Explore Salem through its historic features, outdoor trails, and sports venues. The city offers something for a range of interests: its historic street grid, a greenway segment for various activities, and facilities that bring together sports and events. A market, a fair, and a special fishing event also offer a glimpse of what’s happening locally.
Historic Cityscape and Distinctive Stories
The 25-acre Downtown Salem Historic District encompasses the original street grid laid out by James Simpson along the Great Road in 1802. The district’s buildings span a long period, from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. For a different historical perspective, visit the North Broad Street Historic District. Its residential architectural styles vary, but consistent setbacks and spacious rectangular lots create a cohesive visual character. The district illustrates Salem’s economic prosperity from the 1880s to around 1950.
Preston Place is considered Salem’s oldest house and was built in 1821. Salem also offers a historical tour of its historic sites. At the Salem Museum, a gallery brings together personal stories, maps, artifacts, and interactive features with augmented reality technology that visitors can access on their smartphones. Content and technology may change; check before your visit to confirm that these offerings are currently available.
Another landmark is Salem’s LOVE artwork, unveiled at Library Square in 2018 as part of Virginia’s tourism initiative. The LOVE sign is fully mobile, seven feet tall, and nearly 17 feet long.
Greenways, Trails, and Activity
The Salem section of the Roanoke River Greenway is 4.4 miles long and described as a one-way route. It’s suitable for walking, cycling, running, fishing, birdwatching, and walking dogs; strollers can also be used there. Rotary Park also includes a section of the Roanoke River Greenway. The Mason Creek Greenway and Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail are also located in Salem.
The Salem Bike Route offers a different point of comparison: the road course is 11.2 miles long, runs through historic downtown, and offers views of the Roanoke River. While the shorter greenway route is described as suitable for a range of activities, this longer route passes through downtown.
Sports Venues and Parks
The Salem Municipal Golf Course was established in 1919 on a 46-acre site. It is a nine-hole, par-34 course measuring 2,400 yards. A distinctive historic feature is its sand greens, which were the course’s hallmark during its heyday.
The James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex covers 65 acres and includes the Salem Civic Center, Salem Football Stadium, and Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. The Civic Center is a 7,000-seat sports and event venue. In the past, it hosted ODAC men’s and women’s basketball championships as well as the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Final Four. The James I. Moyer Sports Complex adds to the sports offering with a variety of events and tournaments.
Longwood Park is Salem’s largest park; its amphitheater is intended for evening concerts and movie screenings. At Salem Rotary Dog Park, dog owners can walk their dogs and meet other dog owners. Lake Spring Park can be reserved for weddings, fishing, and special events. Check the reservation details before making plans.
Market, Events, and Getting There
Only locally produced goods from within a 100-mile radius of the city of Salem may be sold at the Salem Farmers Market. The event listing describes the Salem Fair as an 11-day event featuring agricultural exhibits, crafts, food, games, rides, and free daily entertainment. Check the event dates before traveling.
The 74th Ernest “Pig” Robertson Fishing Rodeo was announced as a four-day spring fishing event at Lake Spring Park in 2026. Children can catch up to six trout each; all fish caught must be kept. Check the dates and rules before visiting, as they may change.
Greyhound Lines and Trailways / Abbott Bus Lines Inc. are listed as bus services connecting Salem. Check with the operators before your trip. The Salem Fairgrounds can be reached via Interstate 81 running north–south and U.S. Route 460 running east–west.
Discover more destinations: Salem, Chesapeake, Alleghany County, Louisa County, Staunton, Appomattox County, Colonial Heights, Hopewell
View the full travel guide: Virginia.
