Your A-Z List of Things To Do In Sunriver

There is no shortage of things to do in Sunriver, but it can be difficult to find all of the amazing activities and sights. That’s where our A-Z guide comes in. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of things to do in Sunriver that is sure to keep you busy no matter how long your stay is!

YR = Year Round
Sp = Spring
S = Summer
F = Fall
W = Winter

Art (YR) – From roundabout art in Bend, to a plethora of art galleries throughout the area, there is not shortage of unique and local art to be enjoyed in Sunriver and beyond.

Beer/Breweries (YR) – Known as “Beertown USA”, Bend and the surrounding communities are a hot spot for beer lovers. With well over 20 breweries and counting, the area is home to some of the best beers in the nation. Beer is such an attraction in the area that there is even a Brewery passport you can work on filling up with the Bend Ale Trail. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive a discount to the Bend Brew Bus, a service that will take you and your crew to breweries in the area.

Cross Country Skiing (W) – Take in scenes that you can only see in the Deschutes National Forest. Cross Country Skiing is a peaceful and rewarding activity that is available at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center or from any of the areas many Sno-Parks.

Dog Sledding (W) – Central Oregon is home to Oregon Trail of Dreams, owned by Rachael Scdoris, her husband Nick and her father, Jerry. Rachael is a world-renowned athlete and had her first Iditarod finish in 2006. Stay warm in the sled while a real dog sled team takes you on an unforgettable winter adventure.

Elevation (YR) – With the Cascade mountains nearby, you can easily gain some elevation in Central Oregon. In the winter, see some epic views and speed down the mountain from the top of Mt. Bachelor on the Summit Express lift. In the summer, Mt. Bachelor offers scenic chairlift rides on the Pine Marten Lift. From mid-mountain you’ll be able to see some breathtaking views. Or, head up in the evening for dinner at the Pine Marten Lodge with sunset views.

Floating the Deschutes (Sp, S, F) – When the days are long and warm, visitors and locals alike love floating the Deschutes River. There are several great spots to put-in throughout Central Oregon. We share just a few of many ideas here.

Golf (Sp, S, F) – With more than two-dozen golf courses, Central Oregon is a must-visit destination for golf-enthusiasts. Be sure to visit a nearby course on your stay, or even plan an entire vacation surrounding golf. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive discounts at a select few courses in the region.

High Desert Museum (YR) – Discover the natural world and cultural history of the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history at the High Desert Museum. Open all year, this is a fantastic activity for the whole family.

Ice Skating (W) – Ice skating is a necessary family tradition in the winter. The Village at Sunriver offers a newly remodeled Ice arena for this activity. With skate rentals and even a viewing area for those that don’t want to brave the ice, you won’t be sorry you chose this activity.

Jazz (F, W) – Jazz at the Oxford, that is. Jazz at the Oxford brings world-class artists to the area over 5 separate weekends in the fall and winter. Enjoy fine dining and incredible music in a tranquil setting.

Kayak (Sp, S, F) – With the Deschutes River and too many gorgeous lakes to count, kayaking is a favorite activity in the Sunriver area. If you are visiting and want to try a kayak out, Village Properties guests will receive a discount on kayak and gear rentals at some great local businesses.

Lakes (Sp, S, F) – If kayaking isn’t your cup of tea, simply visiting the lakes for some photo opps is still necessary if you’re in Sunriver. The high mountain lakes are stunning and often make you feel as if you’re standing in a postcard.

Mt. Bachelor (YR) – Mt. Bachelor has an activity for every season. From biking, hiking, site-seeing or disc golf in the warmer months to skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, sled dog rides, snowblast tubing and more in the winter, you will find an activity for everyone up at the mountain.

Nature Center (YR) – A non-profit and educational organization, the Sunriver Nature Center offers hands-on activities, programs and exhibits that will keep the kiddos engaged and interested in the natural world.

Oregon Observatory (YR) – Your gateway to an expanding world of information and natural sciences. The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver offers daytime and nighttime viewing options as well as lots of programs and special events. Be sure to check with the Village Properties staff to see if we can offer you any special deals.

Paddle (Sp, S, F) – As mentioned in the Kayak section above, there are tons of options for paddling your kayak, canoe or even a paddleboard. Regardless of which method of paddling you choose, it’s worth doing while visiting the area. Check out your options at Good 2 Go Food and Fun or Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe. Both great companies will offer guests of Village Properties at Sunriver great discounts.

Quiet (YR) – Picture the snow falling outside and all you hear is the crackling of a fire in your vacation rental. Imagine lying on the shore of the Deschutes River and all you can hear is the water streaming by you, some birds chirping and a light breeze in the trees. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to find some peace and quiet to help you relax and rejuvenate.

