A quick Redmond visit
Walk a stretch of Dry Canyon, then grab coffee or lunch downtown.
See the stops →Around Bend
Things to Do in Redmond, Oregon
Start with Redmond itself: walk the Dry Canyon, explore historic downtown, visit lava caves, and find a good place to eat. Then add nearby day trips if you have more time.
How to use this guide
Start in Redmond, then explore nearby
The first stops below are in Redmond. Smith Rock is in Terrebonne and the other short drives are labeled separately, so you can build a realistic half-day or full day.
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What kind of day is it?
Tap a quick pick, then layer on more filters below.
Make it a day
Three easy ways to explore
Choose a simple route, then check hours before you head out.
Keep it easy with kids
Start at Centennial Park, add a short Dry Canyon walk, then choose a casual food stop.
See the stops →Hike, then head downtown
Start early at Smith Rock in Terrebonne, then finish with a Redmond meal or live music.
See the stops →Build your day
Find your kind of adventure
Stack filters to build the day you actually want.
01Local shortlist
Central RedmondDry Canyon Trail
Best for: A local walk or ride without leaving town
The Dry Canyon is the activity visitors miss when they reduce Redmond to the airport and Smith Rock. It runs right through town and is useful for walking, running and biking.
WalkingBikingFamilyWith kidsOutdoors
02Local shortlist
DowntownDowntown Redmond
Best for: Food, drinks and an easy afternoon
Downtown has gotten good enough that it can be the plan instead of just the place you stop after Smith Rock. Park, walk, eat and let the day stay loose.
DowntownFood + drinkShoppingEasyWeather-flex
03Local shortlist
DowntownDowntown Heritage Walk
Best for: A self-guided walk with a purpose
Follow the Redmond Chamber’s route past historic storefronts and homes. It is a better way to explore downtown than simply circling for lunch.
Good to know: The downloadable booklet covers 36 historic buildings.
DowntownWalkingFreeEasyHistory
04Local shortlist
DowntownCentennial Park
Best for: A simple downtown family break
Right in the center of town and easy to combine with food or coffee. It is not a destination by itself, but it makes downtown much easier with kids.
FamilyWith kidsFreeEasyOutdoors
05Local shortlist
South RedmondRedmond Caves Recreation Site
Best for: A surprisingly wild hour inside city limits
Five natural lava-tube caves sit right in Redmond. This is one of those weird little Central Oregon experiences that is far more interesting than its location beside town suggests.
Good to know: Natural, undeveloped caves: bring three light sources, sturdy shoes and a buddy. No pets in caves or toilets on site; watch for wildlife and uneven footing.
Volcanic / geologyOutdoorsFreeFamilyAdventure
06Local shortlist
DowntownWild Ride Brewing
Best for: The classic Redmond brewery stop
A natural post-hike move when you want a big patio, food-cart options and a casual place where a group can spread out.
BreweriesFood + drinkGroupsPatioDate idea
07
DowntownInitiative Brewing
Best for: Beer plus a full meal downtown
Use Initiative when the group wants brewery energy but also wants the food to be more than an afterthought. It is an easy downtown dinner anchor.
BreweriesFood + drinkGroupsDate ideaWeather-flex
08Local shortlist
DowntownGeneral Duffy's Waterhole
Best for: A group-friendly food and event stop
Part food-cart lot, part gathering place. It is especially useful when a group cannot agree on one restaurant or when there is live entertainment on the calendar.
Food + drinkFamilyGroupsEventsPatio
09
RedmondBlacksmith Public House
Best for: Food carts, drinks and a group-friendly hangout
A flexible stop when everyone wants something different, with food trucks, a taproom and a calendar of music and community events.
Food + drinkGroupsEventsPatioFamily
10
DowntownHigh Desert Music Hall
Best for: A night out that is not another brewery
Check the calendar before writing off Redmond after dinner. The music hall gives downtown a legitimate live-event option and works well as the second half of a date night.
