Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
What to do and see in Salem, Oregon (OR): The Best Free Things to do
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Salem Public Library
5. 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.
6. Salem Saturday Market
7. 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.
8. Honeywood Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Honeywood Winery is Oregon's Oldest Winery. Starting the day after prohibition in 1933, it is home to Oregon's first tasting room, and many historic fruit wines. Honeywood specializes in making superb wines for every palate; from Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris to Marionberry & Pear! This is a must stop for everyone who likes good wine, good people, and rich history.
Reviewed By augiegirl14 - Prescott, United States
We were familiar with Honeywood wines when we lived in Oregon many years ago but had never visited their tasting room. On a recent visit to Salem from Arizona we decided to go and are so glad we did! It's a lovely gift shop/tasting room and our hostess Crystal was so much fun, hospitable and knowledgeable. Admittedly, fruit dessert wines will not be everyone's cup of tea (glass of wine :) but they are very delightfully different. There is a tasting list provided and one can choose any five to taste with absolutely no tasting fee--remarkable in this day and age. The glass is carefully rinsed with a few drops of the new wine between tastes so that the flavors can stand as distinctive. There is a small selection of more well-known varietals--my husband was quite intrigued by the Merlot. But the standouts were definitely the fruit wines--my favorites were the elderberry (a bit of an herbal or medicinal character?), the raspberry, and the Peach Supreme. Think of cocktail additions, mimosas, even ice cream topping? I purchased the raspberry and my friend got the strawberry--neither sickeningly sweet nor artificial flavored in any way, just fruit and wine. An experience that still makes me smile!
9. Willamette Valley Fruit Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By woodyj489 - Minneapolis, United States
This unique eatery well off the beaten path, just west of Salem, OR, is a great place to have a slice of your favorite pie or to try a slice of something different, just for excitement. When we've been visiting my brother-in-law who lives in Salem, this is our "go to" place for a great lunch or just a piece of pie or a root beer float. I have never been disappointed in what I've been served. Also, you'll enjoy just shopping around the gift shop as it has items that are not usually carried any where else. The jams are fabulous. Don't miss this tremendous place to eat.
10. Adelman Peony Gardens
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