16 Things to do in Salem, Oregon

[@RelaxedRoamer]

I just want to say thanks for another wonderful trip. Really satisfying and enjoyable!

[@kelseyoran1332]

So glad you enjoyed your visit!! We love living in Salem.

[@johnwilliams3415]

Salem has become a dump

[@greg3275rt]

Fun fact: The Eco globe is an acid leach ball left over from industrial processes that were done down by the river. My understanding is there wasn’t any good way to dispose of it so they painted it and put a fence around it.

[@MrAhhsum]

correct! thanks for reminding us!

[@emilyelizabethlol]

i was born here in salem and this was super cool for you to look at the things that raised me!!!

[@suzettecalleja3122]

I don't know why but the state capital reminds me of Griffith Park Observatory from the outside, but the inside reminds of a Frank Lloyd Wright building. Thank you. Always love seeing your family. The Twins are getting big.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It really does, you are correct! Yea it is crazy how big the kids are getting!

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Thank for sharing your trip in and around Salem. Enjoyed seeing each recommendation. Seeing all the flights of beer got me especially thirsty

[@spongebob430]

I would say bush park is also a good place to visit I went on a school field trip when I was 7 and it’s such a cool place to visit

[@gaiusbrutus]

Love seeing oregon getting some attention. All parts of oregon are gorgeous the coast and the gorge are my favorite

[@kodyhansberry]

thanks for enjoying my home town

[@the3ns1]

Love your review of this sweet city

[@LezbollahMothra]

I live here and am embarrassed by how few of these things I’ve done, definitely going to do some of those hikes as the weather warms up! But im saving this video for next time a relative visits otherwise the main salem locations i know are dive bars and dispensaries (which I’m surprised you didn’t mention alongside all the bars/wineries). Kinda neat to see my city through a stranger’s eye! You should check out Olympia WA- seems like the type of town you’d like, based on ur videos :)

[@Beh0ldas0n]

Great video as always, would love to visit some day.

[@debbieboatwright44]

yes, those donuts are amazing. i get them every year.

[@cronchycatmom]

Omg anyone who lives in or goes to Salem NEEDS to put Dough Hook donuts on their list. Seriously better than voodoo with a ton of vegan and Omni options. It's on Lancaster and Sunny view. I bring every one I know there and it never disappoints.

[@om617yota7]

Thanks for the recommendation. If they do GF, I am absolutely checking them out!

[@jeremyrice9589]

Ha! I was coming to say the same. The top donuts in the state. Better than Blue Star in Portland IMO. BEARSCAT donuts are great too. King donuts are excellent. And roths are always good. Lots of great donut options in town. Dough Hook is prob number 1 though.

[@om617yota7]

I stopped in at Dough Hook. Anyone heading there for GF options, be aware that GF is only by special order, not a regularly available thing.

[@tanabetours1768]

EZ Orchards (fresh fruit doughnuts!), Roth's Vista (bet maple bars!), and Wicked Sweet,have the BEST doughnuts imho!

[@DavidHaney1]

GR8 Vid, Loved it. Do more cities !!!

[@JimAllhiser]

The Old Mill is super cool!

[@iShallEatChips]

Nice! This is my city.

[@philippeplouchart8156]

The best Pinot Noir is sold at the Willamette Valley Winery in Turner, just south of Salem. You left out the Enchanted Forest attraction park, also near that winery.

[@daveboals5270]

Arm pit of the pacific nw. Followed by the crotch Seattle

[@DJPez913]

An arm pit is south of the crotch? I dont think you thought this through

[@robertadams7129]

Bro i live right over the bridge in west salem. I wish i knew you were coming.. i could show you some cool places. Also dine at my restaurant.

[@sammychicken3457]

Forget the scenery, your twins are to too cute. Our daughter had twins 1.5 years ago. A little boy & a gorgeous girl. Thank you for taking us along. Absolutely beautiful country. I loved the home brews. Kind regards from Adelaide, South Australia.

