
We’ve got two excellent and close-by side trip options, just for you:
1 – Smith Rock State Park – less than 30 miles north in the small town of Terrebonne, is where you’ll find this spectacular state park. The soaring volcanic rock formations are breathtaking whether enjoyed from the parking lot or from below in the gorge. There are trails for all hiking levels. One of the easiest hikes is accessible right after you walk over the foot bridge, and it meanders along the Crooked River. Lava spilled into the canyon where the Crooked River flows today. That is how this area came to be home to intimidating rock formations in deep red, orange and brown hues. If you have time and plan ahead, we recommend enjoying a picnic surrounded by courageous rock climbers.
Check out this 6 of our favorite State Parks in Oregon blog post for more information on this not to be missed state park.
2 – Newberry National Volcanic Monument – a little detour will lead you to this 56,000 acre geologic site to behold. This designated monument area is located than 20 miles south of Bend in the Deschutes National Forest. Two areas worth checking out are the Big Obsidian Flow and Paulina Creek Falls. We were totally unaware that central Oregon is quite the lava land!
Bend is an adventure town with an insane craft beer and culinary scene. If you’re not close by, we hope you’ll get out to the U.S. pacific northwest soon to live out your Bend bucket list!
Still looking for fun things to do in Bend? Visit TripAdvisor to discover what top activities and sights others recommend and let us know what we missed in the comments!
~ Justin + Alyssa
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