Welcome to Bend Riverside Rentals, your front-row seat to the Deschutes River and the best of Bend. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for another round of riverfront R&R, this guide is your go-to list for what to do, all within easy walking distance or a quick drive from our downtown location.
We’ve got peaceful parks, local eats, float trips, waterfall hikes, and breweries you can stumble to (responsibly). Let’s dive in.
1. Start with the river right outside
~ 0 minutes – You’re already there.
The Deschutes River Trail is practically your backyard. Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and let the sound of the water reset your brain. This trail connects you to downtown, Drake Park, and the Old Mill, so it’s the easiest yes of the trip.
Pro tip: Sunset strolls here make the rest of the day jealous.
2. Wander through Drake Park & Mirror Pond
~6-minute walk (0.3 miles)
Just across the river, this park is classic Bend: big trees, sweeping lawns, geese that may or may not judge your picnic. It’s a great spot for a morning walk or lazy afternoon with a blanket and a book. Or beer. No judgment here.
3. Eat (and drink) like a local in downtown Bend
~5-minute walk (0.3 miles)
Walk a few blocks south down Wall Street and you’re in the heart of Bend’s downtown. Think local boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and more cafés and brewpubs than you’ll know what to do with. Highlights include Looney Bean Coffee, The Lemon Tree, and Deschutes Brewery Public House.
4. Book a table at Pine Tavern (Trust us)
~7-minute walk (0.4 miles)
Built in 1936 around two massive ponderosa pines (yes, inside the dining room), this riverside classic serves comfort food with unbeatable views. The chicken pot pie? A local legend. The back patio? Straight out of a vacation catalog.
5. Catch a concert or shop the Old Mill District
~ 3-minute drive or ~12-minute walk (0.6 miles)
Downriver from your rental, this revitalized mill area is home to big-name shops, indie boutiques, and the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, where live music lights up the summer. You’ll also find REI, a movie theater, and plenty of spots to grab a drink by the water.
6. Float the river like a true Bendite
~ 5-minute drive to Park & Float (2 miles)
Rent a tube or paddleboard and take a lazy, scenic drift right back toward your rental. It’s a classic Bend summer ritual—calm water, tree-lined banks, and plenty of sun. End your float near Drake Park, then take a scenic walk back or arrange a second car if you’re with a group.
7. Explore Tumalo Falls (Bring the camera)
~25-minute drive (13 miles)
A short drive brings you to one of Central Oregon’s most photogenic waterfalls. It’s a quick walk to the main viewpoint, or hit the trail for more falls upstream. Either way: mist, trees, peace.
8. Sip your way down the Bend Ale Trail
~Walkable breweries or ~2–10 minutes by car
Bend has more breweries per capita than just about anywhere. You don’t have to hit them all, but Crux, Boneyard, and 10 Barrel are solid places to start. Bonus: Most have patios, and a few are dog-friendly. Check out the Ale Trail passport if you’re feeling ambitious.
9. Visit the High Desert Museum
~15-minute drive (8 miles)
Part art gallery, part zoo, part history museum—this spot is surprisingly cool, even if you “don’t usually do museums.” Expect live animal exhibits, Native American history, and maybe even a porcupine sighting.
10. Take a day trip to Newberry National Volcanic Monument
~30-minute drive (~20 miles)
Lava caves, ancient craters, alpine lakes—it’s like visiting another planet, but with better hiking shoes. Check out Lava River Cave if you’re into underground adventure, or head to Paulina Lake for a peaceful paddle.
Final thoughts: Stay near, do more
Staying at Bend Riverside Rentals means you don’t have to go far to do a lot. Whether your vibe is trail shoes, pub crawls, or patio naps, everything you need is either down the block or just a few bends away. Book your unit with us today!
