One of the best things about visiting Bend is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have an unforgettable trip. Between the Deschutes River, scenic parks, public art, and miles of walking trails, many of Bend’s most popular attractions are completely free.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, here are some of the best free things to do in Bend.
Walk along the Deschutes River
If there’s one activity every visitor should experience, it’s a walk along the Deschutes River.
The Deschutes River Trail winds through the heart of Bend, connecting parks, viewpoints, and downtown. Along the way, you’ll enjoy river views, towering ponderosa pines, wildlife, and plenty of places to stop and relax.
You don’t have to walk the entire trail—even a short stroll offers beautiful scenery and a chance to experience what makes Bend so special.
Visit Drake Park
One of Bend’s most iconic parks, Drake Park sits along Mirror Pond and is a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Bring a picnic, watch kayakers paddle by, relax under the shade of mature trees, or simply enjoy the peaceful river views.
Throughout the year, Drake Park also hosts free community events, concerts, and festivals.
Watch surfers at Bend Whitewater Park
Where else can you watch people surf hundreds of miles from the ocean?
Located on the Deschutes River, Bend Whitewater Park is one of the city’s most unique attractions. Depending on the season, you’ll see surfers riding standing waves, kayakers practicing whitewater skills, paddleboarders, and river floaters making their way downstream.
Even if you’re not getting in the water yourself, it’s a fun place to spend an hour watching the action.
Explore Pioneer Park
Located next to Bend Riverside Rentals, Pioneer Park is one of Bend’s hidden gems.
This peaceful riverside park offers open grassy areas, picnic tables, walking paths, and beautiful views of the Deschutes River. It’s a great place to enjoy your morning coffee, have lunch outdoors, or simply unwind after exploring downtown.
Because it’s less crowded than some of Bend’s larger parks, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter place to relax.
Visit the Last Blockbuster
Movie lovers won’t want to miss one of Bend’s most famous attractions—the last Blockbuster video store in the world.
Even if you don’t rent a movie, browsing the nostalgic displays and snapping a photo in front of the iconic blue-and-yellow sign has become a must-do for many visitors.
Admission is free, making it one of Bend’s most popular photo stops.
Browse downtown Bend
One of the easiest free activities is simply wandering through downtown Bend. The historic downtown district is full of colorful murals, public art, unique architecture, and lively streets that are fun to explore on foot.
Window shopping costs nothing, and you’ll often discover hidden alleys, local galleries, and interesting storefronts you might have otherwise missed.
Visit the Old Mill District
While shopping and dining aren’t free, strolling through the Old Mill District certainly is. Walk along the river, admire the public art installations, watch birds along the water, or simply take in the views of the Cascade Mountains. The district regularly hosts free concerts, seasonal decorations, and community events throughout the year.
Look for wildlife along the river
The Deschutes River is home to a surprising amount of wildlife.
Keep your eyes open and you may spot:
- Great blue herons
- Ospreys
- Bald eagles
- River otters
- Mule deer
- Ducks and geese
- Beaver
Early morning and evening are often the best times for wildlife watching.
Enjoy a Bend sunset
Bend’s sunsets are especially beautiful thanks to its high desert climate and wide-open skies.
Some favorite places to watch the sun go down include:
- Drake Park
- The Deschutes River Trail
- Pioneer Park
- Mirror Pond
- The footbridges crossing the Deschutes River
Bring a chair or simply find a spot along the river and enjoy the changing colors.
Attend a free community event
Depending on when you visit, Bend hosts a variety of free events throughout the year.
You might find:
- Outdoor concerts
- Art walks
- Farmers markets
- Holiday celebrations
- Community festivals
Check the Visit Bend events calendar before your trip to see what’s happening during your stay.
Walk the pedestrian bridges
Several pedestrian bridges cross the Deschutes River, each offering a different perspective of the water below.
They’re excellent places to stop for photos, watch kayakers and paddleboarders, or simply enjoy the peaceful sound of the river.
Many visitors are surprised by how much scenery they can experience without ever leaving downtown.
Stay close to Bend’s best free attractions
One of the easiest ways to enjoy Bend’s free attractions is by staying somewhere that puts many of them within walking distance.
At Bend Riverside Rentals, and our neighboring Pioneer Park Rentals, you’ll stay right along the Deschutes River with easy access to Pioneer Park, downtown Bend, riverfront walking trails, and many of the city’s most popular sights. Spend your morning exploring the river, grab lunch downtown, then return to your condo to relax on your private balcony overlooking the water.
With spacious accommodations, full kitchens, and one of the best riverfront locations in Bend, Bend Riverside Rentals makes it easy to experience everything the city has to offer—without spending a fortune. Book your stay with us today!
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