Looking for the perfect three-day Bend itinerary? You’re in the right place!
Surrounded by mountains and forests, Bend is one of Oregon’s best destinations for outdoor adventures. But it’s not all hiking and adrenaline! Between paddling on alpine lakes and zooming around ATVs, we also had a blast exploring the charming downtown, checking out the fantastic food scene, and sampling all of the local craft beer!
We really fell in love with Bend in just a few days, so now we’re sharing our itinerary with you. It combines Bend’s biggest highlights and a few local favorites we found along the way to ensure you get the most out of this laid-back mountain town. Let’s get into it!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Bend was this e-bike tour! This made it easy to cruise along the Deschutes River and explore the city, taking in the views the entire way.
Itinerary Overview
Bend itself is fairly small, but it is quite spread out, and many of the best hikes and outdoor activities are a short drive away. Because of this, a rental car is essential for this itinerary! We use Discover Cars to find the best prices and suppliers.
Bend is known for its outdoorsy feel, thanks to all of the hiking trails and lakes around. It also boasts a thriving craft beer scene and a charming, small-town vibe that’s hard not to fall in love with! It’s a popular weekend getaway from places like Portland and Seattle, especially during summer, so expect it to be busy during peak season. Meanwhile, in winter, Bend is a popular ski destination, although this three-day itinerary focuses on summer activities.
Day 1: Start with a relaxed breakfast in Bend, then spend the morning kayaking on the Cascade Lakes. After lunch at one of the city’s food truck pods, explore downtown Bend and wander through Drake Park before ending the day with a cozy dinner in town.
Day 2: Spend the morning hiking to waterfalls or dramatic desert cliffs, then refuel with a laid-back lunch. Later, enjoy an easy e-bike tour around Bend and the Deschutes River, before finishing the day with dinner and gelato or drinks on the west side.
Day 3: Begin with breakfast before heading to Sisters for a scenic ATV adventure. After lunch back in Bend, spend the afternoon exploring the Bend Ale Trail, visiting Pilot Butte, or checking out the High Desert Museum.
Day 1
Breakfast – Jackson’s Corner, Old Bend
Start your first day in Bend with breakfast at Jackson’s Corner in Old Bend. This charming sit-down restaurant opens at 7 am, so I’d recommend arriving around 7:30 or 7:45 am. That should give you enough time to enjoy breakfast without rushing before heading to your morning tour meeting point.
The huevos rancheros are a great choice here, but there are plenty of other breakfast options if you fancy something different. And if you’d rather just grab something quick, you’ll also find plenty of coffee shops around downtown Bend serving coffee and light bites.
Morning – Kayak on the Cascade Lakes
After breakfast, it’s time to get out into the great outdoors! This guided kayaking tour starts at 9 am, and the meeting point is less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Bend. I recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early so you have plenty of time to check in before setting off.
The Cascade Lakes are some of the most beautiful spots in Central Oregon, with clear blue water, peaceful coves, and incredible views of the Cascade Mountains. During the tour, you’ll paddle into fingers, bays, and hidden corners of the lake that can only be reached by kayak, which makes the whole experience feel that bit more special.
This tour makes it easy to experience one of Oregon’s most beautiful lakes without having to deal with the logistical hassle of renting and transporting kayaks. Simply enjoy your morning on the water!
The water here is a brilliant shade of blue, with jagged, snow-capped mountains rising in the distance and lush fir trees lining the shore. On a sunny day, the whole scene looks like a painting!
However, this tour is not just a scenic paddle! Your naturalist guide will also share more about the area’s geology, including how volcanic activity and glaciers shaped the lakes, mountains, and rivers around Bend. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too, as ospreys, otters, and other animals are sometimes spotted around the water.
If the weather is warm, you can even bring a swimsuit and take a quick dip. It’s a fun, refreshing, and genuinely beautiful way to start your first full day in Bend.
Lunch – The Lot
After your morning on the water, head over to West Bend for lunch at The Lot. This is one of Bend’s best food truck pods, with lots of different options in one place, so it’s a great choice if you’re not sure exactly what you fancy.
It’s also a nice way to see another side of Bend after spending the morning out in nature. There’s shaded seating for warm days and heaters for cooler weather, and local beer on tap whatever the weather! We personally loved the fried chicken taco truck here, but just grab whatever takes your fancy and enjoy a laid-back lunch before heading back out to explore.
