South Central Travel Guide
Salem
Visit South Central
Popular places to visit
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.
Bush House Museum
Step back in time at this original late-19th-century farmstead and art gallery to discover Oregon’s pioneering history and the legacy of one of its founding families.
Bush Barn Art Center
A treasure trove of regional arts and crafts is showcased at this exciting and educational contemporary art center, located on a heritage Oregon farmstead.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Private - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Top hotels in South Central
Oregon Garden Resort
"Great gardens!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
"Grateful place"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
The Independence
"Very clean and well maintained hotel. Easy parking. Lovely small town and river front to walk along. Small town offered many choices for dinner."
Reviewed on 21 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
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
"The staff (Marcus) not courteous. When I asked him about how to get a receipt, he say he has nothing to answer because we booked through Expedia, then I questioned why and he said that he can refuse us to stay there and can cancel our room. Very rude!"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Salem, OR
"Crack in the door seal wide enough to see the outdoors, no TV remote provided, dirty floors and unkempt grounds. When I asked for a 'quieter room in the back' not knowing the geography the check-in clerk accomodated my request without telling me a major freeway in back made the noise there worse ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Central
Central Area
If you're spending some time in Central Area, Elsinore Theater and Oregon State Capitol are top sights worth seeing.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Wunderland and Willamette Heritage Center are top sights worth seeing.
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.
Morningside
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Morningside and surrounding area, you can visit Oregon State Capitol and Elsinore Theater.
Northeast Neighbors
If you're spending some time in Northeast Neighbors, Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion and Salem Armory Auditorium are top sights worth seeing.
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.
