I've Been Visiting This Small Oregon Town for 20 Years—and It Has Epic Stargazing, Hiking, and One of the Best Hotels in the Western U.S.

An insider’s guide to Sunriver, Oregon.

Sunriver, Oregon

Book a stay at Sunriver Resort, consistently ranked among the top hotels in the western U.S. for its 40-plus miles of paved trails, cabin- and lodge-style rooms, and Crosswater golf course, one of the best in the region.Skip driving and embrace biking, whether it’s a beach cruiser or a mountain bike.Go whitewater rafting down the Deschutes River and take in views of wildlife, forests, and more along the way.Stargaze at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, the nation’s largest public observatory.Enjoy a night out at Marcello’s Cucina Italiana, a village staple since 1980, for contemporary Italian and a welcoming staff.

I’ve been making the trip to Sunriver, Oregon, since middle school, enduring the nearly eight-hour drive from San Francisco to central Oregon in the back of my parents’ SUV. I never went to summer camp, but for me, a week in Sunriver felt like the equivalent. Each trip was filled with exploring miles of bike trails, kayaking, taking horseback-riding lessons, and sneaking out of the cabin early to adventure. Sunburned and ready for dinner, we’d return with bags of candy from the village sweet shop, Goody’s.

Time spent in the resort town, located roughly 15 miles south of Bend, is still one of my fondest childhood memories. Its pine forests merge with high-desert meadows, shaped by volcanic-forged landscapes and the winding Deschutes River. Over countless trips, I came to crave the serenity of crossing the California-Oregon border. It’s easy to see why it’s such a beloved destination: It blends the ease of an all-inclusive resort with full immersion in nature.

Over the years, Sunriver became more than just our family vacation spot. It was where I retreated after a hospitalization, where my six-year relationship ended, and where my journalism career took off. Its appeal has never wavered. It’s the one place I feel completely at ease, where hot summer afternoons linger into unhurried evenings and an innate sense of stillness allows for both rest and discovery.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Sunriver Resort

For a stay that checks all the boxes—one solo travelers, couples, and even large families will adore—it has to be Sunriver Resort. Voted one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite resorts in the western U.S. for three years running, this property offers guests ample opportunities for kayaking, skiing, swimming, and more.

Loge Bend

If you’re willing to make the 20-minute drive, Loge Bend is the closest in-town property to Mount Bachelor, making it ideal for guests wanting to explore. Loge, which stands for Live Outside, Go Explore, is for the adventure traveler ready to fly through fresh powder, hit the trails, or soak up some rays while tubing on the Deschutes River.

Tetherow

If a boutique hotel is more your style, Tetherow, a 700-acre property about 20 minutes from the base of Mount Bachelor boasts an award-winning golf course, restaurants, and more than 30 vacation rentals. You can’t beat panoramic Cascade Mountain views.

Campfire Hotel

If a group trip is in your future, the Campfire Hotel—pool club by day, chic hotel by night—channels retro motor lodge vibes in the best way. Gather for s’mores, live music, and craft beer with some of Bend’s most active locals.

Best Things to Do

Stargazing

Starry nights shine brighter in central Oregon. Sunriver was the first International Dark Sky Place in Oregon, and at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, a 30-inch Newtonian telescope unveils galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, making the cosmos feel closer than ever.

Benham Falls

Benham Falls, the largest waterfall on the upper Deschutes River, cascades through a rugged lava canyon just minutes from Sunriver. Named after pioneer settler J.R. Benham, the site once drew loggers who floated timber downstream; today, it’s a popular family-friendly hiking destination.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Exploring Oregon's volcanic past—from caldera lakes to obsidian flows and lava tubes—is a must when visiting the state. The Newberry Volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the U.S., is federally protected within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The park itself is open year-round, though some roads and trails close in the winter due to weather.

Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor isn’t just a cold-weather paradise. Summer is for hiking, mountain biking, scenic lifts, and one of the nation’s steepest zip line courses, while winter offers one of the longest ski seasons with trails for every level, plus snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing.

High Desert Museum

Set on 135 acres, the High Desert Museum is a fascinating stop that brings history, culture, and Oregon wildlife in view. There’s an art gallery, the Birds of Prey Center, an otter exhibit, and Desertarium, which features turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and more.

Best Restaurants

South Bend Bistro

Tucked into The Village at Sunriver, South Bend Bistro feels like a hidden gem. The space captures the natural beauty of the area, but with memorable, refined plates (think: scallops, black truffle ragù, and king salmon).

Sunriver Brewing Co.

Growing up, Sunriver Brewing Co. was always our mid-day stop between long bike rides, hikes, or swims. The craft brewery has a casual mountain vibe, family-friendly atmosphere, and award-winning beers.

Lake House

Set on the edge of Sunriver Resort, the Lake House at Caldera Springs strikes a balance of rustic beauty and polished dining with lake views and a menu offering Northwest favorites like the Oregon berry salad, bison burger, and seared salmon.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sunriver is from May to August when the resort town comes alive with outdoor adventures, family fun, and community events. With nearly 40 miles of bike trails, access to the Deschutes River, and the captivating Benham Falls, summers in Sunriver are a welcomed respite. Now, as a 15-year resident of Texas, I miss Sunriver’s breezy mornings and chilly evenings.

August is particularly lively, offering something for everyone. The Sunriver Music Festival brings in top musicians for orchestral evenings that range from family-friendly performances to classical concerts. The Sunriver Art Fair showcases juried artists in The Village, while the Sunriver Resort Farmers Market brims with local produce and handmade goods.

How to Get There

When I spent summers in Sunriver, we usually arrived by car, but the fastest option is to fly into Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), about 40 minutes north. It’s served by nonstop flights from Seattle, Denver, San Francisco, Portland, and other major hubs, and its small size makes it easy to navigate. For those willing to drive farther, Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 3.5 hours away, while Eugene Airport (EUG) is under three.

How to Get Around

Renting a car is the way to go when visiting Sunriver. Yes, there are ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, but they’re far less plentiful than in larger cities like Portland. You can easily rent a car at the Redmond Municipal Airport and parking around Sunriver is simple and free. For daily activities, biking is the best way to take in the views. Catch the breeze as you meander the bike paths and weave through neighborhoods.