[@sabliath9148]

I'd like to throw in a recommendation for Adam's Rib Smokehouse, located on State Street in Salem. It's a nice little barbeque restaurant located right in the heart of the city. In fact, it's not far from the Capitol Building.

[@younggoose7315]

It’s terrible

[@chuckstenberg]

Nice presentation

[@brendenkennedy4304]

Hey I lived in Salem for a few years. I loved the Carousel and looking at the big globe and doing the Children's museum. Keep up the great work good sir. I always enjoy your videos a lot.

[@ThroughMyLens]

That is awesome, glad you liked the recommendation. Thanks for the comment!

[@jacobmurphy1132]

Hey I am josh I represent unfazed car group 🙂 if your ever back in salem again we would love to take you out and cruise with you hope you had a good time in salem!

[@jrm371]

Lived here since 2007. Love it; I’ve never had any issues living here.

[@juliedyer540]

Sadly Word of Mouth Bistro has shut its doors just recently. Sad loss for the community

[@natalieschmotzer2796]

Someone bought it! It is going to reopen.

[@JimAllhiser]

The employees bought it and it is open now 9/22

[@Freya025]

You have got to check out Vagabond Brewery!! Big wig has the best gluten free donuts!!

[@heatherdeavalon]

Thanks for coming! Salem...politics, wine, beer, donuts, coffee, pie... what's not to love!

[@MrKyo200]

Ive literally lived in salem since i was 8 and never gone to most of these places. SAD :(

[@davidk1579]

And if you like to go shopping you can go into the mall in Salem and you might be able to run into some of the fruit nuts that they let out of The nut House every now and then.

[@ortac4851]

Benedictine Brewery in Mt Angel, Mt Angel Sausage Company

[@stephenswift5531]

i remember going there with my friends but we got in trouble

[@bradquackable]

Ran out of stuff to do IN salem

[@doublee3886]

During the summer get a lilac milkshake.

[@doublee3886]

at E-Z Orchards.

[@nancybeltran4121]

THE CAPITAL WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION THE HOMELESS POPULATION HAS TAKEN OVER ALSO THE RIVER FRONT PARK IS OKAY ALL I SEEN IN OREGON WAS MOSTLY DISPENSARIES SALEM NEEDS TO UPGRADE THAT AREA BIG TIME THE MILL WAS COOL BUT CREEPY MT ANGEL IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY SO DONT EVEN BOTHER MOSTLY EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED I MISS CALIFORNIA 😢 CANT WAIT TO GO BACK HOME ALSO OREGON STATE HOSPITAL IS ONLY OPEN THURSDAY-SATURDAY SMH

[@justthreebrothers]

I live In salem

[@PussySnatcher]

Good video as always

[@ThroughMyLens]

Appreciate that!

[@PussySnatcher]

@@ThroughMyLens I appreciate you and you vibe

[@nancybeltran4121]

THE CAPITAL WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION THE HOMELESS POPULATION HAS TAKEN OVER ALSO THE RIVER FRONT PARK IS OKAY ALL I SEEN IN OREGON WAS MOSTLY DISPENSARIES SALEM NEEDS TO UPGRADE THAT AREA BIG TIME THE MILL WAS COOL BUT CREEPY MT ANGEL IS CLOSED ON TUESDAY SO DONT EVEN BOTHER MOSTLY EVERYTHING WAS CLOSED I MISS CALIFORNIA 😢 CANT WAIT TO GO BACK HOME

[@williamxie943]

I did almost none of these and I live in salem

[@Tragoidia]

Word of Mouth sadly is closed and will not be reopening.

[@Mel-hf2qj]

17th stay alive and run...as fast as you can

[@gordo9104]

Viva la raza de salem 🇲🇽…

[@billstevens9190]

Being a government of a great northwest. I would charge all those with everything from fraud. Be strong.not weak!.

[@mikeb900]

Nasty nasty horrible homeless epidemic city.

[@DJPez913]

And what have you done to help or support them? Or do you just like to complain about "liberals" lol

[@billstevens9190]

All people the walk out should be fired. For abandoned post. What wrong weak people in Oregon? What?

