Best Things to Do in Salem Oregon: Local’s Guide
Salem, the capital city of Oregon, is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It’s around an hour away from Portland.
As the capital city, Salem is known for its historic downtown area, with landmarks like the Oregon State Capital and Riverfront City Park. Downtown is also a great place to hang out, whether it be for shopping or grabbing a bite in a coffee shop or restaurant.
Discover the beauty of Salem’s nature by enjoying any of the outdoor activities like hiking, floating down the Willamette River, or even enjoying fresh produce from the local markets. If you don’t know where to start, our guide will show you the best things to do in Salem, Oregon.
Best Things to Do in Salem Oregon: Our Take
Growing up in Salem, I would never have called it a travel destination before. But as an adult returning to my hometown, I’ve seen Salem grow and get more interesting.
Salem – and all of the Willamette Valley – really shines in the summer when all is lush and green, with relatively mild weather. If you have a choice, the best time to visit Salem is usually mid-May through September.
That’s why some of our favorite things to do in Salem are outdoors. Enjoying city parks, going for a hike nearby, picking berries, and eating at local farm stands are some of our personal favorite activities in Salem.
Salem also has a growing number of cute cafes, hip restaurants, and shops to check out.
We’ll share more of what to do in Salem in this article, and if you’re planning a trip to Salem, be sure to check out our interactive Salem map to see the locations and details about each point of interest.
Visit Oregon’s State Capitol
The Oregon State Capitol is one of the key landmarks of the city.
The building is characterized by a beautiful modern Art Deco architectural design, complete with a marble exterior and the golden statue of the Oregon Pioneer at the top of the central dome. You can actually climb up the spiral steps up to the dome to admire the statue up close in their special tower tours that run from June to September.
Aside from the tower tours, you can go on a guided tour of the interior of the capitol during normal operating hours. One of the highlights include the Capitol Rotunda lined with four murals depicting moments from Oregon history.
The capital grounds are also worth spending some time in. You’ll find native tree species, statues, and a fountain in the surrounding parks.
Hang Out at One of Our Favorite Coffeeshops
Here are some of our favorites coffee shops to get work done, hang out with friends, and of course enjoy delicious coffee and food:
Broadway Coffeehouse
If you’re looking for bright, open spaces for meetings, then Broadway Coffeehouse offers the best space for this. They have outdoor seating in the summer plus conference rooms you can reserve.
The coffeehouse also has unique touches that highlight the community, like art and music from local artists and a space to feature community partnerships.
Not only do they have a spectacular space and ambiance, Broadway Coffeehouse has some of the most excellent quality coffee in Salem. They serve fresh roasted coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
In an effort to get everyone to celebrate and appreciate high quality coffee, the lead barista sometimes hosts free coffee tastings for the public.
Ike Box
Ike Box is another special coffee shop with strong ties to the community. Besides becoming a popular place to hang out, Ike Box is actually a social enterprise with a vision to support divested teens and young adults. Through training, they work to ensure that everything is done with excellent service and care.
Ike Box serves coffee from Sisters Coffee and a wide range of food and drinks. Their pastries are a must-try.
They’ve partnered with Hillcrest Correctional Facility, whose baking team makes coffee cakes, s’mores bars, and rice crispy treats for the shop.
Isaac’s Downtown
Isaac’s Downtown is an extension of Ike Box. Because they offer more food options, it’s a perfect spot for having breakfast or brunch with friends. Their menu covers everything from bagels, toasts, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, and desserts all made with fresh, local ingredients.
It’s also a cool place to have some early drinks since they serve beer on tap and some Northwest wines, all in a hip, industrial-chic space.
Archive Coffee & Bar
If you’re looking for another place to grab drinks and international dishes then Archive Coffee & Bar is a great option.
As the name suggests, Archive also serves coffee and brunch classics during the morning and delicious fusion dishes for lunch. It’s one of our favorite places to go and work with a coffee and scone.
At night, not only do they serve dinner but it transforms into a trendy cocktail bar. Enjoy fun, unique cocktails after work in a relaxed atmosphere!
Enjoy Salem’s City Parks
Salem has its fair share of natural beauty. Here are some of our favorite city parks that are great for strolls, runs, and even more sightseeing.
Bush Pasture Park
Located near downtown Salem and the Oregon Capital, Bush Pasture Park is home to various walking and running trails, the municipal rose garden, sports fields, picnic areas, and acres of beautiful oak woodlands.