Live musicNighttimeWeather-flexDate ideaEvents
11
DowntownOdem Theater Pub
Best for: A movie and a meal downtown
Catch a film in Redmond’s historic theater and make it a relaxed evening on Sixth Street. Check showtimes before going.
DowntownDate ideaWeather-flexFood + drinkNighttime
Worth the short drive
Good trips near Redmond
These spots are outside central Redmond. Check the map and allow extra driving time before adding one to your day.
12
West of RedmondCline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
Best for: A low-key riverside stop
A good counterweight to Smith Rock when you want a picnic by the Deschutes and less effort. It is also easy to combine with Eagle Crest or a drive toward Sisters.
Good to know: Day-use parking permit required. Swift current and hidden obstructions make river entry hazardous; read park guidance.
By the waterFamilyOutdoorsFree / low-costEasy
13
West RedmondEagle Crest Resort
Best for: Golf and resort recreation
Eagle Crest is its own little recreation zone west of town. It makes the most sense when golf, trails or resort amenities are the anchor rather than as a quick sightseeing stop.
GolfFamilyOutdoorsWalkingCouples
14
Between Bend and Redmond · outside townPetersen Rock Garden
Best for: A wonderfully odd roadside stop
Miniature stone buildings and a peacock sanctuary make this a memorable detour on the Bend–Redmond drive. The garden reopened in 2026 after restoration work.
Good to know: Check the garden’s current hours and admission details before the drive.
FamilyVolcanic / geologyHistoryOutdoorsDate idea
15
Terrebonne · north of RedmondSmith Rock State Park
Best for: A destination hike near Redmond
Smith Rock deserves its reputation, but the local move is choosing the right version of it: river-level walking for an easier day, or Misery Ridge when you actually want the workout.
Good to know: Parking fees apply. In hot weather, start early and carry more water than you think you need.
HikingClimbingOutdoorsViewsFamily
16
North of RedmondPeter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
Best for: A fast dramatic viewpoint
If you are already driving north, this is an easy high-payoff stop over the Crooked River canyon. It takes far less time than Smith Rock and still delivers real Central Oregon scale.
ViewsFreeEasyFamilyScenic drive
No exact match.
Try removing one filter. Central Oregon days are usually better with a little flexibility anyway.
Get oriented
Pick your Redmond zone
From a Bend perspective
Know before you go
Do not make Redmond just the pre-Smith-Rock stop.
Smith Rock is in Terrebonne. Dry Canyon, downtown, the caves and local food make a strong Redmond day without leaving city limits.
Smith Rock is a separate outing.
Summer heat and exposed trails can turn a beautiful hike into a grind. Early starts are usually the better move in hot weather.
Redmond is easy to mix and match.
A Dry Canyon walk plus downtown food works naturally because the distances are short. This is one of the easiest Central Oregon areas to build a half-day around.
The caves are actually caves.
Redmond Caves are undeveloped lava tubes, not a polished attraction. Bring lights, sturdy shoes and basic judgment; the BLM specifically recommends three light sources.
Plan smarter
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Redmond, Oregon?
For Redmond itself, start with Dry Canyon, the downtown Heritage Walk, Centennial Park, Redmond Caves and local food. For a longer day, add Smith Rock in Terrebonne or Cline Falls west of town.
What can you do in Redmond besides Smith Rock?
Walk or bike the Dry Canyon, explore the Redmond Caves, follow the downtown Heritage Walk, catch a movie at Odem or make a brewery and food stop.
Are the Redmond Caves open to visitors?
The BLM lists Redmond Caves Recreation Site as open year-round. The caves are natural and undeveloped, so bring multiple light sources, sturdy footwear and a companion.
Is Redmond worth a day trip from Bend?
Yes. Dry Canyon, the caves, historic downtown and food spots fill a half-day; add Smith Rock in Terrebonne for a longer trip. It is an easy half-day or full-day outing from Bend.