Salem, SC

Travel Guide

A person in a red jacket and black boots standing on a sandy beach, a dog walking beside them, and another person paddling a kayak in calm water.
A kayaker on a calm river surrounded by rocky shores and dense forest.
A kayaker on a calm lake with a rocky shore and a person sitting on a rock.
A lake with a boat, a dock, and a forested shoreline.
A cityscape at dusk with illuminated buildings and a clear sky.

Where to stay in Salem

Find the best Salem areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salem
Learn more about Salem

Turtlehead

If you're spending some time in Turtlehead, Lake Keowee and Chapman Bridge Oconee Bell Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

Lake Jocassee ~ Easy Lake Access ~ Loved By Our Guests ~ Pet Friendly

Lake Jocassee ~ Easy Lake Access ~ Loved By Our Guests ~ Pet Friendly

Salem SC
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"This is an older property but well maintained. Close proximity to Devil's Fork State Park is outstanding."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

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Lake Jocassee ~ Easy Lake Access ~ Loved By Our Guests ~ Pet Friendly
North Keowee Family Lake House on Private Cove With Dock / 5 MIN FROM JOCASSEE

North Keowee Family Lake House on Private Cove With Dock / 5 MIN FROM JOCASSEE

Salem SC
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Chapman Bridge Oconee Bell Preserve ...
10/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"Exactly what we were looking for. Bring food to the house so you don’t have to go anywhere."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Get rates
North Keowee Family Lake House on Private Cove With Dock / 5 MIN FROM JOCASSEE
Clemson University's James F. Martin Inn

Clemson University's James F. Martin Inn

3 out of 5
240 Madren Center Drive Clemson SC
$149 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$165 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Clemson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
Clemson University's James F. Martin Inn
See all 3,255 properties in Salem
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lake Jocassee ~ Easy Lake Access ~ Loved By Our Guests ~ Pet Friendly

Lake Jocassee ~ Easy Lake Access ~ Loved By Our Guests ~ Pet Friendly

Salem SC
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (111 reviews)
"This is an older property but well maintained. Close proximity to Devil's Fork State Park is outstanding."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Lake Jocassee ~ Easy Lake Access ~ Loved By Our Guests ~ Pet Friendly
North Keowee Family Lake House on Private Cove With Dock / 5 MIN FROM JOCASSEE

North Keowee Family Lake House on Private Cove With Dock / 5 MIN FROM JOCASSEE

Salem SC
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Chapman Bridge Oconee Bell Preserve ...
10/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"Exactly what we were looking for. Bring food to the house so you don’t have to go anywhere."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

North Keowee Family Lake House on Private Cove With Dock / 5 MIN FROM JOCASSEE
Postcard Cabins Lake Hartwell, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Lake Hartwell, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
299 Outpost Rd Seneca SC
Stay at this cabin in Seneca. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Friendship Recreation Area and Cross Creek Plantation Golf ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"My wife and I enjoyed our stay here. 10/10 experience."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

Postcard Cabins Lake Hartwell, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
See all properties in Salem
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Salem attractions

Devils Fork State Park

9.2/10 (41 reviews)
You can take time to visit Devils Fork State Park during your travels to Salem. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Salem worth visiting?
Salem is worth visiting for its diverse culinary scene, offering Italian and North American dining options. Travelers can also enjoy outdoor recreation at Devils Fork State Park and tee off at Keowee Key Golf Course, making it ideal for both food enthusiasts and nature lovers.
When is the best time to visit Salem?
The best time to visit Salem is from May through September, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures and a different atmosphere.
What is Salem known for?
Salem is known for its outdoor recreation, centered around Devils Fork State Park and Devils Fork Lake Jocassee. Travelers can also enjoy a round at Keowee Key Golf Course. The destination also offers a presence of Italian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Salem?
A good itinerary length for Salem is one to two days to explore attractions like Devils Fork State Park, Keowee Key Golf Course, and Devils Fork Lake Jocassee. An extended stay of three to four days allows more time to enjoy these areas and experience the local Italian, North American, and Latin American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Salem?
In Salem, travelers can enjoy outdoor activities, including state parks, a golf course, and nature preserves:


How do I plan a trip to Salem?
To plan your trip to Salem, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. You can enjoy outdoor activities like Devils Fork State Park and Devils Fork Lake Jocassee, or visit Keowee Key Golf Course. Remember to have indoor backup plans for weather flexibility, ensuring a smooth trip.
What cuisines can you find in Salem?
In Salem you can find Greek cuisine, featuring dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and gyros. Travelers can also explore a variety of other options, including Italian, Latin American choices like Mexican, and diverse Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Japanese, and Thai.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Salem?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Salem by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Salem with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Salem trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Salem?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Salem can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Salem trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Salem trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Salem trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Salem trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Salem?
If it's your first trip to Salem, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Salem hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Salem hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Salem

A calm lake with mountains in the background.

Seneca

A coastal bridge connecting two landmasses, a beach, and a clear blue sea.

Brevard

A lake with mountains in the background and a sunset sky.

Walhalla

A waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks in a forested area.

Cashiers

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