Alex & Carley
Things To Do
Riverfront City Park
Riverfront Park is the City’s premier urban event park, located along the Willamette River and in close proximity to businesses, restaurants, entertainment, and other parks and trails. The 26-acres of existing parkland is the result of industrial land conversion. Paper, flour, and woolen mills, as well as a coal gasification plant and an auto junkyard formerly occupied the site. Today, it features large grassy areas, an amphitheater, play equipment, a splash pad, and a covered Rotary Pavilion. A dock provides access to the Willamette River and the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler. Riverfront Park is also home to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village, and the EcoEarth Globe. It connects to Minto-Brown Island Park by the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge and to Wallace Marine Park by the Union Street Railroad Bridge. It is a beautiful park to explore!
Silver Falls State Park
People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. Silver Falls State Park is the kind of standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly onto the national—and international—stage. Its beauty, boundless recreational opportunities and historic presence keep it there. Waterfalls Where else can you walk behind a waterfall? Check out the famous South Falls and see what a 177-foot curtain of water looks like from behind. It’s part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a dense forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor.
Mount Angel
Located in the rolling hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Mt. Angel is easy to miss on a map. The small, Bavarian-inspired town of just 3,500 people sits less than 13 miles outside of Salem. Mt. Angel’s rich history started in the mid-1800s when German-Catholic families and a group of Benedictine monks and sisters settled the area. Today, the town boasts Old World buildings, German-inspired cuisine and ornate churches. While the annual world famous Oktoberfest celebration is Mt. Angel’s iconic attraction, the village’s history and Bavarian culture can be enjoyed year-round. Also famous for the beautiful Mount Angel Abbey grounds
Oregon Coast Aquarium
“The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Newport, on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Our mission is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation. The Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.” While the coast is quite far from the valley, if you are not from Oregon it is worth the hour and a half drive. The Oregon coast is unlike any other coast in the world. It’s beauty is unmatched. 🤍
Oregon Garden Resort
The Oregon Garden is a stunning botanical garden encompassing over 80 acres and featuring more than 20 specialty gardens showcasing the diverse botanical beauty of the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest. We have gardens to delight every interest, from our Pet-Friendly Garden and Rose Garden to the Children’s Garden. Our property is also home to a gift shop, café and retail nursery, as well as the site of many public and private events throughout the year. We have 4 miles of ADA paths, and we are pet-friendly. Our operations are fully supported by the Oregon Garden Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit. We look forward to your visit!
Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is a rich ecosystem of conservation, animal care and enrichment, and education. Get to know the stories, facts and habits of your neighbors on planet earth. Visit the Oregon Zoo either by walking through the zoo’s front entrance into 64 acres of discoveries, or by navigating to pages about any of the zoo’s animals and conservation programs. Areas and exhibits The zoo is arranged in five areas that range across different continents and ecosystems: Great Northwest, Elephant Lands, Africa, Primate Forest and Discovery Zone. Within each zone you’ll find animals and habitats such as Africa Savanna or Polar Passage that recreate the habitats of specific animals. Spend a day in one area or circle the planet on your visit to the Oregon Zoo.
Woodburn Premium Outlets
For any out of town guests interested in shopping, a shopping hotspot near Salem is the Woodburn Premium Outlets! This is a typical outlet mall! But you can definitely find some great deals!