Top Places to Stay, Eat, and Explore

Bend, Oregon, had been on my travel radar for a while, and after visiting, I can confirm it was the right choice. Located where the high desert meets the Cascade mountains, Bend is a premier Oregon destination that promises the perfect balance of laid-back luxury and rugged outdoor adventure. I was drawn to its unique charm, a place where you can spend your mornings hiking dusty trails to alpine lakes and your afternoons savoring craft beer at a local brewery. For a discerning traveler like me, looking for both comfort and connection, Bend ticked all the boxes. Thinking about planning a golf getaway, a family road trip, or a solo escape into the Pacific Northwest? This travel guide will show you why Bend offers something for everyone.From cozy boutique hotels to high-end resorts with mountain views, Bend knows how to make you feel pampered without losing its authentic outdoor vibe.

But what really sold me was its effortless lifestyle. The town is home to award-winning breweries, unique local entertainment, and of course, the LAST BLOCKBUSTER, which you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a place where every detail feels thoughtfully curated for travelers who appreciate the finer things but also crave the grit of the outdoors. If you’re looking for your next escape, this guide will help you uncover where to stay, what to sip, and how to make the most of Bend’s laid-back luxury.

Where to Stay in Bend: Juniper Preserve

Finding the right accommodation in Bend often means choosing between downtown convenience and high-desert tranquility. Juniper Preserve makes a compelling argument for the latter. Located just outside the city limits, this resort feels like a sanctuary carved out of ancient lava flows and juniper forests, making it one of the top places to stay in Bend.

After a long, demanding year, I knew I needed some serious “me time,” and Juniper Preserve’s reputation as a wellness sanctuary drew me in. Of course, I came ready to treat myself. A massage in a lava cave was high on my list, and the idea of indulging in delicious fare at their onsite restaurant, Iris, was equally tempting. But as much as I enjoyed the pampering and the dining, what truly stayed with me were the simple pleasures: the quiet, restorative moments sitting by the fire pit. There, under endless stars and the hush of the desert, I found the peace and stillness I’d been craving all year, a gentle reminder that sometimes, a little solitude and a warm fire are the best kinds of therapy.

A Wellness Sanctuary in the High Desert

Juniper Preserve is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination designed for restoration and a top choice for a wellness retreat in Oregon. While many hotels offer a place to sleep, this property focuses on holistic well-being. The resort is home to the Modern Wellness center, which draws inspiration from the natural environment. Here, guests can engage in activities that go far beyond a standard gym workout. Think yoga sessions with views of the Three Sisters mountains or guided meditation in a lava cave which truly are unique Bend experiences.

The rooms themselves reflect the landscape. You won’t find jarring colors or chaotic designs here. Instead, the aesthetic relies on natural wood, stone, and a muted color palette that mimics the desert outside. It creates a seamless transition from the outdoors to your private space.

While Juniper Preserve offers seclusion, it isn’t isolated. You are a short drive from the heart of Bend, giving you easy access to the city’s downtown while allowing you to retreat to silence and starry skies at night. It serves as an excellent base camp for day trips to Mt. Bachelor for skiing or to the nearby Badlands Wilderness for hiking.

Winter Activities at Juniper Preserve and Beyond

Bend transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow falls, making it a top winter destination in Oregon. Juniper Preserve is the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Bend during winter. You can expect crisp highs in the mid-40s and sparkling lows in the 20s which is ideal weather for outdoor adventure and cozy fireside evenings.

• Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort: Start your winter experience with a day trip to Mt. Bachelor, one of the best ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest. Just a short drive from Juniper Preserve, it’s the go-to for skiing, snowboarding, and even thrilling sled dog rides. Remember to grab those lift tickets early as this is one of Bend’s hottest spots during the snowy months.

• Guided Winter Tours: Elevate your exploration by booking with Wanderlust Tours, which offers guided snowshoe outings, magical moonlight snowshoe tours, and even cave explorations from November to April.

• Cross-Country Skiing: If you love Nordic skiing, Shevlin Park provides beautiful, ungroomed trails for experienced skiers. Prefer groomed tracks? Head to the Skyline Sports Complex for perfectly maintained routes.

• Snowmobiling & Snow Biking: For adrenaline seekers, rental options abound. Adrenaline Rentals and Elevation Rentals can set you up with snowmobiles, while Cascade Snow Bike offers guided adventures through Bend’s frosted landscapes.

• Ice Skating: For classic winter fun, visit The Pavilion, Bend’s local ice rink, where public sessions run weekly and rentals are available in every size.

• Bend WinterFest: Don’t miss the annual Bend WinterFest, held in mid-February. It’s packed with live music, ice carving, athletic contests, and enough winter cheer for everyone.

Best of all, after each snowy adventure, you can return to Juniper Preserve to thaw out and relax. Treat yourself to a luxurious massage at the Juniper Spa or indulge in one of Iris’s exceptional meals. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and indoor comfort that makes Bend in winter truly special.

World-Class Golf and Amenities

For golf enthusiasts, Juniper Preserve is a bucket-list destination. It boasts two championship golf courses in Bend: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and the Tom Fazio Championship Course. These aren’t your typical manicured green fairways; they weave through lava rock outcroppings and rugged terrain, offering a challenging game with stunning visual rewards.

Dining at the resort is equally impressive, focusing on locally sourced ingredients that embrace Oregon’s farm-to-table ethos. After a day on the links or hiking nearby trails, sitting by a fire pit with a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir is the perfect way to unwind.

