You’ve probably heard about the world-class lifestyle waiting for you in Central Oregon. Your friends have returned from a trip to Sunriver, Sisters, or Bend with tales of free-flowing craft beer, the clear water of the Deschutes River, the year-round outdoor sports—mountain biking and hiking in the summer, skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Now it’s your time to start planning your Central Oregon getaway! For insider tips, tricks, and more, check out the below!
Getting Here
Planes, trains, and automobiles-accessible. That’s the beauty of getting to the high desert. It’s easy. Take in the towering fir trees along the drive as you crest over the Cascade Mountains; study the Pacific Northwest’s volcanic peaks on your flight’s final descent. No matter the means of travel, Central Oregon captivates the senses and soul as you arrive.
The Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) offers a relaxed, small-town attitude and big-city connections. There’s daily train and bus service, and highways coming from all points north, south, east and west. Consider this your guide on how to get to Bend, Oregon and the high desert region, hassle-free.
Quick Weekend Trips to Central Oregon
Taking a weekend trip to Bend, Oregon and the area is like dipping your toes in the Deschutes; Pretty soon you’ll want to dive in with a longer trip. Even with just a few days, you will find your itinerary, and likely your soul, full.
- For first-timers, pick your passion or interest, and there’s likely an adventure to go with it in Central Oregon. Spend a day mountain or road biking to explore miles of in-town and mountain rides. Beverage lovers and aficionados can spend days quenching their thirst around Bend (aka “BeerTown”) and its drink scene, including brewery tours, cideries, wineries and acclaimed distilleries. If hitting the irons drives your planning, Central Oregon’s world-class golf courses are a hole-in-one. Maybe touring the eclectic eateries and downtown Bend using our foodie guide fits your taste, from food carts to five-star restaurants. If winter is your season, this Cascade mountain mecca has it all: the seventh largest downhill ski area in the country, Mt. Bachelor, serene cross-country skiing and endless snowmobiling trails just to start.
- If relaxation and restoration is what you are after, you’ll want to try one of the many wellness experiences across the region. Juniper Preserve boasts a full spa, wellness retreats, sound baths, and more, to help you be the best version of yourself. Check out more ways to plan the perfect wellness getaway in Central Oregon.
- To get a lay of the land, take one of Central Oregon’s many guided tours. Let the locals steer you to the best of Bend, hiking, biking, restaurants, secret spots and more. If you prefer exploring on your own, our Tours and Trails section gives an overview of all there is to do. And if you’d like suggestions for making the most of your trip, get ideas with our 3-day weekend itinerary for Bend & Central Oregon.
Stay at the Best
Places While Visiting
Sunriver Resort
Black Butte Ranch
Juniper Preserve
Tetherow Resort
Top Central Oregon Family Vacation Ideas
There’s no better way to bond with the family than having fun together. A playground for everyone, Central Oregon is the ideal place for family, kid-friendly adventures and exploration. Depending on the season, there are endless natural wonders to explore, and the indoor fun options in Bend and Central Oregon make stormy weather seem like a treat.
- First, it’s important to establish a good base camp. Depending on your itinerary, families can book vacation rentals close to the action, or book an all-inclusive vacation at Central Oregon’s many resorts. A family tradition for decades, Sunriver Resort tops the list for best family vacation in Oregon. Their central village creates an amusement-park-like experience for kids with bumper cars and games. Get lost in the high desert scenery with bike rentals to cruise their network of paved trails, visit Sunriver Stables and go for a trail ride, or take a stand-up-paddleboard on the Deschutes River during the summertime.
- For an in-town day in Bend, Oregon, the Old Mill district offers some of the best shopping around right along the Deschutes River. Browse this outdoor mall’s shops, and walk along the boardwalk to take in the geese and views of the Cascade mountains. While there, you can let the kids burn off some energy at Free Spirit, a lively, family fitness facility. They can romp, climb and tumble in a fully-padded, all-fun play area during their Ninja Open Play times. Parents can enjoy fitness and yoga, too!
- Both kids and adults will be captivated spending an afternoon at the award-winning High Desert Museum, just a short 15 minute drive south of Bend. A Smithsonian partner, its peaceful, professionally-curated indoor and outdoor exhibits immerse visitors in a learning journey of Central Oregon’s wildlife, archeology, cultural history and special events.
- For outdoor exploring, try a day up at one of the pristine lakes up Cascade Lakes Highway, or in the winter, book the kids an all-day ski lesson at Mt. Bachelor so Mom and Dad can make some turns. Or take a day trip to one of the region’s many National and State Parks. Whatever direction you go for your Central Oregon family vacation, there will be plenty of stories to share on the car or plane ride home.
Planning Your Next Trip?
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.
Romantic Getaways in Central Oregon
A top destination for weddings, it’s no surprise that Central Oregon is also one of the best places for a romantic getaway, too. Whether you’re popping the question or celebrating some alone time, this is the place to feel the love.
- Capitalizing on the dramatic backdrops and breathtaking scenery of the high desert, Central Oregon’s many premiere resorts offer unparalleled romantic getaway packages that invite couples to disconnect from “real life”…and reconnect with each other. Nowhere else can you hit the trails, get pampered at the spa, and enjoy a candlelit dinner as the sun sets over the Cascade mountains–in a single day.
- With its David McClay Kidd championship golf course and jaw dropping scenery, Tetherow Resort makes the perfect romantic golf getaway. Just minutes from downtown Bend, their lodge and cabin rentals offer a luxury escape at the edge of the greens, where couples can play a round after a delectable breakfast at The Row restaurant, and finish with a glass of wine snuggling by a cozy fire pit while your sweetheart serenades you.
- Away from it all, Black Butte Ranch is a 10-minute drive west from Sisters, Oregon. Its serene setting might be the best spot for romantic stargazing as couples take in the silhouette of the Cascade mountains against the crystal-clear night skies. Recharge at their full-service spa, dine by candlelight and relax with a glass of wine snuggling in front of the lodge’s mesmerizing stone fireplace.
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FivePine Lodge and Spa was Bend Living’s Editor Pick as the “Most Romantic Getaway” in Central Oregon. This retreat amidst ponderosa pines greets guests with an opulent timber lodge, surrounded by cozy, modern luxury cabins that deliver an intimate nature experience. Poised at the base of the Three Sisters mountains, you’re just steps away from the Peterson Ridge trail, a scenic trail system for mountain bikers and hikers. Right next door yet other-worldly, Shibui Spa is a transcendent, Japanese-inspired space where couples can escape, with a lava rock soaking pool, outdoor sun deck, and intimate couples massage spa packages.