You can also find cultural centers here like the Bush Barn Art Center and Bush House Museum and Conservatory.
Minto-Brown Island Park
The Minto-Brown Island Park is the largest park in Salem, spreading out over 1,200 acres. The park has everything from open fields, wooded areas, overgrown orchards, and lakes.
Because it is so vast, a lot of the park feels untouched, which we like. Recently, signs with way-finding markings were put up around the park so now it’s easier to navigate finding routes.
There’s also a conservation area within the park you can visit that houses many wetland creatures like blue herons, ospreys, squirrels, and rabbits.
Salem Riverfront Park
Salem Riverfront Park is an urban park located along the Willamette River. The park features modern pedestrian and cycling bridges that connect to Minto-Brown Island Park and the Wallace Marine Park.
Other highlights are the Riverfront Carousel and the EcoEarth Globe, a mosaic tile sculpture of a globe. The Willamette Queen stern wheeler is accessed through the park as well.
Check out Salem’s Saturday Market
The Salem Saturday Market is a vibrant market with over hundreds of vendors offering everything from homegrown produce and ingredients to homemade pastries and dishes.
Aside from all things food, the market is also great for shopping handmade goods and crafts like soaps, pottery, knits, and more made by local artisans.
The market is held every Saturday from March to October.
Support Refugees by Shopping at Sparrow Furniture
Sparrow Furniture is another local establishment that is driven by a social vision. The business empowers refugees by providing them with meaningful work where they can learn woodworking skills.
These skills are put into creating timeless, custom-made, sustainable furniture, home goods, and even jewelry and accessories – perfect for gifts or as a treat to yourself!
You can find the furniture shop next to Broadway Coffeehouse or visit their booth at the Saturday Market.
Visit a Farm Stand
Salem has many farm stands that sell seasonal produce. Here are some of our favorites, especially during the summer!
E.Z. Orchards
E.Z. Orchards is a farm market offering the best of the Willamette Valley bounty every season. Many of their produce is grown within a few miles of their market.
During summer, they put up their shortcake stand with specialties like strawberry shortcake, sundaes, milkshakes all made with fresh strawberries and peaches.
In the fall, visit their Harvest Fest for fun activities like a corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and seasonal delicacies like Thanksgiving pie and apple cider donuts.
Aspinwall
Aspinwall is a roadside stand specializing in homemade ice cream desserts, milkshakes, cobblers, and pies made with delicious seasonal fruits.
Aside from sweet treats, you’ll also find fresh vegetables and other produce, and even plants, and flowers.
Minto Island Growers
Minto Island Growers is an organic farm and nursery located beside the Minto-Brown Island Park. Their farm stand sells all kinds of food like pizzas, flatbreads, and salads made with organic vegetables that are harvested through their CSA (community-supported agriculture) program.
On warm summer weekend, Minto farm is a popular spot for families to enjoy outdoor food truck dining, drinks, and milkshakes above the fields.
You can also buy plant starts and tea, pick your own seasonal produce like blueberries, or simply visit their vegetable fields.
Take a Hike
Aside from parks in Salem, another fun outdoor activity is to go on hikes both within the city and nearby.
Croisan Scenic Trail
The Croisan Scenic trail is within the city, located in South Salem in the Croisan Creek neighborhood near Sprague High School.
It has easy access since it’s near a residential neighborhood and it’s quite a secluded, wooded area with mostly simple dirt trails.
Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge
The Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge is located about 10 miles west of Salem. It encompasses over a thousand acres made of croplands, forests, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands that are homes to all sorts of wildlife.
The different hiking trails are excellent opportunities for bird spotting and admiring endangered plant species.
Shop Downtown Salem
Near Riverfront Park, the historic district of downtown Salem falls mostly between Commercial Street and High Street, with Pringle Creek, the Salem Library, and Willamette University on one end and the Salem Center mall at the other.
While the mall has fewer and fewer stores left since the pandemic (most big box stores are out on Lancaster by I-5), boutiques and shops are still found in many historic buildings of downtown.
Liberty Plaza has antiques and other local vendors with a ballroom upstairs. You’ll also find a game shop, kitchen and cookware, jewelry shops, clothing, sweet treats, a large bookstore, and plenty of trendy spots to find gifts.
Float the Willamette River: Summer Activity
If you’re looking for a fun summer activity to beat the heat, make your way to Willamette River! You can rent a boat, kayak, or inner tubes and bask in the sun as you float down the river.
There are several local rental places and entrances. For a short route, start at Independence Park near the amphitheater and exit at the second boat launch.