A Nostalgic Detour: The Last Blockbuster

In an era of streaming, Bend holds a unique title: it is home to the very last Blockbuster on Earth. Located on Revere Avenue, this store has become a pilgrimage site for anyone who grew up in the 90s or early 2000s and is a must-see Bend attraction.

If you want a personal blast from the past, walking into the last Blockbuster was like being teleported straight back to my teenage years. Suddenly, I could practically hear my mother warning me to rewind those VHS tapes. For the uninitiated, browsing those aisles was an event streaming platforms just can’t replicate. I even applied to work at Blockbuster three times, just for a shot at that glorious blue and gold t-shirt and the all-important employee discount. Back in my hometown, Blockbuster caused so much traffic every weekend that the police had to assign an officer just to direct cars.

Why You Should Visit the Last Blockbuster

Visiting the last Blockbuster is a surreal experience. Walking through the doors triggers an immediate sense of nostalgia. The smell of the carpet, the bright yellow and blue signage, and the rows of DVDs feel like a time capsule. It’s a fully functioning video rental store where locals still rent movies.

For tourists, the store offers plenty of photo opportunities and “Last Blockbuster” merchandise. There is also a display of movie memorabilia, including props from films like Gladiator and Terminator. It’s a fun, low-stakes stop that reminds us of the tangible joy of browsing for a movie on a Friday night.

Where to Drink: The Best Breweries in Bend

You cannot talk about Bend without talking about beer. With one of the highest breweries-per-capita rates in the United States, Bend is a craft beer paradise. The local culture revolves around the pint glass, and you’ll find a brewery for every palate.

PROST!

For those craving a lively communal experience, PROST! is a must-visit Bend beer hall. This vibrant spot brings the spirit of Germany to Bend, offering an impressive lineup of German-style beers served in classic steins. Long shared tables encourage conversation, and authentic German snacks complete the experience.

Crux Fermentation Project

If you want a view with your brew, head to Crux Fermentation Project. Located in a former transmission plant, this brewery overlooks the Cascade Mountains. It is famous for “Sundowner Hour,” where locals gather on the massive lawn to watch the sunset while sipping on innovative beers.

UPP Liquids

A standout in Bend’s drink scene, UPP Liquids offers a fresh take on craft beverages. With a focus on inventive hard seltzers and non-alcoholic options, this modern, dog-friendly taproom caters to those looking for something beyond traditional beer.

The Ale Apothecary

For true beer nerds, The Ale Apothecary specializes in wild fermented ales aged in oak barrels. Their artisanal process results in complex, sour beers that taste like the high desert forest itself. Their tasting room offers a sophisticated drinking experience.

Entertainment in Bend: Theaters and Culture

While the outdoors is the main draw, Bend has a surprising amount of cultural depth. When the sun goes down, the local theater scene offers diverse entertainment.

Greenhouse Cabaret

For a truly immersive live performance, the Greenhouse Cabaret provides one of Bend’s most unique experiences. This innovative venue blends vibrant theatrical productions with an intimate setting. In 2026, the Greenhouse Cabaret is set to stage a highly anticipated production of “Angels in America.”

On a personal note, I’ll never forget attending the musical Once at Greenhouse Cabaret. It was a truly moving experience, enhanced by the fact that my favorite UCONN Dramatic Arts Alum, Will Graziano, was starring as Guy. Watching him bring such depth and emotion to the role in that unique setting was unforgettable.

The Tower Theatre

Anchoring downtown Bend is the historic Tower Theatre. Opened in 1940, this Art Deco gem now serves as the city’s premier venue for live performances, from concerts and comedy to independent films. It’s the cultural heartbeat of the city.

One of my most memorable nights in Bend was at the Tower Theatre for a midnight showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The energy was electric, with fans in full costume. The sense of community was palpable, and I highly recommend it for the unforgettable atmosphere.

Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Located in the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater hosts major touring acts during the warmer months. Watching a concert here as the sun sets behind the mountains is a quintessential Bend experience.

Where to Eat in Bend: High Desert Dining

Bend’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, offering sophisticated dining options that rival big cities. Here are some of the best restaurants in Bend.

Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats

For something spicy and different, Wild Rose is a local obsession. They specialize in authentic Northern Thai cuisine with bold, sour, and spicy flavors. It’s a bustling spot right in downtown Bend.

Ariana Restaurant

For a romantic dinner, Ariana offers a fine dining experience in a cozy craftsman bungalow. The menu focuses on Northwest cuisine with European influences. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Lot

For a casual lunch that pleases everyone, visit The Lot, one of Bend’s popular food truck pods. With a covered, heated seating area and a central taproom, you can grab tacos, burgers, or salads from different trucks and capture the laid-back, communal spirit of Bend.

How to Get to Bend, Oregon

Getting to Bend is refreshingly straightforward, thanks to the nearby Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). Located just 20 miles north of downtown Bend, RDM is the region’s primary airport and offers direct flights from major hubs like Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver.

Once you land, you’ll find plenty of transportation options. Rental car agencies operate on-site, providing the easiest way to explore Bend and the surrounding areas. Shuttles, rideshares, and taxis are also available. The scenic drive from Redmond to Bend takes around 25-30 minutes, delivering you quickly to the heart of Central Oregon.

To learn more about planning your trip to Bend, Oregon, visit the official tourism site at https://visitbend.com/