Salem and all of Marion County features fun activities, adventure in the great outdoors and plenty of ways to make memories with loved ones. Here are 25 things to do in Salem and Marion County in 2025!

1. Take a Covered Bridge Tour in Willamette Valley

The many covered bridges in Willamette Valley span the nostalgia of a bygone era. Travel the winding country roads and see how many you can find.

2. Find Your Perfect Bite at the Fabulous Food Carts of Salem

Salem is big in the food cart game, so find your perfect bite in a neighborhood near you.

3. Make Memories at the Oregon State Fair

The Oregon State Fair has something for almost everyone, so bring the family and have a blast from the end of August until Labor Day.

Cherry Blossoms in Salem
The cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Capitol Mall in Salem, with the Capitol in the background. Photo credit: Mollie Nouwen

4. Celebrate Spring With Cherry Blossoms in the Cherry City

Salem is the place to see for cherry lovers. From eating, picking and viewing the blossoms to the Cherry Blossom Festival, this sweet fruit is a lovely way to welcome spring and spend time outdoors.

5. Find Exciting Indoor Activities for Salem Families

From a trampoline park to rock climbing or roller skating, Salem offers excellent options for exciting and energetic indoor activities.

6. Engage the Wild Side at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center

Take the family to see the area’s native plants and birds at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.

Healthy food in Salem
Eating healthy is also delicious at Ritter’s Housemade Foods. Photo courtesy: Ritter’s

7. Eat Out While Still Eating Healthy With Healthy Restaurant Options in Salem

Don’t choose between eating out and eating healthily. Here in Salem, both are possible with the help of healthy local restaurant options!

8. Lurk in Marion County’s Untamed Wilderness for Oregon’s Elusive Cryptid Bigfoot

Oregon’s untamed wilderness seems to be home to cryptozoological activity, with untouched nature providing the perfect habitat for mythical beasts.

9. Uncover Hidden Gems at Marion County’s Top Rockhounding Spots

In Marion County, lapidaries and rock hounds are lucky as there are plenty of places to rockhound.

10. Unravel Mysteries in Salem’s Escape Rooms

Share time with loved ones with a rainy day refuge to unravel mysteries in Salem’s escape rooms!

Picnic in Marion County
The majestic Detroit Lake is a popular spot for water sports, camping, and picnicking. Photo credit: Sheila Sund

11. Pack a Picnic in Marion County

This region boasts many picnicking spots, so pack a lunch and learn where to picnic in Marion County.

12. Uncover Salem’s History Through Its Heritage Trees

Learn the stories and find the amazing Heritage Trees that offer a look back in time around Marion County.

13. Celebrate Culture and Cuisine at Salem’s Black-Owned Restaurants

With these Black-owned restaurants, community members will find a dining experience that offers a window into diverse cultural stories and warm hospitality.

14. Try Salem and Marion County’s Must-Do Winter Activities for Families

Try the many winter activities promising to keep families warm, entertained, and joyful around the area.

Tree Climbing Silver Falls
Enjoy the simple things like hanging out among the trees at Tree Climbing at Silver Falls. Photo courtesy: Tree Climbing at Silver Falls/Leo Rosen-Fischer

15. Reach New Heights With Tree Climbing at Silver Falls State Park

 Tree Climbing at Silver Falls is an amazing tree-climbing tour operator with access to guide participants up some of the largest and rarest trees in the world.

16. Hit the Road and Choose Adventure at Carson Hot Springs

Whether you are looking for a luxurious overnight stay or a rustic camping option, Carson Hot Springs, just over the river in Washington, has something for everyone.

17. Watch Live Music and Theatre in Salem

Salem is full of fabulous performing arts events you’ll want to attend or get involved with.

18. Take a Five-Story Glimpse of Salem’s Historic Buildings

With so many historic buildings, Salem is the place to discover the city’s interesting parts of the past.

golfing Salem Marion County
The fall foliage on a Salem golf course. Golfing can be enjoyed pretty much year-round in Marion County, and golfers get to see the changing seasons reflected in the plantings on the course. Photo credit: Sheila Sund

19. Go Golfing Around Salem and Marion County

No matter the age or ability, there is a place to go golfing around Salem and Marion County.

20. Find an Oasis in a National Forest

Breitenbush Hot Springs is a special place in the national forest. Find your bliss at this unforgettable place.

21. Enjoy an Enchanting Snowy Winter Hikes in Marion County

One of the best ways to enjoy the area’s wintertime scenes is to bundle up and head out for picturesque snowy mountain hiking adventures.

22. Find Adventure, Nature and Culture at Salem-Area Ghost Towns in State Parks

A few ghost towns near Salem in Oregon State Parks are visitor-friendly, so find an adventure situated in nature.

23. Explore Salem’s Folklore and Urban Legends

Find out about some of Salem’s urban legends if you dare!

24. Live the Dog Life in Salem With Dog Parks and Events 

Dog owners in Salem have many great exercise options, so don’t miss these three designated dog parks in Salem.

25. Enjoy Marion County’s Flower Farms

Marion County has two lovely must-see gardens – Schreiner’s Gardens for irises and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. With special events that appeal to everyone, be inspired by the flowers.

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