Greg's Grill

After you get settled into your vacation home, this spot in the Old Mill District is a great place to unwind with a good meal and easy river views. The menu has familiar comfort dishes like steaks, burgers, and fresh salads, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough for families, couples, and even dogs on the patio during the summer. It’s close to everything, easy to get to after a long drive, and a comfortable way to start your first night in Bend.

Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats

If you’re in the mood for something flavorful, this downtown spot is a great choice whether you want to sit down or take dinner back to your vacation home. The dishes are bold, fresh, and full of Northern Thai flavors, and portions are perfect for sharing. If you’d rather stay in for the night, you can simply call ahead and place a takeout order, then browse their menu online to plan what you want. It’s quick, convenient, and one of the tastiest ways to end your first evening in Bend.

Pacific Pizza & Brew

If you’re craving something easy and comforting, this casual westside spot is perfect for either a relaxed sit-down meal or a simple takeout dinner back at your vacation home. The menu has plenty of crowd-pleasers, pizzas, salads, burgers, and shareable sides, so it’s great for families, groups, or anyone who wants a no-stress option after a long day. If you’d rather stay in, just call the restaurant directly to place your order and check out their menu online beforehand. It’s dependable, quick, and always a solid choice while staying in Bend.

If you want an easy way to ease into your first night in Bend, take a quick drive up to the top of Pilot Butte for sunset. The views stretch across the city and out toward the Cascades, and you don’t have to hike to enjoy it. Just keep in mind the road closes shortly after the sun goes down, so you’ll want to make your way back to the base before it gets fully dark. Once the light fades, head back to your vacation home and settle in for a relaxing evening.

The Sparrow Bakery

A stop here is a perfect way to start your first morning in Bend. Known for fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and their famous Ocean Rolls, it’s an easy place to grab something delicious before heading out for the day. You can order ahead online if you want to keep things quick, or relax for a few minutes with your coffee before exploring more of Bend.

McKay Cottage

This popular Bend breakfast spot is a cozy way to start your morning, with hearty classics, creative scrambles, and fresh pastries that usually fall in the $12–$20 range. It’s one of those places that gets busy on weekends, so showing up a bit earlier can make your morning smoother. Guests can sit inside or enjoy the outdoor patio when the weather is nice, making it an easy, relaxed way to ease into the day.

Bend Breakfast Burrito

If you’re looking for a quick but genuinely good breakfast, this spot is great for grabbing a warm burrito before heading out for the day. Prices are usually under $12, portions are filling, and you can either take it to go or enjoy the outdoor patio. The seating area is dog-friendly too, so it’s an easy stop if you’re traveling with your pup and want something fast, fresh, and convenient.

NorthWest Crossing Saturday Market

This neighborhood market features a rotating mix of fresh produce, artisan baked goods, local cheeses, handmade crafts, and sometimes even live music, perfect for a relaxed, morning browse or a mid-day outing. You’ll find friendly vendors with unique, locally made items, great snacks for the road or groceries for cooking in your vacation home, and a warm, community vibe that’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone traveling with pets. Whether you wander the stalls slowly while sipping coffee or pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy nearby, it’s a nice way to spend part of the day and get a taste of local flavor.

Floating the Deschutes is one of Bend’s signature summer experiences — easygoing, scenic, and a fun way to take a break from hiking or sightseeing. The water moves gently through town, making it a great float for families, couples, or groups. Rent a tube or raft, hop in at one of the launch spots, and drift past tree‑lined banks, friendly neighborhoods, and the Old Mill District. The experience is relaxed and locally beloved, a refreshing, low‑effort way to soak up summer.

Where to rent tubes or rafts for your float:

• Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe — Offers tube, kayak, SUP, and raft rentals for floats on the Deschutes; rentals typically run late May through early September. 

• Park & Float — at 1000 SW Bradbury Way. Their main rental kiosk serves as a convenient starting point for floats. 

• Powder House — Another outfitter offering river tubes, kayaks, SUPs and rafting gear for Deschutes floats.

