While in Central Oregon
Savor Summer in Central Oregon
As spring becomes summer, Central Oregon bursts with sunshine and adventure. Grab your hiking boots, bikes, or fly fishing rods and explore scenic trails along rivers, through canyons, and up mountainsides. Pet adorable alpacas, tee off at stunning high-desert golf courses, or wander through lively farmers markets. Savor fresh, seasonal flavors at local restaurants, then relax in the crisp evening air after a day of discovery. Find even more ways to embrace summer in Central Oregon with our top seasonal activities.
Stay at the Best Places While Visiting
Dining in Central Oregon
Bend, Oregon
Once known as a bustling mill town, Bend is now the most frequently visited city in Central Oregon – known for its craft beer, outdoor adventure, small town vibes, and high desert landscape. Let’s not forget it’s food pods + firepits, bike trails, tax-free shopping, and natural beauty to explore. There, really is no shortage of experiences to be had in Bend.
What to do in Bend
Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver lives up to it’s name- a sunny, idyllic town with the Deschutes River rolling through it. Time slows down here, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing spa day, dine with the family, or escape into the great outdoors with a wide range of activities from kayaking to horseback riding.
What to do in Sunriver
Redmond, Oregon
Redmond is the hub of Central Oregon as it’s home to the Redmond Airport and host to many large-scale events. With a vibrant downtown, great restaurants, craft beer, and outdoor adventure, it’s the perfect microcosm of Central Oregon in one town.
What to do in Redmond
Sisters, Oregon
A drive through downtown Sisters will make you feel like you’re back in the Wild West, with Western styled buildings, old-time drive ins, and homemade ice cream. More than a frontier-styled town, Sisters is also famous for its creative arts culture, fresh dining, family-friendly atmosphere, located in the heart of outdoor adventure opportunities.
What to do in Sisters
Culver, Oregon
The community of Culver started as a post office in 1900, formally incorporated as a city in 1946—and hasn’t changed much in the decades since. Sitting between Redmond and Madras, the cozy community harkens back to Central Oregon’s earlier years with small-town charm to spare. That means fun annual festivals, friendly eateries, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
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La Pine, Oregon
La Pine may be a small town, but it is home to a large amount of outdoor recreation possibilities. Explore through the ponderosa pines at the local state park, check out Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or cool off at Wickiup Reservoir. The town also hosts distilleries and dining to keep you fueled up between outdoor adventures.
What to do in La Pine
Madras, Oregon
Early on, the town of Madras was a trading post and community to serve local farmers. While there are still many farms around, it now also serves tourists with outdoor recreation ranging from a skate park and skydiving to camping, boating, and hiking as well as beer and spirits crafted right in town.
What to do in Madras
Maupin, Oregon
Located at the base of the Deschutes River Canyon, Maupin is the perfect home base for outdoor adventure. Whitewater raft or fish the Deschutes, bike the scenic canyon, or chase waterfalls. After your adventure, head back and enjoy a locally-sourced meal, pint and the charming community.
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Prineville, Oregon
Nestled in the heart of the Crooked River Caldera and Central Oregon’s oldest city, there is plenty to love about Prineville. Natural beauty such as the Painted Hills and Crooked River will leave people stunned as they hike, bike, fish, or enjoy the great outdoors. The city itself is rich with history, craft beer, and delicious food.
What to do in Prineville
Terrebonne, Oregon
Terrebonne is best known for Smith Rock State Park- the birthplace of sport climbing and popular outdoor destination. However, there are many other attractions to visiting Terrebonne as well from hot air balloon excursions, challenging golf courses, relaxing horseback rides, autumn attractions, and full plates of thoughtfully prepared food.
What to do in Terrebonne
Tumalo, Oregon
Tumalo is a small city just northwest of Bend and although the population is only 500, this town should not be overlooked. There are bountiful amounts of indoor and outdoor dining, relaxing activities such as floating down the Deschutes River, and one of Central Oregon’s best cider maker.
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Warm Springs, Oregon
Sitting in the heart of the Warm Springs Reservation, the hamlet of Warm Springs is one of the northernmost communities in Central Oregon. You can pass through town in less time than it takes to listen to a commercial on your favorite podcast but a longer stay rewards visitors with fascinating insight into tribal history, home-cooked meals steeped in tradition, and a close connection with the surrounding Deschutes River.
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Explore the Cities of Central Oregon
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Our Travel Guide Can Help.
Central Oregon Traditions
Come make new memories in a nostalgic place. A convergence of something old with something new.
Leave No Trace
Experience the enchanting landscapes and connect with nature while responsibly recreating in the region.
Tastes of the Region
Read about all the easily accessible Food Truck Pod locations throughout the region ideal for families and fur children.
Into The Dark
The stars shine a little brighter in Central Oregon. Read about why we are on the map for our starry skies and the best spots to experience it.
