Your Ultimate Guide to Sunriver, OR
Sunriver, OR is an outdoor haven filled with gorgeous landscapes and exciting surprises around every corner. No matter what season you visit, you’ll find an array of attractions in the resort town that will leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Here, we'll look at the best accommodations, restaurants, and activities, so you can start your planning. In this guide to Sunriver, you'll learn where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and which activities should be first on your list.
Accommodations
Sunriver is known as a resort community and home to a number of rental homes within its borders. With our local partner, Cascara Vacation Rentals, you’ll find convenience and luxury in the middle of beautiful High Desert terrain. This collection of homes nestled in the national forest doesn’t just embrace the outdoors, its very architecture reflects the natural beauty.
Chef's kitchens, double ovens, giant pane-glass windows, and vaulted ceilings give everyone the space they need to stretch out and enjoy their vacation. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor heated pool or just a convenient location next to a golf course, Cascara Vacation Rentals has vacation homes that exceed your high standards for elegance.
Things to Do
When most people are in town, they’re ready to get out and about:
- Biking: There are nearly 40 miles of bike trails to explore in Sunriver, and they can often get you around as easy as a car can. Bring your own bike or rent one from one of the the local shops and pedal your way from place to place.
- Float: At the Sunriver Marina, you can rent a canoe, raft, or paddleboard to explore the Deschutes River. While the water might be chilly from the mountain runoff, it’s worth braving the current to see the Ponderosa pines.
- Hike: Just a short trek from Sunriver, you’ll find Lava Lands. Here, you can go through the Lava Cave Forest or venture underground into the Lava River Cave. (These hikes may sound dare-devilish, especially for kids, but they're tamer than you think!)
- Horseback ride: At Sunriver Stables, you can head out on the trails and sharpen your horseback riding skills. Kids as young as seven are welcome to climb aboard and kids as young as two can make their way out on a pony.
- Visit Mt. Bachelor: This Oregon peak has 4,300 acres for snowboarding or skiing, and it’s just a 30-minute trip from Sunriver. This major draw gets more attractive every year, especially as the staff expand summer activities. So, if you’re looking for a place to zip line or mountain bike when the kids are off from school, you can split your time between Sunriver and the mountain.
- Golf: There are many public courses around Central Oregon inlcuding Quail Run in La Pine, Lost Tracks in Southeast Bend, Widgi Creek in Southwest Bend and River’s Edge in the north part of Bend. While Sunriver Resort courses are all private, we have discounts at both Lost Tracks and Widgi Creek.
- Winter sports: While Mt. Bachelor may grab more of the headlines, you don't actually have to drive there to enjoy the seasons! Sunriver is great for tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or sledding. Receiving nearly twice as much snowfall as nearby Bend, OR, you can rent equipment for the day and head out into the winter white.
- Relax: This resort community features a number of ways to pamper yourself, whether you’re looking for body treatments, facials, or massages. The best part about Sunriver is not just its talented practitioners, but its commitment to environmentally-friendly products and techniques.
- Stargaze: The elevation of Sunriver makes stargazing an easy nighttime activity. If you’re looking to learn more about the cosmos, though, we recommend the Oregon Observatory to check out the wonders above through a telescopic lens.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
From premium coffee to rich to hearty dinners, the restaurants in Sunriver are sure to kickstart your palate:
- The Wallow: This casual bar and grill is friendly and laid-back. Order an elk burger or the Bang Bang shrimp and get to know the locals on their terms.
- Marcello’s Italian Eatery: Marcello's Italian Eatery takes classic Italian flavors and adds Pacific Northwest influences, crafting everything from artisan pizzas and fresh pastas to premium salmon and steak dishes, all using locally sourced ingredients.
- Blondie’s: If you’re looking for the best pizza in the area, it’s hard to beat Blondie’s. Known for premium ingredients and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a great place to fuel up no matter what season you visit.
- Brewed Awakenings: The fresh-baked pastries, smoothies, and house-roasted beans make this one of the most beloved places to start your mornings. If you wake up famished after skiing, biking, or tubing, this is the place to go for a jolt.
- Cafe Sintra: Open for breakfast and lunch, this place gets top marks for its homey feel and hearty meals. From eggs to soups to sandwiches, the cafe has a wide enough menu to fit nearly any craving.
How to Get Around
While Sunriver is often considered a drive-to market, Sunriver is located just 45 minutes from the Redmond Municipal Airport where you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber and Lyft. Town car services are also available from the airport for a more upscale ride.
Most guests will rent a car to get to the many attractions in Sunriver from one of the service providers at the airport, though we highly recommend using your bike (if you can) whenever possible. Some resorts also provide round-trip shuttle services to Mt. Bachelor during the winter.
If you’re looking for public transit, the Bend line does extend into Sunriver’s city-center and many of its outskirt points of interest. Just keep in mind that transit times are seasonal and subject to detours and changes.
While Sunriver lacks public transportation, Uber and Lyft operate in the area, offering convenient and quick travel around town. For exploring nearby communities during your stay, Cascades East Transit runs intercity routes (such as Bend to Redmond) Monday through Saturday. Check their website or route maps for current schedules and stops, as special events may cause delays. Planning ahead will help you navigate the region smoothly.
Sunriver, OR may be a resort town, but there's nothing cookie-cutter about it. . Whether you choose it as a central point for skiing and exploring Bend or you make Sunriver the focal point, you're sure to find plenty to keep you occupied. If you stay with our local partner, Cascara Vacation Rentals, you'll find all the best accommodations in Sunriver plus all the amenities and guidance you need to turn your stay from ordinary into extraordinary.