[@weslywoodward]

I like how you hid the prices in the restaurant's. And you forgot to show how bad the homeless population is down town with the sidewalks smelling of human waste. And how RUDE the people are. I paid $16 for breakfast at a down town restaurant. 1 egg, Sausage smaller than a Silver dollar, and 7 tiny cubes of Red Potatoe they called Potatoe Hash. Yup, I live in Salem. Salem is worse than Portland as far as homeless. And VERY OVER PRICED. Sure there are allot of things to see, if you like the smell of homeless people, paying out rages prices and VERY RUDE and Snobby people

[@DJPez913]

Its a things to do... why would they talk about homeless?

[@antoniocisneros2895]

Salem is also known as SoLame! Boring old liberal city.

[@DJPez913]

Antonio is also known as the SoLame as well funny enough

[@michaeltoney2277]

1. Plot the end of things 2. Contemplate the meaning of existence 3. Wonder why our state capital is so hideous 4. Flirt with closeted republicans or Mormons

[@billstevens9190]

Weak people in Oregon.

[@srohr04]

How did the Enchanted Forest not make it on your list? It's just a few miles south of Salem, visible from the I-5 freeway and is an amazing landscaped theme park that has been visited by generations since the 1960s. Hand painted artworks that include many familiar nursery rhyme characters and delivered in their own individually unique motifs along with entire sections of the park devoted to everything western frontier life to fairy tale-like settings. Other then the one located in Canada, I've never found anything like Enchanted Forest in my travels.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was closed when I went. I really wanted to go to it!

[@srohr04]

@@ThroughMyLens That's too bad. It can be difficult to get the full experience in Oregon unless you are visiting in the summer months. Hope you come back.

[@dvferyance]

Far more interesting than a hospital that did make the list.

[@kelseydahlstrom1071]

@@ThroughMyLens Unfortunately the pandemic may have shut it down permanently. :( its a family run operation and when the pandemic forced them to close they couldn't afford to keep it up.

[@jeanettavalleau648]

Enchanted Forest is open! Unfortunately, Word of Mouth is not. They had temporarily closed and just announced they will not be reopening but interested in selling their business.

[@evanburroughs9329]

Antique Powerland just north of Salem @ the Brooks exit is a great place to see old tractors, trucks, logging stuff and a steam powered sawmill. Weekends from Memorial Day thru Labor Day many of the 14 separate museums are open, you might even be able to get a ride on an antique trolley or a miniature railroad.

[@om617yota7]

Antique Powerland does the Great Oregon Steam Up, last weekend of July and the first weekend of August. All the museums are open, huge swap meet, all kinds of antique engines and machinery running around, a huge parade. Second weekend is Military weekend, with a bunch of military vehicles on display, and taking part in the parade. Well worth the trip. Can't see it all in one day. Better than the state fair for someone like me.

[@Mephist0pheIes]

Number 3 meth

[@natalieschmotzer2796]

Konditerei! Best cake anywhere! Also, Annie’s for breakfast. Oregon Garden, Enchanted Forest, many other wonderful parks in Salem, as well. Willamette University campus and Hallie Ford museum of art has some fairly important exhibits. Don’t forget Saturday Market downtown about 6 or 7 months of the year. Salem Cinema for artsy and indie movies (no young kids, though). The Yard food park on State street, has a great common area you can eat the food you buy from the vendors. Northern Lights Theatre pub reopened, where they have second run inexpensive movies and food. Family friendly. Did you say Minto Brown park? I forgot, sorry! Also, IKE Box cafe/coffee place. Schreiner Iris gardens, and Wooden Shoe Tulip farms, not too far up the road. Salem Audubon nature reserve, too.

[@andrewbarcenas141]

Bigwig's donuts are also egg and gluten free which is great for those who have allergies! Can confirm though, you don't notice the gluten missing. It is a bit expensive, $20 for 2 dozen donut holes.

[@om617yota7]

Thank you! Eating gluten free out of necessity, donuts are something I miss!

