In the fall of 2023, Avelo Airlines touched down at Salem-Willamette Valley Airport in Oregon's state capital—becoming the first commercial airline to do so in more than a decade. Today, the budget-minded airline provides service between Salem and Burbank/Los Angeles, as well as seasonal services to Las Vegas.
That made Salem more accessible to travelers than ever before—and the city’s seat in the heart of the Willamette Valley makes it an idyllic basecamp for all kinds of adventure. So whether you’re flying into town or are making the city your home for a few days, here’s how to enjoy fresh fare, outdoor adventures, and the best of Oregon Wine Country on your next visit to Salem.
Start by getting your bearings and enjoying some of the top sites, bites, and attractions around Salem.
Feeling peckish? See what's new at Fork Forty Food Hall in downtown, where you’ll find a half-dozen local eateries and a bustling bar. Nearby, Taproot Lounge & Cafe dishes creative pub food, with a large selection of vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options. The award-winning Don Froylan Creamery serves quesadillas, tacos, taquitos, and other dishes—all adorned with its housemade Mexican cheeses. And Xicha Brewing pairs its easy-drinking craft beers with a Latin American-inspired food menu, making it one of the essential Hispanic-owned businesses around Salem.
Get an up-close look at the community's natural beauty by walking or cycling nearly 30 miles of trails throughout the expansive Minto-Brown Island Park; at 1,200 acres, the urban green space is a local wildlife sanctuary and is larger than Central Park in New York City. Between late spring and early fall, take the family to Enchanted Forest—an old-school, fairy tale-inspired amusement park just south of Salem.
After a busy first day, check into The Grand Hotel in Salem; the hotel resides downtown and provides travelers with a touch of old-school charm through plush bedding, an on-site fine-dining restaurant, and jetted tubs (available in certain rooms). A block away, The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel offers a contemporary experience with an on-site restaurant and bar dishing light bites and creative cocktails, spacious suites with kitchenettes, and floor-to-ceiling windows with plenty of natural light.
Salem sits just 60 miles west of Detroit Lake and the community of Detroit in the heart of the Cascade Range. There you'll enjoy hiking trails, summertime boating, and year-round access to soothing hot springs.
Undeniably, the top attraction around Detroit is spending time on Detroit Lake—surrounded by steep hillsides covered with fir trees; score a pontoon, ski boat, fishing boat, or paddle craft rental from Detroit Lake Marina for an epic day on the water. Afterward, savor Cascade peak views with a picnic at Detroit Flats Day Use Area; pick up provisions at the Mountain High grocery store—or a hearty sandwich at the Korner Burgers & More food cart. Finally, end your visit with a relaxing soak at Breitenbush Hot Springs; Breitenbush is one of the top hot springs in the Willamette Valley and offers a peaceful, oasis-like atmosphere with several clothing-optional soaking areas.
Planning a winter escape? Between mid-November and Christmas, see which trails around Detroit are decked out for our annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt. The beloved contest gives hikers the chance to win a grand prize while finding a locally designed holiday ornament along select trails in the Detroit Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest.
Whether you’re new to wine tasting or are a connoisseur, you’ll enjoy some of the world’s best wines around Salem.
Start by checking out our round-up of wineries around Salem and Albany—starring some of the area's best-loved wineries and a look at nearby attractions to enjoy between sips. We’ve also put together a guide to luxury wine tastings and tours to help you sample and savor the best of the region. For more, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association provides detailed breakdowns on wineries in McMinnville, Newberg, and other communities across Oregon Wine Country.
If you’d rather someone else do the planning and lead the way, see why you should take a guided tour of Oregon Wine Country.
If you’d like to extend your stay in the area, consider a day trip north to Portland—the largest city in Oregon. The bustling city offers family-friendly attractions indoors and out, award-winning museums, a thriving performing arts scene, world-class craft breweries, and an acclaimed culinary scene.
Consider a stop at the Oregon Historical Society, which tells the state’s story through artifacts, multimedia exhibits, interpretive panels, and more. Afterward, browse the stacks at Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you’re up for time in nature, the 5,200-mile Forest Park hosts dozens of miles of hiking and walking trails—and is among the largest urban parks in the United States. For a satisfying meal, get a quick bite at a food cart pod in Portland—where creative chefs dish iconic meals in quirky gathering spaces—some adorned with fire pits and on-site bars. Learn more about visiting Portland and making the most of your time in the city.
