Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
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What to do and see in Salem, Oregon (OR): The Best Things to do Good for Couples
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. Salem Cinema
2. Prestige Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Private, custom winery tasting tours, waterfall hikes, and truffle hunting excursions. Prestige Wine Tours is excited to share the joy and inspiration of the Willamette Valley with you!
3. 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.
4. The Rock Boxx Climbing Gym
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
The Rock Boxx is a family friendly rock climbing gym and fitness facility in Salem OR. We have great kids climbing programs and a community room that can be rented out for great birthday parties! We offer fitness only memberships for $15/month that include group fitness classes and unlimited access to our fitness area. Looking for fun things to do in Salem? Check us out!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Bush House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Located in Bush’s Pasture Park, the Bush House Museum is Salem’s 19th century time capsule. Operated by the Salem Art Association on behalf of the City of Salem, the Museum offers tours to the public and preserves and interprets the heritage of the Bush House and Bush’s Pasture Park to illuminate Oregon history and culture associated with the lives and legacy of Salem’s Bush Family. Featuring many iconic 19th century furnishings, this once technologically advanced home also contains much of its original decor. As the comfortable home of a Bush family member until 1953, the Bush House Museum continues to welcome Salem visitors of all ages throughout the year. While in Bush’s Pasture Park, visitors can also explore the recently restored 1882 Conservatory, the second oldest in the west, and the Bush Barn Art Center. The 90 acre park also features walking trails, a civic rose garden and several children’s play areas.
8. Elsinore Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By patriciagray2018 - Lebanon, United States
What a beautiful place to attend a concert. Nestled in downtown Salem, Oregon, it's a hidden jewel in the hustle and bustle of commerce. The interior work done to restore it back to the original architecture is amazing. There is not a bad seat in the house. By virtue of its size and seating arrangement you feel you are enjoying a personal concert. There are great restaurants nearby who feed you great food and get you out quick so you make your show. We're looking forward to watching the group Kansas in March and hope to see more of these concerts in coming years.
9. Bryn Mawr Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
High Hill. High Risk. High Reward. Perched high on the western crest of the Eola-Amity Hills near Salem, Oregon, our 21 acre estate vineyard reflects the marriage of shallow volcanic soils and cool marine winds that pass through the Van Duzer corridor. This builds intensity and dimension in our grapes that inspire us to make great wine.
Reviewed By flatwhite25
Bryn MaBryn Mawr exceeded expectations both in the quality of wines, variety of grapes and hospitality of the team. We went on a Tuesday in the winter and were met by a roaring fireplace and knowledgeable staff who walked us through an overview of the Willamette Valley, the winter tasting menu and shared some history of the vineyard. The wines were nuanced and balanced with some unique varietals for the region.wr exceeded expectations both in the quality of wines, variety of grapes and hospitality of the team. We went on a Tuesday in the winter and were met by a roaring fireplace and knowledgeable staff who walked us through an overview of the Willamette Valley, the winter tasting menu and shared some history of the vineyard. The wines were nuanced and balanced with some unique varietals for the region.
10. Cristom Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Set in the scenic Eola Hills, the winery at Cristom Vineyards offers Chardonnay, Pinot and a rare Viognier wine.
Reviewed By brmusicman - Chicago, United States
Due to COVID-19, Cristom is doing tastings only by reservation; we arranged a tasting via our hotel’s concierge. Our tasting, on a Friday morning, was a fantastic experience—we were the only ones there! The gentleman who assisted us with our tastings, Tim, was excellent—he was extraordinarily knowledgeable about the winery, the wines on offer and how they were made, and the region. A couple of times during our tasting, he even brought out maps to help us understand some of the geographic detail of the region. The wines were great!—so great we ended-up buying a few and shipping them home (nicely, they waive shipping fees for six bottles). We tasted a great variety of rose, whites, and reds. Cristom featured the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay you would expect in Oregon, but is also growing Viognier and Syrah! The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was excellent; it was fun to taste how microclimates and soil variations on their properties affected the expression of those varietals. We were lucky enough to taste both the Viognier and Syrah, and they were excellent; the Syrah is made in a traditional northern Rhône style with Viognier mixed-in. The setting is lovely: a large patio with gorgeous views. We had perfect weather and enjoyed the view, including the mountain range in the distance. A fantastic experience: great setting, great service, great wine. Put Cristom on your list for sure!
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