Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
What to do and see in Salem, Oregon (OR): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Salem's Riverfront Carousel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
A beautiful handcrafted operational Carousel ride in historic downtown Salem at Riverfront Park. Family-friendly affordable fun for all to enjoy. Wheelchair accessible. Shop our unique gift shop for a variety of Carousel souvenirs, toys, games, home decor and more! Affordable party and event packages available to fit your needs. Salem's Riverfront Carousel is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The Carousel depends on the generous contributions and donations from our community, as well as the patronage of our visitors and guests from all over the world! For more information on how you can help us Keep the Dream Alive Shop our unique gift shop for a variety of Carousel souvenirs, toys, games, home decor and more! Affordable party and event packages available to fit your needs. Salem's Riverfront Carousel is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The Carousel depends on the generous contributions and donations from our community, as well as the patronage of our visitors and guests from all over the world! For more information on how you can help us Keep the Dream Alive, visit www.salemcarousel.org > Donte!
Reviewed By Oregonwriter19
The workmanship on the varied animals made us stay to watch the carousel. We found more than horses...a giraffe, a frog with a tennis racket, a covered wagon for the smaller children, and many of the horses with little fun surprises at the back of their saddles...a cat, an angel, and many more peeking out as the animals passed us. Inside the gift shop, we were encouraged to look at new animals being carved and others receiving some needed restoration and paint touch-ups. Beautiful workmanship!
