bigtravelbuzzSalem is the capital city of Oregon, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Here are some things to do and see in Salem:
Oregon State Capitol: Take a tour of the Oregon State Capitol building and learn about the state’s history and government. The building is open to the public and offers stunning views of the city from the observation deck.
Willamette Valley Vineyards: Salem is located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, so be sure to visit one of the many wineries in the area. Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of the largest wineries in the region and offers tastings and tours.
Riverfront Park: Take a stroll along the Willamette River at Riverfront Park. The park offers scenic views of the river and has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a carousel.
Oregon State Fair: The Oregon State Fair is held annually in Salem in late August and early September. The fair features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live music, and food vendors.
Bush’s Pasture Park: This beautiful park is located in the heart of Salem and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a rose garden.
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel: This beautiful carousel is located in Riverfront Park and features hand-carved wooden animals. The carousel is open to the public and offers rides for a small fee.
These are just a few examples of things to do and see in Salem. The city has a lot to offer visitors, from its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to its rich history and culture.
Places to Visit in Salem
Salem is the capital city of Oregon, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Here are some of the top places to visit in Salem:
Oregon State Capitol: The Oregon State Capitol building is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture and offers tours to visitors. The building features a rotunda with murals depicting Oregon’s history and a gallery with rotating art exhibits.
Willamette Valley Vineyards: Salem is located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, so be sure to visit one of the many wineries in the area. Willamette Valley Vineyards is one of the largest wineries in the region and offers tastings and tours.
Riverfront Park: Take a stroll along the Willamette River at Riverfront Park. The park offers scenic views of the river and has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a carousel.
Bush’s Pasture Park: This beautiful park is located in the heart of Salem and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a rose garden.
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel: This beautiful carousel is located in Riverfront Park and features hand-carved wooden animals. The carousel is open to the public and offers rides for a small fee.
Deepwood Estate: This beautiful historic home was built in the 1890s and is now open to the public for tours. The estate features beautiful gardens and is a popular spot for weddings and events.
Salem Art Association’s Bush Barn Art Center: This art center features rotating art exhibits and is located in a historic barn in Bush’s Pasture Park.
Minto-Brown Island Park: This large park is located on an island in the Willamette River and offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
These are just a few examples of the many things to do and see in Salem. The city has a rich history and culture, as well as beautiful outdoor spaces and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time To Visit Salem
The best time to visit Salem, Oregon is during the months of May through September when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. The summer months of June, July, and August tend to be the busiest and most popular times to visit Salem, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. During this time, there are many festivals, fairs, and outdoor concerts held in the city and surrounding areas.
Fall, from September to November, is another popular time to visit Salem, as the leaves change color and the temperatures cool down. The fall harvest season is also a great time to visit the Willamette Valley wine country, which is located just outside of Salem.
Winter months in Salem tend to be rainy and cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. However, there are still many indoor attractions and events to enjoy during this time, such as the Oregon State Capitol building and the many museums and galleries in the city.
Overall, the best time to visit Salem depends on your preferences and interests. However, if you’re looking for good weather and plenty of outdoor activities and events, then the months of May through September are generally the best times to visit.
How to get around in Salem
Salem is a relatively small city, and most of the popular attractions are within walking or biking distance. However, there are several transportation options available for visitors who prefer to travel around the city by public transportation or car:
Public Transportation: Salem-Keizer Transit (Cherriots) provides bus service throughout the city, with several routes that stop at popular attractions, shopping centers, and neighborhoods. Bus fare is affordable and can be paid with cash or prepaid passes. Cherriots also offers a bike share program called Salem Bike Boulevard, which provides visitors with a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Salem also has several taxi and ride-sharing services available, including Uber and Lyft, which can be accessed through their mobile apps. Taxis are available at taxi stands or can be hailed on the street.
Car Rentals: Several car rental companies have locations in Salem, including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis. Renting a car is a good option for visitors who want to explore the surrounding areas outside of Salem, such as the Willamette Valley wine country.
Walking and Biking: Salem is a pedestrian-friendly city, with several sidewalks and bike lanes throughout the downtown area. Bikes can be rented through the Salem Bike Boulevard program, which has several rental locations throughout the city.
Overall, Salem is an easy city to get around, and visitors have several transportation options available to explore the city and surrounding areas.
Where to eat in Salem
Salem, Oregon has a diverse and vibrant food scene, with many locally-owned restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisine options. Here are some popular places to eat in Salem:
Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: This popular breakfast and lunch spot serves up hearty portions of classic American dishes, including biscuits and gravy, omelets, and sandwiches. Their menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and daily specials.
The Archive Coffee & Bar: This trendy coffee shop and bar is located in a historic building and serves a variety of coffee drinks, cocktails, and light bites. They also have a rotating selection of local beers on tap.
