Central Area Travel Guide
Salem
Visit Central Area
Popular places to visit
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.
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 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.
Willamette University
Explore the campus of Willamette University during your trip to Salem. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens.
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.
Things to do
Self-Guided 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
From the ease of valet parking to the decorated lobby and the well appointed room, we appreciated this hotel and enjoyed our stay
Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025
The Grand Hotel - Salem
The staff is awesome! So friendly. This time breakfast wasn’t so good though. Bacon was undercooked and the potatoes were not good along with tasteless eggs. The last few times were good. Sausage and hash browns were much much better.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
The Hotel Salem
We stay here several times year.. love it!
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Hotel staff were kind and helpful. Room was clean and beautiful, great view of the ocean! Happy
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR
My husband and I have stayed here twice now while he has undergone and recovered from surgery. The location of this hotel is within a few minutes' drive to anything you could possibly need (Walmart, Costco, Winco, Fred Meyer, Lowes, fast food, etc.) but also doesn't feel like it's in the hustle and ...
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
La habitacion Hera muy confortable y limpia el personal muy atentos y amables
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
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 Elsinore Theater.
Grant
Though Grant may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Salem Armory Auditorium and Oregon State Capitol.
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 House Museum and Soap box derby are top sights worth seeing.
Highland
While Highland isn't home to many top sights, Salem Armory Auditorium and Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion are some notable places to visit nearby.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Willamette Heritage Center and Honeywood Winery are top sights worth seeing.
