Willamette Valley Vineyards is a beautiful spot just outside Salem, known for its great wines and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. While we haven’t been ourselves, we’ve heard wonderful things and know it’s a popular stop for visitors looking to enjoy a classic Oregon wine tasting experience.
If you have a little extra time during your visit, Silver Falls State Park is truly worth the short drive from Salem. Known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks, it features stunning waterfalls, lush forest trails, and breathtaking views. The famous Trail of Ten Falls is perfect for a scenic hike, whether you're up for a full loop or just a peaceful stroll. It’s one of our favorite places to reconnect with nature—and we think you’ll love it too.
Bush’s Pasture Park is one of Salem’s most beautiful green spaces—a perfect place for a peaceful walk, a morning jog, or simply enjoying nature. With wide trails, old oak trees, and even a rose garden, it’s a lovely spot to unwind during your visit. It's just minutes from downtown and feels like a hidden escape in the heart of the city.
Archive is a cozy downtown gem we absolutely love. By day, it’s the perfect spot for craft coffee and pastries—and by night, it transforms into a chic cocktail bar with creative drinks and a moody, intimate vibe. Great for a quiet moment or a nightcap while you're in town.
Ritter’s is another one of our go-to spots in Salem. Their food is fresh, creative, and full of local flavor—plus the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Whether you're grabbing brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed, delicious meal while you're in town.
If you're looking for a great spot to eat while you're in town, we highly recommend Wild Pear. It's one of our local favorites—delicious Northwest-inspired dishes, cozy atmosphere, and the kind of place that feels both special and relaxed. A perfect spot for lunch or a casual dinner during your stay in Salem!
If you're up for a little coastal adventure, Lincoln City is just under a 1.5-hour drive from Salem and makes for a perfect day trip. With beautiful beaches, great seafood, and charming shops, it's a lovely way to experience the Oregon Coast. Whether you're hunting for glass floats, watching the waves, or enjoying a walk along the shore, it's a peaceful escape worth exploring.
Otter Rock is a charming coastal village just a bit north of Lincoln City, known for its stunning ocean views and peaceful vibe. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy the beach, and take in the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. This is where Colin proposed to Madison. If you love tide pools, coastal trails, or simply watching the sunset over the water, Otter Rock is a hidden gem worth a visit during your stay.
Pelican Brewing Company at Shilshole Bay offers a welcoming, waterfront setting perfect for relaxing with friends and family. Known for its craft beers brewed on-site and a menu full of tasty pub favorites, it’s a great spot to enjoy fresh brews while taking in beautiful views of the water. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual meal or a lively night out, Pelican Brewing is a local favorite that pairs great flavors with a laid-back vibe.
Magoo's is; well, a bar. It is the quintessential bar, it has all you need in a bar, greasy food, well poured drinks, a pool table in the back and a bathroom out of a horror movie. It is the only bar in Salem that knows what it is and does it well; a good place to drink.
Boon's treachery is apart of the McMenamins franchises, it has bad parking and often times horrible wait times for food, but; it is all apart of the experience of Boon's. For a bar, it has good and even sometimes great food, but the stair of the show is the ambiance and drinks are why we put up with there staffing problems. wonderful ciders, great ales, lagers and stouts of great repute. All brewed in the Pacific north west, make it a stop if you're only stoping in Salem once.