[@veryraretristan6405]

Just don’t go to the river front at night lot of bums that are high go there and people inject stuff under most of the bridges

[@systrex]

Been here for 8 years. Salem sucks. And now there are tons of homeless camps.

[@DJPez913]

Once you leave it will be much better

[@danielginther4879]

Bush pasture Park and museum near deepwood

[@ThroughMyLens]

Will have to check it out next time, thanks!

[@trevorlock3615]

You don't want to visit salem! For years we had a membership for Gilbert house but we had to cancel it. There is trash and homeless everywhere in salem it is so dirty and dangerous. Thanks Kate brown!! Our favorite disc golf course was shut down due to the city letting the homeless take it over and made a giant camp there. So gross I avoid salem like the plague

[@DJPez913]

Oh no!!! Not cancelling your membership!! Oh the humanity!! What have you done to support or help the homeless? Seems like you are just complaining and not even treating them as people

[@kxrv6629]

Another great video. We have visited Salem a number of times and have had several unique experiences there. Thanks for giving us some additional ideas. Here are a few observations: We watched the Total Eclipse of the Sun from the grounds of the State Mental Hospital-indescribably primal. Saw a bald eagle do a barrel-roll and dive for a fish along the riverwalk beyond the Globe. Attended Star Wars themed food and decor event at Archive Coffee and Bar. My favorite restaurant is Marco Polo as the name implies an Italian-Asian fusion restaurant with intriguing vegetarian options. I also recommend the weekly Farmer’s Market when it gets back in full swing. Did you know there is a “Moon Tree” on the Capitol grounds? If you are headed out of town to Silver Falls SP I also recommend The Oregon Gardens and a tour of the Gordon House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only design in Oregon. Keep them coming Josh!

[@stevekrumbah6333]

Thank you so much born and raised in salem and I feel you Did a great representation of my town you definitely Earned a new sub and I will also check out your other videos thanks again

[@troysheffield277]

Right across the street from the capitol is Willamette University--one of the oldest colleges west of the Mississippi. Stroll the grounds and the Millstream and see what's happening across campus.

[@doublee3886]

As a Willamette University graduate I recommend the library, the food court and the Hailey Ford Museum.

[@gnarlynicholasreviews]

Very disappointed you didn't include the Coin Jam under your favorite eateries. As the name suggests, it's also a barcade, but unironically has the best food downtown.

[@soapysoap9043]

What did you eat there?? I haven’t been!

[@gnarlynicholasreviews]

@@soapysoap9043 Oh you have to go! It's my favorite place in town, not just the food but the ambiance. Super casual, relaxed environment. But I get the "Bowser BLT" which is your standard bacon, lettuce, tomato, but also w/ grilled chicken, some kind of amazing sauce, wrapped in pita bread - w/ a side of house fries (which by themselves are insanely good)

[@_kass3939]

As a local for quite sometime now I’ve done everything on your list and more. You forgot Bush house in Bush pasture park, The Elsinore Theatre, and the Hallie Ford museum. Also try the Willamette valley cheese company; they do samples there of their cheeses. Also I like Xicha Brewing Co for beer flights and margaritas.

[@colinwilliams3459]

I've performed at the Elsinore a few times for school related things. Very cool structure

[@_kass3939]

@@colinwilliams3459 it is a great structure with gothic interior you don’t see anymore. Plus it’s haunted 😳 👻

[@mikejankowski6321]

WOW, what a great video! I'll start at the end...pies and donut holes, yum! And coffee thrown in. So many great places for architectural and landscape photos. Good job capturing it, felt like I was there in a few places (minus the rain). Got to put these places on my go-to list.

[@rhondaz356]

I have never been there. You certainly highlighted some reasons to visit... very informative and interesting 👏👏

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@snowmantheclown]

Nothing here is worth visiting. I live in Salem. If you wanna see and be harassed by homeless people then sure come on down to Salem but if not, go someplace else....also avoid Eugene and Portland.

[@DJPez913]

Pretty idiotic response. Is there a homeless problem? Yes. Does that mean nothing here is worth visiting? In no way at all. Those don't correlate.

