Redmond has personality to spare in the heart of Central Oregon. Throughout the city’s downtown core, visitors walk among stylish brunch spots, old-school boutiques, bustling food-cart pods, and cutting-edge brewpubs. But the fun doesn’t end at city limits, where nearby outdoor attractions include underground lava tubes, thundering waterfalls, and one of Oregon’s most popular state parks.
If you’re looking to embrace that balance between small-town charm and outdoor escapes, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Redmond, Oregon, on your next visit. If you’re considering Redmond as a jack-of-all-trades base camp on your next visit, we’ve put together a guide to some of the city’s top sites, bites, attractions, and more:
Here’s more about some of the top things to do in Redmond, OR.
Find Redmond’s Must-See High Desert Views
Whether you rise with the sun for an early trip to the trailhead or prefer easy viewpoints without much work, you’ll find an outdoor experience suited to your flavor of fun around Redmond. Here’s more about nearby hikes, views, waterfalls, and high-desert scenery.
Hike, Climb, or Take in the Views at Smith Rock State Park
Far and away, a visit to Smith Rock State Park is among the top things to do in Redmond, Oregon. The popular state park sits just 10 miles northeast of town and is beloved for the rock formations that rise around the Crooked River—and the views it affords of (and from atop) those beige outcrops. Explore the local landmark via thousands of climbing routes and several miles of hiking trails while admiring the views and watching for resident wildlife (ranging from playful river otters to several species of raptor). On your way back to Redmond, take a quick detour to enjoy some of the top things to do in Terrebonne, which sits just outside the park.
See the Waterfalls and River Views Near Redmond
You don’t have to travel far for a pair of captivating waterfalls in the Deschutes River. Just west of town, the namesake cascade at Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint is a short walk from the parking area, with a viewpoint overlooking a waterfall that tumbles 20 feet over a rock shelf in the river. (Just across the street, you’ll find a popular disc golf course; learn more about disc golf in Central Oregon.) North of Redmond, Steelhead Falls splays out across the channel as it falls into a crystal-clear pool in the midst of a rocky canyon. If we’ve piqued your curiosity, check out our guide to the scenic waterfalls in Central Oregon.
Explore Redmond’s Caves, Trails, and In-Town Parks
You don’t have to travel far for a pair of captivating waterfalls in the Deschutes River. Just west of town, the namesake cascade at Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint is a short walk from the parking area, with a viewpoint overlooking a waterfall that tumbles 20 feet over a rock shelf in the river. (Just across the street, you’ll find a popular disc golf course; learn more about disc golf in Central Oregon.) North of Redmond, Steelhead Falls splays out across the channel as it falls into a crystal-clear pool in the midst of a rocky canyon. If we’ve piqued your curiosity, check out our guide to the scenic waterfalls in Central Oregon.
Go Underground at the Redmond Caves
Just a stone’s throw from the Redmond Municipal Airport, a visit to the Redmond Caves is one of the best things to do in Redmond, OR. In all, you can visit five caves of varying lengths all year long. Prepare for a fun trip with our look at exploring the caves in Redmond, Oregon.
Walk or Bike the Dry Canyon Trail
The Dry Canyon Trail runs through Redmond and offers a fascinating glimpse at the volcanic forces that shaped so much of Central Oregon. As the name implies, the 4.8-mile path cuts through the heart of a rocky canyon pockmarked by springtime wildflowers, stands of juniper, former farmland, and volcanic rock. If you’re not hiking, feel free to hop in the saddle for a scenic ride—and check out your guide to biking in Redmond, Oregon, for more cycling ideas.
Make Time for Sam Johnson Park and Hope Playground
Just west of downtown Redmond, Sam Johnson Park hosts plenty of fun for kids and families. Across the park, attractions include a basketball court, tennis and pickleball courts, covered picnic tables, and more. Its signature feature might be Hope Playground, which is Central Oregon’s largest inclusive playground—complete with a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, slides for children of varying sizes, and a play area exclusively for toddlers.
Spend Time in Downtown Redmond
Of all the things to do in Redmond, Oregon, heading downtown is one of the best ways to get to know the city. There, you’ll find local shops, appetizing eateries, public art, and other fun activities.
Browse Local Shops, Antiques, and Public Art
Redmond was incorporated in 1910, and that history lives on in brick buildings that line its downtown district and host locally owned businesses today. There, you’ll find pieces of public art on seemingly every block, popular antique shops, clothing boutiques, and more fun stops. Most of the time, you’ll buy your souvenir, new book, or cowboy hat from the person who runs the shop. Learn more about the best shopping in Bend and Redmond, Oregon.
Start the Day With Coffee, Breakfast, or Brunch
Every good adventure starts with a good breakfast—and Redmond has you covered. Fill up on pancakes, eggs Benedict, bagels, and even Mexican-style breakfast dishes (like a chili verde omelet cooked with slow-roasted pork) at brunch spots around town. Get the scoop with our rundown of the top breakfast and brunch restaurants in Redmond, Oregon.
Get a Taste of Redmonds Food, Beer, and Live Music Scene
When you’re finding fun things to do in Redmond, Oregon, you’re probably on the lookout for a good meal. Sitting next door to prime Central Oregon farmland and populated by creative chefs, Redmond, Oregon’s food scene delivers local flavors in a variety of inventive ways—including brewpubs, locally owned restaurants, and farmers markets.
Try a Redmond Brewery or Food Cart Pod
Some of the top things to do in Redmond, OR, involve exploring the city’s thriving food-and-drink scene. A number of food-cart pods sit across Redmond, from brewpub patios to alcohol-free, family-friendly experiences; start plotting your next meal with a guide to the food trucks in Redmond, Oregon. Speaking of brewpubs, a handful pour locally made ales and lagers around the city, contributing to our region’s renowned craft beer scene; see what makes Central Oregon breweries and cideries so special.
Play a Round or Plan an Easy Resort Stay
Give yourself some rest and relaxation at local golf courses and resorts. Discover Redmond’s best golf courses to see where to book a tee time on your next visit; just west of town, the popular Eagle Crest Resort hosts three year-round courses, with Cascade peaks and the surrounding high desert offering picture-perfect backdrops. If you’d rather pamper yourself, see what’s available at the top spas in Redmond, Oregon.
Check What’s Happening While You’re in Town
There are always fun things to do in Redmond, Oregon, so stay on top of what’s new with our Redmond calendar of events. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Redmond this weekend or on an upcoming visit, you’ll find art walks, live music, upcoming rodeos, trivia nights, and other fun events throughout the year.
Plan Your Redmond Trip Around the Season
There are things to do in Redmond, Oregon, all year long. Holiday light displays brighten the winter, colorful wildflowers bloom alongside hiking and mountain biking trails in spring, sunny skies make Redmond an idyllic destination in summer, and the crisp autumn air invites lingering downtown. Whenever you decide to visit, plan your Central Oregon vacation with our resources and trip-planning tools, and see more top reasons to visit Redmond, Oregon, for additional inspiration.
