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.
Willamette University
Explore the campus of Willamette University during your trip to Salem. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens.
Salem Hospital
If Salem Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Salem.
Things to do
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private Group, Full Day - Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Private - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
Great room, great restaurant, great business location
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
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
Very bad communication no information what so ever extra cost for everything such as extra cost for breakfast extra cost for parking lot we paid for everything and yet they didn’t have anything ready breakfast schedule horrible in general everything was a extra cost and was paid for but nothing was ...
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Staff was excellent and very clean rooms and bathrooms. Awesome coffee machine in lobby. The pool was great as well as the gym. Would deffinetly stay again when i am in the area.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Correct
Reviewed on 4 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 Historic Deepwood Estate.
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, Historic Deepwood Estate 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.
