Key Takeaways:
- Redmond, Oregon, is a year-round destination for outdoor adventures, unique attractions, and vibrant local events that cater to all ages.
- Whether you’re hiking through scenic parks, attending a local festival, or exploring the city’s rich history, Redmond offers endless opportunities for fun.
- With its combination of outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and small-town charm, Redmond is a hidden gem in Central Oregon.
Table of Contents:
- Hike at Smith Rock State Park
- Explore the Redmond Caves
- Enjoy a Scenic Drive on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
- Attend the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
- Visit the High Desert Museum
- Go Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
- Discover Redmond’s Historic Downtown District
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Central Oregon
- Experience Live Music at Local Venues
- Explore the Bend-Redmond Trail System
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Redmond is a city that offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, local culture, and scenic beauty. Known for its access to outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and cycling, Redmond has become a favorite destination for adventurers and families alike. The city is rich in history, from its pioneer roots to its vibrant local arts scene. Whether you’re looking to hike through stunning parks, attend one of its many festivals, or explore local attractions, Redmond has something for everyone year-round.
1. Hike at Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Oregon, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its towering rock formations, the park offers a range of hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. The Crooked River runs through the park, providing a stunning backdrop as hikers explore the rugged terrain. Whether you’re scaling the iconic Monkey Face rock formation or simply enjoying the serene landscape, Smith Rock is a place of breathtaking beauty.
For more experienced hikers and rock climbers, Smith Rock is considered one of the top climbing destinations in the world. It offers challenging routes with incredible views, making it a bucket-list location for adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking to conquer the trails or simply enjoy a scenic walk, Smith Rock State Park offers unforgettable experiences year-round.
2. Explore the Redmond Caves
The Redmond Caves are a fascinating hidden gem located just outside the city, offering a unique opportunity to explore lava tubes and volcanic caves. These natural formations were created thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, and today, visitors can venture into the caves for an underground adventure. The caves are easily accessible with a short hike from the parking lot, making it a fun and family-friendly destination. As you explore the caves, you’ll be amazed by the cool, dark tunnels and interesting rock formations.
Aside from exploring the caves, the surrounding area is great for wildlife watching and enjoying the unique desert landscape of Central Oregon. The Redmond Caves provide a rare opportunity to explore Oregon’s volcanic past while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the region. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, history, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.
3. Enjoy a Scenic Drive on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
For those who prefer to take in the beauty of Central Oregon from the comfort of their car, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is the perfect way to explore the region. This 66-mile stretch of road winds through some of Oregon’s most stunning landscapes, passing by sparkling lakes, dense forests, and towering mountain peaks. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the views. The drive is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change colors, creating a picturesque scene.
In addition to the scenic drive, there are several hiking trails and picnic areas located along the byway, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re taking a leisurely drive or stopping to explore the trails, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway offers some of the best views in the region. It’s a perfect activity for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without a rigorous hike.
4. Attend the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is one of the largest annual events in Redmond, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Held every summer, the fair features a classic array of activities, including carnival rides, live music, and livestock shows. The rodeo is the centerpiece of the event, showcasing exciting bull riding, barrel racing, and other traditional rodeo events. The fair is a fun, family-friendly experience with something for everyone, from thrilling rides to delicious fair food.
In addition to the rodeo and carnival, the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo hosts arts and crafts exhibits, contests, and performances, making it a lively and engaging event for all ages. Whether you’re enjoying the rodeo, shopping at the artisan booths, or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, the fair is a highlight of the year in Redmond. It’s the perfect event to experience the local culture and have fun with the whole family.
5. Visit the High Desert Museum
Located just outside Redmond, the High Desert Museum is an engaging and educational destination for visitors of all ages. The museum focuses on the natural history, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Central Oregon, offering exhibits on everything from local wildlife to Native American history. The museum is home to live animals, including birds of prey, otters, and reptiles, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the region’s wildlife. There are also interactive exhibits that teach about the area’s natural resources and how people have lived in this desert environment for centuries.
The museum offers seasonal events, educational programs, and outdoor exhibits, making it an exciting destination throughout the year. Whether you’re learning about local wildlife, experiencing cultural demonstrations, or participating in hands-on activities, the High Desert Museum is a great stop for families, history buffs, and nature lovers. It’s a perfect way to spend a few hours while learning more about the fascinating history of Redmond and the surrounding area.
6. Go Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
Redmond and the surrounding Central Oregon region are home to several excellent vineyards and wineries that offer wine-tasting experiences year-round. Visitors can explore the local wine scene by sampling a variety of wines made from grapes grown in the region’s unique climate. These wineries often host events, including live music, food pairings, and wine release celebrations, making them a great spot for a relaxing afternoon. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a scenic outing, Redmond’s vineyards provide a delightful experience.
