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Salem Vacations, Luxury Tours and Salem Vacation Travel Packages

There is plenty to do in and around Salem, Oregon. Whether you're visiting for pleasure or a meeting, you'll enjoy the area's many attractions. Salem offers visitors and residents a wide variety of festive events such as fairs and festivals, visual and performing arts, farmers markets, holiday events, wine and agricultural activities, and historic offerings.

Visually discover the Salem, Oregon area’s unique experiences that will transform your “Reel virtual” visit into a “Real time” visit. These lively “experiences” will help you discover the real you. Are you a Family Voyager, Naturalist, Adventure Seeker, Gourmand, Relaxer or a Culture Seeker? Find out by viewing these reels then let us help you plan your real visit.

Interested in real itineraries to help plan your trip? Whether it’s history, agriculture, retail therapy or a family outing these itineraries are here to help with your planning and enjoyment. Let us make it easy for you to plan your next Salem, Oregon visit.

Oregon’s Willamette Valley was once a rich mix of wildlife habitats. Valley wetlands were once extensive, with meandering stream channels and vast seasonal marshes. Today, the Valley is a mix of lush farmland, gardens, wineries and unique cities. Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge near Jefferson, Oregon was created to provide vital wintering habitat for Dusky Canada Geese. The Refuge contains about 2,800 acres of flat to gently rolling land near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam rivers south of Salem, Oregon. Ducks, geese, swans, shorebirds, and bald eagles are common in the fall and winter and the northern saw-whet owl is a resident. Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Dallas, Oregon is situated in open farmland near the eastern foothills of the Coast Range. The Refuge consists of 1,173 acres of cropland, which provide forage for wintering geese, especially the dusky Canada goose. Baskett Slough also provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Breitenbush Hot Springs mission is to provide a safe and potent environment where people can renew and evolve in ways they never imagined. Natural hot spring pools along with tiled tubs and steam saunas are set in the 154 acre wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest near Detroit, Oregon. Ancient forest, river and mountain trials along with meditation, reflection and yoga connect visitors to nature and erase the every day pressures.

Located on 80 acres in Silverton, Oregon The Oregon Garden offers 20 specialty gardens, water features, conifer garden, garden art, wetlands, the Rediscovery Forest, kids garden, and 400-year-old Signature Oak tree. A diverse bird population is right at home within The Oregon Garden and the view is spectacular.

Nearby is Cooley’s Iris Gardens where the Ernst family has been growing iris since 1928 and still trim each plant by hand. Stroll through their brilliant iris garden and order bulbs from acres of iris fields. Take home your favorite to remember your visit.

Roses, roses and more roses can be enjoyed at the Heirloom Rose Garden in Saint Paul and in Salem at Bush’s Pasture Park. Known for the worlds most fragrant roses, Heirloom Roses offers three large display rose gardens containing 1,500 varieties of roses. Bush’s Pasture Park Rose Garden sits along side the grand 1878 Italianate Bush House. This garden is a true treasure comforting many rose bushes including the Tartar Old Rose Collection that survived the arduous overland Oregon Trail migration between 1841 and 1869. These hearty rose plants are part of the legacy of the Oregon pioneers and are a gift for future generations.

Balanced diets, river biology and the human body? Kids don’t need textbooks when they can immerse themselves in hands-on exhibits, like those at the A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem. Stop in at the Little Gem Candy Store on your way home for that favorite childhood sweet, or continue to reminisce by taking a turn on an Oregon-themed horse at the Salem's Riverfront Carousel. This old-world style carousel is enjoyable for all ages; just close your eyes and become a kid again.

Visit the Wild West, run the river in a log canoe, or take a walk down storybook lane - all to the sounds of fairy-tale music and children’s laughter at the Enchanted Forest. Children young and old can visit an authentic English village or haunted house before taking in a kaleidoscope of lights during the daily Fantasy Fountain’s Water-Light show.

Take a seat in the Governor’s chair at the Oregon State Capitol.  Parents can photograph their future lawmakers as they help to draft legislation in the ceremonial office where bills are signed and press conferences are held.  Guided tours will teach you about the history of Oregon, the Capitol building and the state’s legislative process.  When the legislature is in session, visitors can sit in the Gallery above the House and Senate floors to watch proceedings in person.  Before you leave, climb to the Golden Pioneer, a symbol that sits atop the capitol, honoring the sacrifices made by pioneers on the Oregon Trail.  From here, you can see the city of Salem and catch a glimpse of the green fields of the valley beyond. Everyone who makes it to the top will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Governor.

The historic Mission Mill Museum offers hands-on activities for kids to experience how life once was.  Ever wonder what it was like to be a pioneer?  Take part in traditional crafts and children’s games, or watch reenactments of Kalapuya Indian activities.  With Mill Creek running through the grounds, the museum is a tranquil park-like destination.

Hear a ball crack against the bat and enjoy a hotdog smothered in mustard at a Salem-Keizer Volcanoes baseball game. The club was named the “Best Class A Short Season Franchise” in the nation by Baseball America. 

Enjoy a family dinner while taking in a movie at the Northern Lights Theater Pub. Early shows are open to all ages and the theater serves kid friendly food along with adult fare. From light comedies to PG-rated action flicks, this theater has films the whole family can agree on.

Whether you’d like to stay within walking distance of the Capitol, downtown historic district and shops, or you’d prefer a unique bed and breakfast beside a scenic vineyard, the Salem area offers diverse lodgings that cater to every need and many that come complete with fireplaces, Jacuzzis and pools, as well as restored historic homes and full breakfast fare.

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