Relax (YR) – Sunriver and the surrounding areas offer beauty, nature and more to help you feel rested. Whether you go out for a long walk in the forest, a dreamy paddle on the river or a speedy ride down the mountain on your skis, you’re sure to feel a sense of rejuvenation after visiting the area. If a massage or pedicure sounds more appealing, be sure to check out Sage Springs.

Sledding (W) – There are plenty of winter activities that we could mention here. We chose sledding because it’s an activity that is truly fun for the whole family. Especially at Wanoga Sno-Park.

Tubing (W) – Sno-blast tubing is the name and Mt. Bachelor is the place to go to experience an 800 foot ride, full of rollers. Fun for all ages!

Unplug/Unwind (YR) – Why not come to Central Oregon for a true escape. Come to the quiet, relax and unplug. Turn the phone off and don’t look at your laptop. Instead, bring a book, kick up your feet and let the unwinding begin. Check out Sage Springs, a local club and spa to reserve a massage and/or a pedicure to help you out.

Visit (YR) – So, you came to Central Oregon with your family. Maybe it’s not the best time to unplug. But, it’s the perfect time to visit. Take the time to reconnect with those that you’re with. Walk in nature and just be together. Bond over a cup of coffee while watching the deer stroll through the forest. Visiting with those that you love while in Sunriver is easy.

Walk/Bike (YR) – No matter what Mother Nature is offering you, the miles of paved trails in Sunriver offer endless options for walking and biking. Many of our vacation rentals are in close proximity to the Village at Sunriver and other attractions. The paved trails of Sunriver offer you walking or biking as an option for getting around.

EXplore (YR) – Sunriver and the surrounding areas offer an endless amount of options for exploring. From lakes and rivers to caves and mountains. From the forest and hiking trails to fishing and sightseeing, the options are never-ending. Be sure to check with the Village Properties staff if you have any questions about our area. Our staff is local and very knowledgeable about the area and all it has to offer.

Yoga (YR) – In Sunriver, Sage Springs offers Yoga classes all year round. This beautiful club and spa will not disappoint. Or, grab your mat and take a short walk to enjoy some yoga on your own out in nature.

Zesty food (YR) – There is no shortage of dining options in Sunriver. The area is home to several talented chefs that share their expertise with many tasty restaurants. Remember, Village Properties at Sunriver guests will receive discounts to some of these local restaurants.

Sunriver, Oregon FAQ

If you are looking for a serene place to vacation, surrounded by natural landscapes and wildlife, Sunriver, Oregon may be just the spot you’re looking for. Maybe you have a few questions though, and perhaps we can answer them for you here, in our Sunriver, Oregon FAQ.

Is Sunriver, Oregon a City?

Sunriver, Oregon is a census-designated place and 3,300-acre planned residential community in Deschutes County, Oregon. Unincorporated, but self-governed, Sunriver contains all of the requisite services including a fire station, police department, post office, medical facilities and more.

Sunriver also includes residential areas, recreational facilities, a commercial development known as Sunriver Village Mall and Sunriver. The mall offers a variety of businesses and services, also including restaurants, retail shops, and activities.

Where is Sunriver located?

Located in the high desert of Central Oregon, Sunriver sits about 18 minutes south of Bend via Highway 97, about halfway between Bend and La Pine.

When was Sunriver Developed?

The first condominiums were built in 1968 in conjunction with the completion of Sunriver Lodge.  After completing the master plan, developers began selling lots one year later.

How many people live in Sunriver?

The community is home to more than 4,000 privately-owned residences and has a permanent population of approximately 1,700, though during peak vacation season it may swell to upwards of 20,000. About a quarter of residents choose to live in Sunriver year-around, together with the rest being vacation homes.

The Sunriver real estate market has proven to be strong and steady for several decades and is also a great place for retiring or investing in vacation rentals. The area offers a wide variety of single-family homes, condominiums, cabins and cottages in a quiet setting.

What is the elevation:

4,164′

What is the climate?

Sunriver gets about 18 inches of rain per year, while the US average is 39. Snowfall is 38 inches. The average US city gets 26 inches of snow per year. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 80. On average, there are 162 sunny days per year in Sunriver. The July high is around 83 degrees, with the January low of 22.

Where is the nearest airport?

Located in Redmond, and serviced by Alaska, Delta, United and American, the nearest commercial airport lies approximately 35 miles north of Sunriver.

What are some of the recreational activities?

