Bend, Oregon may be one of the world’s coolest outdoor playgrounds, but in the summertime this high desert can get downright hot. The arid slopes of the Cascades are beautiful and offer unique hiking trails and chances to explore ancient lava tubes, but if you need to beat the heat this summer, we have you covered. Read on to know more of the best things to do in Bend Oregon.
 

Floating Down the River

Without question, the coolest way to cool off is by “toobin” one of the crystal clear and refreshing rivers that flow through this beautiful region. Grab a sturdy inflatable air mattress or inner tube (or rent one from Sun Country Tours or Tumalo Creek Kayaks), some aqua socks, and your sunscreen and then head to Riverbend Beach Park. The shallow beach area is an ideal spot to launch your “flotilla” in the Deschutes River. Be prepared for some small rapids and a thrilling adventure as you while away the day floating downstream in the cool waters of this pristine river. You will have the option of braving the Bend Whitewater Park and its man-made rapids, or bypassing them and continuing lazily on to Drake Park. Exit here and catch the River Shuttle back to your car at Riverbend.
 

SHARC Attack

Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic Recreation Center (SHARC) is a massive indoor/outdoor aquatic center featuring recreational pools, lazy rivers, water slides, a hot tub (hey, it’s there if you want it), a tubing hill, and plenty of grassy areas for sunbathing, picnicking, and relaxing. Just a short 20-mile drive away from Bend in Sunriver, this outdoor playground is a great way to stay cool with the whole family, especially if river tubing is a little too daredevil for you and yours. Admission is $20-25, but well worth it for the incredible variety of aquatic adventures that await you.
 

Alpine Lakes

Another way to beat the heat is to head for the hills. Drive up, anyway you can, and seek out the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, particularly at one of the many scenic lakes that dot the foothills around the Cascades. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway passes several charming spots, and part of the fun is choosing your own adventure. If you need some tips, Blow Lake and Devil’s Lake offer easy access and are excellent choices for swimming, paddling, floating, and relaxing. Cultus Lake Resort and Elk Lake Resort feature amenities and equipment rentals if you want to try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking.
 

The Best Things to Do in Bend Oregon on Hot Days

Another popular way to cool off in Bend, one of the microbrew capitals of the world, is the Bend Ale Trail. This charming walk through downtown Bend takes you to several of the best breweries and wineries in the country, all locally owned and operated. Try the Fresh Squeezed IPA at Deschutes Brewing, the Apocalypse at 10 Barrel, and many more. Along the way you can stop at the unique, charming, and eclectic stores (most of which have A/C). Score!

Contact us today to book one of our beautiful vacation rentals in Bend and for more entertainment ideas, be sure to visit our blog!

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Famous for its desert landscapes, world-class golf, legendary music venues, and epic health spas, most people overlook the fact that the Coachella Valley is one of the premiere agricultural areas in California. With 300+ growing days a year, the region produces 95% of the country’s dates, as well as an incredible variety of grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, avocados, mangoes, and an assortment of culinary greens. All of this – plus the crafts and masterpieces of eclectic local artists – is showcased at the Certified Farmers’ Market in Palm Springs, open every Saturday (fall through spring) from 8am-12:30pm.
 

Perfect Produce at the Certified Farmers’ Market

Located at 2300 E. Baristo Road, the market is a sea of white shade tents displaying every color of the rainbow: beautiful flowers in hues of reds and orange are beside produce stands with microgreens, arugula, and dandelion greens; green limes and yellow lemons set off the deep colors of locally grown bell peppers in green, red, orange, and yellow; and colossal avocados in dimpled greenish browns amplify the exotic colors of ripe mangoes, all while the scent of lavender and freshly baked bread waft past your nose. Craft food vendors have local honey, cheeses, olive and avocado oils, plus organic coffee, with new vendors arriving all the time.
 

A Morning at the Market

Free to the public, we love a lazy Saturday morning spent strolling the festive tents, talking with passionate farmers and artisans, all while enjoying fresh baked pastries and coffee. Live entertainment adds to the festive yet relaxed atmosphere, and live cooking demonstrations mean you can be sure to know exactly how to prepare your new exotic fruits and produce, and just what exactly is “broccoli rabe.” Four-legged friends are welcome at the market (though not in the aisles), and Ben Davis’ Monarch Raw Pet Food stand offers gourmet dog treats plus nutritionist and grooming services.

No matter which of our luxury vacation rentals you call home during your stay in Palm Springs, you will be conveniently located just a short drive from this fabulous weekend market. Take the time to pick up a picnic or stock up on ingredients to use in preparing a sumptuous feast in your gourmet kitchen at your vacation rental, then kick back and relax in your stylish indoor-outdoor living space. Our local experts and vacation professionals are standing by to answer your questions and help you make the most of your next visit to beautiful Palm Springs. Contact us today to book one of our beautiful vacation rentals!