Central Area Travel Guide
Salem
Visit Central Area
Popular places to visit
Salem Riverfront Park
After visiting Salem Riverfront Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Salem. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Oregon State Capitol
Watch legislative sessions, learn about key moments in Oregon’s history and admire the art deco architecture of one of the most recognizable buildings in the state.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Willamette Valley Vineyards during your travels to Turner. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Bush's Pasture Park
Bush's Pasture Park is just one of the places to see in Salem, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's festivals or attend a sporting event.
Willamette University
Explore the campus of Willamette University during your trip to Salem. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens.
Elsinore Theater
Get tickets for a show at Elsinore Theater, a popular theatre in Salem. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
"My room was on the 7th floor, room was impeccable, spacious, nice view of river front park, bed was comfortable like sleeping on a cloud! The balcony was a bonus, the view in the morning while having coffee was amazing! Only downsides to room was the keurig was not properly cleaned from previous ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Grand Hotel - Salem
"Clean room, good location, conference hotel"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Oregon Garden Resort
"Great gardens!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
"Grateful place"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Independence
"Stayed here for two nights with my family because it was conveniently located near Western Oregon, where our son was competing in the Oregon Rugby HS Championship. The rooms were beautiful and thought out with views of the Willamette River. Right off Main St. with lots to see and do. Staff was amazing. ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Hotel Salem
"Breakfast was delicious, no food vending machine so you have to bring your own snacks. Ice only available on lobby floor. No hot tub but small pool. The room was spacious and clean, but bathroom was small for a tall person. Don't book first floor if looking for a view."
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Area
Court-Chemeketa Historic District
While there might not be top attractions in Court-Chemeketa Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Oregon State Capitol and Willamette Heritage Center.
Grant
Though Grant may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Willamette Heritage Center and Salem Armory Auditorium.
Northeast Neighbors
If you're spending some time in Northeast Neighbors, Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion and Salem Armory Auditorium are top sights worth seeing.
South Central
If you're spending some time in South Central, Bush Barn Art Center and Bush House Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Highland
While Highland isn't home to many top sights, Salem Armory Auditorium and L. B. Day Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Wunderland and Willamette Heritage Center are top sights worth seeing.
