It’s that time again. You’re scanning ahead through your calendar, eyeing that one week each year when the family’s schedule aligns. It’s spring break—a time for new scenery and fresh adventure. So where should you go for spring break this year?

In the Pacific Northwest, the choice often boils down to the mountains or coast. Is this the year you’ll go east or west for your family’s spring vacation? 

While both options sound fun, here’s why you should choose Bend for spring break this year.

Let’s get out of the rain

If you’re from a soggier part of the Pacific Northwest, spring’s when you’re aching for drier conditions. In Central Oregon’s high desert, you’ll find clear, sun-kissed days and plenty of spring snow mixed with bluebird skies. No disrespect to the coast, but that’s not so common over there.

Kids ski free at Mt. Bachelor

Kids get expensive, especially during peak travel times. That’s why Mt. Bachelor’s longstanding Kids Ski Free program is amazing for families on a budget. Save a bundle while exposing the whole fam to endless caches of fresh powder. Read up on the rules and plan ahead for spring break fun.

Skip the sand in your car and shoes

The beach is amazing, don’t get me wrong. But how many times have you found yourself battling sand in your backseat months after your trip to the coast?  There are lots of great things about snow in Bend, but one of the best is that it melts instead of turning your floor mats into sanding blocks.

Treat your taste buds

Maybe you’ve heard the buzz? Bend is frequently praised for its culinary scene, which runs the gamut from fancy steakhouses to Asian fusion to vegan dining to family-friendly restaurants. That’s unusual for a landlocked city of 107,000, and we count ourselves lucky to have award-winning chefs calling Bend home. Whether you’re seeking seafood, gluten-free fare, or a massive food cart scene to please every palate, your taste buds will thank you for bringing them to this high desert culinary oasis.

Why choose?

Snowshoeing or mountain biking? Golfing or skiing? Hiking, ice skating, or surfing the Bend Whitewater Park? These are tough choices, no doubt about it. Lucky for you, you’re not forced to make them in Bend. We’re frequently touted as one of the few American cities that have mastered the art of three sports in one day, so pack your snowboard and your trail running shoes. There’s a good chance you’ll need both.

Where are the dog sleds on the beach?

Sorry, friends—that’s not a thing. But if a once-in-a-lifetime sled dog adventure sounds like a dream spring break adventure, you can make it happen in Bend. A sled dog ride probably won’t happen for you on the coast, but it could happen in Bend!

Snow makes for prettier sunrises

If you love snapping pics of sweet sunsets or savoring your morning coffee with a perfect pink glow in the sky, nothing beats Bend’s bounty of rugged eye candy. The glittering Cascade Mountains make the perfect backdrop for family photos and cute selfies, so get ready to bust out the good camera.

Want a break from the outdoors?

Bend’s more than just a place to play outside. Once you’ve had your fill of wallowing in snowy fields, there’s plenty of indoorsy stuff to do in Bend. Hit the High Desert Museum and soak up tons of natural history and cool critters. Visit the Mountain Air Trampoline Park, Trampoline Zone, or the K1 Speed go-kart track to get the wiggles out. Enjoy arcade games, bumper cars, and a family game of bowling at Sun Mountain Fun Center. Solve a mystery together with the clock ticking at Bend Puzzle Effect. For more ideas, check out this post.

Best of aprés ski

From a sun bar with a removable roof at Mt. Bachelor to Dive In Movies in the pool at Campfire Hotel, Bend’s après ski scene is on point. There’s even an entire Bend Ale Trail for you to tackle. Which brings me to my final point…

The Bend Ale Trail

Bend’s craft beer scene is the stuff of legends, with publications from the Washington Post to USA Today buzzing about the Bend Ale Trail. Yes, we make great beer, but do you know why? One reason is the abundance of pure water, courtesy of Central Oregon snowmelt. Check out this awesome video from Wanderlust Tours to learn more.