Sunriver Guide to Central Oregon’s Destination Resort

Located in central Oregon, Sunriver operates as a year-round resort destination and residential community. Throughout the year, visitors come to Sunriver for outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and fun events. To find out why, read this Sunriver guide for an inside look at this scenic city.

Sunriver Guide: Helpful Info, Ideas and Adventure

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Getting to Sunriver, Oregon

Sunriver sits at the base of Cascade Mountains between Bend and La Pine, Oregon, off Highway 97. Sunriver Resort operates a private regional airport, however most guests fly to and from Redmond, Oregon. Redmond Airport is served by top carriers, such as Allegiant, American, Delta and United, to name a few. For added convenience, this regional airport offers direct flights to Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and other major cities.

Once landed, visitors will find car rental companies in Redmond and Sunriver. From Redmond Airport, Sunriver is about a 45-minute drive, weather permitting.

Those who prefer to drive typically live in Oregon and California. Those in Reno, Nevada; Sacramento, California; and Seattle, Washington may reach Sunriver in seven to eight hours. Shorter trips – those four to five hours – include Portland, Oregon; Salem, Oregon; Eugene, Oregon; and Redding, California. During ski season, those in Sunriver can drive to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort in about 30 minutes.

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Accommodations in Sunriver, Oregon

Visitors will find traditional accommodations in Sunriver. The area offers a collection of motels, hotels, campsites and vacation rentals. For the most privacy and space, book a Sunriver vacation home.

Guests can select from several sizes, ranging from two-bedrooms to five-bedrooms with all the comforts of home. Other amenities include air conditioning, fire places, private hot tubs, decks, full kitchens, children’s bedrooms, play areas, and quick access to nearby pools and spas.

Outdoor Recreation

From spring through fall, Sunriver offers championship and family-friendly golf courses. The resort features two 18-hole courses – Meadows and Woodlands – as well as a chip-putt and links courses. Read about Bend and Sunriver golf courses.

Other warm-weather activities include river recreation, tennis, pickle-ball, fly fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

During summer, splash and play in area pools and lazy rivers. Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic and Recreation Center (SHARC) is open year-round, and offers indoor and outdoor aquatics. Sunriver Resort manages a seasonal pool, an indoor surf wave machine and fitness facilities.

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Winter Activities

Snow bunnies love vacationing in Sunriver during winter. The resort area welcomes guests to tube at SHARC, ice skate in the village, and ride sleighs with loved ones.

In addition, visitors have access to a top ski resort only 25 minutes from Sunriver. Mt. Bachelor offers Nordic and downhill skiing, a tubing hill, and dog-sled rides. Outdoor lovers also enjoy snowshoeing tours, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Sunriver Guide to Dining

When it’s time to break from the outdoors, head to the area’s restaurants. Sunriver has over a dozen options, and nearby Bend has a growing brew and food scene. From coffee to pizza, it’s easy to find something tasty.

Start at Sunriver Brewing Company. This popular spot offers pub fare made with locally sourced ingredients and award-winning craft brews. For breakfast, try Cafe Sinatra, Good2Go, and Hot Lava Baking and Coffee Company. Blondie’s Pizza caters to pizza lovers, while Hola! serves Peruvian cuisine paired with Deschutes River views.

To sample the best of what Bend offers, make the trip to downtown Bend, Oregon. This downtown has more than 70 restaurants and a brewery open for tours. Need the best places to eat? Stop by McKay Cottage, Zydeco Kitchen and Cocktails, and Pine Tavern Restaurant.

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Sunriver Guide to Shopping

End a trip to Sunriver by dedicating a few hours – or a full day – to shopping Sunriver. The resort houses locally owned retailers selling everything from fresh produce to gear and fashion. Visitors searching for souvenirs enjoy browsing Artists Gallery Sunriver, Sunriver Rocks and Copeland Gallery. For clothes, accessories and outdoor equipment, don’t miss Sunriver Sports and Village Threads. Have kids? Let them explore Tumbleweed Toys, a locally owned toy store packed with things they will love.

Events at Sunriver Village

In addition to outdoor activities, Bend and Sunriver host family-friendly events. The holiday season brings Christmas concerts, arts and craft fairs, SantaLand, festivals, and New Year’s celebrations.

When the weather warms up, attend and participate in marathons, 5k walks, restaurant weeks, pet parades and music festivals. There’s always something fun to do here.