Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
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10 Things to do in Salem That You Shouldn't Miss
Named from the anglicized form of the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, Salem provides visitors with exactly that - plus a horde of historic sites to explore and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Oregon's capital, one of the oldest cities in the state, exudes simple, small-town hospitality with just enough politics and culture to keep things interesting. Tour the grand, gold-domed State Capitol to learn about the workings of the government, then head to the observation deck for a fantastic view of Salem and its surrounding area. Although the whole city is a living history lesson, brimming with old buildings and landmarks, the Mill Mission Museum is a definite standout. Art buffs should not miss the impressive Pacific Northwest collection at the Hallie Ford Art Museum. In between sights, take time to people watch or picnic at Bush's Pasture Park, or enjoy wine tasting at some of the local vineyards. Salem's idyllic setting, in the heart of the emerald Willamette Valley, coupled with its historic role as political hub for Oregon make it the perfect choice for a delightful and interesting weekend away.
Restaurants in Salem
1. Olson Farms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
2. Schreiner's Iris Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 239 reviews
Iris bloom season is in the month of May. OPEN DAILY MAY 8 - MAY 31, 2020 9AM - 6PM. Bloom season events run Mother's Day through Memorial Day. Visit our website for details on bloom season events. Iris Display Gardens closed in summer and winter months. OFFICE remains open year-round, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m; office is closed New Year's Day, 1/2 day on Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day. Closed for the week of Thanksgiving. Closed for the week of Christmas.
Reviewed By casaahha - Salem, United States
For three short weeks in May, the Schreiner's Iris Gardens become one of the most beautiful spots in the world. The 10 acre display gardens are arranged in rectangular beds with multiple iris plants supplemented by rhododendrons, day lilies, oriental poppies and other flowers. This is augmented by circular beds of iris surrounding a flowering tree or large plant. The color combinations are excellent. This is heaven for a photographer. There are plenty of chairs and benches to rest if needed. There is a flower shop and gift store. We came on a week day and our only regret was that the gift shop did not have hot drinks available. It is hard to believe that the gardens are within sight of the I-5 freeway. The commercial iris growing areas surround the display gardens. It only costs $5 per car to enter.
3. Bush's Pasture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
In the middle of the city sits the 90-acre Bush's Pasture Park, with trails for jogging, walking or biking, picnic areas and playgrounds, Oregon's oldest greenhouse conservatory and the historic Bush House Museum, a Victorian home with original wallpaper and furnishings.
Reviewed By Oregonwriter19
This park has it all...trails that meander through beautiful landscaping, through the woods, beside a creek, around a very active sports-field, a soapbox derby track, 2 children's playgrounds, a greenhouse, a Victorian mansion that is open for tours, and a rose garden. People jog, walk, run, sit on benches, have picnics, take family photos, attend weddings in the rose garden's gazebo, hike in the woods, play tennis on the courts, cheer teams from the bleachers, paint, sketch, take photos, walk dogs, volunteer to maintain the grounds or give tours of the mansion, or just lie on the grass and stare up at the sky. Everything a park should be, and more.
4. Oregon State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
Architecture and history enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this white, Greek-style building whose rotunda is topped with a gold leaf statue representing Oregon's first settlers. Inside are murals depicting state history, and outside are sculptures, gardens and grounds for strolling or picnicking.
Reviewed By Josephivimey - Plymouth, United States
Always impressed by the Oregon State Capital building with its gold man standing watch over the Art Deco marble building built in the mid 1930s after the previous capital was destroyed by fire.
5. Salem Public Library
6. Willamette University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
The oldest Liberal Arts college west of the Rockies.
Reviewed By muirfan
Sweet walkway along a pretty creek that runs through campus, very bucolic. Nice art museum across street from main campus, State Capitol right across the street and Bush park 2 blocks away, plus Amtrak station 1 block from campus.
7. Gilbert House Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Gilbert House Children's Museum (formerly known as A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village) is a private nonprofit children's museum connected to downtown Salem's Riverfront Park. Founded in 1989, Gilbert House provides innovative and stimulating educational experiences which spark children's natural curiosity. The Museum's mission is to "inspire children to learn through creative play." This is accomplished through fun and challenging exhibits, camps, birthday parties, membership opportunities and outreach programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities. The Museum is composed of three historic houses; the Rockenfield House, Gilbert House and Parrish House.
Reviewed By turkeyred - Los Angeles, United States
As Children museums go, this one is rates 2 thumbs way up! It has so many great features, learning, education and play areas. I will continue to take my Grandchildren back for many years.
8. Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
An outstanding collection of Native American baskets is one of the highlights of this Willamette University museum, which specializes in art of the Pacific Northwest and also features European and Asian art.
Reviewed By DarrylL833 - Marana, United States
There was a special exhibit when we toured and it was fascinating. The permanent exhibits also are fine and well worth your time.
9. Enchanted Forest Theme Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 541 reviews
A theme park nestled in the beautiful lush forests of Oregon with lots of hands on see and do adventure. Stroll through Storybook Lane, the Western Town. and the English Village, home of the Fantasy Fountains water-light show. Rides include the Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster, the Big Timber Log Ride, indoor target shooting Challenge of Mondor, bumper cars plus several kiddy rides and a walk-through Haunted House. The outdoor comedy theatre presents farces on fairy tales during the summer months. Picnicking, gift shops, food and more.
Reviewed By valsetz - Sparks, United States
This amusement park is built into a hillside in the middle of the beautiful nature of the Oregon forests with natural trees, foilage such as huge ferns, and many other natural greenery. The entrance is lovely as you pass through the castle and the price doesn't break the bank! Located 7 miles from Salem, it is a wondrous place to visit. Very pure and clean and green. Activities for every age, including hiking up and down paved paths right through the forest, tunnels to crawl through, carnival rides including the Bob Sled that is heart stopping. The western town is a blast, and the water show inside is colorful, with peaceful music to listen to as the show goes on and on in the dark room. You can even order pizza to eat while watching the show. The Irish band that plays inside a building makes one feel like they are in and Irish Pub! Children are welcome everywhere in this park! The singers in the band, the harp player is wonderful, and the dancing is inspiring!! This place is an entire day of fun and excitement for every age not just kids. The outdoor plays are a must see, and the haunted house is amazing. If you are going through Salem be sure to make time to stay a day and have more fun than you have ever had!!
10. Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
We are so much more than a historic house museum! While you are visiting Deepwood take a museum home tour (9, 10, 11 and Noon Wed thru Saturday) and learn about early Salem history, enjoy a picnic, walk the nature trails, take pleasure in the beautiful flowers and native plants, explore the formal gardens designed by Lord & Schryver, see the exotic plants in our greenhouse, take family photos, or simply enjoy the quiet of this oasis within the city. Throughout the year Deepwood hosts a variety of popular community events and programs. There is something for everyone at Deepwood!
Reviewed By cynthiacZ4570GI - Albuquerque, United States
The very best house tour I have ever been on. Great tour of a fantastic house museum, I have been in a hundred house museums by now, in most of the United States and quite a few in the UK, and I loved this tour, long enough to be immersive and the house is completely decorated ever changing home good and textile displays, but the docents don't go on and on about names that mean nothing (though they do tell you about the people who lived there). The Gardens are open every day (unless there is a wedding) and are very beautiful, the gardens are free, there is a small charge for the house tour, the afternoon tea is the best in three counties. Always call ahead as it is a very popular place for events.