Afternoon – Explore downtown Bend
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring downtown Bend. It’s not huge, but that’s part of the charm! This area is full of boutique shops, local businesses, historic buildings, and that classic small-town Americana feel.
A few spots worth checking out include:
- Drake Park: This riverside park is a must while you’re in Bend. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll after lunch, and there are often local events happening here during the summer.
- Shopping: Downtown Bend has lots of independent shops and boutiques, from more upscale stores to thrift shops and souvenir spots. The Bend Shop is a cute one to pop into, but it’s also fun just to wander and see what you find.
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School: This historic old school has been transformed into a characterful hotel, pub, cinema, and soaking pool complex. It’s part of Oregon’s beloved McMenamins chain, and there’s even a hidden bar inside if you fancy trying to find it.
- The last Blockbuster in the world: Okay, this one isn’t technically downtown, but it feels wrong not to mention it. Bend is home to the last remaining Blockbuster in the world, and yes, it’s still fully functional and open!
Dinner – Wild Rose Thai
For dinner, head to Wild Rose Thai, one of Bend’s most popular restaurants. This is a great spot to unwind after your first full day, with a lively atmosphere and seriously good Thai food. In fact, it’s one of the best Thai restaurants we’ve ever been to in the States!
It’s a favorite for a reason, so reservations are a good idea if you’re visiting at dinnertime. After a day of kayaking, exploring, and wandering around downtown, this is exactly the kind of satisfying and flavorsome dinner you’ll want. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we especially loved the khao soi noodles, which are a Northern Thai specialty, or grab a classic pad Thai!
Day 2
Morning – Go hiking!
Start your second day in Bend with one of the most iconic things to do in the area: hiking! Bend is surrounded by incredible trails, so it’s well worth getting at least one hike under your belt while you’re here.
I’d recommend heading out early, around 7 am if you can, both to beat the crowds and to make sure you’re back in town in plenty of time for your afternoon activity. Here are two of the best hiking spots within about 30 minutes of Central Bend.
Option 1: Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls is around 20 minutes west of Bend and is home to a beautiful 97-foot waterfall. If you want something easy, you can simply walk to the Lower Viewpoint or continue up to the Upper Viewpoint, which is only around 0.5 miles.
For a longer adventure, the Tumalo Falls Loop is a scenic 7-mile route, but it’s much more challenging. Either way, try to arrive early or visit on a weekday, as this is one of the most popular spots near Bend.
Option 2: Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is around 30 minutes north of Bend and has a huge range of trails. In my opinion, if you only have time to do one hike while in Bend, it should be at Smith Rock!
For a challenge, tackle the Misery Ridge Trail, which is steep but rewards you with incredible views. For something gentler, the Crooked River Trail is a much easier option with beautiful scenery. Smith Rock gets very busy, especially in summer, so again, it’s best to arrive early if possible.
Lunch – Active Culture
After a morning of hiking, head back into Bend for lunch at Active Culture. This healthy, casual spot is loved by locals, and it’s a great place to refuel after a more active start to the day.
The menu is full of fresh, nourishing options, so it’s ideal if you want something that feels satisfying without being too heavy before your afternoon e-bike tour. Personally, I couldn’t get enough of the Mexican-inspired salad bowls, but they’ve also got yummy nachos, plus hearty burgers and wraps.
Afternoon – E-bike around Bend and the Deschutes River
After a morning of hiking, this relaxed e-bike tour is the perfect way to keep exploring without completely wearing yourself out. The tour starts at 3 pm and lasts around 2.5 hours, so you’ll have time to grab lunch and rest your legs before heading out again!
Since you’ll be riding an electric bike, this is much easier than a regular cycling tour. The route is fairly flat, and the e-bike does a lot of the hard work for you, which is exactly what you want after a morning on the trails!
During the tour, you’ll ride along scenic multi-use paths around Bend and the Deschutes River, with no cars to worry about for much of the route. Along the way, you’ll take in views of the river, the Old Mill District, local parks, and, on a clear day, the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Your guide will also share more about Bend, the river, and the surrounding area as you go, so it’s a nice way to understand the town beyond just its hiking trails and breweries. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too, including river otters if you’re lucky!
There’s also a stop along the river for snacks and drinks, which makes the whole experience feel really leisurely. It’s a fun and pretty low-effort way to see more of Bend in the afternoon.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Dinner – Spork
For dinner, head to Spork, a casual fusion restaurant with amazing food! The menu has a strong Asian influence, with bold, flavor-packed dishes that feel fun and fresh. They also do some excellent cocktails to complement your meal, including our favorite: Peruvian Fire!
We think that this spot is a great choice after an active day because the atmosphere is relaxed, but the food still feels exciting. Basically, it’s the perfect Bend dinner!
Evening – Dessert or drinks
After dinner, keep things nice and relaxed with dessert or drinks nearby. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head back into downtown Bend for gelato at Bonta Gelato for a scoop or two. They have so many delicious flavors, but cherry pie and salted vanilla were our favorites.
If you’d rather head for a nightcap instead, stay on the west side and walk over to 10 Barrel Brewing. It’s only about 10 minutes from Spork, and it’s an ideal spot to grab a local beer before calling it a night.
Day 3
Breakfast – McKay Cottage
Start your final day with breakfast at McKay Cottage before heading out of Bend for your morning adventure. Since today’s tour begins in the nearby town of Sisters, this is a convenient stop that’s right on your way. They also have a cute little garden area and amazing pecan sticky buns, so what’s not to love?
The restaurant opens at 7 am, so I’d recommend arriving around 8 am. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making the scenic 30-minute drive to the tour meeting point. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before another morning of exploring Central Oregon.
Morning – Explore Bend’s outdoors on a thrilling ATV excursion
Today, it’s time to swap hiking boots for four wheels! This two-hour ATV adventure starts at 10 am from just outside the charming town of Sisters, around a 30-minute drive from Bend. The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through beautiful mountain scenery before you even reach the trailhead.
Once you arrive, you’ll be kitted out with a helmet and goggles before setting off in a Polaris RZR to explore some of Central Oregon’s most spectacular landscapes. You’ll follow scenic trails through the Deschutes National Forest, passing volcanic lava fields, black sand dunes, alpine lakes, and towering pine forests, with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains along the way.
One of the highlights is stopping at Skylight Cave, where you can climb down inside to see natural beams of sunlight streaming through openings in the cave’s roof. You’ll also ride near the dramatic Belknap Lava Field, where astronauts famously trained for the Apollo missions thanks to its moon-like landscape.
Whether you’re driving an ATV for the first time or you’ve done it before, this tour is suitable for all experience levels. Your guide will explain everything before you set off and tailor the pace to the group, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.
It’s a fun way to experience a completely different side of Central Oregon, combining beautiful scenery with just the right amount of adrenaline. And don’t just take our word for it, because you can read plenty of glowing reviews here!
Lunch – El Sancho Taco Shop
You’ll be back in Bend from your ATV tour at around 12:30 or 1 pm, leaving the rest of the afternoon nice and relaxed. You can either head straight to lunch before freshening up at your hotel or do it the other way around. There’s no rush, so take your time.
When you’re ready to eat, head to El Sancho Taco Shop for some seriously tasty tacos. It’s a casual, colorful spot that’s popular with both locals and visitors, making it the perfect place to refuel after an adventurous morning before enjoying a more relaxed final afternoon in Bend.
Afternoon – Hit the Bend Ale Trail
Bend may be famous for its hiking trails, but we’re taking on a very different kind of trail this afternoon. The town is renowned for its craft beer scene, so spending the afternoon on the Bend Ale Trail was an absolute must for us! The trail includes over 30 breweries in the area, and while you definitely won’t be able to visit them all, there are plenty clustered around Central Bend.
You can walk between some breweries or catch a quick Uber between others, depending on how much ground you want to cover. And if beer isn’t your thing, most breweries also have cider, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and food available, so it’s still a fun way to experience Bend’s social scene.
To make it more interactive, pick up a Bend Ale Trail passport from the Bend Visitor Center or use the mobile app. You can collect stamps at each brewery you visit, and designated drivers can even earn stamps too. It’s so much fun!
Some favorites to look out for include Monkless Belgian Ales, Bend Brewing Company, and Boneyard Beer. Deschutes Brewery is also a Bend classic and well worth visiting on your first trip. Try to be at the Crux Fermentation Project for sunset, as it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
A lot of Bend’s breweries have spacious patios or lawns with river and/or mountain views, so don’t rush it. Take your time and enjoy the award-winning ales, pretty scenery, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s your final afternoon here, and you’ve definitely earned it!