Located near the beautiful Cascade mountain range, just 15 miles south of Bend, Sunriver offers a myriad of activities. Situated next to the Deschutes River, on 3,300 acres of high desert, meadows and pine forests, Sunriver is a haven for vacationers, golfers as well as outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Sunriver offers an exciting array of activities including:  golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, fly fishing, biking, hiking, bird watching, spa and fitness centers, music and art festivals as well as a variety of restaurants from fine dining to casual.

Sunriver is just 30 minutes away from Mt. Bachelor. Famous for its dry and abundant powder in the winter, a a variety of winter recreational activities, Mt. Bachelor alone is worth the trip.

How do I book my next vacation in Sunriver?

Village Properties at Sunriver would be happy to help you find a vacation rental. We also offer many benefits, from discounts at local merchants to our 4th Night Free special. Give us a call at 877-859-5346 for more information and to book your stay in Sunriver.

Exploring the Village at Sunriver

You might say that the Village at Sunriver is the cultural and activity hub of the community. This shopping center extraordinaire offers not only fabulous boutique shopping, but also great dining, recreation, bike and ski rentals, groceries, as well as live entertainment and events. As a guest or long-term resident of Village Properties, you’ll be able to receive discounts at many of the establishments located there. Go here for a list of participating businesses. Then read on for a sampling of what you’ll find exploring the Village at Sunriver.

Dining

There are a number of dining establishments located at The Village. Whether you fancy exotic cuisine, an international feast, a decadent dessert or just a simple burger, you’re sure to find something to your liking. Below are a few of the offerings you have to choose from.

Sunriver Brewing Company
Since its launch on July 4, 2012, this family-owned pub has provided great service, great food and brewed its own awesome craft beer.

Brewed Awakenings
Discover coffee roasted in-house from frothing to pouring. Friendly and skilled staff know the art of creating that perfect cup of coffee with a smile.

Cafe Sintra
Indulge in delicious breakfast and lunch dishes that pay tribute to Portuguese cuisine. The warm atmosphere and friendly service make Cafe Sintra the perfect place for gatherings.

El Caporal
Family owned since 1997, El Caporal offers quality Mexican dishes and reliable customer service.

Hot Lava Bakery
Choose from a wide variety of traditional bakery items, including donuts and pastries, and coffee and sandwiches.

Marcello’s
A family run, family friendly Italian restaurant offering dining by the fire, on the patio, in the lounge or in your home, via carry-out.

Blondie’s Pizza
Pizza, pasta and calzones, sandwiches, and fresh salads. Gluten-free available, and free delivery after 5pm.

The Village Bar and Grill
This long standing neighborhood restaurant and local watering hole offers American cuisine and family dining with a casual atmosphere.

Shopping

Whether you consider yourself a seasoned shopper who keeps your eyes on the latest trends, or you’re more of a browser who enjoys leisurely strolling the mall, you are bound to enjoy the interesting shops on display in the Village’s quaint alpine setting.

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver
Premier gallery displaying fine arts from local artists.

Flowers at Sunriver
Exceptional service, gifts and high quality fresh flowers in traditional and contemporary floral designs.

Sunriver Books and Music
An independent bookstore with a full selection of books sure to delight readers young and old.

The Closet
The Closet offers a personalized shopping experience for everything from camisoles and leggings, to a fun outfit for a night on the town.

The Wooden Jewel
The Wooden Jewel showcases their unique blend of designer jewelry and wood art.

Additionally, several shops cater to the sports minded.

Sunriver Sports
Sunriver Sports is a full service, summer and winter sporting hard and soft goods store. They offer a wide range of activewear in addition to bike rental in the summer and skis in the winter.

Cascade Guides and Outfitters Fishing Guides
Cascade Guides and Outfitters is the only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter in Oregon, which therefore means they meet the rigorous standards in the fly fishing industry. They also offer a variety of river and lake trips with professional guides, a selection of fly fishing schools and accommodations and a full range of rental equipment to fishers of all types and ages.

Village Bike & Ski Shop
Village Bike and Ski is the premier bicycle and ski rental, repair and sales shop in Sunriver, with a staff that knows local trails and can recommend rides for all skill levels.

Recreation at Village at Sunriver

The Village at Sunriver also offers activities geared to the whole family, including:

  •      Ice skating
  •      Bumper cars
  •      Alpine train
  •      Mini golf
  •      Outdoor cinema
  •      Rock wall
  •      Bouncy house

The Village at Sunriver is an ideal spot for gathering with friends and family. Come for shopping as well as new fun activities reflective of the Central Oregon lifestyle. When booking your family vacation, be sure to contact Village Properties for the perfect vacation rental and local merchants discounts. Give us a call at 877-859-5346 for more information and to book your stay in Sunriver.

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