Beach volleyball in Bend? If you think Bend is the epicenter of beach volleyball, we’ve got some oceanfront property in Central Oregon that we’d just love to sell you.

OK, forget the real estate deal. But there really is a booming interest in sand volleyball right here in our little land-locked desert.

Head on over to the sand volleyball courts in the heart of the Old Mill District on the Deschutes River. The courts are a result of a partnership between the Old Mill District and the Oregon Volleyball Academy (OVA), the largest volleyball club in Central Oregon.

Whether you’re a rough-and-tumble player or a casual player, the courts are a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. There’s even a viewing deck with picnic tables and a sandbox for the kiddos.

Forgot your gear? No problem. You can rent volleyballs through the Ticket Mill across the footbridge.

Volleyball players of all levels can join the volleyball tournaments held throughout the summer, and there are even leagues for junior athletes high school age and younger. When organized play isn’t scheduled, just grab a group of friends and start up your own game!