Bend, Oregon is a gorgeous community with a surrounding landscape that will continually take your breath away, from the majestic mountains to the quiet cafes in town. Year-round, Bend opens its arms to visitors, and during the holidays the atmosphere turns downright magical. There are a thousand reasons to head to Bend for the holidays. Here are just a few:
Picturesque Scenery
If you were to take a moment to close your eyes and imagine a picturesque, postcard-worthy winter scene, with snow-dusted pines and a pastel sky, you’d probably be picturing Bend in the wintertime. You’ll want to bring along your warmest jackets, your snowshoes, and all your favorite winter sporting gear, because there is no better time or place to break them out than here in Bend for the holidays.
Wild Winter Adventures
The mountains around Bend average 30 feet of snowfall per year—much, much more than the mild 30-inch average that the city enjoys. That means that the world of winter magic awaits you on the mountain tops! Book a Moonlight & Starlight Snowshoe Tour with Wanderlust Tours, which also offers other adventures, like snow camping, and a New Year’s Eve bonfire. Take the family to see what it’s like to ride with sled dogs if you’re looking for a more creative way to enjoy the snow. But the biggest winter adventure of all is our favorite: winter sports. Try backcountry skiing on Cinder Cone, or cross-country skiing on Wanoga Sno-Park Cross-Country Loop.
The Magic of Bend for the Holidays
Some of our favorite perks of the holidays are those right here in town. Warm up after a long day snowshoeing to Tumalo Falls by heading into town for a craft beer at Silver Moon Brewing, plus a good, old-fashioned burger. Get into the holiday spirit with us at the annual Christmas Parade, to be held this year on Saturday, December 7th. See the Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade on December 13th; it’s a one-of-a-kind parade that you’ll never forget, where Bend’s paddling enthusiasts deck their canoes and kayaks with holiday lights and decorations and head down the Deschutes River together.
Home Away from Home
When you’re planning a holiday destination, the most important thing is finding somewhere that will feel like home to everyone during your stay. That’s where Bend Vacation Rentals can lend a helping hand. Simply call us today at 541-385-9492 and we’ll help you get started!
With all Bend has to offer—from the sports you can participate out on the water, to the unbeatable restaurants in town, all the way to the secluded forest trails where you could spend days simply walking—you’ll be hard pressed to see it all! Why not try taking one of the popular Bend tours with someone who knows the best spots in Bend like the back of their hand?
Bend Tours: Arts & Culture
The Bend Tour Company is the master of tours here in Bend, and one of our favorites that they offer is this comprehensive tour of the city’s art and cultural scenes. You’ll get to explore both public art and art displayed in private spaces, all while learning about the diverse culture of the area. Embark from Old Mill District in an open-air electric touring car and simply kick back and enjoy yourself.
Bend City Sights and Brewery Combo
This mixed and matched tour of sightseeing and brewery exploration offered through The Bend Tour Company is a 2-hit combo that you’ll adore. You’ll get a tour of the city, and along the way you’ll get to stop at some of the famous breweries here in town and taste some of that lovingly brewed beer for yourself. Your guide will be both friendly and knowledgeable, and you’ll even learn a thing or two along the way!
Deschutes River Horse Ride
This Bend tour offered through Wilderness Horse Adventures is a custom adventure, totally one of a kind. There are different rides you can take, from a coffee and croissants breakfast ride to a sunset tapas ride. You’ll even get to participate in activities like fly fishing on this active and relaxing 3-hour tour.
Bend Badlands ATV Tour
If you have a need for speed and an ache for adventure, check out this tour offered through Outriders Northwest. This is one of the most fun you can possibly have on an outdoor activity in Bend. You’ll get a 4-seater ATV and 3 hours to kill out in the wilds of Oregon. You’ll never forget this tour. Remember to take your camera along, because the sights you’ll see from the ATV will take your breath away.
Start your Trip with Bend Vacation Rentals
Whatever tours you plan to embark upon during your stay here, you’ll want to make the center of your vacation a comfortable rental home. Call us today at 541-385-9492 and we’ll help you find the perfect one for you!
Your vacation in Bend promises to be unlike any other you have taken. Quiet and peaceful even during the high tourist season, our small mountain village offers an experience you rarely find in today’s crazy world! Close to skiing, beautiful hiking trails, and natural scenic attractions, there’s always something to do during your stay.
For those who have a natural abhorrence of crowds, we have provided this guide to the off the beaten path places to see in Bend that only locals know about—because we care, we like you, and we want you to make the magical memories you have always dreamed of when staying in one of our cozy and comfortable Bend Vacation Rentals vacation escapes.
