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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Sunset Tree Climb at Silver Falls State Park
Top hotels in South Central
Oregon Garden Resort
Beautiful atmosphere. Wonderful rooms. Attentive staff.
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
The Hotel Salem
Room was nice, good wifi, super comfy bed and pillows. The complimentary breakfast was great, the indoor pool was amazing, nice big TV in the room. Will definitely be coming again
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Doubletree by Hilton Salem
Room was wonderful and loved the beds and pillows
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
We arrived at midnight and we left at 6AM sowe were not able to see much or the hotel. Your third shift guy at the front desk was very welcoming and charming. He was also there in th morning and was once again pleasant and gelpful.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Very nice, clean hotel with lovely staff. A lovely breakfast too. My only complaint is not having a functioning fan in the bathroom but was told it would be replaced soon.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
The outside street noise was unbearable and got no sleep at all. There were cars racing, peeling out, loud motors - could hear everything until 3am. The hotel is beautiful but the noise outside was out of control - it’s a downtown hotel there should be better soundproofing.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 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, Honeywood Winery and Wunderland 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 Historic Deepwood Estate.
Morningside
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Morningside and surrounding area, you can visit Historic Deepwood Estate 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.
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.