To Do With Kids: Gilbert House and Enchanted Forest
Gilbert House is a non-profit children’s museum near Riverfront Park. The museum aims to give kids educational but innovative and fun experiences through things like interactive exhibitions and outdoor play areas.
Kids can also join camps and outreach programs in arts, humanities, or science.
Enchanted Forest is an amusement park in the nearby city of Turner, around 20 minutes away from Salem. It has charming themes with attractions like Storybook Lane and Fantasy Fountains where children can see fairytale settings come to life.
There are also roller coaster rides, various dining options, and live music performances throughout the day.
Go Wine Tasting Near Salem
Being in northwest Oregon, Salem is a great hub to explore Oregon wine country. There are several wineries within 20-30 minutes drive.
Our favorite nearby vineyard and tasting room is Andante, which was started by two long-time Salem residents. In the summer, you can enjoy beautiful views from their patio. In cooler weather, cuddle up by the fire and peek through to see the barrel room and wine processing in action.
Get free access to our Salem Oregon map >
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Salem
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite in between sightseeing, a fun brunch spot to catch up with friends or a nice sit-down restaurant for dinner, you’ll be sure to find something in Salem.
Start your day strong by enjoying a delicious breakfast or brunch at any of our favorite spots, like Sassy Onion. This family-owned restaurant is known for their French toast and generous portions of American breakfast classics. For a cozy brunch spot, check out Word of Mouth.
Fork Forty Food Hall is an exciting addition to the Salem food scene. The food hall houses a variety of vendors of different cuisines like creative Southeast Asian food, Syrian dishes, handmade burgers and fries, and ice cream from scratch.
For a good sit down dinner, try the tapas at Cozy Taberna in downtown Salem. Another one of our favorites over in West Salem is Xicha Brewing, an innovative restaurant serving Latin American staples with flights of house-brewed beers.
Best Day Trips from Salem Oregon
Salem is an ideal starting point for day trips to visit other cities, state parks, and more in the surrounding area.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon, about 20 miles away from Salem. This hidden gem has biking and hiking trails for every level.
The most popular one is the Trail of Ten Falls which takes you above, behind and around 10 of the park’s beautiful falls.
The Oregon Garden Resort on the outskirts of Silverton is the nearest resort with its own extensive gardens. We reviewed it a couple years ago. Click here to check availability and prices >
McMinnville Oregon
McMinnville is around 25 miles to the north of Salem. It’s known for its fantastic landscapes and as a hub for wine-tasting. The downtown area is worth visiting as well for its charming main street, historic buildings, and good dining options.
Portland Oregon
Portland is the largest city and one of the most popular destinations in Oregon. Located around 45 miles north of Salem, there’s countless things to see and do in Portland.
The city is known for its exciting art and music culture, beautiful green spaces, and local breweries.
Monmouth and Independence Oregon
If you want to visit smaller cities, then Monmouth and Independence are great options. Both are close to Salem, at around 15 miles to the south. Much like its neighbors, there’s a good variety of food spots and outdoor activities.
Oregon Wine Country
Oregon Wine Country is known for producing award-winning pinot noirs and its scenic natural landscapes. It’s no surprise then that the region is full of wineries, state parks, farmlands, hike trails, and markets waiting to be discovered.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is an hour’s drive away from most cities in the Willamette Valley which makes for an excellent road trip idea. The coastline has everything from breathtaking viewpoints, cliffside beaches, and scenic routes.
Some of our favorite spots along the coast are Lincoln City and Pacific City.
Salem, Oregon is a city that boasts of many attractions and activities. You can spend your day exploring historic landmarks and trendy restaurants downtown, strolling through urban parks, hiking through forest areas, shopping in farmers markets, and more! It’s also a great hub for day trips to discover nearby areas in Oregon.
For more Oregon recommendations, visit…
Best Oregon Road Trip Destinations & Itineraries
A Local’s Guide to Portland Oregon
Top Things to Do in Central Oregon in Summer
Places We Love Best in Oregon
Day Trip to Lincoln City Oregon Coast
Things to Do in Pacific City Oregon
Our Rediscovering Salem series:
3 Fantastic Day Trips from Salem
5 Favorite Places to Run (or Walk) in Salem
Top Places to Enjoy Salem’s Summer Harvest
Favorite Spots to Hang Out in Salem, Oregon
Best Coffee Shops with Wifi for Work or Studying in Salem
Vineyards to Visit Near Salem Oregon
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