Bend, Oregon has so much to offer people from all walks of life, and Bend’s Old Mill District is at the center of it all. Whether you are a sports nut, a nature lover, or a gourmet foodie, you will definitely want to plan a trip to Bend’s Old Mill District.

Things to Do in the Old Mill District

There are so many things to find in Bend, Oregon, and the majority of them can be find right within or near the Old Mill District itself. From shopping and dining to sports, both indoor and out, there is no shortage of things to do.

Shopping

If you want variety in shopping, you’ve come to the right place. Bend’s Old Mill District has over 40 shops ranging from small, local boutiques to those big-name brands you know and love. And the entire shopping district is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Deschutes River and Cascade Mountains.

One of the best things about shopping in the Old Mill District is that the State of Oregon is tax-free. You can save big on your favorite leggings from Lululemon, camping gear at REI, a new swimsuit at Athleta, a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry from Nashelle, and more.

Another perk that comes with shopping here are the special events and sales throughout the year. Check out the Old Mill website to find their complete calendar of upcoming deals and more details.

Dining

For the traveling foodie, Bend, Oregon should be a bucket list stop, particularly the Old Mill District. Thanks to the High Desert climate, many of Bend’s Old Mill District eateries offer outdoor dining with incredible views.

In Bend, you will find some of the finest, hand-crafted menus, made with locally sourced ingredients and some of the best flavors you will ever try. From dishes for every meal of the day (including brunch), beer, coffee, wine, and baked goods, you may find yourself waddling home after your visit.

Grab a pizza and glass of wine at Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria. Try the halibut tacos from Hola!, Bend’s Peruvian Mexican inspired eatery. Find a new favorite dish at Pastini, where they make all their pasta dishes from scratch. And of course, there are a few chain restaurants you know and love, including Red Robin, Jimmy John’s, and Ben & Jerry’s.

Outdoor Activities

A visit to Bend would be wasted if you didn’t take the time to enjoy the great outdoors. And there is plenty of outdoor fun to be had in and near Bend’s Old Mill District all throughout the year. Take your pooch to the Riverbend Dog Park or have your kids enjoy the playground at the Farewell Bend Park.

With nearly 300 days of sunshine, you can enjoy running or walking the trails around the Deschutes River Trail all year long. You can also check out some of the other hiking trails close to Bend, located all throughout the Cascade Mountain area, including the hike up to Tumalo Falls.

You can also find some great places to take your bike out for a ride. There are a few biking trails if you are looking for something a bit more intense, or you can just rent a bike to take a nice leisurely ride around the Old Mill district and town.

Summer brings the crowds to the trails, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find enjoyable outdoor activities to enjoy. Grab your bikini or trunks and try kayaking, rent a stand-up paddle board or float down the river. If you are a bit of a daredevil or adventurer, you will definitely want to check out the river surfing available at White Water Park.

With all the rivers and lakes easily accessible from Bend’s Old Mill District, you may want to take some down time to cast your line. Not a fisher but you want to be? You can look into the Old Mill District Fly Fishing casting course. Take a new skill home with you!

Once the cold weather sets in, you can expect to see snow up in the mountains. Mount Bachelor near Bend is a great place for tubing, skiing, and cross country skiing, with some great Airbnb and ski lodge locations to plan a getaway.

Indoor Sports

If the weather isn’t quite to your liking or you simply want to spend some active time indoors, there are plenty of sports to enjoy while you remain sheltered from the elements.

Squeeze in a spin class like no other at the Cyclebar, where your workout feels more like a party. Find a class at Orangetheory Fitness that will challenge you both inside and out. Or simply slow it down with a session at Bend Hot Yoga Studios.

Entertainment

Beside the Regal Old Mill & IMAX movie theater complex you will find Les Schwab Amphitheater, the cultural hub of Bend, right next to the center of Bend’s Old Mill District.

All year long, you can find concerts and special events, including the Bend Brewfest. Come to one of their summer concerts to listen to (local) bands and try some local flavors from the food trucks on site.

You can also check out the Old Mill website to find a calendar of events coming up around town. There are some fun family-friendly Christmas happenings as well as symphony orchestra performances and walking tours.

Where to Stay near the Old Mill District

When planning a visit to Bend’s Old Mill District, you will need a place to stay, of course. And there are some great locations, from big name (Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Springhill Suites) and boutique hotels to quaint Airbnb rentals.

One of the best boutique hotels to check out is the Pine Ridge Inn. Here you will find some of the best hospitality, including your choice of wine or beer upon arrival as well as guest service agents to help you book all of the activities you are interested in.

The Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House is another unique place to stay in the Old Mill District. Set up like a hostel, the Bunk+Brew is all about having their guests leave with one more friend than they arrived with. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize from breakfast in the shared kitchen to roasting marshmallows in the fire pit out back.

For a more extensive list of places to stay in Bend’s Old Mill District, check out the Best Hotels in Bend, Oregon.