La Capitale Brasserie: This French-inspired restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and an extensive menu of classic French dishes, including steak frites, mussels, and escargot. They also have a well-curated wine list.
Wild Pear: This upscale bistro offers a variety of dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees. They also have a bakery and offer catering services.
Rafns’ Restaurant: This farm-to-table restaurant specializes in Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, using ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. Their menu features dishes such as smoked salmon, beet salad, and pork loin.
Venti’s Cafe + Taphouse: This popular local chain has several locations in Salem and offers a range of pub-style food, including burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. They also have a large selection of local and regional beers on tap.
These are just a few of the many great dining options available in Salem. Visitors can also explore the downtown area for more food and drink options.
Famous street stalls in Salem
Salem, Oregon is not particularly known for its street food scene, but there are a few food trucks and stalls that are worth checking out. Here are some popular street stalls in Salem:
Pops BBQ: This food truck specializes in slow-smoked BBQ, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. They also offer sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Great Pacific: This food cart offers a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, including the classic cheddar and tomato soup combo, as well as more creative options like the “Elvis” with peanut butter, banana, and bacon.
DC’s Bar & Grill: This local sports bar has a food cart outside that serves up burgers, hot dogs, and other pub-style food. They also have a rotating selection of local beers on tap.
DaNang Vietnamese Eatery: This family-owned food truck offers a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes, including banh mi sandwiches, pho, and rice bowls.
Rolling Stone Pizza Company: This food truck serves up wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients and locally-sourced meats and cheeses. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options.
These are just a few of the street stalls in Salem that offer delicious food. Visitors can also check out the Salem Saturday Market, which features a variety of food vendors and artisans.
Where to stay in Salem
Luxury accommodation
Salem, Oregon offers a variety of luxury accommodation options for visitors who are looking for upscale amenities and high-end service. Here are some options for luxury accommodations in Salem:
The Grand Hotel in Salem: This four-star hotel is located in the heart of downtown Salem and features elegant rooms and suites with high ceilings, plush bedding, and modern amenities. The hotel also has a fitness center, a restaurant, and a wine bar.
Oregon Garden Resort: This upscale resort is located on 80 acres of botanical gardens and features cozy rooms and suites with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the gardens. The resort also has an on-site restaurant, a spa, and a fitness center.
The Independence Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the nearby town of Independence, just a short drive from Salem. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites with elegant furnishings and modern amenities, as well as a restaurant and a wine bar.
The Phoenix Inn Suites: This all-suite hotel is located in south Salem and features spacious suites with separate living areas and kitchenettes. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Salem: This modern hotel is located in the north end of Salem and features stylish rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
These are just a few of the luxury accommodations available in Salem. Visitors can also explore other nearby towns and cities for additional options.
Where to stay in Salem
Budget accommodation
Salem, Oregon offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors who are looking to save on lodging expenses. Here are some options for budget accommodations in Salem:
Motel 6 Salem: This budget-friendly motel offers simple rooms with basic amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. The motel also has an outdoor pool and free parking.
Rodeway Inn Salem: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the north end of Salem and features cozy rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free parking.
Travelodge by Wyndham Salem: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the south end of Salem and features simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and free parking.
Super 8 by Wyndham Salem: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the east end of Salem and features comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a fitness center and free parking.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Salem: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the west end of Salem and features basic rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and free parking.
These are just a few of the budget accommodations available in Salem. Visitors can also explore nearby towns and cities for additional options.
Travel Tips Salem
Here are some travel tips for visiting Salem, Oregon:
Visit in the summer: The summer months of June through August offer the best weather for outdoor activities and events in Salem. However, it can get quite crowded during this time, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance.
Explore the wine country: Salem is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine region, which is known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. Take a wine tour and explore the local wineries and vineyards.
Check out the state capitol: The Oregon State Capitol in Salem is a beautiful building with stunning architecture and history. Take a guided tour of the building and learn about the state’s government and history.
Visit the local parks: Salem has several beautiful parks and gardens, including Minto-Brown Island Park, Bush’s Pasture Park, and the Oregon Garden. Enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, or just relaxing in nature.
Attend local events: Salem hosts several events throughout the year, including the Salem Art Fair & Festival, the Oregon State Fair, and the World Beat Festival. Check the local calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Bring layers: The weather in Salem can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Bring layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day.
Try the local cuisine: Salem has a thriving food scene, with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine and fresh seafood. Be sure to try local specialties like Marionberry pie, fresh oysters, and Pinot Noir wine.
These are just a few travel tips for visiting Salem, Oregon. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and diverse culture, Salem has something for everyone to enjoy.