[@bootchop88]

my personal favorite thing to do in salem is leave.

[@charlagewalker8802]

😂😂😂 me too I lived there for 3 years

[@om617yota7]

Yep, grew up there. Got out as soon as I could.

[@DJPez913]

Great, then stay away! Already making the city better :)

[@judya8392]

I live in Salem, Oregon. Trust me on this....ANYWHERE you go here, especially outdoors, stay on guard and carry a gun if it is legal for you to do so. Deceptively dangerous City.

[@gordo9104]

East salem is the hood :.

[@judya8392]

@@gordo9104 , not just East Salem anymore.

[@om617yota7]

@@judya8392 You're not lying. I grew up in felony flats.

[@gordo9104]

@@judya8392 it’s always been NE, east salem, SE and parts of downtown and west salem excluding the hills you were just ignorant to realize the reality of salem since the 80’s

[@DJPez913]

Yes, more guns! Perfect idea for making it.... more safe? hahaha

[@elizabethbarocio]

Leave,lol. Love, someone who lives in Salem 🤣🤣

[@DJPez913]

You first

[@HELLARARE4ever]

Hey Josh, i loved your video on Salem but am surprised you haven't mentioned ENCHANTED FOREST, it's a very well-known theme park and it's perfect for children. If you ever go back definitely take your kids there as it would be perfect for them

[@PNW_vato]

None of these places look this good in person just so y’all know. Tweakers everywhere too.

[@SlabbyTown]

Murca

[@LIVE.LAUGH.EMPIRE]

Lmao got jumped by a drunk asking if we supported Kate brown and he also pissed himself by the carousel

[@robingilmore1444]

Dude! I live just a bit east of salem and never knew about some of these places. As usual, I loved the video and will go look closers at my neighboring town. Thanks for the ride. O, very very sweet babies.

[@BbNeel91]

the actual building for one flew of the cuckoo's nest was across the street from the state hospital and was torn down in 2017.

[@carlosmondragon6639]

here's a tip for this. stay out of Oregon were full up haha 😅

[@DJPez913]

You could leave and make room

[@CarlRhymes]

Yeah you don't talk about the homeless population in Salem Oregon how to make me angry because nobody wants to talk about the homeless population that you guys are destroying and making it harder on people who try to make a living I hear I've been homeless for freaking over 8 years out here on these streets so I think you need to know what the hell you talking about

[@SonjaPedersen-lg4mo]

Bro Salem during spring so pretty

[@billstevens9190]

What is wrong with the mayor? And the people of Oregon? The walkout. Should be held. Weak minded people well ruin the state. If the people appointed to office can no do we put them the for what these people promise. Should be held for fraud.

[@smorisch]

Great video. Thank you.

[@charlagewalker8802]

Umm, I couldn’t wait to move away from Salem. I lived there for 3 years. Now I live in Beaverton

[@MaxieBee]

I live there. Since I’ve lived here for so long I don’t see much special about it, but yeah there are lots of things to do. Enchanted forest is one of them, used to go there all the time as a kid and remember spending my 12th birthday there. Haven’t been in a long time, but I remember that being really fun for kids, especially this one Bob sled roller coaster

[@johnsheetz6639]

On a side note if you're into it.they got $20 oz of weed as well that would've went for at least 100- 200 10 years ago my mind is blown.

[@suburbandude9702]

Do you even live in Salem?

[@gardensofthegods]

I'm trying to create an awareness for a teenager who went missing from Salem Oregon January 12th 1975 when he was 16 years old . It probably never should have been listed by police as a runaway as his parents said he was always a well-behaved and responsible teenager who kept in touch on his whereabouts . The night Brian Jiseph ( Joe ) Page vanished , he went to a party on Southeast State Street near 25th with his sister and 2 friends ... she and a friend went out for a little bit and upon their return Joe told them his friend David was having a real bad acid trip and ran out the door . Companions told him to run after Dave and he joined him and Dave's Car a turquoise 1962 Volkswagen Beetle . That was at 2:00 a.m. By 5a.m. David was being arrested by police for stealing a dealership car and speeding down State Street he did not have David with him and David still high said he thought he was in hell . Joe vanished 47 years ago please help us find out what happened to him and if he is still alive and if not how we can discover the truth . If you know anything maybe come back here or go to the Charlie Project on the internet .

