Downtown Salem is undergoing a renaissance, and it’s stacked with cute boutiques, evocative galleries and public art sculptures, modern and historic shopping malls and top-notch eateries. Here are 20 top spots to check out on your next visit.
Play Retro Games, See Public Art or Ride a Carousel
1. Self-Guided Art Walking Tour
Explore Salem’s amazing public art at your own pace. Download the map to see the sculptures, paintings, wood marquetry and other pieces by Oregon artists are on display around the city’s core.
2. The Hallie Ford Museum of Art
With over 9,000 works showcasing everything from Native American masks to collections exploring the history of Ancient, European, American and Asian art, this meticulously curated museum will take you on a cultural journey around the globe.
3. Pinball and Tacos at the Coin Jam Arcade
Plunk your quarters into Ms. Pac-Man, Star Wars pinball and other classic games at this 21-and-over retro bar and arcade — then celebrate your high score with pork belly tacos and a local beer.
4. Carousel Rides and a Kids’ Museum at Riverfront Park
Sprawling along the banks of the Willamette River, this public park has something for kids of all ages. The Riverfront Carousel is always a hit, as is the Gilbert House Children’s Museum with its 29 hands-on exhibits, including bubble-making machines and an Erector-set maze.
5. Axe Throwing at Oregon Axe
Ever dream of being a lumberjack? Everyone 12 years and older can give axe-throwing a try in a safe environment at this adventure-filled spot. Seasoned “axe-perts” will help you and your crew hit the bull’s-eye (reservations are recommended).
6. Escape Tech Escape Rooms
Whether you choose a murder-mystery theme or want to hunt for lost treasure, enter your chosen escape room and try to solve puzzles and clues in order to “escape” the room within a set time limit. The collaboration — and confusion — is a blast for families.
Shop for Art, Jewelry, Apparel and Antiques
7. Salem On the Edge Art Gallery
If you’re interested in modern Pacific Northwest art, this edgy gallery is a standout. Peruse everything from fine art by established artists to experimental pieces and local graffiti artists.
8. Elsinore Framing and Art Gallery
This gallery showcases a robust community of local artists working in many mediums, including oil paintings, photography, watercolor and more. See new featured artists each month — and keep an eye on the gallery’s monthly receptions, where you have the chance to meet the artists behind the work.
9. Stefani Art Gallery
Artist and owner Christina Stefani believes art elevates the soul, and her powerfully arranged gallery of contemporary local, national and international art does just that. Exhibits feature original paintings, abstract art, fine art, photography and more.
10. The Forge Shopping Mall
This three-story modern mall located in the heart of downtown is the new face of Salem and the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping. Check out Root Cellar Market for locally-made goods including specialty pantry items or A Wonderful World PNW for a spectacular collection of vintage clothing.
11. The Historic Reed Shopping Mall
For shopping with a dash of history, what was once the Reed Opera House circa 1870 is now four stories of buzzy shops and eateries. Shop for artisan-made chocolates from Rogue Chocolate, check out fedoras at Hattawear and whimsical finds at A Little Bit of Wonderland.
12. Style House & Co.
Pick up a new outfit for brunch or a gift for one of your girlfriend. This spacious boutique is your go-to for fashionable women’s clothing, accessories, body products and stylish hats from their hat bar.
13. Engelberg Antiks
The oldest running antique mall in Salem is home to over 50 vendors with a treasure trove of curiosities: vintage writing pens, toys and jewelry, Dolly Parton paraphernalia, vinyl records, clothes, and much more. Clear your calendar.
Dine on Pasta, Elk Burgers or Sheep’s Milk Ice Cream
14. Encore Restaurant
Enjoy an exquisite dinner at downtown Salem’s unique art-deco restaurant. Choose from burgers, paninis and specialty pastas like honey chipotle shrimp pasta. Don’t forget to peek at their inventive cocktails like a blueberry mojito and decadent desserts such as horchata panna cotta.
15. The Cozy Taberna
Looking for a romantic spot? This dimly lit enclave tucked away in historic Electric Alley offers elevated squid-ink pasta, spice-rubbed steak with piquillo peppers, shareable papas fritas, and a Spanish-inspired wine list and cocktails. Salud!
16. Bonzai! Coffee + Teabar
Fusing Pacific Northwest coffee shop with Japanese teahouse, this spot has something for everyone. Sip on a matcha, boba or espresso drink alongside shokupan, pillowy Japanese milk bread. They also serve chilled sake and Japanese beers.
17. Ritter’s Housemade Foods
Satisfy your taste buds at this modern bistro that features seasonal Pacific Northwest-inspired ingredients. The family-owned restaurant is known for its fusion cocktails, brick-oven pizzas and robust happy hour menu. Try a new flight of hard-to-find whiskeys every Wednesday.
18. The Easy Otter
Comfort food is on the menu at this Southern-inspired eatery that’s know for its scratch-made fried chicken and freshly made beignets. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, this restaurant leans into Creole and Cajun ingredients including adouille sausage, buttermilk waffles and Nashville-style hot sauce.
19. Fork Forty Food Hall
If your crew can’t agree where to eat, this food hall has seven restaurants under one roof. Pick from Syrian-style shawarma and gyros, wood-fired pizza, burgers and more. Add in tiki-themed cocktails from High Dive Beach Bar & Hideaway, and everyone’s happy.
20. Manna Bakery
With rustic loaves, delicate pastries and indulgent espresso drinks, there’s something for everyone at this downtown Salem Bakery. Their daily bread features sourdough, ancient grain and marbled rye while their cakes, cinnamon rolls and croissants feature local produce.
