Bend, Oregon in the Summer: What To Do When You're Not At A Lake!
Earlier this year I shared all about our love for Bend, Oregon (our new hometown!) and what to do here in the winter. Today’s post is all about summer and how to spend your time here in Bend. We are a summer loving family. Stick us by the water and all four of us are happy! Of course, visiting one of the 150 lakes in Deschutes County is a must for your visit. (I will share our favorite lakes in a post someday soon!) But Bend has so much to enjoy when you’re not at a lake.
With one summer season (albeit a Covid summer) under our belts, here are our favorite things to do in Bend, Oregon during the summer!
SUMMER EATS & DRINKS
FOOD TRUCKS
Deschutes County has over 200 food trucks! The food truck scene is where you can find some of the best food in Bend. Head to a food truck lot to try dishes from multiple trucks. Here are a few lots that we love or are on our list to try: On Tap, The Podski, Midtown Yacht Club, Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, and The Bite in Tumalo.
BREWERY HOPPING
Another post that I need to share soon is a list of our favorite breweries in Bend. There are so many! But here’s a quick, starter list of breweries with great patios and sometimes even live music: Bend Brewing Company (located right along the Deschutes River), Worthy, 10 Barrel, and McMenamins. During non-Covid times, you can visit Deschutes Brewery and go on a tour of their facilities.
BEND BREAKFAST BURRITO
And, of course, we gotta plug our own food business! Who wants to cook on vacation? Whether you’re headed to the lake or off to hike in Smith Rock State Park, Bend Breakfast Burrito is the perfect answer to fueling up for the day. Order yourself (and your travel partners) breakfast burritos, banana bread muffins, and hot coffee straight to your doorstep. Best part… Free Delivery within Bend!
TREATS
The summer heat is the perfect excuse to stop by Goody’s Chocolates and Ice Cream. We love their downtown location on Wall Street. And while you’re on a sugar high, stop by Cravin’s Candy Emporium (also downtown) where they have a fantastic selection of candies and also play Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on repeat. Trent and I love to peruse their extensive selection of nostalgia candy as much as the kids.
SUMMER FUN
RAFTING DOWN THE DESCHUTES
This is easily our favorite thing to do in town during the summer. Rent tubes from Tumalo Creek, if you’re from out of town, and also make sure that you have good water shoes (not flip flops, Trent learned the hard way!) and lifejackets for the kids. Depending on your start and end points and the river’s flow, this could be a 30 minute activity or a two hour event. Riverside Park is one of the most popular places to start, but we like beginning at Farewell Bend Park. We usually end at McKay Park or you can go all the way to Drake Park in downtown. During non-covid times there is a shuttle to bring you back to the start, but we usually just make one person run back to the car! Just make sure not to miss the rapids near McKay Park! We got out before the rapids section the first two times because we didn’t think our kids could handle it. Once we mustered up the courage, they definitely became our favorite part!
HIKE SMITH ROCK
Smith Rock is one of the most beautiful spots in Oregon and its only about 35 minutes from Bend. This spot is famous for its rock climbing and it’s also a great place to hike. With little ones, you can walk along the river path which is easy to handle. With older kids, take the Misery Trail hike that has great views of the state park. Just made sure to wear shoes with good tread because the way down is slippery! Take a picnic (maybe subs from Beach Hut Deli?) to enjoy after or during your hike and watch the rock climbers ascend the volcanic rock cliffs while you eat.
HIKE TUMALO FALLS
Another easy hike with an amazing view? Tumalo Falls! Located about 30 minutes outside of Bend, the waterfall greets you as you begin your hike and there are many other smaller waterfalls to enjoy along the trail. This hike amongst the trees is beautiful and probably what you picture when you think of hiking in Oregon.
HIKE THE BUTTE
A quick hike in town? Hike to the top of Pilot Butte! Located on the east side of town, Pilot Butte offers incredible views of the Cascade Mountain range. The hike is relatively easy, even for little ones, and is only 1.8 miles out and back.
VISIT SISTERS
The little town of Sisters (about 30 minutes outside of Bend) is a great place to explore during a morning or afternoon. Visit Sisters Coffee Company or Suttle Tea and linger over your morning beverage. We’ve also heard amazing things about Sisters Bakery so you will have to head there too! Afterwards, stroll the streets and shop. Don’t forget to stop by Three Creeks Brewing on your way back into Bend for some great beer.
HIGH DESERT MUSEUM
Another highly recommended activity that we haven’t tried yet (due to Covid) is the High Desert Museum. From locals to friends who have visited Bend on vacation, this spot landed on everyone’s recommendation list for us when we moved here. Part historical museum, part nature center. We can’t wait to explore the museum soon, especially to see the bird show, otter exhibit, and the old homesteader ranch and sawmill!
SUMMER EVENTS
CONCERTS AT LES SCHWAB AMPHITHEATER
During non-Covid times, the concerts at Les Schwab Amphitheater are a cornerstone of summer events in Bend. Located along the Deschutes River, the Les Schwab Amphitheater is a picturesque spot to enjoy live music.
SISTERS RODEO
“The biggest littlest show in the world”, Sisters Rodeo takes places during the second weekend in June. You better believe that we will be there!
MUSIC ON THE WATER AT ELK LAKE
Alright, one lake snuck its way onto this list! Music on the Water at Elk Lake Resort makes for another great summer activity. They might not draw as big of names as Les Schwab Amphitheater but live music during the summer is always a win in my book!
MARKETS
Bend has an amazing artisan and food purveyor scene. Check out what the local merchants have to offer at a summer market. A few of the most popular markets are Northwest Crossing, Bend Farmer’s Market, and Sisters Farmer’s Market.
DRIVE IN MOVIES
Ready for some nostalgia? Head to the Drive In to watch a movie. Bend Film hosts drive in movies during the summer near the Deschutes Brewery.
Have you visited Bend in the summer? What are your favorite summer activities in your hometown?
