PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – CNN released a list of the 10 best towns to visit in America in 2025, including one Central Oregon city with “go-play-all-day energy.”

CNN’s list features cities across the United States; however, one Pacific Northwest town, dubbed an “outdoor paradise,” made the cut: Bend, Oregon.

Bend scored the fourth spot on the list thanks to its outdoor activities from whitewater rafting and rock climbing to the 100-plus runs at Mt. Bachelor, along with live music, creative lodging and the city’s food and beverage scene.

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Positively Portland

“There’s a reason this town experienced a population boom during the pandemic that still hasn’t stopped. Given the freedom to work and live anywhere, thousands have followed their bliss to a ruggedly beautiful oasis of seriously fun activities, food and beverages in central Oregon,” CNN said.

The outlet highlighted some lodging options including the Deschutes riverside Tumalo State Park campground and the Campfire Hotel, featuring a saltwater pool that’s home to DJ pool parties year-round and a swag shop with s’mores kits to use at the hotel’s outdoor fire pits.

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For beverage destinations, CNN pointed to Bend’s McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Monkless Belgian Ales Brasserie, the Bend Ale Trail and cocktails from Dogwood at the Pine Shed.

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“Bend is still growing and evolving. The restaurant and bar scenes are playing one-upmanship, each new spot trying to outshine what came before. The Eastside is in a revival, and downtown is expanding into what’s being called the Bend Central District,” CNN said.

“Recreation options are becoming more accessible, with more kayak launches being built for the river and new adaptive mountain biking trails designed for those with mobility limitations. Whenever you visit Bend, there is going to be a new, hip place to go, mixed with the classics,” CNN added, noting the city is also home to the world’s last Blockbuster.

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While Bend is in a remote part of the state — with the nearest major city, Portland, being a three-hour drive away — CNN added, “But with a little determination — in the true spirit of the West — you can access this wondrous expanse of nature and the town that grew up inside it. Bend is an outdoors playground with a deep appreciation for the finer things in life.”

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The number one city on the list is Ithaca, New York, followed by Missoula, Montana; Asheville, North Carolina; Bend, Oregon and Annapolis, Maryland.

Meanwhile, Petaluma, California; Las Cruces, New Mexico; Northampton, Massachusetts; Clarksdale, Mississippi and Rapid City, South Dakota round out the top 10 list.

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