Looking for ways to mix up date nights this summer? Here are some of our favorite summer date ideas around Salem, Oregon.
Take a Stroll
Walking and talking is a great way to get to know each other, no matter how long you’ve been dating. Riverfront Park is a go-to for a relaxed summer evening, especially with its proximity to downtown. Grab a coffee or ice cream cone from one of the nearby local businesses, pack a picnic, ride the carousel, or walk hand-in-hand across the pedestrian bridge to Minto-Brown Island Park. Some evenings and weekends, you might catch a free concert or outdoor movie night.
Just south of downtown Salem, Bush’s Pasture Park is a 90.5-acre area perfect for a peaceful and scenic date. Take a stroll under the Oregon White Oaks, wander through the rose and rhododendron gardens, or enjoy a picnic on the pasture. Or, if you want to incorporate more nature watching, consider exploring Minto-Brown Island Park or driving out to Ankeny Wildlife Refuge!
Catch a Ballgame
Take (your date) out to the ball game! For a fun night out partaking in America’s pastime, head to a Salem-Keizer Volcanoes game or catch the Marion Berries in action. Both teams offer affordable tickets, lively local crowds, and themed nights like Star Wars Night or Bark at the Park.
Beat the Heat with a Movie Date
When the temperatures get too warm outside, consider catching a show at Salem Cinema. This independently-owned theater features art-house, foreign, and independent films, which are perfect for a cozy (and air-conditioned) date night.
Prefer a more laid-back vibe? Try Northern Lights Theatre Pub on Commercial St. SE. This local favorite always offers affordable admission (around $7 before 5 PM or $9 after, plus $5 specials on Mondays and Tuesdays), a full kitchen, drinks and snacks, and first-run new releases.
Go Wine Tasting
Salem’s proximity to Willamette Valley wine country makes it easy to add a vineyard visit to your date plans—no long drives, just beautiful landscapes and delicious wines. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing a place to go wine tasting in and around Salem. But, if you’d like a place to start, you can read our wine tasting guides here and here.
Try Something New Together
Spice things up with a creative or competitive twist!
- Paint pottery at Create A Memory or take a workshop with Clay & Kiln Collective
- Challenge yourselves in one of Exitus’s escape rooms
- Throw axes (safely!) at Oregon Axe
- Smash things (also safely!) at Wrecking Ballers
- Take a cooking class together with Willamette Valley Kitchen Co.
- Introduce your partner to a new board game at Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe
…and more!
Pick Your Own Fruit
For a sweet and hands-on summer outing, head to a local U-pick farm and gather your own berries, cherries, or peaches. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s freshest flavors, support local agriculture, snap a few cute photos, and spend time outdoors together.
Dine Out and Catch a Show
Start the evening with dinner at a cozy local spot like Adobe Restaurant & Bar, Ritter’s Housemade Foods, The Cozy Taberna, or Christo’s Pizzeria and Lounge. Then head to the historic Elsinore Theatre, Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, or Pentacle Theatre for a live performance, concert, or classic movie screening.
Browse the Salem Saturday Market
Spend a sunny Saturday morning browsing local vendors at the Salem Saturday Market! Pick up flowers, taste samples, share a sweet treat, and enjoy live music together. This idea is a low-pressure way to get to know each other while supporting local businesses.
Explore and Enjoy Art
Every first Friday of the month, take your date downtown to check out Salem’s First Friday Art Walk! The Art Walk offers an opportunity to learn about new or upcoming artists, visit downtown businesses, and explore the local art scene (for free). You could also choose to channel your inner art critics and visit the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, or check out the latest exhibits at the Salem Art Association.
First date or 50th, summer is the perfect season to get out in Salem and enjoy each other. Did we miss your favorite local date idea? Let us know so we can share it with the community!