[@timothyhance4044]

as someone who lives in Salem I'm surprised you didn't mention our growing supply of homelessness and drug addicts easily visible from every street and street corner don't forget the The market Street exit underpass where all the homeless conjugate.

[@cronchycatmom]

There's a big camp off the parkway and hyacinth, and the skate park has a camp again as well

[@davidk1579]

Yeah you can get your best deals on crack on market Street under the bridge. Bring your EBT card you can get two for one.

[@jameshughes4508]

As someone who's experienced homelessness in Salem & Portland.....might I suggest participating in remedies that will alleviate homelessness.

[@allanrichardson9081]

You mean CONGREGATE? If they were CONJUGATING, they’re either learning verb tenses or making love. I’m sure the latter is not allowed!

[@om617yota7]

Yep, grew up in Salem. It's no accident that I moved out of town as soon as I could.

[@mungfam]

The Yard

[@danmeyers708]

The best thing to do if your in Salem is to leave

[@DJPez913]

"The best thing to do if your in Salem is to leave".. your worries behind and enjoy a great city!

[@LIK64]

Lived in Salem for 3 yrs, worked at Willamette University. Been to Silver Falls so breath taking place to visit.

[@ChristopherOstrowski]

Careful, it's illegal to walk backwards on a city street while eating a donut in Marion County. 😅

[@_ian69]

first thing to do is leave salem, its a dump

[@DJPez913]

That is such an original comment. It only gets funnier the more people say the same comment! Great job! I am proud of you!

[@slayer2580]

I'm surprised the giant homeless camp at the Marion Square skate park didn't make the list!

[@DJPez913]

Im surprised you are surprised

[@adoretati10]

As a Salem resident, I clicked on this because it’s generally referred to as so-lame 😅 surrounding areas are beautiful, but the city itself leaves lots to be desired.

[@LatestSquash]

Coming from a small town in New Mexico. Salem really isn’t that bad and has a lot more to offer than most places. Especially considering how much cool stuff is an hour drive in any direction.

[@gordo9104]

@@LatestSquash it really is people are just boring here and are scared to talk to people assuming everyone is a druggy, salem is super fun compare to other towns around

[@BillLaBrie]

Salem’s ok. There’s no one here worth trying to impress. Plus, lots of wood.

[@gordo9104]

@@BillLaBrie you shouldn’t be trying to impress anybody no matter where you at in the world

[@robertliles9582]

Drugs. This city is gross. Drugs and homeless drug addicts everywhere like zombies. Salem Oregon is disgusting, most of Oregon is these days.

[@DJPez913]

Then do something to help them instead of complain and make things worse for them and everyone else

[@MrAhhsum]

word of mouth is amazing

[@randymorrison5513]

You can go visit the state prison and the mental institution. I think that’s where the politicians live one of the two places..

[@arthousebill]

There’s that many things to do there..?

[@billstevens9190]

Better get people who knows and we'll do what is for everyone. No. People on office. What weak people!.

[@E3B2SLIFE]

Would love to work with you to do a 32 things to do and I’ve lived here for 4-5 years now and starting to know a few great places that are missing.

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Going up to Silver Falls is it near the Abby at Silverton where the monks make their world famous Brandied fruit cake?

[@ThroughMyLens]

No idea, I will have to look that up as I haven't heard of it!

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

I think I misspoke I think it is at Mt. Angel.

[@om617yota7]

@@mkhuntstreasure3192 Monks are in Mt. Angel, 25 mins from Silver Falls. I live in the area, hear the bells from the Monastery when the weather is right.

[@xJonny2x4]

dont forget about the never ending homeless and tweakers who spawn here xD

[@DJPez913]

Dont forget to complain about problems and then never support or do anything to help fix them!