Explore the unseen and lively encounters awaiting you in Salem, Oregon with our complete guide to the best things to do in the city! ABOUT US Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley, Salem is a true cultural and historical gem. Focused exclusively on Salem, we'll show you everything you need to know, from where to stay to where to eat, what to do and places to visit.
Tucked neatly in Oregon's lush Willamette Valley, Salem is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Salem More than just the capital of the state, Salem is an experience full of surprises, family activities and epic culinary and wine experiences. If you’re looking for ideas of fun stuff to do in Salem, Oregon, you’ve landed in the right spot!
This guide will take you from the landmarks of the city to its hidden gems, making sure you won't miss out on memorable experiences.
Salem is intimately bound up with the history of Oregon's capital city. These are attractions that offer an intriguing glimpse of the state's history and thriving art scene.
No trip to Salem is complete without taking a look at the beautiful Oregon State Capitol. This stunning Modernist Art Deco building is crowned by the iconic gilded in gold leaf “Oregon Pioneer” statue. You can go inside to see the grand murals that depict Oregon’s history and the legislative chambers, and during summer months, climb 121 steps to the observation deck for a sweeping view of the city.
Enjoy Victorian splendor at the Historic Deepwood Estate. Gorgeous, well-preserved (1894) Queen Anne style home on 5 acres, spectacular gardens and native woodlands. Tour the house and discover original family furnishings and exquisite architectural details. In any season, the formal gardens, designed by the first female-owned landscape architecture firm in the Pacific Northwest, add a splash of color.
Situated on Willamette University's campus, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art is truly a gem. The museum exhibits a varied collection of art from the Pacific Northwest and around the world, including strong holdings in Native American art, American painting, and European painting. Its rotating exhibitions make sure there’s always something new and thought-provoking to ponder.
The Willamette Valley is renowned for its natural beauty, and Salem is home to amazing parks and gardens within the city.
Just a short drive from downtown Salem is The Oregon Garden, an 80-acre botanical wonder. It displays the myriad of plant types native to the Pacific Northwest in more than 20 themed gardens, such as the Children’s Garden, Sensory Garden, and magnificent Rose Garden. Do not miss the Gordon House, the only Oregon home created by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which was slated for demolition and relocated to the grounds.
This wonderfully kept 23-acre park is the pulse of Salem outdoor community life. Hugging the Willamette River, it includes dramatic walking, running and biking paths, a playfully designed children’s playground, a splash pad for excruciating summer days and the iconic Gerry Frank Ampitheater. It’s also home to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, a hand-carved masterpiece that’s enjoyed by all ages.
Stretching across more than 1,200 acres, Minto-Brown Island Park is the largest park in Salem and a playground for outdoor lovers. Boasting over 30 miles of trails that make their way through forests, wetlands and open fields, it’s ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists alike. It is also a great place for birdwatching, with hundreds encountered every day of the year.
Planning a trip with kids? Attractions For The Entire Family Salem offers diverse attractions that will appeal to the entire family.
The museum is named for inventor A.C. Gilbert and is one of the best things to do in Salem, OR with kids. It's spread out over a couple of old Victorian houses and is a bit of a hands-on, puzzle-solving type of museum, with exhibits on science, art, and engineering. The Outdoor Discovery Area, an 20,000-square-foot Outdoor Discovery Area, is a huge lure where children can build, climb and explore.
South of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is a classic, homegrown theme park in the spirit of Disney. Stroll through Storybook Lane, have a go at the Big Timber Log Ride, or visit the spooky haunted house. It is both nostalgic and magical and provides a great alternative to the big corporate theme parks.
One of the city’s nature-inspired treasures, this carousel offers 42 hand-carved and painted animals, representing different local animal icons, sponsored and lovingly built by area volunteers. It's extremely well made and a fun ride for kids and adults.
Salem is the launch point to one of the finest wine regions in the world, as well as a culinary and craft beverage scene that is rapidly becoming known beyond its place.
You’re in Salem, you’ve got to do a little wine-country touring. The Willamette Valley is justifiably famous for Pinot Noir. There are dozens of wineries within 30 minutes’ drive of Salem. There are placards, such as Willamette Valley Vineyards, which come with panoramic porches and wines that have been awarded, and smaller, detail-oriented tasting rooms at boutique wineries, where the entire base may get swarmed with bees.
Salem’s craft beer game is strong — very, very strong. Stop by Oregon craft beer standouts Santiam Brewing and Gilgamesh Brewing, both local favorites of hand-crafted, innovative beer. Additionally, the city is known for cider with Bauman’s Cider and 1859 Cider Co., producing mouthwatering hard ciders produced with local apples.
The Salem Saturday Market is where it’s at from March through October. One of the largest farmers' markets of its kind in the state, the market offers freshly picked and locally grown produce, a variety of ready-to-eat artisanal foods, all-natural bath and body products, beautiful flowers, and unique handmade arts and crafts by local artists. It’s a great way to see the community and enjoy a nice lunch.
This sleek pedestrian and cycling bridge functions as a promenade connecting Riverfront Park to Minto-Brown Island Park, and offers easy access to a variety of interconnected trails. A stroll across the bridge features spectacular views of the Willamette River and the Salem cityscape.
Go for a walk in the historic downtown of Salem to see well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Reed Opera House is also located in the area, which offers charming shops and restaurants that fill a walkable historic landmark in addition to a lovely selection of boutiques, galleries and coffeehouses.
The Oregon State Fairgrounds is a flexible campus that can be used for concerts, trade shows and festivals inside, or for outside dining/runway or parking. If you’re in town in late August or early September, be sure to check out the Oregon State Fair for a traditional Oregon celebration of its culture, agriculture and community.
Summer: June-August Stay in Missoula during summer for mild – 80F – temperatures and the driest conditions of the year, which benefit outdoor activities and events. Autumn (September-October) can be stunning in the valley with the vineyards beginning to harvest and leaves changing color.
Downtown Salem is walkable, but a car is necessary to reach nearby parks, wineries and attractions, including The Oregon Garden.
Book lodging downtown if you want to be close to the Capitol building, dining and Riverfront Park. Or opt to stay in South Salem for a quieter, more residential vibe.
Q: Is there anything good in Salem, Oregon?
A: Absolutely. And Salem is a must-visit destination for its rich political history, stunning parks and gardens, family-friendly activities and its location, as the gateway to the Willamette Valley wine and vineyard country. It’s a slower pace than Portland with a lot of its own charm.
Q: What is Salem, Oregon most famous for? Q: What is Salem most famous for?
It is also known for being in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine region, the abundance of vineyards, beautiful gardens and overall, its great public parks.
Q: How long do you need in Salem?
A: Two to three days is just the right amount of time to spend in Salem. That way you have time to fit in all the big historical sites, visit a park or garden and then have a leisurely afternoon touring the local wine country without having everything feel rushed. The city of Salem, Oregon is so much more than just the state’s capitol, it’s a charming place full of history, and a location that is incredibly beautiful. Nestled in the stunning Willamette Valley, you’ll find something to delight every kind of traveler — from history and art lovers to outdoor adventurers, and foodies. Organizing a visit Get ready to experience an abundance of attractions accessible from various El Paso hotels which will ensure your trip is one you’ll never forget.
No visit to Salem is complete without a stop at the Oregon State Capitol. The pioneer golden statue at its top is a famous figure. Embark on a guided tour to discover Oregon’s political history, make your respect at the art and architecture, and look out from the observation deck, with views stretching all the way to the mountains. The Capitol Mall, with its memorials and monuments, is a tranquil walk.
Return to the late 1800s at this gorgeous Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion. Wander through period-furnished rooms and formal gardens designed by Lord & Schryver. The estate comes to life with various cultural events throughout the seasons.
Spanning more than 80 acres, The Oregon Garden is a botanical masterpiece. Themed gardens, a children’s garden and the state’s only Frank Lloyd Wright house, the Gordon House, make it a full day of perambulation. Walking paths, streams and a tram ride are part of the experience.
Part of Willamette University this museum hosts the third largest art collection in Oregon. With Native American art, plus European and Asian works, not to mention rotating exhibitions, this museum is both enlightening and inspiring.
This is the largest park in Salem, with more than 1,200 acres. Trails cut through wetlands, forests and open fields, making it a paradise for walkers, runners and birders. The off-leash dog zones are a favorite with pet owners as well.
Children will adore this hands-on museum in Victorian houses. Kids also can get the lay of the land thanks to interactive displays that let them explore the world of science, the field of engineering and the world of art, teaching kids as they play.
The Willamette Valley is famed for its Pinot noir, and Salem is ideally situated for tastings at nearby vineyards. The craft beer culture is also thriving, and there are breweries that offer unique flavors and tours.
This bustling market runs from spring through fall and offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and local eats. It’s an ideal method for getting to know Salem’s community spirit.
On the Willamette River, this park features walking/bike trails, a splash fountain and the iconic “Eco-Earth” globe. Guests may also enjoy a leisurely river cruise on the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler.
This park, rich in history, is the perfect mix of art, culture, and nature. Visit Bush House Museum, or Bush Barn Gallery, and beautiful open fields with walking trails and picnicable lawns.
Salem is off I-5 at Exit 253, and lodging options are plentiful, from snug B&Bs to all the modern hotel chains. Visiting: The best time to go is spring through fall, when outdoor sites and festivals are bustling. History, nature and a happening local scene make Salem an ideal Pacific Northwest escape.
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