Peterson Rock Garden and Museum, 7930 SW 77th Street, Redmond
Actually located between Bend and Redmond, the Peterson Rock Garden has been charming locals for years, and this year you’re going to be the one who is entranced! The rock garden began simply enough all the way back in 1935 when Rasmus Peterson started collecting rocks that were within a 35-mile radius of his property. The garden covers four acres and has a collection of miniature homes, castles, churches, and even some monuments, all built of local rocks. Colorful peacocks roam freely on the land, and in a fenced-area, cuddly and fuzzy alpacas graze happily, adding a touch of warmth to what could otherwise be considered a stark, although creative, scene. Our favorite part of this place to see in Bend is the miniature bridge built over the pond filled with lily pads, but you have to see it for yourself to discover what you love most!
Five Fusion & Sushi Bar, 821 NW Wall Street #100
Dining out can get pricey when you live in a tourist town, but we learned long ago there are two types of restaurants: the ones the tourists eat at, and the ones we locals can easily afford! And because we enjoy sushi on a regular basis, Five Fusion & Sushi Bar is where you’ll find us on a quiet Tuesday night! Open nightly from 4-9 (10 on Fridays & Saturdays), their Happy Hour deals last from 4-6 and are substantial, delicious, and very reasonably priced!
Arnold Ice Cave
Pretty much everyone who visits Bend has heard of the Lava River Cave, but not many research further to discover the Arnold Ice Cave. Located about 12 miles southeast of our hometown, it was created from a lava flow over 80,000 years ago and today is a magical place to visit, albeit a cold one. Average temperatures barely rise over freezing, and the ice that is an integral part of the cave creates a slippery situation for the hearty explorers who make their way to this hidden treasure. Closed from November 1 through April 15th for bat hibernation season, if this cool cave sounds interesting to you, you might want to plan your trip around this critical time period.
Offering Off the Beaten Path Hideaways for the Best Places to See in Bend
We know people have different expectations of the best way to vacation, and so our homes are designed for different likes. Hidden away in the Bend countryside or based in the bustling downtown area, our homes are destined to be exactly what you dreamed of—reserve yours today!
When traveling to places you’ve never visited before, one of the best ways to learn about its hot spots and popular activities is simply by picking up a guidebook and reading the pages within. Guidebooks offer tips on where to find the best hiking trails, the most popular restaurants, and the top tourist attractions in the area, and these books tell thousands of other potential travelers the exact same information, meaning when you get to these treasured places, you get to share the wonders with all the other travelers who have read the same books! When you book a Bend Vacation Rentals property, however, you get more than a comfortable and stylish place to rest your head each night; you get the power of our full staff behind you, offering you a different way to see the town. Here’s our list of some of the best-hidden tourist attractions Bend Oregon has to offer!
Dudley’s Book Shop Café, 135 NW Minnesota Avenue
Coffee, snacks, and good reading material go hand in hand, and although other places may offer the same three things, they don’t have the charm and tranquility found here. This bookstore cafe offers unpretentious cups of Joe, a large variety of books of all genres, and pastries purchased from local bakeries. Spending a few hours at Dudley’s on a rainy morning may end up being the highlight of your entire Bend vacation!
The Second-Best Place to View the Sunset
The best part of any vacation is watching the sunset with the ones you love, and Pilot Butte Scenic Viewpoint is the 2nd best place to do so in all of Bend (We’ll talk about the top spot a little later!). Offering three relatively simple trails that lead to the top of the cinder cone upon which it is based, Pilot Butte is famous for its 360-degree, unobstructed views of the valley.
Snowshoeing and Night Time Bonfires are a Thing
If you don’t live in a state with a lot of snow, you probably have only seen snowshoes on television and might have difficulty imagining a nighttime hike to a bonfire in the snow. Well, not only is it real, Wanderlust Tours also offers hazelnut espresso and vodka to enjoy along with the quiet of a Bend winter’s night.
Among the Best Tourist Attractions Bend, Oregon Offers
Once you’re done seeing the tourist attractions Bend Oregon prides itself on, there is plenty to experience right from your rental. Your favorite sunset viewing spot doesn’t involve any effort; simply open the door to the deck of your Bend Vacation Rentals cozy cabin, pull up a chair, and proceed to viewing! Our homes are designed to be comfortable, warm, stylish, and to have the best views in town. Reserve yours today and discover all the secrets that make our homes the only place you’ll want to stay!