Things to Do in Sunriver, Oregon – Our Top 10 Best

When everyday life becomes routine, it’s time to start planning your next thrilling getaway. There’s no better place to seek adventure than Sunriver, Oregon! With stunning natural landscapes and endless outdoor activities, this resort community is the ideal choice for any vacation. Check out the fabulous shops and restaurants in the Village at Sunriver, get out and explore miles of picturesque hiking trails, or enjoy the skiing thrill of your life at nearby Mt. Bachelor. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you are searching for the best things to do in Sunriver, these should be at the top of your list.

Once you’ve learned about all of the best things to do in Sunriver, you’ll need to find the perfect accommodations for your stay. Meredith Lodging offers an exclusive selection of luxury vacation rentals in Sunriver and the surrounding area. Make sure to take advantage of our current specials and contact us to book your stay. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Top 10 Things to Do in Sunriver, Oregon

There are so many amazing things to do in Sunriver, and you won’t experience them all in one day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Whether you are visiting in spring, summer, fall, or winter, Sunriver offers boundless outdoor recreation year-round.

During the summertime, visitors can enjoy hiking, rafting, road cycling, golfing, caving, and a plethora of water sports.

Hit Some of the Many Sunriver Bike Trails

Get your heart racing with a mountain biking adventure, take the whole family out for a scenic bike ride. Here are some of the most notable trails:

• Benham Falls West – Easy, family and pet friendly 6.7 mile trail.
• Green Lakes Trail – Moderate, 9.1 mile hike or bike trail near Sunriver.
• Swampy Lakes Trail – Moderate 4.1 mile hiking and mountain biking trail.

Fishing and Fly Fishing Sunriver

Drop a line in many of the fishing spot in Sunriver, Oregon. Here are some we love to recommend:

Kayaking, Canoeing, or Floating Deschutes River

The Deschutes River in Sunriver may be floated, canoed, or kayaked via a variety of popular routes. For a fun-filled day on the river, pick from the following launch and return locations. If you’re putting in or taking out at Harper’s Bridge on the south side of the river, floaters should do so near Harper’s Bridge. The Sunriver Resort Marina may also be utilized as a launching/takeout point; however, it is possible that access fees will apply.

Things to Do in Sunriver During the Winter

There are also plenty of things to do in Sunriver, Oregon, in winter, as the area is a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. There’s a lot to talk about, so you can find out more here.  

2. Splash at the SHARC Water Park

Are you looking for something fun to do with the kids? Take them to the Sunriver Homeowners Aquatics and Recreation Center (SHARC). This premier aquatics facility boasts an indoor/outdoor waterpark and tons of family fun. Take a dip in the pool, float down the lazy river, or race down the waterslides at lightning-fast speeds. The facility even has a disc golf course, a basketball court, and a fitness center. Make sure to check their calendar to see a list of current and upcoming events. From blacklight snow tubing to the annual spring Mud Run, they feature a wide array of family-friendly activities throughout the year.

3. Stargaze at the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver

Whether you are planning a romantic date or a fun night out with the family, a visit to the Sunriver Observatory is a must. Our region’s elevation and location makes it a prime destination for stargazing, and this facility boasts the largest collection of public telescopes in the country. Fix your eyes on the sky and prepare to be amazed by the out-of-this-world views. If you are lucky, you may even spot a meteor shower!

4. Browse the Local Shops

A perfect afternoon is in store when you wander through the boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores at the Village at Sunriver. Enjoy a personalized shopping experience at The Closet, find prehistoric fossils at Sunriver Rock and Gem, or browse through the trendy clothes at Village Threads. After you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, stop into one of the nearby breweries and unwind with a cold craft beer.  

5. Indulge in the Delicious Cuisine

Are you craving fresh seafood? How about authentic Mexican cuisine? From fine dining to cozy cafes, Sunriver has it all. Stop into the Hot Lava Bakery for a fresh, made-from-scratch pastry. Then, enjoy a traditional Latin-inspired meal and a margarita at El Caporal. If you are in the mood for Italian cuisine, Marcello’s offers some of the best pizzas and pastas around. They will even make your dish to order. Finally, make sure to stop by Goody’s for one of their premium ice cream cones or hand-crafted chocolates.

6. Visit the Sunriver Nature Center

With exciting exhibits and native wildlife, The Sunriver Nature Center is definitely worth the visit. The kids will love all of the hands-on exhibits, and they may even get a close up look at porcupines, Great Horned Owls, otters, beavers, and raptors. The grounds also include scenic hiking trails and the only botanical garden in Central Oregon. Other not-to-miss attractions at the Nature Center include the Cosmic Crater exhibit, the Lake Aspen Loop, and the Creature Cave.

7. Hit the Slopes at Mt. Bachelor

When it comes to skiing destinations, few places can compare to Central Oregon. Located just 25 minutes from Sunriver, Mt. Bachelor boasts the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington! With varied terrain and powder-fresh snow, it’s no wonder that so many families choose to spend their winters skiing and snowboarding here. Other winter activities offered at the ski resort include snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snow tubing. In the summertime, guests can enjoy mountain biking, disc golf, hiking and more.

8. Explore Miles of Scenic Hiking Trails

There are simply too many beautiful hiking trails to count near Sunriver, and you can expect to find stunning scenery around every turn. However, the trail to Benham Falls is one of our favorite hikes. The 1.5-mile trail is great for all skill levels and you’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfall views. We also recommend visiting the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Located in the Deschutes National Forest, you can hike past lakes, lava flows, cinder cones, and the famous Newberry Crater.

9. Visit the Artists Gallery in Sunriver

Art enthusiasts will definitely want to explore the thriving arts and culture scene in Sunriver. The Artists Gallery showcases thought-provoking exhibits from 30 local artists. Take your time browsing through the fine art paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, art glass, and pottery. You can even meet with some of the artists in person, which is what makes this gallery so unique.

10. Attend a World-Class Event or Festival

Sunriver hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, and you won’t want to miss a single one! From art shows and wine festivals to concerts holiday events, there is always something going on. Are you visiting in the wintertime? Ice skate on a frozen rink, take the kids for visits with Santa, or cheer on your favorite dog in the K-9 Keg Pull.

In the summertime, the whole family can enjoy bungee jumping, rock climbing, mini golf, bumper cars, and more at the Village at Sunriver. And you definitely won’t want to miss Pole, Pedal, Paddle in May, Balloons Over Bend in June, or the Sunriver Music Festival in August. Check out our current list of upcoming events and start making your plans to attend now!

Experience Sunriver to the Fullest With Meredith Lodging

If you are searching for the best accommodations in Sunriver, we invite you to book your stay with Meredith Lodging. We offer a wide array of upscale vacation rentals in Sunriver and throughout Central Oregon. Whether you prefer a quiet escape surrounded by nature or a large family home in the center of it all, we have the perfect property for your stay.

Each of our luxury homes and condos features top-of-the-line amenities and are just minutes from the best attractions. We are also happy to offer a great selection of pet-friendly options for guests who would like to bring Fido along too! We have a collection of luxury of vacation rentals and vacation rentals with hot tubs for Sunriver, too! Make sure to check out our current specials in Sunriver, and then contact us at 800-224-7660 to book your stay. We can’t wait to hear about some of your favorite memories that you made during your vacation.