In addition to wine tastings, many of the vineyards offer picturesque views of the surrounding landscape, including the Cascade Mountains. The combination of great wines, beautiful settings, and local hospitality makes Redmond’s wineries an ideal destination for couples, groups of friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely day out. Whether you’re a regular wine drinker or a casual visitor, the local wineries are sure to provide a memorable experience.
7. Discover Redmond’s Historic Downtown District
Redmond’s Historic Downtown District is a charming area that offers a mix of boutique shops, local restaurants, and art galleries. The district’s unique architecture, which includes classic brick buildings and vintage storefronts, gives visitors a sense of the town’s history. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours strolling, shopping, and dining. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, handcrafted goods, or a tasty meal, downtown Redmond has something to offer everyone.
In addition to shopping and dining, downtown Redmond also hosts various community events, including farmers’ markets, art walks, and seasonal festivals. These events help bring the community together, offering visitors the chance to experience the town’s vibrant culture. A visit to the Historic Downtown District is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere while enjoying the small-town charm that Redmond is known for.
8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Central Oregon
For a truly unique perspective of Central Oregon’s stunning landscapes, take a hot air balloon ride over Redmond. Flying high above the city and the surrounding terrain offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains, high desert, and winding rivers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a memorable adventure, a hot air balloon ride provides an unforgettable experience. The peaceful silence of floating in the air combined with the stunning scenery below makes this a must-do activity for visitors to Redmond.
Hot air balloon rides are typically offered at sunrise, providing guests with the opportunity to see the area in the soft, golden light of the early morning. This experience is not only a thrilling adventure but also a great way to see the region’s natural beauty from a completely different vantage point. If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience Central Oregon, a hot air balloon ride in Redmond is something you won’t want to miss.
9. Experience Live Music at Local Venues
Redmond has a vibrant music scene, with live performances taking place at local venues throughout the year. Whether you’re into country, rock, blues, or jazz, you’ll find a wide variety of music styles at these local spots. Many of the area’s restaurants, bars, and event centers host live music on weekends, creating a lively and fun atmosphere for visitors. The city also hosts music festivals and outdoor concerts during the summer months, making it a great destination for music lovers.
In addition to local venues, Redmond has a growing arts scene, with various community events and performances throughout the year. If you’re looking for a night out with live entertainment, Redmond’s music scene provides plenty of options to enjoy local talent and have a great time. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back evening of jazz or rocking out to a local band, there’s no shortage of live music to experience in this charming city.
10. Explore the Bend-Redmond Trail System
The Bend-Redmond Trail System is a network of scenic trails that connect both cities and offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty of Central Oregon. The trail system spans over 20 miles and offers varying levels of difficulty, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely walk, biking through the scenic landscape, or taking in the views from the elevated points, the trail system provides a perfect way to explore the region.
The trails pass through beautiful parks, forests, and along rivers, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. It’s a great way to experience the outdoors and enjoy the stunning landscapes that make Central Oregon so special. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, the Bend-Redmond Trail System is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the area and stay active year-round.
What to Do if You Have Kids?
Redmond is a wonderful destination for families with plenty of activities to keep children entertained. For outdoor fun, the city’s parks and playgrounds, such as Sam Johnson Park, offer open spaces for kids to run and play. The High Desert Museum is another great spot for families, offering interactive exhibits and wildlife experiences that children will enjoy. For a more adventurous day, you can visit the nearby Lava Lands Visitor Center, where kids can learn about the region’s volcanic history while exploring the park’s trails and lava tubes.
Redmond also offers fun seasonal activities like ice skating in the winter and outdoor concerts in the summer. Whether you’re visiting the local farmers market, hiking around Smith Rock, or enjoying a hot air balloon ride, there are activities for every age. Families will love the variety of fun and educational experiences that Redmond has to offer, ensuring a memorable trip for all.
Where Can I Find Free Events in Redmond, Oregon, Taking Place This Weekend?
To find free events in Redmond, Oregon, this weekend, check out Planmyweekend.ai, which lists a variety of free activities, including live music, outdoor festivals, and community events. The platform provides up-to-date information on local happenings, so you can easily plan your weekend without spending a fortune. Whether you’re interested in attending a free concert, exploring a local art exhibit, or taking part in a community activity, Planmyweekend.ai helps you discover the best free events in Redmond and beyond.
Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Redmond
Redmond, Oregon, is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to lively events and festivals. Whether you’re hiking at Smith Rock, enjoying live music, or learning about the region’s history at the High Desert Museum, there’s something for everyone. With its beautiful landscapes, thriving arts scene, and family-friendly attractions, Redmond makes for a perfect year-round destination. Be sure to check out Planmyweekend.ai for free events during your visit and make the most of your trip to this charming city in Central Oregon.

Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai