Things to do in Salem
The places in Salem that people know best, ranked by readers who live there or have visited. Vote for the ones you would send a friend to, and add the places a top-ten list always misses.
Plan around the weather
The best months to be outside are May to October. In January, November and December, rain makes the indoor picks below the better bet. Month-by-month weather.
Top picks in Salem
Started in order of how widely each place is written about, then ranked by your votes. Links go to each place's official website. Tick "I've been" to track your count in your city passport.
Rainy or scorching day? Head indoors: Prewitt-Allen Archaeological Museum, Willamette Heritage Center and Elsinore Theatre.
Parks and sights near Salem
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Oregon State University 29 miles
- Chemeketa Community College 3 miles
- Linn-Benton Community College 25 miles
- Clackamas Community College 34 miles
- Western Oregon University 13 miles
- George Fox University 25 miles
- Willamette University in Salem
- Linfield University 20 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Readers' picks
No reader picks yet. Add one in the box at the top of the page. Free things, little-known spots and seasonal events are especially welcome.
Add a pick with a description and website
Local favorites
Where people who live in Salem actually eat, drink, shop and spend Saturdays. Nominated by residents. Businesses cannot pay to appear or move up.
No favorites yet. Name the taco stand, coffee shop or trail you would defend to anyone.
Add a favorite with a description
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Salem?
Well-known places with their own websites include Prewitt-Allen Archaeological Museum, Willamette Heritage Center and Elsinore Theatre. Readers vote the list up and down and add their own picks.
What can you do in Salem on a rainy or very hot day?
Indoor picks include Prewitt-Allen Archaeological Museum, Willamette Heritage Center and Elsinore Theatre.
When is the best time to visit Salem?
For comfortable weather, go in May to October, when highs stay between 62°F and 86°F with modest rain (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
More about Salem: city profile, weather by month, ask a local.
Starting list from Wikidata (CC0): well-known places in or next to Salem that list an official website, ordered by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them, checked by hand to remove closed places and non-attractions. Opening hours and prices change, so check each official site before you go. Reader picks and favorites are read by a person before they appear.