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.
Orchard Heights Winery
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Orchard Heights Winery during your travels to Salem. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
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 - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Sunset Tree Climb at Silver Falls State Park
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
Clean rooms friendly staff
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
The Grand Hotel - Salem
The room was well laid out with adequate amenities. The staff was more than friendly and Bentley’s produced a wonderful lunch. We have no issue with the hotel, just with the City of Salem. As a state capital it is an embarrassment. Dirty, disorganized, unfriendly and more interested in it’s ultra-liberal ...
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026
The Hotel Salem
No hot tub
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026
Oregon Garden Resort
Really fun to attend the holiday lights and market
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
amenities, clean room
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Courteous.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 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 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 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, Honeywood Winery and Wunderland are top sights worth seeing.