Alternate option: Head up Pilot Butte or the High Desert Museum
If spending the whole afternoon drinking beer isn’t your scene, you’ve got a couple of great alternatives!
If you want to enjoy an actual trail rather than a beer trail, head to Pilot Butte in East Bend. You can either hike up the butte or drive most of the way, depending on how much energy you have left after your morning ATV tour. If you hike, allow around 1.5 hours to walk up and explore the trails. And if you drive, there are still some short trails around the top, so you can enjoy a gentle wander and take in the views.
For something a bit more chilled out, visit the High Desert Museum, located about 15 minutes south of Central Bend. This interesting museum focuses on the history, culture, wildlife, and landscapes of the High Desert region. It’s especially good for families, thanks to its hands-on exhibits, but I also really enjoyed it as an adult!
Dinner – Ale Trail Brewery or Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails
If you’re still enjoying the Bend Ale Trail, you can easily continue it into the evening. We found that most of the breweries offered really great food, so you can just grab a bite whenever you get hungry, or order a couple of bar snacks at each one. This is a lovely way to slow down on your final night in Bend, especially if you’ve found a brewery with a nice outdoor space!
But if you’re ready for a change of scene, head to Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails instead. This popular downtown spot serves Cajun-inspired food and cocktails, making it a great choice if you want something a little different for your final dinner in Bend.
Related Read: Looking for more fun activities to fill your time? See our list of the best things to do in Bend for our personal recommendations!
Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon
If it’s your first time visiting Bend, we typically recommend staying either downtown or along the Deschutes River. That way, you’ll be close to the best restaurants, breweries, shops, and riverfront trails, while still being within easy reach of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and hiking areas.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to stay across three price points.
Luxury – $$$
For our luxury option in Bend, we cannot recommend SpringHill Suites Bend enough!Â
This really is one of the best all-around stays in the city. Every room is a suite (hence the name), so you’ll have plenty of extra space to spread out, plus a kitchenette for preparing simple breakfasts and snacks before heading out for the day.
The location of this hotel is another big plus. It’s within easy walking distance of downtown Bend’s restaurants, breweries, and shops, so it’s easy to head out for dinner or drinks after a day of adventure.
Price-wise, you can expect rooms to typically range from $200 to $350 USD per night, depending on the season.
Check availability and book your stay at SpringHill Suites here!
Mid-Range – $$
For our mid-range pick in Bend, we always recommend the Campfire Hotel. This is easily one of the most unique places to stay in Bend, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for something with a bit more personality than a standard hotel.
The property itself has a year-round heated saltwater pool, hot tub, an onsite bar, and a huge communal fire pit, so it’s basically like an adult summer camp. There are even complimentary acoustic guitars in every room, which is such a fun touch!
As for pricing, you can expect rooms to typically range from $130 to $220 USD per night, depending on the season, which is honestly such good value for central Bend.
Book your room on your preferred dates at the Campfire Hotel here!
Budget – $
Last but not least, for our budget pick in Bend, you can’t go wrong with the Waypoint Hotel.Â
This hotel delivers incredible value for money, with amenities that feel more mid-range than budget. For example, you’ll have access to an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and fire pits, as well as a spacious lobby and lounge with local craft beers and ciders on tap. And when you get hungry, there’s even a food truck onsite serving up some ridiculously delicious comfort food.
We also love that this property is dog-friendly, which is always a big plus in our book! Perhaps the biggest draw here, though, is the price, with typical rates ranging from $80 to $140 USD per night depending on the season.
Book your budget-friendly (and dog-friendly) stay at the Waypoint Hotel here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
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Thanks for reading!
Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring Bend’s local and outdoor sights. This is a place you’ll want to come back to again and again, so don’t stress if you can’t see it all – there’s always next time!
Before you go, check out the rest of our USA blogs. We love helping fellow adventurers plan their next getaway, from planning an itinerary to choosing the best hotel. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon: 4 Best Areas & Hotels
Where to Stay in Seattle, Washington: 7 Areas and Hotels
How to Spend THREE Days in Portland, Oregon: 3-Day Itinerary
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
