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

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. 

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. For 2026, SHARC has introduced new summer programming, including extended hours and special events for families.

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. or 2026, the observatory has added new evening programming and upgraded telescope technology for even clearer views. 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. For 2026, the Nature Center has introduced new interactive exhibits and expanded its summer camp programs for children.

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! 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.

Major 2026 Updates at Mt. Bachelor:

• The Northwest Lift modernization project is underway, with improvements expected to be completed by fall 2026
• New beginner terrain park off Little Pine
• Reimagined terrain park next to the 13‑foot halfpipe
• Trailhead Lodge (formerly LOGE Bend) now open as a 70‑room basecamp
• Summer operations begin June 25, 2026, with 13 Bike Park trails and top‑to‑bottom hiking access

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!

Plan Your Sunriver Stay with Meredith Lodging

Beyond comfortable vacation homes, Meredith Lodging offers a wide range of amenities to enhance your Sunriver getaway. Discover cabins for cozy mountain escapes or find the perfect large vacation home for your group. Sunriver is just one of many beautiful destinations in Central Oregon. Explore vacation rentals in nearby mountain communities. Bend offers easy access to downtown dining, breweries, and scenic river walks. Sisters offers western charm and stunning mountain views. Black Butte Ranch provides peaceful walking paths and mountain views, while Eagle Crest offers resort‑style amenities. Mt. Bachelor Village rentals place you just minutes from the slopes and trails.