Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
Things to do in Salem, Oregon (OR): The Best Nature & Parks
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. 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.
2. Clubhouse Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
3. Lord & Schryver Conservancy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Elizabeth Lord (1887-1976) and Edith Schryver (1901-1984) were the first women landscape architects to open a practice in the Pacific Northwest in 1929. They were trained at the renowned Lowthorpe School in Massachusetts in the classically inspired Beaux Arts tradition of design that dominated the early 20th century. Gaiety Hollow, located in the Gaiety Hill Historic District in Salem, Oregon was designed by Lord and Schryver in 1932 as their home and office. Gaiety Hollow is a true reflection of their aesthetic and exemplifies their design principles in a Pacific Northwest landscape. In 2015, the Lord & Schryver Conservancy acquired Gaiety Hollow and is restoring the gardens and opening them to the public. We offer informal "open garden" visit days and guided tours from March-September.
4. 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.
5. Minto-Brown Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By deleenw2016 - Salem, United States
Best park for walking, biking with friends or family. Nature everywhere from deer, eagles, ospreys, hawks, owls, woodpeckers and much more. Great pathways and easy walking for acres.
6. Adelman Peony Gardens
7. Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Oregonwriter19
A good place to see another side of Salem as you view or ride the carousel, check out the sternwheeler and the river, take photos in front of the giant, colorful globe or stroll across the bridge to walk on the island.
8. Willamette Mission State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 818je - Keizer, United States
I took my kids here to try out the kayaks, its a big park very beautiful alot of activity areas for voleyball,frisbee golf, fishing . There is a small lake that has a couple docks its full of little pan fish that my kids loved catching and releasing. U also have access to the Willamette river and long paved bike trails to walk or ride a bike.
9. Cascades Gateway Park
10. Bryan Johnston Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By sybaritesandy - Salem, United States
Parking is limited. Restroom facilities only in summer. But nice amenities: Basketball areas, great kids area and walkways. Kids & Dogs love this small but quaint park in a very nice area of Salem.
