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.
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.
Things to do
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Private Group, Full Day - Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
Entrance was quite grand and breakfast was great. No hot water for a shower- shared with team
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
The Grand Hotel - Salem
Staff were very welcoming, very clean room. They promptly assured us when we requested additional items. Loved this place
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Doubletree by Hilton Salem
Pleasant
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Oregon Garden Resort
A wonderful property. Was rather disappointed that the garden gift store closed right as we were able to check into the hotel. That didn ’t make sense v
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
We only received two vouchers although we had four guests. The breakfast vouchers for the Denny’s next door— well they only compensated 4$ per voucher instead of the stated $10 off. So I ended up spending more than I’d have preferred with the “free breakfast.”
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
Staff was friendly. Room was really clean. My family enjoys our stays here.
Reviewed on 20 Mar 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 House Museum and Historic Deepwood Estate 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, Honeywood Winery and Wunderland are top sights worth seeing.