Riverbend Park

Floating the Deschutes River from Riverbend Park is an easy, relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon in Bend. The calm current makes it ideal for beginners, families, or anyone just looking to unwind on the water. A full float down to Drake Park typically takes about 1.5–2 hours, while a shorter float to McKay Park takes roughly 45–60 minutes. There are gentle rapids near Bend Whitewater Park, so if you’d like to avoid them, it’s best to pull out at McKay Park. Local outfitters rent tubes, rafts, and life jackets, and many offer shuttle services to make getting back to your car simple. Overall, it’s a scenic, low-stress way to enjoy the river, see local wildlife, and take in the surrounding natural beauty.

McKay Park

Launching your Deschutes River float from McKay Park is a great option for a shorter, more relaxed experience. The water here is calm and easygoing, making it ideal for families, couples, or first-time floaters. A typical float from McKay Park to Drake Park takes about 45–60 minutes, and the route is mostly gentle, with just a few minor rapids that are easy to navigate. Local outfitters provide tubes, rafts, and life jackets, and many can help with shuttle services so you don’t have to worry about getting back to your car. It’s a scenic, convenient starting point that lets guests enjoy the river and surrounding views without committing to the full stretch from Riverbend.

MidTown Yacht Club

This food‑cart pod and taproom offers a laid‑back, local vibe where you can mix up lunch, dinner, or drinks, all without fuss. With indoor and outdoor seating, shade sails, and a dog‑friendly policy, it works well whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or pets. You’ll find a rotating lineup of diverse food carts,  from tacos and loaded tots, to vegan comfort fare, hot dogs, Middle‑Eastern wraps, and more, plus roughly 20 rotating tap beers or ciders for pairing with your meal. It’s casual, easygoing, and a great spot to unwind, share a few bites, and get a feel for Bend’s local flavor when you don’t feel like cooking or going full sit-down dinner.

Blissful Spoon 

If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy breakfast or lunch that’s quick but satisfying, this cozy little café offers vibrant smoothie bowls, grain bowls, wholesome wraps, and cold‑pressed drinks, ideal after a morning hike or before heading out for a day of exploring. Most menu items run around $10–$16, making it an easy, budget‑friendly choice. There’s a small indoor seating area plus a pet‑friendly patio, so you can grab your meal and enjoy it outside if the weather’s nice. It’s a great option when you want something light, nourishing, and convenient without the fuss of a full sit-down meal.

Worthy Brewing

This local brewery is a great spot for a casual lunch, with a relaxed taproom and a dog‑friendly patio where you can enjoy house‑made beers, ciders, and light bites. The menu often features sandwiches, salads, and small plates, with most items around $10–$18, making it easy to grab a satisfying midday meal. The atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back, and there’s usually a food truck or two onsite if you want something fresh and quick. It’s a simple, fun way to enjoy local flavor and a relaxed lunch in Bend.

Sparks Lake

Just a short drive from Bend, Sparks Lake is a stunning spot to take in the Central Oregon scenery. The lake is fed by snowmelt, so the water is very cold, not what you might expect for a summer swim, but still beautiful for wading, taking photos, or enjoying a paddleboard or small boat. There are a few short hiking trails around the lake that offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and volcanic peaks. It’s a peaceful, scenic destination for a half-day trip, whether you’re out for light adventure or just to soak in the alpine landscape.

Devils Lake

Devils Lake is a small, shallow alpine lake roughly 29–30 miles west of Bend, along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Its clear, turquoise waters and calm surface make it a nice spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a gentle float,  just know the lake is shallow (average depth about 3 feet, max around 10 feet), so it’s not the place for big boats or deep‑water swimming. There’s a fishable shoreline and rainbow trout are stocked regularly, so it can be a fun casual fishing stop.  Because water comes from snowmelt and mountain sources, it stays cool — if you’re wading or paddling, plan for chilly water rather than a warm lakeside swim.

Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake is a great spot for a summer afternoon just outside Bend, offering swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and small boat rentals. The water is cold, as it’s snow-fed, so it’s best for quick dips or wading rather than long swims. There’s a designated beach area for families, picnic spots, and plenty of space to relax along the shore. Whether you want to float on a paddleboard, cast a line for some fishing, or just enjoy the alpine scenery, Cultus Lake is an easy and picturesque escape for a few hours.

Mt. Bachelor Zip Tour

If you’re looking for a real dose of summer adventure, the zip‑line experience up at Mt. Bachelor delivers. You start with a quick harness fitting and safety check at the base, then ride the chairlift up to about 7,800 feet before zipping down over a 1,400‑foot vertical drop across three stretches,  including the final “Big Drop” that gives a serious rush. Riders control their own speed with a braking handle, and the dual‑line setup even lets two people race side‑by‑side down the mountain. Tickets usually run about $89–$99 per person (cheaper if you book ahead), and the whole experience,  including lift ride, gear check, and the three zip‑line runs, takes around two hours. It can be a great summer adventure and a memorable way to see mountain‑top views of Central Oregon.

Sun County Tours - Big  Eddy Thriller

If you’re up for a quick, splashy adventure while you’re in Bend, their Big Eddy Thriller rafting trip on the Deschutes River is a dependable go-to. The trip covers about three river miles and runs roughly 1.5 hours on the water, making it easy to slot into a half‑day (morning or afternoon). The rapids are rated Class III, enough to get the adrenaline going with good splashes and fast water, but still manageable, whether it’s your first time rafting or you’ve done it before. All gear, life jackets, shuttle ride from Bend or Sunriver, and expert guides are included, so you don’t need to bring anything heavy,  just come ready to get wet. It’s a fun, accessible way to get a taste of Oregon white‑water rafting without committing to a full‑day trip, ideal for families, groups, or anyone craving a bit of excitement on their Central Oregon getaway.

Octane Adventures - ATV Tours

Tours run on equipment that takes you through lava fields, volcanic terrain, alpine lakes, forest trails, and lava-tube caves near Bend. They offer a “High Cascades Scenic Tour” that lasts 2 hours (starting at $379 per 4‑seater ATV), a “Black Sands” 4‑hour tour, and self-guided rentals that run 4 hours ($550) or a full day/8 hours ($700) if you want to explore at your own pace. Rentals include the ATV (a Polaris side-by-side), safety gear, GPS navigation, and directions to trailheads about 30 minutes from Bend. Drivers need a valid license, and to drive you must be at least 21 (or 25 if with minors).

DRAKE Downtown Bend

Right in downtown Bend, this lively spot is perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends, family, or a date night. The menu features elevated comfort food like burgers, fried chicken, mussels, risotto, and inventive small plates, with most entrées priced under $25. Cozy indoor seating, bar seats overlooking the open kitchen, and a sidewalk patio make it easy to enjoy the atmosphere, and the patio is dog-friendly for those traveling with pets. There are plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options, so everyone in your group can find something they’ll love.

Ariana Restaurant

This charming West‑side bungalow bistro serves up seasonal, chef‑driven dishes blending French and Mediterranean influences, with plenty of options for seafood lovers, vegetarians, or anyone hoping for something a little special. Most entrées typically run in a mid-to-upper price range, and the atmosphere is intimate and cozy — ideal for dinner after a day exploring Central Oregon. There’s a thoughtful wine list focused on the Pacific Northwest, and a mix of indoor seating and a small patio. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on busy nights.

Yoli 

This cozy downtown spot serves elevated, modern Korean plates with a focus on shareable small plates, banchan, and a tasting-menu option, perfect for a memorable dinner out. Lunch service is casual and daily from about 11:30–2:00, and dinner runs roughly 4:30–8:30; many mains fall in the roughly $13–$30 range, so it’s a good mid-priced choice for date night or a special evening. Reservations are recommended (they take online bookings), the space is intimate, and there are vegetarian/vegan and gluten-friendly options available, call ahead for the tasting menu or any special requests.