Salem Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Roanoke Valley, Salem is a charming city located in the heart of Virginia. Known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, Salem offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions.

History buffs will be delighted by the city's historical sites and landmarks. The Salem Museum, housed in the former Salem Public Library building, takes visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the city's fascinating past through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Explore the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium, home to the Salem Red Sox, and learn about the city's deep-rooted love for America's favorite pastime.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise in Salem. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Trail, which winds its way through the region, offering panoramic views and a chance to reconnect with nature. For a more leisurely adventure, stroll along the picturesque Roanoke River Greenway, a scenic pathway that meanders through the city, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching.

Culture vultures will be spoiled for choice in Salem. The Salem Civic Center hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and events throughout the year, catering to all tastes and interests. History comes to life at the annual Olde Salem Days, a vibrant street festival featuring local artisans, live music, and delicious food. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Salem Farmers Market, where you can sample fresh, locally grown produce and homemade treats.

Foodies will be delighted by the culinary delights Salem has to offer. From quaint cafes to upscale restaurants, the city boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes. Indulge in Southern comfort food, savor delectable international cuisines, or sample local craft beers at one of Salem's many breweries.

Alternative names: Population: 25.4 thous. (2019)Area: 14.54 mi²Elevation: 1037 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°17'27"N, 80°3'20"W

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VirginiaUnited States

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Salem Top Attractions

Salem Attractions - What to See and Explore

Salem offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Salem Civic Center, Dixie Caverns, Salem Presbyterian Church, Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Civic center • Arenas and stadiums • Convention center
Salem Civic Center
The Salem Civic Center is a 6,820-seat multi-purpose arena in Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1967 and is part of the James E.
Natural attraction • Park • Cave
Dixie Caverns
Dixie Caverns is a commercial show cave located in the Riverside community of Roanoke County, Virginia, USA, four miles west of Salem. The cave is a limestone solution cave.
Greek Revival architecture • Church
Salem Presbyterian Church
Salem Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church at E. Main and Market Streets in Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1851–1852, and is a Greek Revival style temple form church.

37°16'15"N • 80°1'54"W
Thunder Valley Family Entertainment Center
Nature • Natural attraction • Game and entertainment center
37°17'48"N • 80°3'12"W
Olin Hall Galleries
Museum
Interesting neighbourhood • Downtown Salem
Old Roanoke County Courthouse
Old Roanoke County Courthouse is a historic courthouse building located at Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1909-1910 and is a three-story, Classical Revival-style, yellow brick building. The front facade features a three-story, tetra-style Ionic order portico.
37°17'17"N • 80°3'10"W
Salem City Schools
Salem City Schools is a school division serving students living in Salem, Virginia.
37°17'30"N • 80°4'4"W
McVitty Home
McVitty House, also known as the Inn at Burwell Place, is a historic home located at Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1906 and expanded with a substantial addition in 1925. It is a 2 1/2-story, "L"-shaped, Colonial Revival style frame dwelling.
Museum • Greek Revival architecture • History museum
Williams-Brown House and Store
Williams–Brown House and Store is a historic home and general store located at Salem, Virginia. It was built about 1837, and is a 2 1/2-story, "L"-shaped brick building with Greek Revival and Federal style design influences. It features a double porch with chamfered edges ending in lambs' tongues.
Greek Revival architecture • Downtown Salem
Downtown Salem Historic District
Downtown Salem Historic District is a national historic district located at Salem, Virginia. The district encompasses 34 contributing buildings and 1 contributing site in downtown Salem.
37°17'15"N • 80°3'15"W
Southwest Virginia Holiness Association Camp Meeting
Southwest Virginia Holiness Association Camp Meeting, also known as the Salem Camp Meeting, is a historic camp meeting complex located at Salem, Virginia. The complex consists of two buildings—a 1922 tabernacle and a dormitory, built about 1926.
Bridge
Valley Railroad Bridge
Valley Railroad Bridge or Gish Branch Bridge is a historic limestone arch bridge located over Gish Branch at Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1873 by the firm of Claiborne Rice Mason, under the local guidance of Thomas Menifee, engineer and employee of Mason.
37°17'43"N • 80°3'36"W
Evans House
Evans House is a historic home located at Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1882, and is a 1 1/2-story, "L"-shaped, French Empire style brick dwelling.
Greek Revival architecture
Salem Presbyterian Parsonage
Salem Presbyterian Parsonage, also known as the Old Manse, is a historic parsonage associated with Salem Presbyterian Church and located at Salem, Virginia. The core section was built in 1847, and is a two-story, central passage plan, brick I-house.
37°17'22"N • 80°3'46"W
Blair Apartments
The Blair Apartments are a historic residential apartment complex at 231 Chestnut Street in Salem, Virginia. They consists of a series of seven connected buildings, forming a rough U shape on the west side of the street.
Interesting neighbourhood • Georgian architecture
Salem Post Office
Salem Post Office, also known as the Old Post Office, is a historic post office building located at Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1922–1923, and is a one-story, Georgian Revival-style, brick building.
37°17'44"N • 80°3'13"W
Fintel Library of Roanoke College
Library
37°17'22"N • 80°5'27"W
Preston House
Preston House, also known as the John Cole House and Johnson House, is a historic home located at Salem, Virginia. It was built about 1821, and is a two-story, five bay, Federal style brick I-house dwelling.
Universities and schools
Roanoke College
Roanoke College is a private liberal arts college in Salem, Virginia. It has approximately 2,000 students who represent approximately 40 states and 30 countries. The college offers 35 majors, 57 minors and concentrations, and pre-professional programs.

Things to See and Do in Salem by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Salem.

Active

Salem Civic Center
Salem
Civic centerArenas and stadiumsConvention center
Salem Football Stadium
Salem
FootballSport venueSport
Salem Memorial Ballpark
Salem
Sport venueSport

Day trips

Salem – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Salem, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Berglund Center (Roanoke), Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville), The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs).

6.6 miE
Sport venue, Civic center, Sport
Berglund Center, Roanoke
The Berglund Center, formerly known as the Roanoke Civic Center, is a beacon of entertainment and community events in Roanoke, Virginia. This versatile arena, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a plethora of events ranging from concerts...
47 milesS
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville
Martinsville Speedway is a NASCAR-owned stock car racing short track in Ridgeway, Virginia, just south of Martinsville. At 0.526 miles in length, it is the shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series.
37 milesNW
Casino, Gambling, Military museum
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier is a luxury resort located in the Allegheny Mountains near White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in the United States. Since 1778, visitors have traveled to this part of the state to "take the waters" of the area.
6.6 miE
Museum, Art museum, Postmodern architecture
Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke
The Taubman Museum of Art, formerly the Art Museum of Western Virginia, is an art museum in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, United States. It was designed by architect Randall Stout.
21 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Lane Stadium, Blacksburg
Lane Stadium is a college football stadium in the eastern United States, located on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. The playing surface of the stadium is named Worsham Field.