Salem VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Salem, Virginia.
1. Dixie Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Dixie Caverns is one of the top attractions in Salem, offering visitors a fascinating underground adventure through limestone formations. Visitors can explore the caverns on guided tours that showcase stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and unique geological features. The site also includes a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and learn more about the natural history of the caverns.
2. Parkway Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Parkway Brewing Company stands as one of Salem's premier craft breweries, offering a selection of locally-made beers in a welcoming taproom environment. The brewery frequently hosts live music events, food trucks, and community gatherings that showcase the vibrant local culture. Visitors can enjoy flights of beer, take tours of the brewing facilities, or purchase cans and growlers to take home.
3. Salem Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Salem Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of Salem and the surrounding Roanoke Valley through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Housed in a historic building, the museum offers insights into the area's development from its earliest settlements to the present day. The museum's collection includes photographs, documents, and items of historical significance that tell the story of Salem's past.
4. Salem Red Sox
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
The Salem Red Sox offers visitors a chance to see future MLB stars in action as a Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Games at the team's home stadium provide family-friendly entertainment with affordable tickets, promotions, and special events throughout the baseball season. Many current major league players have passed through Salem on their way to the big leagues, making it an exciting venue for baseball fans.
5. Launching Pad Trampoline Park & Family Center
INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Launching Pad Trampoline Park & Family Center provides visitors of all ages with an energetic indoor entertainment venue featuring interconnected trampolines and activity zones. The facility offers various jumping areas, dodge ball courts, and specialized zones designed for different age groups and skill levels. In addition to trampolines, the family center includes arcade games, party rooms, and a concession area serving snacks and refreshments.
6. Escape Key
IMMERSIVE PUZZLE EXPERIENCE
Escape Key challenges visitors with immersive escape room experiences where teams must solve puzzles and find clues to complete their mission before time runs out. Each themed room offers unique scenarios, requiring creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to successfully escape. The facility provides an entertaining activity for families, friends, corporate outings, and special occasions looking for an interactive and mentally stimulating experience.
7. Salem Civic Center
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENT HUB
Salem Civic Center serves as the area's premier venue for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and community gatherings throughout the year. The multi-purpose facility features flexible seating arrangements to accommodate various types of performances and events for audiences of different sizes. Visitors to Salem should check the center's event calendar for upcoming shows, tournaments, and exhibitions during their stay.
8. Roanoke College
HISTORIC ACADEMIC CAMPUS
Roanoke College, founded in 1842, offers a picturesque campus with historic architecture and beautiful grounds open to visitors. The college hosts various cultural events, art exhibitions, and performances that are often open to the public throughout the academic year. Visitors can explore the campus, including its historic buildings, Fintel Library, and the Olin Hall Galleries which feature rotating art exhibitions.
9. Salem Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE & CRAFTS
The Salem Farmers Market offers visitors and locals alike access to fresh, locally-grown produce and handmade goods from April through December. Vendors at the market showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, artisanal crafts, and specialty food items produced in the region. The market creates a community gathering space that highlights Salem's agricultural heritage and supports local farmers and artisans.
10. Downtown Roanoke
HISTORIC URBAN CORE
Downtown Roanoke, located near Salem, offers visitors a vibrant urban experience with historic architecture, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The area features the iconic Roanoke Star, City Market, and numerous museums including the Taubman Museum of Art and the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Visitors can explore the area through walking tours, food tours, and seasonal festivals that showcase the region's rich heritage and contemporary culture.
11. Blue Ridge Parkway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway, accessible from Salem, is one of America's most scenic drives, offering breathtaking views of the Appalachian Highlands. The parkway features numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Popular stops near Salem include the Roanoke Mountain Loop, Mill Mountain, and the Peaks of Otter, which showcase the area's diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
12. Old Roanoke County Courthouse
HISTORIC LANDMARK BUILDING
The Old Roanoke County Courthouse stands as a significant historic landmark in downtown Salem, showcasing classical revival architecture from the 19th century. The building served as the center of county government for many years and now represents an important piece of Salem's civic history. Visitors can appreciate the courthouse's historic façade and learn about its role in the development of Salem and Roanoke County.
13. Mill Mountain Zoo
MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Mill Mountain Zoo, located near Salem on Mill Mountain, offers visitors a unique wildlife experience featuring over 175 animals from around the world. The zoo specializes in endangered species conservation and educational programming while providing spectacular views of the Roanoke Valley from its mountaintop location. Visitors can observe animals including snow leopards, red pandas, and various bird species while learning about conservation efforts.
14. Odyssey Adventure Racing
OUTDOOR CHALLENGE COURSE
Odyssey Adventure Racing provides thrill-seekers with challenging outdoor experiences and team-building activities in the Salem area. The facility offers a variety of courses including zip lines, high ropes challenges, and problem-solving obstacles designed for different skill levels. Participants can test their limits while enjoying the natural beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains in a safe, guided environment.
15. Roanoke Valley Greenways
SCENIC RECREATION TRAILS
The Roanoke Valley Greenways system offers visitors miles of paved and natural trails connecting Salem to neighboring communities through scenic corridors. The trails follow the Roanoke River and other waterways, providing opportunities for walking, jogging, cycling, and enjoying the natural landscape of the region. Visitors can rent bikes or e-bikes to explore the extensive network, which includes urban sections as well as more rural pathways through forests and meadows.